What to prune in April?

In April the fruit trees blossom and most trees come into leaf. Prune little now: trees are putting their energy into new leaves, and many birds are nesting.

In the garden in April

  • Prune spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia and kerria straight after flowering.
  • Lightly trim lavender and rosemary, but not back into old wood.
  • Water newly planted trees in dry weather.
  • Spread a layer of mulch (leaves, wood chips) around young trees and hedges.
  • Check box plants for the first caterpillars of the box tree moth.

In the wild

  • Apple, pear, cherry and plum are in blossom.
  • Beech and hornbeam come into leaf with fresh, soft foliage.
  • The Judas tree flowers pink on bare branches and even on the trunk.

Trees and shrubs to prune

Hedges to trim

Pruning guide by plant

For each plant: when and how to prune, how much to remove and what it means for wildlife.

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