As winter approaches, the days get shorter, temperatures drop, and your garden begins its dormancy. This is the perfect time to take care of an essential task that’s often overlooked: pruning your plants.

Why prune before winter?

Pruning in late autumn offers several key benefits for the health and appearance of your garden:

Remove deadwood and diseased branches

Dead or infected branches can harbor pests and diseases that may spread to the entire plant. Removing them before winter helps prevent these issues from taking hold during the cold season.

Encourage healthy spring growth

Proper pruning stimulates growth by allowing the plant to focus its energy on strong, healthy branches. This leads to vigorous new shoots once spring arrives.

Improve shape and structure

Regular pruning helps maintain a balanced, attractive form and prevents branches from becoming tangled. It also improves airflow and sunlight penetration.

Prevent damage from wind and snow

Long or weak branches are more likely to break under the weight of snow or in strong winds. Trimming them in autumn helps your plants withstand winter weather.

What to prune in autumn?

Not all plants should be pruned at the same time. Here are some general guidelines:

• Deciduous shrubs (roses, hydrangeas, lilacs): Remove deadwood and thin out branches without cutting too harshly.
  
• Perennials (lavender, sage, asters): Cut back faded stems to a few centimeters above the ground.
  
• Fruit trees: Light pruning is possible, but the main cut is usually done in late winter.
  
• Hedges and topiaries: Trim for a neat shape and to prevent overgrowth in spring. 

⚠️ Note: Some plants, such as camellias or rhododendrons, should be pruned after flowering—in spring. Always check specific guidelines for each species.

 Best practices for successful pruning

• Use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant or spreading disease.
  
• Prune in dry weather to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
  
• Don’t prune too aggressively—focus on strengthening and shaping the plant, not stressing it. 

Need help or lack the time?

At Kerepark Lawns and Gardens, we offer expert care to prepare your garden for winter. Pruning, cleaning, mulching—we handle it all so your green spaces stay healthy through the cold months.

We are organizing a free pruning workshop on June 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m in Morrinsville, do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to participate and learn the pruning fundamentals and techniques.

Contact us today for personalized winter garden maintenance!