Our expert guide explains what to cut back in April and the tools that will help you get the best results
Over the next few weeks, much of our time in the garden will be spent tending (and admiring!) our spring bulbs and getting stuck into exciting new projects such as hardening off or planting out seedlings. But April is also the perfect time to give certain plants a prune.
By now, many plants will be out of dormancy and actively growing again, which means pruning cuts heal quickly and energy goes straight into fresh new shoots. A well-timed prune can also help shape plants for fuller, bushier growth – leading to more flowers or fruit later on.
Using the right tools makes all the difference. Good tools make pruning easier, safer, and more efficient, while the wrong ones can damage plant tissue, leaving it vulnerable to pests and disease.
Different plants call for different approaches, too – some need short, precise cuts, while others benefit from tools designed to avoid splitting branches and causing long-term harm.
We spoke to Mark Hewett, divisional sales manager for garden tools & accessories at Wilkinson Sword, about the plants that benefit from an April prune and his advice on the right type of tool for the job.
'Roses benefit from a spring prune once the worst frosts have passed and the buds are beginning to swell,' advises Mark.
HOW: 'Remove any dead, damaged or crossing stems first, then cut healthy growth back to an outward-facing bud to encourage an open shape and good airflow through the plant.'
IDEAL TOOL: Sharp bypass pruners.
WHY THIS TOOL WORKS: 'Making clean, precise cuts will help promote healthy regrowth and plenty of blooms later in the season.'
'Buddleja can be pruned quite hard in early spring to keep plants compact and encourage vigorous new growth,' says Mark.
HOW: 'Cut stems back to around 30-60cm from the base, removing any weak, old woody stems or overcrowded branches.'
IDEAL TOOLS: Sturdy pruners or a pair of loppers.
WHY THIS TOOL WORKS: 'Older stems can become woody so these tools can make the job much easier while ensuring a clean cut.'
'Hydrangea paniculata flowers on new growth, so pruning in early spring helps produce strong stems and large flower heads later in the year,' Mark explains.
HOW: 'Simply cut back last year’s stems to a healthy pair of buds to maintain a tidy shape and encourage vigorous growth.'
IDEAL TOOL: Sharp secateurs.
WHY THIS TOOL WORKS: 'This is a job that calls for precise pruning.'
'Lavender benefits from a gentle spring tidy to keep plants compact and encourage fresh growth,' says Mark.
HOW: 'Remove any dead stems and lightly shape the plant, taking care not to cut back into old woody growth. A light trim helps maintain a neat mound and encourages plenty of fragrant flowers later in the season.'
IDEAL TOOL: Sharp secateurs.
WHY THIS TOOL WORKS: 'Perfect for giving lavender a light trim, which helps maintain a neat mound shape and encourages plenty of fragrant flowers later in the season.'
'Apple trees can benefit from a light spring prune if needed,' advises Mark.
HOW: 'Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches and improve airflow through the canopy.'
IDEAL TOOL: Long-handled loppers.
WHY THIS TOOL WORKS: 'For thicker branches, long-handled loppers will enable you to make clean cuts safely without damaging the structure of the tree.'
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