Pruning trees and shrubs
Now is the time to prune trees and shrubs to encourage a strong framework for next year
While the new year offers so much expectation for the coming year in the garden, it does take a huge amount of determination to get out there. The days are short and the weather variable, but pruning needs to be done to get plants in shape and optimise their performance when they start back into growth. With most woody plants dormant in winter, any pruning will remove a proportion of growth and thus channel the plants sap and energy into fewer buds in spring This means the resultant growth will have thicker buds and shoots, and tend to be more vigorous. So pruning is beneficial to encourage a strong framework and maintain a good shape, while keeping plants healthy and rejuvenating overgrown shrubs. While this might seem like the start of the growing year, any experienced gardener will tell you that, when it comes to pruning, January is just part of a continuum that involves wielding your secateurs throughout the year to keep your plants looking their best.