What to prune in September?

September is harvest time and a good moment to plant evergreens: the soil is still warm and the autumn rain helps them settle in.

In the garden in September

  • Plant evergreen hedges and shrubs.
  • Harvest apples, pears and quinces.
  • Leave faded perennials standing for insects and birds.
  • Do the last hedge trim before mid-September.
  • Collect acorns and sweet chestnuts to grow a tree from seed yourself.

In the wild

  • Ivy flowers: a late nectar feast for bees and wasps.
  • Sweet chestnuts and hazelnuts are falling.
  • The first autumn colours appear on sweetgum and cherry.

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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Laden…