December Update
If you’re still looking for a Christmas gift, a Blackmoor e-gift voucher is a simple and thoughtful option. Choose your value, add a personal message and have it delivered straight to their inbox.
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Thank you for your support
As the year draws to a close, we just wanted to say a genuine thank you for choosing Blackmoor. Your support means a great deal to us, and we look forward to growing with you in the year ahead.
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December: Pruning your fruit trees
December: Pruning your fruit trees
Essential winter care tips for your orchard
As we step into December and the colder months settle in, it’s the perfect time for fruit tree owners to begin their winter pruning routines. Pruning plays a vital role in keeping your trees healthy and productive, and doing it at the right time can make all the difference to next year’s harvest.
Why prune in December?
During winter, fruit trees enter a period of dormancy. This makes them less susceptible to stress from pruning, and without leaves it’s much easier to see the tree’s structure. Pruning now helps to:
- Encourage strong new growth in spring
- Improve air circulation and sunlight penetration
- Remove dead, diseased or crossing branches
- Shape the tree for better fruit production
How to prune your fruit trees
Gather tools
Use sharp, clean secateurs, loppers and a pruning saw for thicker branches.Inspect your tree
Start by removing any dead, damaged or inward-growing branches.Shape and thin
Open up the centre of the tree to maximise light and airflow, helping to reduce disease.Cut wisely
Make clean cuts just above an outward-facing bud and avoid leaving stubs.Dispose of debris
Compost healthy prunings and remove any diseased material to prevent spread.![]()
Top tips
- Wear gloves and eye protection for safety.
- Don’t prune stone fruit trees such as plums and cherries in winter.
Wait until summer to reduce the risk of infection.
Label your trees if you have multiple varieties, as pruning requirements can vary.
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Posted by Jon Munday
17th December 2025
