It depends on the plant. Most Sydney plants are pruned in late winter to early spring (June to early September), before the spring growth flush kicks in — that includes roses, citrus, frangipanis, and most ornamentals. Hydrangeas that flower on old wood (the classic mophead and lacecap varieties) get a tidy after flowering and a hard prune in late winter. Plants that flower in spring, like camellias and azaleas, are pruned straight after they finish flowering. Getting the timing right is half the job — I'll work out the right schedule for whatever you've got in your garden.

In almost every case, yes — and they usually come back stronger. Most plants benefit from regular pruning because it removes old wood, encourages new growth, and improves airflow through the canopy. The fear of "killing" a plant by pruning usually comes from cuts made at the wrong time of year or in the wrong place, which is exactly what I'm careful about. If a plant is genuinely sensitive to a hard cut, I'll bring it back gradually over a season or two rather than risk shocking it.

Yes — this is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Whether it's roses that haven't been pruned in years, a frangipani that's gone leggy, or fruit trees buried in their own canopy, most plants respond well to a careful restoration. Some need it done in stages over a few visits to avoid stress, but the difference after one or two seasons is usually dramatic. Send me a photo and I can give you a sense of what to expect before I come out.

I prune shrubs, ornamentals, fruit trees, and small ornamental trees up to around five metres. Anything larger — or anything that needs climbing or chainsaw work above head height — really needs a qualified arborist with the right insurance and equipment. If you're not sure where your job sits, send me a photo and I'll let you know honestly whether it's something I can do or whether you're better off with an arborist.

I work right across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs — Maroubra, Malabar, South Coogee, Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee, Randwick, Kensington, Queens Park, Waverley, Woollahra, Paddington, Double Bay, Edgecliff, Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, Dover Heights, Watsons Bay and everywhere in between. If you're nearby and not on the list, give me a call — chances are I can help.