There are no legal restrictions on the pruning of shrubs in the winter months. So you can cut as you like. On the other hand, you may only cut lightly in summer, a radical cut is not allowed for reasons of bird protection.

In frost should not be cut

Which shrubs are pruned in winter?

In winter you can prune the shrubs that only bloom in summer or autumn. Hedges are also often trimmed during the winter months. In principle, evergreen shrubs such as thuja or cherry laurel can be pruned at any time of the year.

Does the winter cut also have disadvantages?

With some shrubs, a pruning in winter can cause damage. This applies above all to early bloomers and those shrubs that bloom on so-called old wood, i.e. on shoots from the previous year. If these shrubs are cut back too much, they will not flower, at least in the following year.

Cutting back too radically in late autumn or winter also carries the risk of frost damage. If the pruned shoots freeze, which can occasionally happen, then they can hardly be pruned any further. Therefore, you should be more careful when working in winter.

What do I have to pay attention to when pruning in winter?

Don't prune your trees and shrubs when it's freezing, because frozen wood splinters very easily. It is therefore better to wait for a frost-free day for pruning work in the garden; minimum temperatures of at least + 5 °C are ideal. Cut in the morning, then the cuts heal better and cover very sensitive shrubs as a precaution.

To ensure that the shoots to be cut are not bruised or injured, it is essential to use sharp pruning shears (€17.82) and/or saws for pruning. Thorough cleaning of the tool prevents the transmission of any germs that may be present.

The essentials in brief:

  • to cut in winter: summer and autumn bloomers
  • ideal month: February
  • ideal weather: frost-free, without precipitation
  • ideal time of day: morning
  • there is a risk of splintering in frost
  • ideal tool: sharp and clean
  • do not carry out radical pruning in winter

tips

Do not cut too radically in winter and do not cut into the old wood. This leaves enough space to be able to repair any frost damage.

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Care tips