Everything You Need to Know About Autumn Plant Pruning

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

We learned from experts at Derevo Park studio why autumn should only involve sanitary pruning and what that is. We also asked them to explain exceptions to the rules.

When is pruning done?

Some rose varieties

Some varieties (such as English or tea-hybrid roses) continue growing until the end of October, so it's better to prune them before the wood hardens. Otherwise, in case of sudden frosts, new shoots can be severely damaged (even burst), and the plant may start to rot.

However, park and ground-cover roses should not be touched.

Peonies

Check them for fungal infections. 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 applies to any type of greenery in the garden.

If necessary, you can prune maple, and it's better to do so in autumn. In spring, it awakens early and may bleed sap during pruning. Ideally, all manipulations should be done in summer.

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

What else should be done in the garden?

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

It's better not to touch the lawn. If it’s a parterre, you can remove dead leaves and dry grass to avoid spoiling the view. In other cases, it's best to leave everything as is — this will serve as additional fertilizer for the winter.

What is sanitary pruning?

This is the health improvement of plants and removal of damaged, diseased, or dead parts:

• dry and intertwined branches of trees;
• entangled stems;
• parts damaged by rodents and insects;
• diseased plants with fungal infection;
• dry or dying and rotting stems/branches.

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

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

Hydrangeas often go under snow with flowers still on the branches — this is very beautiful. Don't prune hydrangeas no matter what others say.