What to prune in February?

In February the first shrubs come into leaf. It’s the last month for the big winter prune: from mid-March the birds start nesting.

In the garden in February

  • Finish the winter pruning of apples and pears.
  • Prune grapevines and kiwis before the sap starts to rise.
  • There’s still time to plant bare-root trees, hedges and shrubs.
  • Cut back a neglected hedge hard now, before the nesting season.
  • Put up nest boxes before mid-March.

In the wild

  • Hazel catkins release their pollen.
  • Cornelian cherry and witch hazel flower on bare branches.
  • Birds start singing and look for a nesting site.

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.

Read more

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Laden…