With August almost over, there’s still time to tackle a few important pruning jobs before it’s too late. A quick tidy-up now can help keep plants looking neat and prevent them from becoming overgrown, while for some flowering varieties, a gentle trim can prolong blooming so you can enjoy those final summer displays for a little longer.
If you have shrubs that have finished flowering, now is the time to act. A light trim before the end of the month gives them time for fresh new shoots to develop and form next year’s flower buds. It’s also a chance to remove any dead, damaged or diseased growth, helping to improve light and airflow through the plant – especially beneficial for fruit trees such as apples and pears.
Don’t overlook your tools, either. Sharp, well-maintained secateurs, snips and loppers make clean, precise cuts that heal faster, reducing stress on the plant and help to minimise the risk of disease entering through damaged stems.
With this in mind, we spoke to Mark Hewett of Wilkinson Sword Garden Tools & Accessories about the plants you can still prune before August is over, and the best tool for each job.
1. Wisteria
If you haven’t given your wisteria its summer prune yet, now is the time to do so, says Mark. ‘Cut back this year’s long, whippy side shoots to around five or six leaves from the main framework.
‘This helps direct the plant's energy into developing flower buds for next spring, rather than producing excessive leafy growth. It also keeps vigorous stems from creeping into gutters, windows and rooflines. Wisteria is typically pruned twice a year, with a second prune in winter to refine the flowering spurs.’
Best tool for the job: Bypass pruners
Why: ‘Fresh green wisteria growth is best cut with sharp bypass blades, which make clean, precise cuts without crushing the stems, helping the plant heal more quickly.’
Read more: What to do with wisteria in August – 5 easy jobs to tackle before it's too late
2. Lavender
Once lavender has finished flowering, give plants a light trim to maintain their neat, rounded shape. ‘Remove the spent flower stems and around a third of the current season’ s soft growth, taking care not to cut into old woody stems, as these rarely regenerate. A light annual trim helps prevent plants from becoming leggy and encourages dense, healthy growth,’ says Mark.
Best tool for the job: Pruning snips
Why: ‘When pruning compact plants like lavender, control is key. Fine pruning snips make it easier to remove spent flower stems and shape the plant neatly without catching surrounding growth.’
Read more: What to do with lavender after flowering to keep it blooming year after year
3. Rambling roses
If your rambling roses have finished flowering, now is the time to prune them, as most varieties should be cut back during August. ‘Remove one or two of the oldest stems at the base to encourage vigorous new replacement growth, then tie in the new long canes that will produce next year’s flowers,’ advises Mark.
‘Shorten any remaining side shoots by around a third and remove dead, damaged or crossing stems to improve airflow through the plant.’
Best tools for the job: Bypass loppers and bypass pruners
Why: ‘Rambling roses often require more than one cutting tool, as mature canes are much thicker than the current season's growth. Using the right tool for each cut makes pruning easier while helping to achieve cleaner results. Bypass loppers are ideal for removing older woody stems at the base, while bypass pruners are better suited to shaping and finishing cuts.’
Related: 6 best secateurs for pruning roses and trimming branches
4. Hedges (including privet and beech)
August is generally your last chance to give formal hedges a tidy before autumn arrives. ‘Light trimming now keeps hedges looking crisp throughout winter while avoiding stimulating excessive late-season growth. Before cutting, always check carefully for active bird nests, as these are legally protected,’ Mark warns.
‘Trim the sides so they're slightly narrower at the top than the base, allowing light to reach the lower growth and helping the hedge remain dense from top to bottom.’
Best tool for the job: Lightweight shears
Why: ‘Long periods of hedge trimming can quickly become tiring, making lightweight, well-balanced shears much easier to use while maintaining an even finish.’
5. Hardy geraniums
Many hardy geraniums respond brilliantly to a late-summer trim, so if yours are looking past their best, now is the time to cut them back. ‘If flowering has tailed off and the foliage is looking tired, cut the entire plant back to just above ground level,’ Mark advises.
‘With a little moisture afterwards, you’ll often be rewarded with fresh foliage and, in many varieties, a second flush of flowers before autumn. Remove any dead or diseased leaves while you’re there to improve air circulation.’
Best tool for the job: Pruning snips
Why: ‘Soft, leafy growth is easiest to prune using sharp, lightweight snips that allow for quick, accurate cuts without pulling or tearing stems.’
6. Summer-flowering jasmine
Once flowering has finished, lightly prune summer jasmine before August ends to maintain its shape and stop it from becoming tangled. ‘Remove flowered shoots and any weak or overcrowded stems, while tying in strong new shoots that will form next year's display. Avoid cutting too hard into old wood, as this can limit future growth,’ Mark cautions.
Best tool for the job: Bypass pruners
Why: ‘Climbing plants benefit from tools that can reach easily between stems while delivering clean, accurate cuts.’
Read more: What to do with jasmine after flowering to encourage more fragrant blooms next year
7. Philadelphus (Mock orange)
If your philadelphus wasn’t pruned immediately after flowering, now is your final opportunity for a light tidy before next year’s flower buds begin to develop.
‘Remove around a quarter to a third of the oldest stems at ground level to encourage vigorous young replacement shoots and lightly shape the shrub if necessary. Avoid heavy pruning later in the season, as this can reduce next year’s flowering,’ says Mark.
Best tool for the job: Ratchet pruners
Why: ‘Removing older woody stems requires more cutting force, so choosing a tool that reduces effort can make the job considerably easier. A ratchet mechanism helps to increase cutting power while placing less strain on the hands.’
And finally...
Keep blades clean, sharp and well maintained, and disinfect them between plants after removing diseased growth to help prevent problems from spreading around the garden.
‘A few minutes spent sharpening and cleaning your tools can make all the difference,’ says Mark.
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