Winter pruning of trees and shrubs

What you should bear in mind

Now is the time
for winter pruning

There is also plenty to do in the garden in winter, because now is the right time for pruning! Pruning in winter, when done correctly, promotes new growth and fruit yield. With our tips and the right tools, the gardening season can begin.

Pruning is one of the most important maintenance measures for strong growth and a long life. It involves removing diseased or dead branches and superfluous shoots and thinning out the tree crown. However, trees may only be pruned at certain times of the year, mainly in summer or winter. Deciduous trees and pome fruit are particularly suitable for winter pruning. It should only be carried out during the tree’s dormant period, as a large proportion of the sap is in the trunk and roots during this time. This gives the tree enough time to recover before budding in spring. The winter pruning work should be completed by mid-March. A dry day with temperatures above freezing is the ideal time.

The right tool

When pruning trees, it is important to use a sharp stainless steel tool that produces clean cutting edges and does not fray. This allows the wounds to heal well. In addition to good secateurs for thin shoots, our pruning saw or our classic bow saws are efficient and indispensable tools for this.

Augusta garden saw set hacksaw pruning saw

Offer

Saw set: pruning saw & professional bow saw

  • Curved pruning saw for particularly easy delimbing and cutting of horizontal garden timbers
  • Curved shape for easy sawing on pull, also ideal overhead
  • Three-sided diamond cut for clean, smooth cuts
  • Ergonomic comfort grip
  • Bow saw for delimbing and cutting wet and dry garden timber
  • 600 mm blade length
  • Very sturdy design made of oval steel tube, with hand guard
  • blue, high-carbon saw blade with planer teeth/American teeth with hollow grinding
  • Quick-release lever for easy blade change

Original price was: 29,99 €.Current price is: 26,99 €. incl. VAT, plus shipping

Augusta-bent-branch-saw-350mm

Offer

Curved pruning saw, 350 mm

  • Professional pruning saw for seasonal gardening work
  • For particularly easy delimbing and cutting of horizontal garden timbers
  • Curved shape for easy sawing on pull, also ideal overhead
  • Three-sided diamond cut for clean, smooth cuts
  • Ergonomic comfort grip

16,99  incl. VAT, plus shipping

Tips and hints

With the right pruning measures, optimally adapted to the type of tree, weather conditions and age, you not only protect your plant from diseases and extend its lifespan, you are usually also rewarded with a richer harvest.

The right time

Winter pruning is usually carried out during the plants’ dormant phase, usually between January and March, before new growth begins.

Make sure you choose frost-free days to avoid frost damage to the cutting sites. In addition, branches can break off in frost and the tree is weakened.

Tree species that sprout vigorously, such as willow, are not suitable for winter pruning; the same applies to fruit trees such as plum or cherry!

Tool

Use sharp and clean tools (e.g. secateurs, pruning saw, bow saw) to make smooth and clean cuts and prevent disease.

Disinfect the tools before and after pruning, especially if you are pruning diseased plants.

Aims of the cut

Plant health:
Remove diseased, dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Dead wood and rotten branches must always be cut out of the tree, as they can break off and thus increase the risk of accidents!

Growth stimulation:
Pruning stimulates growth and promotes better branching.

Shaping:
Correct the shape of the plant by removing interfering or crossing branches. The tree should be shaped as naturally as possible, tapering towards the top, so that sunlight can reach the inside of the crown.

Specific plant requirements

Fruit trees:
The following applies: Heavy pruning reduces growth and the harvest, but the fruit will be larger. Weak pruning increases the number of blossoms and therefore the yield, but with smaller fruit.
Always remove the light-colored and crosswise growing branches. In the case of plum trees, the light-colored, upward-growing shoots must also be pruned. In the case of cherry trees, take care to remove the light-colored water shoots in particular and also thin out vigorously without destroying the natural shape of the tree.

Shrubs:
Summer-flowering shrubs can be pruned hard. Spring-flowering shrubs should only be pruned after flowering. Fruit trees should be given a sleeve to protect them from pests after pruning.

Roses:
Shrub and bedding roses are pruned back hard in spring to encourage strong new shoots.

Perennials:
Withered perennials can be cut back in winter or early spring to make room for new growth.

Ornamental trees and shrubs:
Ornamental trees and shrubs should be pruned little or not at all.

Caution with frost-sensitive plants

Frost-sensitive plants should only be pruned in spring to protect them from frost damage.

If the weather is uncertain, use a fleece or other cover to protect sensitive interfaces.

Cutting techniques

The cuts should be made at an angle to avoid standing moisture and thus fungal infestation.

Always cut just above a bud or an outward-facing eye.

Do not be too careful when pruning! A third of the shoots can generally be cut off to form strong branches.

Avoid stubs or cuts that are too long, as these can attract pathogens.

Each cut should only be made up to the next strongest branch.

After pruning branches and larger twigs, you should apply a wound dressing.

Use these tips to promote the health and growth of your plants and prepare your garden optimally for spring. You should check and fertilize your woody plants at least once a year.

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