Summer

State of growth

Most shrubs, trees and fruit bushes slow their growth as the weather gets hotter and water is less available. New stems start to change from green to tan, russet or brown. They become less pliable. Sideshoots form on the main spring shoots. A second flush of soft growth may appear in late summer.

Why prune in summer?

Reduces vigour by removing shoot tips, which contain growthinducing nitrogen and hormones. Promotes flower buds on springflowering trees and shrubs. Cuts heal rapidly.

What to prune

Fruit trees: new growth of apples, pears and other fruit trees, when growth ripens in late June and July. Hedges and topiary: trim soft, green shoots. Large trees: thin out the crown and low branches of trees in summer to control the extent and severity of shading problems. Ornamentals: deadhead flowering shrubs, including roses, for further flushes of flowers.