Pruning in autumn: all you need to know
In another blog post, we already explained why you should use pruning shears to work in your garden in spring and, above all, which plants you should prune at that time. But autumn pruning is at least as important. It prepares your plants for winter and ensures that they can flower again next spring. Here we tell you which plants, shrubs and trees need autumn pruning and give you some specific advice.
Why pruning in autumn?
For those who don't like working in the garden, autumn pruning feels more like an obligation. However, it will definitely benefit you in the long run. In fact, there are a number of different reasons why autumn pruning is important.
- Pruning as a growth boost: By removing spent flowers and dead branches just before winter, certain plants get a real growth boost in spring. The plants more easily produce healthy branches and new flower buds.
- Pruning to maintain shape: With shape pruning, you want to keep plants as compact as possible. By pruning in strategic places, you can influence the shape of your plants.
- Pruning to maintain volume: The most popular reason for autumn pruning is to keep the volume of plants in check. For example, a hedge you want to keep at a certain height.
- Pruning to keep your plants healthy: Before winter, prune away dead, damaged or diseased branches. This drastically reduces the risk of diseases and pests.
TIP: Protect your newly pruned plants and trees from the freezing cold!
Which plants/trees to prune in autumn?
Trimming hedges in autumn: If you have a beech or conifer hedge in your garden, for example, it's best to trim it back a bit in autumn. Remember that a beech hedge is a deciduous hedge and is therefore susceptible to frost damage. Do not prune too late in autumn to avoid frost damage. Evergreen hedges such as boxwood, privet or yew can be pruned in October. Choose a moderate day for pruning, not a rainy day or an Indian summer day with bright sunshine. If the sun shines too brightly, you risk burning the ‘wounds’. On a moderate day, the wounds can heal quickly, minimising your risk of fungus.
Pruning fruit trees in autumn: For fruit trees, such as apple and pear trees, the major pruning falls in autumn. Therefore, cut off the dead branches as well as the large, strong ones. Leave the smaller, weaker branches on which fruit is growing. Never remove more than 15% of all branches. Stone fruit trees, such as plum or cherry trees, should be pruned just after harvest in August or September.
Pollard willow pruning in autumn: The pollard willow is a regular customer for autumn pruning. But be careful never to prune these trees while they are flowering. Twigs of a pollard willow shoot at a lightning pace. By shortening them annually, you keep the volume under control.
Lavender pruning in autumn: The major pruning of a lavender bush takes place in spring. But it's also best to prune your lavender a little in autumn to keep its shape. Cut off the spent flowers and take away some of the top of the greenery. Make sure you never cut back to the bare wood.
Hydrangea pruning in autumn: Hydrangeas can usually be pruned in October. Make sure you never cut away more than 1/3 of the plant per year. Cut out the dead branches with secateurs and cut just above the double bud. By pruning your hydrangea this way in autumn, it will come back more beautiful in spring. Note: some types of hydrangea just don't benefit from an autumn pruning. Be sure to get more information on the plant sheet.
Pruning the grapevine in autumn: You can prune the grapevine as soon as the grapevine begins its dormant period. As long as the grapevine still has leaves, pruning is not recommended. Usually, November-December is the period to prune a grapevine, provided it is not freezing. With a grapevine, you prune on the one hand to maintain/define its shape, and on the other hand with a view to a bountiful harvest the following year.
Pruning roses in autumn: Roses are normally pruned between December and March, but it can be useful to take out the pruning shears in September or October. This is to prevent storm damage. If rose bushes are too full and therefore too affected by a strong wind, the root ball can come loose or stems and branches can break off. Crowded rose bushes should therefore be thinned out and long stems pruned back. For shrub roses, cut back the branches by about 1/3 in the autumn. Make sure you cut the branches diagonally, just above an outward-facing eye. Cut back dead, damaged or rubbing branches. By keeping the centre of the rose bush airy, you promote air circulation and prevent mould.
Tip from Marcel
In autumn pruning, it is especially important to cut branches and stems at an angle. This prevents water from standing on the pruning wound. This reduces the chance of the pruning wound falling prey to a fungal infection. Does mould or an infection get hold of the place where you have pruned? No worries! You can still save your tree or plant with a wound sealant for the treatment of pruning surfaces, cutting surfaces and tree wounds.
Extra pruning tips
Before you start pruning, it's time to subject your pruning tools to a round of checks. Have your pruning shears, loppers or hedge trimmers become blunt? If so, make sure to sharpen the blades. Pruning with worn out pruning tools is very detrimental to your plants because it results in a very uneven cut and thus damages the plant.
Give your plants, trees and shrubs the care they deserve with this pruning tool 👇
If the sap flow of a plant or tree has already started, it is better not to prune in autumn. If you dare to do this anyway, you run the risk of the pruning wound bleeding too much. Recovery of the wound will be slower and it will be more vulnerable to diseases and fungi.
Take the pruned branches to the local container park, or do something else fun with them. At the back of the garden or under a tall bush, you can collect the prunings. Insects and small animals like hedgehogs love it for shelter. Are you a real handyman? Then you can also turn the large branches into an insect hotel. Smaller trimmings can be shredded into mulch using a shredder. This gives the soil an extra layer of protection and nutrition. Burning your garden waste in the garden is not allowed, using it for your fireplace is, of course.
Want to know more about various garden chores in autumn? You can read more about them here 👇
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