Winter pruning guide
Winter pruning suits many deciduous fruit trees, roses, and dormant hedges in temperate Australia — avoid heavy cuts on frost-sensitive subtropical plants.
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What to prune in winter
Deciduous fruit trees (apples, pears), roses in July, grapevines, and dormant hydrangeas in cold climates. Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs before they bloom unless restructuring.
Regional differences
Frost-free subtropical coasts have lighter winter dormancy — pruning timing shifts earlier or later. Tropical north: minimal winter dormancy.
Safety and tools
Sharp secateurs for small wood; hire arborists for canopy work above shoulder height.
What to look for in a gardener
A reliable gardener asks about access, slope, pets, and your priorities before quoting. They explain what is included in each visit and flag extra work (heavy pruning, green waste removal) before starting.
- Do they carry public liability insurance?
- Will the same person or crew attend each visit?
- How do they handle wet weather or missed visits?
- What equipment do they use for your lawn size?
- Can they provide a written quote and invoice with ABN?
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