As October arrives, gardens across India begin to shift gears. The monsoon rains have usually passed, and with cooler weather on the horizon, many plants start to slow down. This period offers an opportunity for gardeners to tend to their trees and shrubs. 

While October is not the time for heavy pruning, it is ideal for light maintenance like removing dead wood, controlling shape, and encouraging better airflow.

Pruning at the right time and in the right manner supports healthier plants, prevents disease, and improves growth in the following season. This guide walks you through the essential steps to prune trees and shrubs effectively.

Why prune in October?

October sits between the wet season and the onset of winter in much of India. During this period:

• Plants are still active enough to respond to minor pruning.
• The weather is drier, reducing the risk of fungal infections from open cuts.
• It is easier to identify dead or damaged branches after the rains.

Pruning at the right time and in the right manner supports healthier plants Photograph: (PictureThis)

However, avoid any severe cutting, especially on flowering or fruit-bearing plants, as it may disrupt next season’s blooms.

What not to prune in October

Before reaching for your secateurs, it is important to know what should not be pruned this month:

• Fruit trees such as mango, guava, and pomegranate should be left alone now, as they may already be forming buds for the next cycle.
• Flowering shrubs that bloom on old wood (like hibiscus and bougainvillea) should not be cut back heavily, or you risk losing the next bloom.
• Tropical evergreens, such as ficus and neem, should only be lightly pruned if necessary.

Instead, focus on removing dead, diseased, or overcrowded growth. Save major pruning for the cooler dormant months, typically December to February, depending on your region.

Tools you will need

Make sure you have clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts and prevent the spread of disease. Gather the following:

• Secateurs (hand pruners) for small stems
• Loppers for thicker branches
• Pruning saw for large limbs
• Gardening gloves to protect your hands
• Disinfectant (rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach) to sterilise your tools before and after use

Sterilise your tools between cuts, especially when working with diseased material Photograph: (This Old House)

Step-by-step pruning guide

1. Assess each plant

Walk through your garden and examine your trees and shrubs. Look for:

• Dead or dying branches
• Broken or storm-damaged limbs
• Crossed branches that rub against each other
• Overgrown or untidy shapes

Understanding the plant’s natural form will help guide your pruning decisions.

2. Remove dead and diseased wood

Begin with the obvious:

• Cut away all dead wood. Dead branches are often dry, brittle, and leafless.
• Remove any diseased parts — these may show blackened leaves, fungal growth, or soft, rotting tissue.
• Always cut back to healthy, living wood, just above a bud or at the branch collar (the slightly swollen area where the branch joins the main stem).

You should not remove more than one-third of a plant’s total growth in a single session Photograph: (The Spruce)

Sterilise your tools between cuts, especially when working with diseased material.

3. Thin overcrowded areas

Once the unhealthy growth is cleared, open up the plant’s interior:

• Remove branches that cross over each other or grow inward.
• Thin out dense areas to allow sunlight and air to reach the centre of the plant, reducing the risk of pests and mildew.
• Aim for a natural shape rather than a severe, manicured appearance.

Keep in mind the one-third rule that you should not remove more than one-third of a plant’s total growth in a single session.

4. Lightly shape and shorten

Now focus on general tidying:

• Trim long shoots or wayward branches to maintain a balanced shape.
• Cut just above a bud that faces outward to encourage growth in the desired direction.
• For hedges, gently trim the sides and top to keep them tidy, assuring the base is slightly wider than the top to allow even light distribution.

5. Clean up and mulch

After pruning:

• Collect all cut branches, leaves, and debris to avoid attracting pests.
• Dispose of diseased material away from the garden — do not compost it.
• Add a layer of mulch (such as dry leaves, compost, or bark) around the base of the plant to retain moisture and improve soil health. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.

Trim long shoots or wayward branches to maintain a balanced shape Photograph: (Sunnyside Nursery)

Tips for different regions in India

Northern India (plains and foothills)

October is ideal for light pruning after the monsoon. Avoid harsh cuts, but do clear away damage from summer storms or rains. Wait for the full winter to do major pruning.

Southern India

With a milder climate, light pruning is generally safe in October. Tropical plants may remain active, so prune only to shape or remove dead growth.

Hills and mountain areas

In higher altitudes, cold weather arrives early. Delay any major pruning until late winter or early spring. Only remove dead wood in October to avoid cold damage.

Pruning is as much about restraint as it is about removal. Overzealous cutting can harm your plants more than help them. Done correctly, October pruning sets the stage for a vibrant and flourishing garden in the months to come.