This is what you can prune in November (and this is what you can't)

Deciduous trees quickly lose their leaves in November. The advantage of this is that you can clearly see which stems and branches of fruit trees and shrubs need pruning. By pruning in November, you maintain your fruit production for the coming season.

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Many fruit crops can be kept productive by pruning fruit spurs. For other crops, you need to remove the old branches that have borne fruit. You can also prune various other trees and shrubs.

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Frances Tophill pruning an apple tree (Malus). Photo: Sarah Cuttle.

It's good to prune apple trees twice a year : during the dormant season (from leaf fall until spring) and again in mid-summer. Drastic pruning during the dormant season encourages vigorous new growth in spring. During the dormant period, thin out excess branches and fruit spurs, and remove damaged and diseased branches. Cut back long branches by half.

Pruning pear trees involves cutting back the strongest side shoots (those that emerged this year) to two or three buds. Cut the main branches back by half. Also, remove the thinnest branches to direct energy to fruiting spurs, and remove diseased and damaged branches.

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Path with wooden chips and willow branches

Someone is pruning an old, brown blackberry branch down to the ground with pruning shears. — Photo: Sarah Cuttle.

Pruning gooseberries — How do you prune a gooseberry?

For gooseberries, prune the oldest canes that have borne fruit back to the ground. Leave a maximum of seven strong, young canes. This is also a good time to take gooseberry cuttings .

the garden in September week 35: kiwi plants — Photo: Pixabay.

Prune back a third of the oldest kiwifruit growth to just below the main stem. Prune back all other side shoots to four or five buds.

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Pruning butterfly bush — Butterfly bush. Photo: Tim Sandall.

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Prune trees only when necessary and thin out the crown. Remove a few larger branches in the crown to allow more light to reach the leaves. Do this only once every three to six years.

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Cut back quince branches to one-third of their length. Thin out weak branches to open up the tree and reduce the risk of leaf spot disease.

When pruning medlars, aim for an open, regular branch system. Prune lightly, removing diseased and dead branches. Don't prune mature trees too drastically.

Keep in mind that during the dormant season, the sap drains from the stems and buds, so large pruning wounds often heal more slowly. Some varieties can also be damaged if pruned now, for example, by (night) frost .

Many plants have a specific way and time when they need to be pruned. Because this can be quite overwhelming, we've published a special edition, " Pruning All Year Round ," which provides a wealth of pruning information.

Pruning makes flowers bloom

When should I prune which plant?
What should I pay attention to when pruning?
The best tips for a blooming garden.

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Red dogwood: Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' — Red dogwood: *Cornus sanguinea* 'Midwinter Fire'. Photo: Jason Ingram.

Pruning plum trees , cherry trees , and damsons is not a good idea. Pruning wounds on these trees are susceptible to galena infection in winter (see photo). Prune these trees preferably in July or August, when the cut surfaces heal quickly and the fruit has been harvested.

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Don't prune lavender now. If you do prune it now, you risk cold and frost penetrating and killing the shrub. The top growth acts as insulation.

Leaveornamental grasses alone for now. The clumps provide an insulating layer for the plant. Moreover, they are often beautiful varieties to enjoy in the winter garden . Prune only in late winter or early spring, depending on the variety.

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The white flowers of Helleborus niger among ornamental grass.

Pruning Forsythia for more flowers — *Forsythia x intermedia* 'Lynwood'

Wait to prune Forsythia until it has flowered and then prune away a third of the oldest stems.

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You never actually prune a magnolia . If you do need to prune it, for example, because of diseased or damaged branches, don't do it in winter or spring, but wait until after flowering.

Walnut trees should also never be pruned unless there's a clear reason. Only prune this tree between June and October; outside of that time, you risk the tree dying. Now is a good time to plant plants under a walnut tree .

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