November is a month in which many gardeners think they can do some pruning to prepare the garden for winter. However, not all plants are ready to be treated, and some can suffer significant damage if pruned during this time. Find out which plants to avoid pruning in November to preserve their health and ensure lush growth in spring.
Pruning is an essential practice, but it must be done at the right time. If done incorrectly, it can compromise the vegetative cycle of plants and even put their survival at risk. It’s important to know which species are too sensitive to deal with cutting in a month like November.
Why some plants should not be pruned in November
November marks the period in which many plants enter a phase of vegetative rest. This means they reduce their activity to protect themselves from the rigors of winter. However, not all plants deal with the cold in the same way. Some are more resistant, while others, especially Mediterranean or tropical ones, are extremely vulnerable.
The main risk associated with pruning this month is the climate. Frost, rain and humidity can slow down the healing of cuts and favor the establishment of fungal or bacterial infections. Unhealed cuts quickly become a gateway for disease, which can seriously affect the health of the plant.
Furthermore, pruning performed during a time of forced vegetative rest can cause unnecessary stress to the plant. This is especially true for cold-sensitive species, which fail to respond adequately to cuts by producing new protective tissue.
Plants not to prune in November
In November, some plants should be left completely undisturbed. Pruning during this period could lead to serious consequences, ranging from compromising future growth to the loss of entire portions of the plant. Here is a detailed list of the most at-risk species:
- The olive tree it is a typically Mediterranean plant, very sensitive to cold and humidity. Pruning the olive tree in November is a common mistake that can cause serious damage. The cuts remain exposed for too long and, if frost arrives, they can compromise not only the branches but also the general structure of the plant. Pruning of the olive tree should be carried out at the end of winter, when the risk of frost has passed.
- Il cherry it is one of the most delicate plants when it comes to pruning. Its branches are extremely sensitive, and cuts made in November can cause excessive stress. Healing is slow during the cold monthswhich increases the risk of infections. Cherry tree pruning should be postponed until spring, with light and targeted interventions.
- Lemons, oranges and mandarins they are plants that cannot tolerate the cold. If you prune in November, may suffer irreversible damage. Cuts exposed to moisture and frost make these plants particularly vulnerable to fungal diseases. For citrus fruits, the ideal time for pruning is late spring or early summer, when temperatures are milder.
- Even though they may seem sturdy, the fig and the apricot they are very sensitive to frosts. Cuts made in November not only compromise healing, but can also expose branches to breakage caused by frost. It is preferable to wait until spring, when the plant is able to recover more quickly.
- Any tropical plant or particularly delicate ones, such as bananas or other ornamental species, should not be pruned in November. These plants are not designed to deal with cold temperatures, and cuts can cause damage that compromises their survival.
How to protect plants during the winter
If you have plants that can’t be pruned in November, there are still ways to protect them from the cold and keep them healthy until spring. For example:
- Protective covers: Use non-woven fabrics or special sheets to protect the most sensitive plants from frost.
- Removal of diseased branches: Even if you cannot perform complete pruning, you can remove visibly damaged or diseased branches to prevent the plant from weakening further.
- Targeted fertilization: Provide the plant with the nutrients necessary to face the rest period, choosing fertilizers suitable for the winter period.
How to avoid mistakes
Pruning is a fundamental practice for the well-being of plants, but it must be done carefully. In November, It is important to focus on plants that tolerate cold and leave the most sensitive ones undisturbed. Also, avoid pruning on rainy days or when frost is expected, as humidity and cold can aggravate damage caused by cuts.
If you are not sure what interventions to carry out, carefully observe the condition of the plants and consult the weather forecast. Remember that in some cases it is better to postpone pruning rather than risk compromising the health of the plant.
Not all plants are ready for pruning in November. Species such as olive, cherry and citrus trees must be left undisturbed, as cold and humidity can cause irreparable damage. Respecting the natural cycles of plants and choosing the right time to intervene is essential to keeping the garden healthy and productive. By following these instructions, you will be able to guarantee your plants lush growth when spring arrives.
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