There are no legal restrictions on pruning shrubs in the winter months. So you can cut as you like. However, in summer you are only allowed to cut lightly; radical cutting is not permitted for bird protection reasons.
What tips are there for cutting shrubs in winter?
In winter, summer and autumn bloomers and hedges are suitable for cutting. Ideally, cut in the morning in February, on frost-free days with at least +5 °C. Use sharp and clean tools and avoid radical cuts to prevent frost damage.
Which shrubs are cut in winter?
In winter you can easily prune the bushes that only bloom in summer or autumn. Hedges are also often pruned during the winter months. Evergreen shrubs such as thuja or cherry laurel can in principle be pruned at any time of the year.
Does winter pruning also have disadvantages?
Pruning some shrubs in winter can cause damage. This particularly affects early bloomers and shrubs that bloom on so-called old wood, i.e. on shoots from the previous year. If these bushes are cut back too much, they will not bloom at least in the following year.
Pruning too radically in late autumn or winter also carries the risk of frost damage. If the pruned shoots freeze, which can occasionally happen, they can hardly be pruned any further. Therefore, you should proceed with caution in winter.
What do I have to pay attention to when pruning in winter?
Do not prune your trees and shrubs during frost, as frozen wood splinters very easily. It is therefore better to wait for a frost-free day for cutting work in the garden; minimum temperatures of at least + 5 °C are ideal. Cut in the morning so that the cuts heal better and cover very sensitive bushes as a precaution.
So that there are no bruises or injuries to the shoots to be cut, be sure to use sharp secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) and/or saws for pruning. Thorough cleaning of the tool prevents the transmission of any pathogens that may be present.
The most important things in brief:
- to cut in winter: summer and autumn bloomers
- ideal month: February
- ideal weather: frost-free, no precipitation
- ideal time of day: morning
- There is a risk of splinters when it is frosty
- ideal tool: sharp and clean
- do not carry out radical pruning in winter
Tip
Don't cut too radically in winter and don't cut into the old wood. This leaves enough space to repair any frost damage.
