Autumn is an ideal time to prune trees and large shrubs. With the leaves falling, you have a clear view of the tree structure, making it easier to identify and remove dead or hazardous branches. Here's how to do it safely and effectively:

Here's how to do it safely and effectively:

• Safety First: Always prioritise safety by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, and ear protection. If you're new to using a chainsaw, consider a safety course or enlist the help of a professional. Remember, never operate a chainsaw above shoulder height and ensure you have a stable footing.
• Pruning Technique: Focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Make clean cuts at a slight angle to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to rot. For larger branches, use the three-cut method to avoid damaging the tree.

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Autumn is the perfect time to trim your hedges, shrubs, and trees, promoting healthy growth for the next season.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Choosing the Right Tools: Depending on the size of your hedges and shrubs, you may need an electric or petrol hedge trimmer. Ensure your tools are sharp and well-maintained for clean cuts.
• Pruning Tips: Begin by cutting back overgrown areas to maintain a neat, even shape. For deciduous shrubs, wait until they’ve lost their leaves before giving them a final trim. Avoid heavy pruning of evergreens late in the season to prevent frost damage to new growth.

• Fruit Trees: Autumn is ideal for pruning apple, pear, and quince trees after harvesting. Focus on removing dead or diseased branches and thinning the canopy.
• Deciduous Trees: Prune maple, ash, birch, and beech trees in early autumn to avoid sap bleeding. Willow trees can also be pruned to control their size and shape.

As the first frost approaches, it’s crucial to give your garden a thorough clean-up to protect it from the harsh winter conditions:

• Leaf Management: Remove fallen leaves from lawns and paths to prevent slipperiness and moss growth. Compost healthy leaves to use as mulch in the spring, and dispose of any diseased material to avoid spreading disease.

• Shredding and Chipping: Using a chipper/shredder is an excellent way to recycle branches, small logs, and greenery into mulch for your garden. This can be used to improve soil and to add nutrients back on the ground, for example in beds and borders.

• Clearing Garden Beds: Pull up annuals that have finished flowering and add them to the compost heap. Cut back perennials, but leave some seed heads if you want to attract birds to your garden during the colder months.

• Garden Tool Preparation: Clean and store your garden tools properly to prevent rust. Drain and store hoses, and consider insulating outdoor taps to prevent freezing during winter.

By following these autumn garden clean-up tips, you’ll not only keep your garden looking neat throughout the season but also set the stage for a healthy, vibrant garden in the spring.