Gardeners urged to 'hold off' on pruning one type of plant this November

While pruning is an essential task for plants to flourish, experts warn against pruning one particular type of plant this season.

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As autumn winds down, there’s still plenty to keep gardeners busy, from preparing beds for winter to sowing early spring seeds. Pruning is usually a key task this month. The cooler temperatures and dormancy make it an ideal time to tidy up many plants .

Plants like apple and pear trees, herbaceous perennials, and acers benefit greatly from pruning. However, experts are advising gardeners to skip pruning one particular type of plant. Morris Hankinson, managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, recommended that gardeners "hold off on pruning evergreens until March or April" when the frost risk has passed.



"Evergreens need their foliage for protection and are best left undisturbed through winter," he explained. Trimming their foliage in late autumn can leave them vulnerable to winter damage. Waiting to prune evergreens not only protects them but allows gardeners to give these plants a healthy start when milder weather returns.

For gardeners eager to stay productive, November is a great time to complete other tasks. Experts recommended using this time to clear and compost any fallen leaves and protect your plants ahead of time before the frost hits. This would also be a good time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocus and hyacinth.

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