Final Summer Pruning – Caring for Your Established Garden in Late Summer

As summer begins to wind down, it’s the perfect time to give your established garden some final care before the cooler months arrive. Late summer pruning not only keeps your garden looking its best, but also helps plants stay healthy, strong, and ready for the next growing season.

At Wilkinsons, we know that a little effort now can make a big difference later. Here are our top tips for late-summer pruning and garden care:

1. Tidy up spent growth

By August, many shrubs and perennials have put on a lot of growth. Removing spent flowers, stray stems, and dead branches will keep borders neat and encourage healthy regrowth. For roses in particular, trimming back faded blooms helps them conserve energy and focus on strengthening their roots.

2. Shape shrubs and hedges

This is the last good window for trimming hedges and evergreen shrubs before autumn. Shaping them now keeps them looking smart through winter and reduces the need for heavier pruning later. Be mindful not to cut back too hard—gentle shaping is all that’s needed.

3. Give climbers some attention

Wisteria, clematis, and other climbers benefit from a trim at this time of year. Cut back excess side shoots to encourage stronger flowering next spring, and tie in any new growth to supports while it’s still flexible.

4. Care for fruit trees

For apple and pear trees, late summer pruning helps balance growth and fruit production. Removing excess shoots improves airflow, reduces the risk of disease, and allows sunlight to reach ripening fruit.

5. Prepare perennials for the change of season

Cutting back tired perennial stems tidies borders and reduces the chance of pests and diseases overwintering in decaying material. You can also divide overcrowded clumps to keep plants vigorous and share extras with friends or spread them around the garden.

6. Don’t forget aftercare

Pruning can stress plants, so remember to water well if the weather is still dry, and add a layer of mulch around the base of shrubs and perennials to lock in moisture and improve soil health.

A final note

Pruning at the right time sets the stage for a healthy, beautiful garden in the months ahead. By giving your established garden some attention now, you’ll enjoy a neater, stronger, and more resilient landscape well into autumn and beyond.

If you’d like advice tailored to your garden—or a helping hand with pruning and seasonal care—our landscaping team at Wilkinsons Landscapes is here to help.