Trees, Shrubs, and Roses Maintenance Tips for December
- Ensure young trees do not develop bad forking habits; remove one side of a fork if necessary.
- Prune the lower branches off garden trees, except cherries, to allow light to reach lower plants.
- Delay tree planting if the ground is very wet to prevent drainage issues and losses.
- Roses can be pruned at any time, and new bushes or climbers planted.
- Put tree planting on hold if the ground is very sodden due to heavy rain.
- Shorten rose bushes in exposed cold localities to prevent wind-rocking, and fully prune in mild areas.
- Control grass and weeds around the base of young trees for better growth.
- Control weeds at the base of young hedges to avoid problems with stem furnishing.
- Plant shelter belts, hedges, and woodland areas, ideally using small bare-root whips or transplants.
- Move deciduous trees or shrubs that need more room or are in the wrong place.
- Stop planting garden evergreens in exposed districts.
- Plant roses of all kinds to ensure root growth is well underway before spring.
By following these tips in December, you can maintain healthy trees, shrubs, and roses throughout the winter months. Be cautious about planting when the ground is wet to prevent drainage issues and losses. Also, take advantage of the dormant season to prune and rearrange your garden for a thriving landscape come spring.
