Author’s foreword

      Gardeners are shapers of the environment, seldom being content to leave the growth of plants – from shrubs and trees to climbers and hedges – to the seasonal whims of nature. They are also forgers of better ways to grow plants, perhaps to improve their fruiting qualities or to be able to grow them in space-restricted areas or cold environments. Cordon apples and pears, as well as espaliers, can be grown in relatively narrow beds alongside paths, while in cool areas fan-trained peaches and nectarines have a greater chance of success than if planted as bushes in the middle of an exposed garden.

      In temperate climates, it is the coldness of winter that limits the seasonal growth of plants and gives an indication of the best time to get out pruning shears and other equipment. Some plants can be pruned during their dormant period, while others need to have their sap starting to move in early spring before they can be safely pruned. Conversely, some plants “bleed” when radically pruned in summer.

      Throughout this abundantly illustrated and thoroughly practical book, advice is given about pruning garden plants, from infancy to maturity. There is even detailed advice about renovating neglected plants, from shrubs and climbers to fruit trees and bushes, should an untidy and unloved garden be inherited. There is also a fun element, with instructions about introducing topiary into your garden; few gardeners can resist the possibility of owning a topiary-created bird.

       Measurements

      Both metric and U.S. measurements are given in this book – for example, 6 ft (1.8 m).

       SEASONS

      Throughout this book, advice is given about the best times to prune plants. Because of global and even regional variations in climate and temperature, the four main seasons have been used, with each subdivided into “early,” “mid-” and “late” – for example, early spring, mid-spring and late spring. These 12 divisions of the year can be applied to the appropriate calendar months in your local area, if you find this helps. In some northerly areas, spring may begin several weeks later than in more southerly regions.

      About the author

      David Squire has a lifetime’s experience with plants, both cultivated and native types. Throughout his gardening and journalistic careers, David has written more than 80 books on plants and gardening, including 14 books in this Specialist Guide series. He also has a wide interest in the uses of native plants, whether for eating and survival, or for their historical roles in medicine, folklore and customs.

      What is pruning?

      A clinical but nevertheless accurate definition of pruning would be: the removal of parts of a woody plant to train and shape it, maintain good health and, for many plants, achieve a balance between growth and flowering. Pruning is also used to improve the quality of fruits, flowers, leaves and stems. Too often, it is employed just to limit the growth of a plant, such as when pollarding trees in space-restricted areas.

       Is pruning my plants essential?

      MAINTAINING PLANT HEALTH

      Plants that are pruned each year – whether radically or just to check them over – will inevitably be healthier than those that are neglected. Diseases and pests soon wreak havoc in plants and it is advisable to regularly cut out infected parts. If left, infection will spread and can cause entire branches to die. Dead shoots are also unsightly, especially when they remain on ornamental shrubs, trees and climbers.

       Cut out shoots infected by fireblight to about 2 ft (60 cm) beyond the damaged area.

      BALANCING GROWTH AND FLOWERING

      For many flowering shrubs, pruning helps to create a balance between growth and the production of flowers. During a plant’s early years, pruning is for training and for shoot and branch formation. Later, it is to ensure that growth is not at the expense of flowers. It is a delicate balance, as heavy and severe pruning can prevent or delay flower development. Getting this balance right is essential.

      QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS

      Regular pruning helps to improve the quality and size of flowers, fruits, leaves and stems. The size and quality of flowers on the late summer-flowering shrub Buddleja davidii (Butterfly Bush) diminishes when pruning is neglected, while cane, bush and tree fruits also deteriorate; with each year there is an increase in the number of old stems. Decorative shrubs (such as Dogwoods), which have colorful stems during winter, will not create a good display if pruning is neglected, while some shrubs (such as Sambucus racemosa ‘Plumosa Aurea’ and Sambucus nigra ‘Aurea’) produce young and attractive foliage if severely pruned each year.

      Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’ dies down in autumn; cut out all the stems.

      This shaped Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ needs to be clipped regularly throughout summer in order to keep it looking neat.

       Azaleas create a magnificent display in spring and into early summer. They need little regular pruning, other than occasionally cutting out congested shoots after the flowers fade.

      Philosophy of pruning

      Pruning is a gardening skill too often cloaked in magic and mystery, whereas in practice it is a logical process that is easy to understand and to apply to plants. It is mainly performed on woody plants, ranging from ornamental trees, shrubs and climbers to fruit trees and bushes. Roses are other popular candidates, together with hedges which need attention during their formative years as well as throughout their lives.

       Which plants need pruning?

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