Autumn is the perfect time for pruning, partly because it is such a pleasant season to be out in the garden. Pruning serves three main purposes – removing dead or dying foliage, encouraging new growth and maintaining shape and form (and size). One third is the most you should cut off a plant as a general rule.
It’s important to be aware that disease in plants is often spread through the use of tools, so dip or wipe your secaturs or saws in some disinfectant between varieties, particularly if you suspect a problem. It’s also good to always use sharp tools – blunt tools can bruise the plant which means the healing process and therefore the new growth is slowed down.