A well pruned healthy apple tree will be a poor shade tree; it.

Read RHS advice on pruning trees and shrubs; whether it's trimming hedges, coppicing or caring for fruit trees, we have expert help and tips for you. Many ornamental shrubs and trees can be allowed to grow without regular pruning. However, occasionally you may need to restrict the size, remove dead or unsightly growth, increase vigour, improve the shape or keep the plant in a healthy state to produce flowers and/or berries.

Some shrubs, if left unpruned, continue growing from where the growth ended the previous season, becoming top heavy. Cut back tender shrubs such as Penstemon, Caryopteris and hardy fuchsias after danger of frosts has passed. Prune deciduous magnolias once the plant is in full leaf. If this is done in winter, when the tree is dormant, dieback can occur, and pruning in late winter or spring can result in bleeding.

Midsummer is therefore recommended. Remove old flowers (deadhead) and cut back to healthy outward facing buds. Remove damaged, diseased, old wood and straggly growth.

Take out stems and branches to improve congestion and balance the plant. More details on pruning evergreen shrubs. Prune Wisteria; Don’t delay summer pruning restricted fruits; Deadhead flowering plants regularly; Watering - particularly containers, and new plants, preferably with grey recycled water or stored rainwater; Collect seed from favourite plants; Sep. Divide herbaceous perennials; Pick autumn raspberries; Collect and sow seed from perennials and hardy annuals.

Pruning and training. Mulch and feed shrubs, trees, hedges and climbers after pruning, to give them energy for the extra growth they will put on after cutting back. Tie wall shrubs and climbers onto their supports to protect them from wind damage. Trim winter-flowering heathers as the flowers fade. Shears are the ideal tool. Watch a video on handy tips when choosing a cherry tree for your garden and what you need to do to look after it well.

No account yet?

Search. Join the RHS. Cherry pruning. Get involved. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more.