We’re in the middle of the summer pruning season. Neatening up early-summer shrubs and plants once they have finished flowering is a good task to do now so that the garden is ready for its late-summer show. It’s also time to cut back trained fruit trees to help restrict growth for the next season. Drupes (stone fruits) such as Prunus, which should be trimmed now to prevent disease, can also be tackled, but be aware that you may lose some fruit.
It can also and in May, I like the woolly effect of the fresh spring growth if it’s left a little longer. But all hedges, including box, privet and conifers like yew and cypress, can be cut back anytime between now and mid-autumn, as long as there are no nesting birds. Trimming shrubs, such as repeat-flowering roses, now may encourage a second flush of flowers during the later part of the season.
