Autumn/Winter Reno Winners: Winter Trimmings – Tree & Hedge Pruning

‘Trimmings’ may conjure thoughts of your festive dinner adorned with roast potatoes and sprouts, but let’s not forget the towering trees and hedgerows in our garden that provide festive wreath foliage, or at the very least offer structure for our winter wonderland. With trees and hedging in their dormancy, now is an ideal time to trim them into shape, cut out dead wood and set them up for next season’s display.

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Autumn/Winter Reno Winners: Winter Trimmings – Tree & Hedge Pruning

Garden hedges and trees in the autumn winter season

Why Winter Pruning Works Best

Winter is the optimal season for tackling your garden’s trees and hedging. During dormancy, plants conserve their energy below ground, meaning pruning causes minimal stress. The absence of leaves makes it easier to assess the structure and identify problem areas such as crossing branches or dead wood. Most importantly, pruning during dormancy reduces the risk of disease transmission, as fungal spores and bacteria are less active in cold weather. Deciduous trees like apple, pear and ornamental varieties respond particularly well to winter pruning, as do established hedges including hawthorn, beech and hornbeam.

Best Practices for Pruning Trees

Begin by removing the three Ds: dead, diseased and damaged wood. These branches offer no benefit and can harbour pests or disease.
Next, look for crossing branches that rub together, creating wounds that invite infection.
For fruit trees, aim to create an open centre that allows light and air to circulate, promoting healthy growth and better fruiting.
When cutting, always prune just above an outward-facing bud at a slight angle to encourage water runoff.

Best Practices for Pruning Hedges

Use sharp shears or a hedge trimmer to create clean cuts.
Avoid cutting into old wood on conifers, as most won’t regenerate. Instead, maintain their shape with light trimming.
Deciduous hedges can tolerate harder pruning and will reward you with dense, vigorous growth come spring.

Managing Your Garden Waste with a Wood Chipper

After pruning, you’ll likely face a mountain of branches. A garden wood chipper transforms this waste into valuable woodchippings in minutes. These machines pulverise branches up to several inches thick, dramatically reducing volume and creating a useful garden resource. Feed branches gradually, following the manufacturer’s guidelines on maximum diameter, and always wear safety goggles and gloves.

A wood chipping machine in action with tree branches inserted

Rent or Buy a Wood Chipper?

For a one-off winter pruning session, hiring a wood chipper from a local tool hire company makes economic sense, typically costing £45-60 per day. However, if you maintain a large garden with regular pruning needs, purchasing your own machine could prove worthwhile. Entry-level electric chippers start around £150, whilst petrol models suited to thicker branches range from £300-1000. Consider storage space, maintenance requirements and frequency of use before investing.

Need to hire a woodchipper?

Creating Nutrient-Rich Mulch

Fresh woodchippings make excellent mulch for borders, paths and around tree bases. Spread a layer 5-8cm deep around plants, keeping it clear of stems to prevent rot. The chippings suppress weeds, retain moisture and gradually break down to enrich your soil with organic matter.

The Garden Benefits of Mulch

Mulch is a gardener’s secret weapon. It insulates plant roots against temperature fluctuations, keeping them warmer in winter and cooler in summer. By suppressing weeds, mulch reduces competition for water and nutrients. As it decomposes, it improves soil structure and feeds beneficial microorganisms. Over time, this leads to healthier, more resilient plants that require less intervention.

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Disclaimer: We accept no liability for any damage, injury, or structural issues that may Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only. Whilst we strive to provide accurate and helpful guidance, we accept no liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use of dehumidifiers or the implementation of any advice contained herein. Always follow manufacturer instructions, observe relevant safety guidelines, and consult qualified professionals where appropriate. Users undertake renovation work at their own risk.