WINTER is upon us all and for keen gardeners it is time to think about pruning back those shrubs and trees that have got out of hand over the spring and summer months.

Regular pruning is required to keep plants in shape, whether they are grown inside or outside.

Outside your home winter is best to prune back those trees that are overhanging gutters and roofs – less rubbish will accumulate in your spouts and reduce fire hazards for the next summer.

But gardeners should be careful not to over–prune as this can be hazardous.

It is best to prune fruiting and flowering plants while they are not in bloom; other plants such as shrubs and trees which blossom in the spring time require the old buds to be pruned in order to blossom new ones.

Flowering Trees and Shrubs – flowering trees and shrubs should be pruned mid–autumn as they bloom in spring or in the case of the Mansfield district early winter.

They can be pruned earlier if they have grown predominantly large but beware, you do not want to lose too many blooms in the process.

Roses – roses are one of the easiest to grow and prune.

The type of rose plant and the climate are two major factors here, but it is mainly completed in the late winter or early spring.

For the Mansfield and surrounding district it is recommended to hold off pruning roses until late July or August to gain the best new growth and flowering for the summer months.

Hydrangeas – people often cut back these very hard after flowering, new growth is generated quickly and blooms will flourish again in spring.

Perennial Bedded Plants – perennial bedded plants are high maintenance and require pruning either prior to, or following the growing period but also need regular attention.

Not all plants grow well if pruned before winter; the extra protection helps them survive the cold.

Determining the best time to prune certain plants can only be done by monitoring them and taking note of how they react.

Some plants that need to be pruned in spring are include lavender, wall cress, blue–beard and rock cress.

Evergreens such as different types of magnolias and holly don't need a great deal of pruning, but when you do prune them it's best to put it off until early spring.

Needle–Leaf Evergreens like spruce, juniper, cypress and fir are best pruned early on in the growing period but pruning some branches in the winter will not cause any damage.