Your Guide to Spring Pruning and Care for Trees and Shrubs

Begin by clearing away winter debris such as fallen leaves and broken branches. This not only enhances the garden’s appearance but also prevents potential pest infestations and diseases. During this process, inspect trees and shrubs for signs of damage or disease, including cankers, unusual growths, or discoloured foliage. Early detection allows for timely intervention, promoting plant health.

Pruning is essential for maintaining plant structure and encouraging vigorous growth. For summer or late-summer flowering deciduous shrubs, such as Buddleja davidii and Hydrangea paniculata, late winter to early spring is an appropriate time for pruning. However, spring-flowering shrubs like Forsythia and Spirea should be pruned immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next season’s buds. Always use sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts, reducing the risk of disease.

Be sure to consult the RHS website to find out when you should be pruning particular plants. If you prune in the wrong month, you could be sacrificing that year’s flowers.

As plants emerge from dormancy, they benefit from nutrient-rich soil. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, such as Trees & Shrubs Growth Fuel, around the base of trees and shrubs to support new growth. Incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil enhances fertility and structure, ensuring roots have access to essential nutrients.

Applying a layer of mulch around trees and shrubs offers multiple benefits: it conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Use organic materials like bark chips or leaf mould, ensuring the mulch is spread evenly and kept away from direct contact with trunks or stems to prevent rot.

Young or newly planted trees and shrubs may require staking to establish a stable root system. Use flexible ties to secure plants to stakes, allowing some movement to encourage strength. Regularly check and adjust ties to prevent girdling and remove supports once the plant is self-sufficient.

Consistent watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. Water deeply to encourage roots to grow downward, promoting drought resistance. Deep watering, once or twice a week is better than a little everyday, as it encourages a deeper root system that is more resilient.

Early morning or late evening watering minimises evaporation and ensures efficient moisture uptake.

Regular monitoring helps identify early signs of pests or diseases. Look for symptoms like holes in leaves, sticky residue, or unusual spotting. Employ integrated pest management strategies, combining cultural, biological, and chemical controls as necessary, to maintain plant health while minimising environmental impact.​

By diligently performing these spring maintenance tasks, you set the foundation for a vibrant and healthy garden, allowing your trees and shrubs to flourish throughout the year.