As the new year begins, many enthusiastic gardeners across the UK are keen to get a head start on their outdoor tasks. However, a leading horticulture expert has issued a stark warning that reaching for the secateurs this month could spell disaster for many popular plants.
The Peril for Stone Fruit Trees
Speaking on his popular Walking Talking Gardeners YouTube channel, gardening specialist Simon Eade emphasised that January is the absolute worst time to prune stone fruit trees. This category includes plums, cherries, and, in warmer parts of the country, peaches and nectarines.
Eade explains that cutting these trees now leaves them highly vulnerable to two serious and hard-to-treat diseases: bacterial canker and silver leaf. These infections can lead to stunted growth, poor fruit crops, and can even kill the tree entirely.
"The time to cut all of these stone fruit trees is going to be in the middle of summer on the hottest, driest day," Eade advises. In contrast, he notes that January is a suitable time for remedial work on apple and pear trees, but the rule stops there for fruiting varieties.
Ornamental Plants and Evergreens at Risk
The warning extends beyond fruit trees. Simon Eade also cautions against pruning ornamental bark willows and dogwoods in winter, a practice often seen in public parks as a cost-saving measure. He urges gardeners to resist the convenience and let these plants be to maintain their stunning winter displays.
Most evergreen shrubs should also be left untouched during the deep winter months. Evergreens lack the energy reserves of deciduous plants, and pruning them now can weaken them ahead of spring. Any tender new growth prompted by a mild spell is likely to be killed by a late frost, causing further stress to the plant.
There is one notable exception: the Mahonia. Eade states, "If your Mahonias have finished flowering and your plant looks untidy... you do need to cut these immediately after flowering, which is about now. So, I will allow that one."
Roses and Mediterranean Herbs Need a Winter Rest
Gardeners should also keep shears away from their roses during January. Both rambling and shrub varieties flower on wood produced in the previous year's growth. Cutting now removes the wood that would produce this season's blooms, severely impacting the garden's display and health.
The final group of plants to avoid pruning includes popular Mediterranean woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender. While they may look untidy, any cuts made now expose fresh wood that can be damaged by frost, leading to dieback. In the worst cases, this can kill the plant entirely, with no recovery come spring.
Simon Eade's overarching message for January gardeners is one of restraint. By understanding the specific needs and vulnerabilities of different plant groups, enthusiasts can avoid causing long-term damage and ensure a vibrant, healthy garden when the warmer seasons arrive.
