To keep your garden trees looking good, most varieties will need to be pruned regularly.



Trees respond 1000% the following season not only with sturdy growth but a better crop of fruit and more flowers.

The lack of annual pruning causes flowering and fruit trees to produce small fruit and a poor show of flowers.

Pruned trees are stronger and their branches are less likely to break making the trees safer so there is less likelihood of a branch falling and causing damage.

Tools you will need are secateurs, knife, saw and gloves.

Just spend a few moments to look at the tree's size and shape and use your imagination as to how it would look when you have finished pruning it.

The first thing to do is to identify the main branches of the tree that make up its main "skeleton". You must avoid removing these branches as they form the backbone of the tree.

You should remove the branches that are parallel to one another, this will allow enough space between each branch allowing them to develop, and the main thing is to leave only the ones that enhance the shape of the tree.

Inward growing branches should be removed, as they will prevent air circulating in the centre of the tree and spoiling its shape.

When trees become too tall they may need to be lowered, before you start cutting stand back and take stock imagining how high you want the tree to be after you have finished.

If the tree has become too tall you can cut it down to the level you require, it would be best to do this before you start shaping the tree, although this will probably mean taking out the leader in order to lower the tree structure.

If you have to cut any large branches it is advisable to paint the cut ends with a special paint that can be obtained from a garden store.

Winter is the best time of year to do prune trees when all the leaves have fallen off and the trees have gone into dormancy.

Any dead or dying braches should be cut off with a shape saw, you can cut this out at any time of the season as it is best out of the way, don't forget to paint the cut branch ends.

A container will be needed to dip the blades of your tools into a solution of household beach, the sap from the cut branches can carry disease which will in turn be passed onto the next tree you prune.

Most branches have a collar at the base of the branches, you should leave this, enabling the cut to heal over and prevent any disease getting in and killing the tree.

Any shade trees that are getting too large can be reshaped and thinned, by reshaping the tree you will benefit during the summer, be careful you do not cut the tree too low or you will not get the shade you need.

Always collect the fallen leaves and any fallen fruit before you start pruning your trees, as these may be caring disease, and destroy them. This will give your trees a cleaner start to the next season.