In winter, gardeners have significantly less work than at other times of the year, but they are by no means unemployed. Some jobs can be done better now than at any other time of the year, such as pruning fruit trees.
Can I trim bushes in frost?
Shrubs should not be cut in frost as the wood can easily splinter at temperatures below +5 °C and plants can suffer injuries. It is better to prune shrubs on frost-free days in winter to promote he althy growth.
Some shrubs are also best pruned in winter, namely varieties that bloom in summer or fall. What is important is not necessarily the exact date, but rather the prevailing weather and the state of vegetation of your plants. The bushes to be cut should have already stopped growing and not yet started their spring shoots, i.e. they should be in so-called winter rest.
The benefits of winter pruning
Without leaves, you can best see which branches and twigs are crossing each other or hindering growth and should therefore be pruned. If you want to remove larger branches, the weight is significantly lower without leaves and handling is much easier. The more even distribution of work throughout the year should also not be underestimated.
Can I prune bushes even when there is frost?
If the temperatures fall below + 5 °C, you should not prune bushes and trees. The risk of your plants suffering injuries is too great. Because in frost the wood splinters relatively easily when sawing or cutting.
What should you consider when pruning in winter?
Frost-free days in winter are ideal for pruning many shrubs. The wood does not splinter as easily during processing as it does in frosty temperatures. In addition, the work is easier when it is not too cold. Nevertheless, take a break in good time if your fingers get numb, otherwise the risk of an accident increases.
Make sure you have enough warm clothing so that you don't freeze at work. Especially when using an electric saw (€104.00 on Amazon), avoid clothing that can be dangerous to you, such as long scarves or bulky gloves.
The most important things in brief:
- do not cut in frost
- pay attention to your own safety (scarf, gloves)
- clean and sharp tool
- take a break in good time
Tip
Do not prune too radically in winter and it is best not to prune until February so that the pruned bushes do not freeze.