If you want good looking trees in your garden they will need pruning regularly.

Your trees will reward you 1000% next season with stronger growth and an abundance of flowers and fruit.

The lack of annual pruning causes flowering and fruit trees to produce small fruit and a poor show of flowers.

Pruned trees are stronger and their branches are less likely to break making the trees safer so there is less likelihood of a branch falling and causing damage.

You will need a saw, secateurs, knife and gloves.

Try and imagine how you would like the tree to look after is has been pruned and note the major branches that need removing.

The first thing to do is to identify the main branches of the tree that make up its main “skeleton”. You must avoid removing these branches as they form the backbone of the tree.

You should remove the branches that are parallel to one another, this will allow enough space between each branch allowing them to develop, and the main thing is to leave only the ones that enhance the shape of the tree.

Always cut out branches that are growing inward, toward the center of the tree, these will only clutter up the shape of the tree.

Stand back and check for areas where the branches look crowded and then apply the guidelines to thin out those overgrown areas.

Special tree paint should be used on all large cut branches; this can be obtained from a local garden centre or shop.

If you have to cut any large branches it is advisable to paint the cut ends with a special paint that can be obtained from a garden store.

Winter is the best time of year to do prune trees when all the leaves have fallen off and the trees have gone into dormancy.

Any dead or dying braches should be cut off with a shape saw, you can cut this out at any time of the season as it is best out of the way, don’t forget to paint the cut branch ends.

You will need a container large enough to be able to dip the cutting blades of your pruning tools into a solution of household bleach, as the sap from the cuts can carry disease and this will be passed onto you healthy trees if you dont take precautions.

You should find a “collar” at the base of the branches, this should be left behind when you have cut off the branch so as to allow the cut too heal over naturally.

Any shade trees that are getting too large can be reshaped and thinned, by reshaping the tree you will benefit during the summer, be careful you do not cut the tree too low or you will not get the shade you need.

Always collect the fallen leaves and any fallen fruit before you start pruning your trees, as these may be caring disease, and destroy them. This will give your trees a cleaner start to the next season.