Home > Projects >

How to: Maintenance Pruning

You will need: Secateurs, pruning saw

On ornamental plants (not fruit) there are a few basic reasons why you should prune, best remembered as the 4 Ds: Dead, Dying, Damaged and Diseased. Next, remove crossing or rubbing branches, any that have reverted to green and for shape.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

Dead wood is easiest to see and remove in summer. Cut back to healthy, pale-coloured wood.

Step 2

Die-back is common after early pruning where a rogue frost can catch you out. Cut back to just above a healthy bud.

Step 3

Larger dead stems should be removed with a pruning saw, working very carefully so you do not damage nearby shoots.

Step 4

Green shoots on a variegated plant should be removed, as they contain more chlorophyll and are stronger. If left, they will take over and you will lose the variegation.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

What is a Nematode?

Joy of Spring at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show!

10 Downing Street Garden Opens for One Unique Weekend

Jacksons Fencing introduces Jaksun™ Solar Fence Panel

Gardening Projects for April

---

How to grow a lily in a Container

How to make a Herb Planter

How to: New orchids from old

How to control slugs

Latest Gardening Videos

---

Colour from Autumn to early Summer

Planting Vegetables in Succession

Growing Begonias

Dealing with lily beetles

Pruning Raspberries

Apple Tree & Soft Fruit Pruning

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Villa d'Este Gardens
Tivoli, Italy

Butchart Gardens
British Columbia, Canada

Vallarta Botanical Garden
Vallarta, Mexico

Gardens of the Generalife, Alhambra
Granada, Spain

Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Medellin Botanical Garden
Medellin, Columbia