October brings along it’s challenges with wet stormy weather, but don’t worry – a storm battered garden at this time of year can be quickly remedied! Thankfully it’s the perfect time for pruning, if you haven’t begun already, and this will prevent damage from further storms we will not doubt be experiencing later in the year.
Arm yourself with a pair of sharp secateurs, shears, a saw and tough gloves. If you’ve neglected your tools over the years get rid of any build-up of rust with a wire brush and an oiled rag. You’ll want your tools sharp enough to prevent damage whilst pruning, so either take them to a professional or treat yourself to something new!
For trees, take out the damaged wood using a sharp pair of secateurs. Use a slightly angled cut just above a leaf nodule which will prevent die back from happening. Be vigilant of birds nests so as not to disturb them. Think about direction of growth – pruning to a leaf node at the right side will send new growth that way. Always clean your pruning tools after use to prevent bacteria and diseases spreading – warm water and washing-up liquid is perfectly adequate.
Deciduous shrubs will be losing their leaves so you’ll be able to see exactly where you need to prune. Try and keep your plant symmetrical and remove and overcrowding from the centre and you’ll see vigorous, healthy growth in the Spring.