Everything You Need to Know About Autumn Plant Pruning

Often when buying plants, sales consultants tell you how to properly prune them in autumn. But few think about the fact that this can harm them. In warm weather, you might accidentally stimulate their growth.

We found out from experts at Derevo Park studio why autumn should only involve sanitary pruning and what that means. We also asked them about exceptions to the rules.

When is pruning done? Some rose varieties

Some varieties (such as English or tea-hybrid roses) continue growing until late October, so it's better to prune them before the wood hardens. Otherwise, sudden frost can severely damage new shoots (even cause them to burst), and the plant may start rotting.

Parke and groundcover roses should not be touched.

Photo: Derevo Park

Peonies
Check them for signs of fungus. If you find affected areas — cut and treat the plant; if not, leave it to winter peacefully.

Many fungi survive the winter well and begin their assault with doubled strength in spring, so this point can apply to any greenery in the garden.Maple

If necessary, you can prune maple, and it's better to do so in autumn. In spring, it wakes up early and may bleed sap when pruned. Ideally, all such manipulations should be done in summer.

Rhododendrons

We don't prune rhododendrons, or they won't bloom. These plants usually flower on last year's branches, so it's better not to touch the old wood.

Photo: Derevo Park

What else should be done in the garden?

Don't forget about fertilizing plants and mandatory intensified watering. It's important that the garden goes into winter well-nourished with useful substances and water, especially fruit trees and shrubs. The easiest option is to buy mineral fertilizers marked as 'autumn' at a garden center and water plants regularly.

Lawn should not be touched. If it's formal, you can remove dead leaves and dry grass to avoid spoiling the appearance. In other cases, it's better to leave everything as is — this will serve as additional fertilizer for winter.

Photo: Derevo Park

What is Sanitary Pruning?

This involves the health improvement of plants and removal of diseased, damaged, and dried parts:

• dried and entangled branches of trees;
• interweaving shoots;
• parts damaged by rodents and insects;
• plants infected with fungus;
• dried, wilting or rotting shoots/branches.

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Deciduous plants we don't touch (except maple) — in winter they all break due to wind and snow, so it's better to move all manipulations to spring.

Conifers should be cleaned of dead needles and treated for fungal diseases. Often the plant goes into winter fluffy and green, but in spring emerges from under snow dry and bare. This happens because fungi living on conifers thrive even in negative temperatures and eat the tree under snow. Therefore, in autumn inspect trees, remove dry parts, clean branches from dead needles and treat for fungi.

Hydrangeas often go under snow with flowers still on the branches — it looks very beautiful. Do not prune hydrangeas, no matter what others tell you.

Photo: Derevo Park