December Mistakes of Gardeners: Which Plants Should Not Be Pruned in Winter.

According to ТСН: In December, many gardeners engage in seasonal cleanup of their plots; however, winter pruning is not suitable for all plants. An incorrectly chosen time can lead to the loss of flower buds and weakening of shrubs.

Winter Pruning and Its Risks

Landscape gardener Hamid Ali emphasizes that spring-flowering shrubs, such as forsythia, lilacs, and flowering currants, should not be touched. By winter, these plants have already formed the buds from which flowers will appear in spring. If they are cut in December, the flower buds will be removed along with the shoots, and spring flowering may be significantly weaker or completely absent.

According to Ali, winter pruning also carries its risks, as the cut areas become vulnerable to frost. Low temperatures can slow the recovery of tissues and negatively affect the plant's condition. In some cases, this could even lead to the death of some shoots.

When Should Shrubs Be Pruned?

The expert recommends waiting until after flowering, which usually occurs at the end of spring or the beginning of summer, as at this time shrubs best withstand shaping pruning. Caution should also be exercised with evergreen plants, as they can also suffer from frost after significant trimming.

What Can Be Done in Winter?

Despite the warnings, certain tasks can still be performed in winter. Gardeners can remove dry and damaged branches, especially on herbaceous perennials and deciduous shrubs, including roses. Pruning dormant trees such as apples, pears, or maples is also allowed, provided the temperature is not too low. During this time, it is advisable to clean plants like hostas and sedums from old and rotten leaves to prevent the development of diseases.

In addition to light pruning, the winter season is suitable for preparing seeds for spring sowing, aerating the lawn, and cleaning garden paths and patios. This helps to keep the plot in order until the time when the main work with plants can be safely resumed in spring.

It is worth recalling that with the approach of the winter holidays, gardener Chris Bonnet advises not to rush to throw away festive plants after Christmas decor, as many of them tolerate the cold well and can decorate the garden throughout the winter.

Thus, although winter pruning can be risky for some plants, it is important to remember that the winter season still offers opportunities for garden preparation. Every gardener can take advantage of this time for thorough maintenance of their plots, considering the needs of each plant species. Before taking scissors, it is essential to study the needs of one's green friends in detail.