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hedge thoroughly before trimming it to ensure there are no birds nesting within. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.Conifer hedgeElectric or petrol

Once apple trees are established it's best to summer prune the spur-fruiting varieties. This will encourage the development of short flowering shoots or 'spurs' that go on to bear clusters of fruit. Summer pruning is ideal for keeping the trees

Learn how to recognise and remove dead wood from garden trees, in Chris Beardshaw's video demonstration.summerMore advice on growing treesPlanting a bare-root treePlanting a fig treeTraining a nectarine tree against a fencePlanting a small tree

Joe Swift demonstrates how to prune and take hardwood cuttings from dogwoods.springCreative suggestions for dogwoodCreate a dogwood container displayCreate a winter container displayMake a christmas wreathBrowse dogwood varietiesAdd autumn colour

Learn how to winter prune gooseberries and redcurrants in Monty's video guide, including advice on achieving the best shape, increasing airflow, promoting new growth and deterring pests such as sawfly.winterMore advice on pruningAdvice on pruning

Plum trees can be prone to silver leaf disease if pruned in winter, so cut them back in summer to encourage the development of bushy growth, which stops them becoming too large and unmanageable. Plum treeSecateurs June - July 20 minutesUse secateurs

Pruning roses keeps them in shape and encourages more flower growth and healthier plants. Cut weak shoots right back to promote stronger growth from the base.Rose bushSecateursautumn or spring20 minutesRemove dead shoots and the tips of stems

be tied in ready to flower next season. Rambling roseSecateursLong-handled loppers early July - early August 1 hour per rose (approximately)JuneCut back the flowered stems of rambling rose right down to the base of the plant. Alternatively prune back

Chris Beardshaw demonstrates how to prune an old viburnum, removing sideshoots and woody growth to reinvigorate the plant and encourage flowering.springMore advice on pruning plantsHow to prune shrub rosesAdvice on pruning techniquesHow to summer-prune

Summer pruning wisteria encourages the development of short-flowering spurs that will carry the long racemes of bloom in spring. The long vigorous shoots are cut back to a couple of buds from the base of the current season's growth. During initial