Pruning tips to prevent wind-rock

Newly planted shrubs and any plants that have become top heavy should be cut back to avoid wind-rock. Thin out congested growth to create a lighter, more open framework, and cut back any long, leggy stems.

You will need:

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• Darlac Expert Bypass DP1030A
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More pruning content:

• How to prune a climbing rose
• Pruning – basic cuts explained (video)

Take a look at our pruning tips to prevent wind-rock, below.

Newly planted shrubs and any plants that have become top heavy should be cut back to avoid wind-rock.

Reduce the height of tall shrubs

Shorten the stems of tall shrubs such as buddleias, shrub roses and hydrangeas that you will then prune properly in spring.

Take a third off

Work systematically around the plant, cutting all the stems back by about a third.

Prune to an outward-facing bud

Prune to just above an outward-facing bud, making an angled cut so that winter rain runs off easily and doesn’t cause rot. Discover more tips for better pruning.

Protecting roses from wind-rock

Shrub and bush roses can grow very tall by autumn, so cut back the stems by between a third and half of their height. This will stop the plants swaying in the wind and becoming loose in the soil. Here's our complete guide to looking after roses in autumn.

Wind-rock susceptible plants to prune

• Abutilon
• Buddleia
• Bush and shrub rose
• Flowering dogwoods
• Hibiscus
• Lavatera