Pruning in autumn: which trees and shrubs to prune?

Pruning in autumn: which trees and shrubs to prune

An essential activity that is one of the best treats you can give to your garden.

Pruning is key to giving plants light and air to grow correctly. In addition, cutting back plants also promotes flowering, controls the growth and shape of your trees and even deters infections. In short, it is a key treat you can give to your garden. No need to fear causing more harm than good; you just need the right tips and tools.

Read on to learn which trees and shrubs to cut at this time of year.

Deciduous fruit plants

Perennial flowering plants

Herbaceous perennials

1. Deciduous fruit plants

Raspberries and blackberries

Timing: Directly after harvest
Tools: Anvil pruning shears, Anvil loppers, SC 100e Kit battery pruning shear
Best time to prune raspberry and blackberry shrubs is directly after harvest. Cut the fruit-bearing canes to soil level. To increase the fruit production of your berry shrub, trim new canes at the tips during late spring to help them develop side shoots.

Grape vines

Timing: Late autumn to early spring
Tools: Bypass and Anvil pruning shears, Pruning snips
Pruning is essential to keep the climbing under control and ensure a good harvest. We recommend shortening fruiting spurs from last year to a length of about two or three buds.

2. Perennial flowering plants

Hosta

Timing: Autumn
Tools: Pruning snips, Bypass and Anvil pruning shears
Cut leaves back in autumn to remove shelter for slugs and their eggs. Avoid cutting too close to the soil, though, to provide some protection for the plant during the colder months.

Peony

Timing: Autumn
Tools: Pruning snips, Bypass and Anvil pruning shears
Cut peonies down to just a few centimetres above ground during autumn. You can also cut spent flowers throughout the year.

Lavander

Timing: Late summer or early autumn
Tools: Pruning snips, Bypass and Anvil pruning shears
Wait until your lavender has produced its final flowers, and wait for a warm, dry day to prune. This will help the cuts heal quickly and avoid infection or rot. Avoid cutting the old, woody stems and instead cut the green, young stems.

3. Herbaceous perennials

Mint

Timing: Autumn
Tools: Pruning snips, Bypass and Anvil pruning shears
Prune mint to just about ground level to encourage a strong and healthy plant in the spring season.

Oregano

Timing: Autumn
Tools: Pruning snips, Bypass and Anvil pruning shears
Oregano requires only light pruning by about one-third. Remove any woody or dead stems and wilted leaves.

Basil

Timing: Autumn
Tools: Pruning snips, Bypass and Anvil pruning shears
Make sure to cut back the entire plant before winter breaks, as Basil is extremely sensitive to cold.

Anvil vs. Bypass secateurs- main difference

Not sure what the main difference is between anvil and bypass secateurs? We're here to help! Simply put bypass pruning shears, with their overlapping blades, provide precision cutting. On the other hand anvil secateurs, equipped with a single blade, that slices onto flat surface, provide force.This makes bypass shears ideal for cutting fresh, living branches, that are soft and flexible, while anvil shears have the power to cut through hard and woody branches, that are often dead.

Autumn pruning sets your garden up for success — healthier plants, better harvests, and a garden that looks neat and well cared for. With STIGA’s innovative, easy-to-use pruning tools, you’ll get the job done with less effort and more precision.

✅ Shop STIGA pruning tools today and give your garden the best start this season.

Discover now