Pruning is a fundamental practice for the care of both ornamental and fruit plants. It consists of the controlled cutting of branches, shoots, or damaged parts, aiming to improve the plant’s health, growth, and productivity.
- Pruning promotes air circulation and light penetration within the canopy, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and pests.
- Removing dead or diseased branches prevents the spread of infections and stimulates the plant to develop healthy new shoots.
- For fruit plants, pruning is essential to increase the quality and quantity of the harvest. By shaping and structuring the plant, pruning facilitates harvesting and promotes a better distribution of nutrients.
Pruning Through the Seasons: A Year-Round Guide
Different types of pruning are more effective when timed with the plant’s natural growth cycle. Here’s a general overview of how pruning can be adapted throughout the year:
Winter (January–February)
- Ideal for hard pruning of deciduous fruit trees (apple, pear, plum) and vines, as they are dormant.
- Best time to shape trees and remove large or crossing branches without stressing the plant.
- Avoid pruning evergreens unless necessary.
Spring (March–May)
- Focus on clean-up pruning: remove frost-damaged, dead, or diseased parts.
- Light shaping of spring-flowering shrubs right after they bloom (e.g., lilac, forsythia).
- Start pinching herbs and soft plants to promote bushier growth.
Summer (June–August)
- Maintenance pruning: remove suckers, fast-growing shoots, or faded flowers (deadheading).
- Light pruning of hedges and topiary for shape.
- Avoid major cuts in extreme heat to prevent stress or sunburn on exposed branches.
Autumn (September–November)
- Post-harvest pruning for many Mediterranean species (see list below).
- Tidy up perennials and lightly shape shrubs before dormancy.
- Avoid heavy pruning late in autumn to prevent new growth just before cold weather.
Specific Pruning Tips for September in Malta
In Malta, with its Mediterranean climate, September is an ideal time to prune plants such as bougainvillea, jasmine, rosemary, oleander, and citrus trees:
- Bougainvillea: prune to control vigorous growth and encourage new flowering.
- Jasmine: prune after flowering to maintain a harmonious shape and stimulate new shoots.
- Rosemary: lightly trim flowering branches to keep the plant compact and productive.
- Oleander: remove dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
- Citrus trees (lemons, oranges, mandarins): light pruning to remove damaged branches and promote new shoot growth.
⚠️ Note: Avoid heavy pruning at this time to prevent weakening the plants before winter arrives. Always use clean and sharp tools to reduce the risk of infections.
If you’d like assistance with seasonal pruning or a tailored care plan for your garden, feel free to contact our landscaping team — we’re here to help your plants thrive all year long!
