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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.

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