Seasonal spruce-up

Conifers are a large group of non-flowering, cone-bearing groundcovers, shrubs and trees. They come in a huge array of colours and shapes and make wonderful hedges or feature plants. Unfortunately they are not as popular as they once were and it’s harder to find people who have deep, hands-on knowledge about pruning them. Don Teese (below) is a nurseryman and horticulturalist from the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, who has specialised in growing trees and shrubs, including conifers, for over 50 years. We asked him a few questions about pruning conifers:

Q. Should all conifers be pruned?
A. There are a lot of conifers and most of them can be pruned to improve shape, encourage bushiness or remove parts that are dead or dying. Individual plants that are nicely shaped may not need pruning. Also consider that some species are uniquely shaped and pruning can take away their personality.

Q. When should we prune?
A. Pruning to remove dead patches or branches that are disproportionate to the rest of the plant is best done in late winter to early spring, before the sap starts running and they become sticky. January is a good time for shaping and tip pruning, as plants have made their spring growth, but have slowed down because of the summer heat.

Q. What’s a definite no-no?
A. Never prune into leafless brown wood, unless you’re pruning out a dead patch. Yews, however, can be cut back to their socks and they will reshoot!

Header image by iStock