Gardening expert Simon Eade has issued a warning against pruning certain plants in January, cautioning that it can cause long-term damage. In a video on his Walking Talking Gardeners YouTube channel, he explains that while January is ideal for pruning apple and pear trees, it is the worst time for stone fruit trees such as plums, cherries, and peaches.
Pruning stone fruit trees in winter leaves them vulnerable to bacterial canker and silver leaf, diseases that can stunt growth, reduce harvests, or even kill the tree. Simon advises waiting until the hottest, driest day in summer to prune these trees.
Ornamental bark willows and dogwoods are also at risk. Although often cut back in winter for cost-saving reasons, Simon urges gardeners to leave them alone to avoid harming their display. Evergreens, including roses, should not be pruned in January because they lack the energy reserves of deciduous plants and new growth could be damaged by frost.
Woody Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme are particularly vulnerable. Pruning them now can cause frost damage and dieback, potentially killing the plants. Simon recommends resisting the temptation to tidy them up until spring.
The only exception is the Mahonia plant. If it has finished flowering and looks untidy, it can be pruned immediately after flowering, which typically occurs in January. For all other plants, Simon advises leaving them alone until the appropriate season.
