You may think that your garden goes to sleep for the winter, yet many plants quietly prepare for spring. Pruning during the winter helps guide that hidden growth in the right direction, lessening plant stress later in the year. It also reduces pests and diseases that hide in damaged wood, whilst improving air flow and sunlight once growth returns. It’s also a good excuse to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty and wonder of winter.
Use this handy guide to work out what to prune and how to do it (spoiler alert: not all plants like a winter chop!).
What to Prune in Winter
There is a lot that you shouldn’t prune in winter. For example, spring flowering shrubs like forsythia should be left alone, to avoid removing next seasons’ flowers. Equally, many trees, such as plums, should not be pruned in winter to prevent the risk of infection.
We also recommend leaving seed heads and standing stems until early spring. Seed heads are a natural food source for birds and standing stems provide shelter for overwintering insects and protect the soil below.
So, what can you prune?
Key plants to chop back in winter are roses, apple and pear trees, climbing plants such as varieties of clematis and honeysuckle and shrubs that flower on the current seasons’ growth, like buddleja. Winter pruning will help to keep these plants healthy.
How to Prune
The truth is, different plants require different techniques and different amounts of pruning, so it’s a good idea to do your research before you get stuck in. That said, there are some general principles you can follow:
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Choose the right tools. For shrubs and thinner branches try our selection of secateurs. For cuts up to 10mm in diameter, we recommend the Niwaki Higurashi GR or Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs. For thicker cuts up to 15mm, use the Niwaki Daikiba Secateurs.
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Always remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first. This will protect healthy growth and improve overall plant strength.
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Next, remove crossing branches that rub against each other. The rubbing can cause wounds which become entry points for pests and fungi.
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Start slowly and step back often to check your progress and the overall shape that you're creating.
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Make clean cuts just above outward facing buds. This encourages growth away from the centre of the plant.
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Use sharp, clean tools to avoid tearing branches and leaving jagged stubs. Messy cuts eventually decay which can lead to disease. We recommend the Niwaki Tool Sharpening Bundle for keeping your secateurs and shears in tip top condition.
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If you've been working on a diseased plant, be sure to clean your blades using a garden-friendly disinfectant before moving onto another plant. Dispose of any diseased material carefully and don't add it to the compost heap, to prevent further spreading.
A Mistake to Avoid
One common mistake is removing too much material at once. Heavy pruning can shock plants and slow spring growth. Take your time and keep an eye on how much you’re trimming. The Niwaki Pruning Sheet can help with this, as well as with the clear up afterwards. Spread it beneath the shrubs that you’re pruning to catch leaves and clippings.
When to Prune in Winter
Pick a dry day without frost or heavy rain. Frozen branches can snap unpredictably when cut and wet weather increases the risk of spreading disease. Avoid pruning during extreme cold spells if possible. Late winter is often better than early winter because you reduce frost damage while preparing plants for spring.
Remember to dress warmly, take breaks and take prioritise your safety – especially if ladders are involved. We love the Niwaki Winter Gloves for keeping our hands toasty warm.
Taking a Mindful Approach
The good thing about winter pruning, is that there’s not too much to be doing outdoors in winter, so you can go slow and enjoy peaceful moments as you do it. Take time to connect more deeply with the natural world by noticing the shapes, textures and structures around you that are often hidden by leaves for the rest of the year. Notice new buds forming and getting ready to burst into life. Becoming present with your surroundings and stepping into the moment brings care, attention and joy.
And lastly, don’t be afraid!
Winter pruning is an act of hope and patience. You invest time now for healthy and beautiful plants later in the year. Grab your gloves, sharpen your tools, and enjoy the season. Your outdoor space will thank you when the warmth and daylight returns. And don’t stress! Plants forgive small mistakes more than you might expect.
