What to prune in November?

November marks the start of the planting season for bare-root trees and of winter pruning. A tree planted now has the whole winter to put down roots.

In the garden in November

  • Plant bare-root trees, hedges and fruit trees (planting season November–March).
  • Start the winter pruning of apples and pears, but not in frosty weather.
  • Prune mulberry and kiwi once they are fully dormant.
  • Spread leaves as mulch around young trees.
  • Clear leaves and climbers from the gutters.

In the wild

  • Most trees are bare: time to recognise them by their buds and bark.
  • Holly and alder buckthorn are in berry.
  • The fallen leaves of the katsura smell of caramel.

Trees and shrubs to prune

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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Laden…