Experts say gardeners should check one thing before pruning in December to avoid 'increased risk of disease'

Winter can feel like the perfect time to give your plants a good prune. Their branches are bare and growth dormant, which may tempt you to give them a thorough winter trim. But while it's a good idea to tend to your plants in the winter months, experts warn that you should only do this when the conditions are right.

“What you do now will ensure healthy growth in the spring," says Dean Meadows, Principal Arboriculturalist at Arbtech.

"Every cut should have a purpose, to improve safety, structure or sustainability."

Meadows shared three common pruning mistakes people make in December: overpruning, pruning an already unhealthy tree, and pruning during frosty weather. According to Arbtech, pruning during frosty weather can cause an increased risk of disease, meaning it's the one thing you should always check before breaking out your pruning shears in December.

Here's what you need to know.

Why you shouldn't prune during frosty weather

Pruning when it's frosty outside can be tough work, but according to Meadows, it's also hard on your trees.

"During particularly cold spells and frosty weather, you should avoid tree pruning," he says.

Why? Well, you're not the only one who struggles when the weather dips! "The frozen wood is brittle and can crack, exposing fresh cuts which could be damaged by freezing temperatures."

According to Arbtech, "this can lead to tissue damage and increased risk of disease."

Meadows' advice? "Try and stick to pruning on milder, frost-free days where possible."

Leave unhealthy plants alone during winter

I'm definitely guilty of giving my plants an over-zealous chop when they're not looking their best. My logic? If they're struggling, perhaps cutting back branches allows them to focus their energy on a smaller area.

According to Meadows, I'm totally wrong.

"It is important not to prune trees that are already stressed, sick or showing signs of poor health." And the reason actually makes a lot of sense. "Pruning can stress these trees further, open them up to disease, and reduce their ability to generate energy."

His advice? "Only remove dead, damaged or diseased branches."

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Avoid overpruning in the winter

Those bare branches may look exposed, but they're actually storing energy to help your tree survive the winter.

"Trees rely on stored energy in their branches, like starches and sugars, to survive the winter and support growth in spring," says Meadows. "Overpruning can reduce these vital reserves and hinder future growth."

Always check this one thing

So, pruning can be a tricky business in the winter, but there's one thing you must always check to ensure your yard is safe in the colder months.

"Ahead of winter storm season, it is important to assess garden trees for any weak or broken branches and remove them instantly," says Meadows. "These branches are more likely to cause damage to people and property if left during turbulent weather conditions. "

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