Essential Tips for Gardening in December

Table of Contents

• Essential Tree and Shrub Care

• Soil Prep and Border Refresh

• Best Trees and Shrubs for December Planting

• Managing Garden Maintenance

• December Gardening Round-Up

• FAQs

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December brings one of the quietest and most reflective moments in the gardening year. Across the UK, days are short, temperatures dip below freezing, and the ground often shifts between damp, frosty, and occasionally snow-covered. Yet despite the slower pace, this month offers valuable opportunities for anyone caring for ornamental trees, shrubs, hedging, or fruit trees.

Cold weather signals dormancy, creating the perfect window for winter planting, soil improvement, and essential maintenance. Bare-root season is in full swing, structural pruning can begin on many species, and protective tasks help safeguard your outdoor space from frost damage and winter winds. Whether you’re planting a new hedge, shaping your fruit trees, refreshing borders, or caring for container plants, December is all about setting strong foundations for the year ahead.

This guide brings together expert, practical December gardening tips UK, helping you make the most of the season while keeping your garden healthy, resilient, and ready for spring.

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Essential December Tree and Shrub Care

Moisture Management

As winter deepens, soil can still dry out in exposed or free-draining areas. Check the moisture levels around newly planted trees, shrubs, and hedging — the top few centimetres should feel damp but never waterlogged. During frost-free spells, water deeply rather than little and often, as this encourages roots to extend further into the soil.

Evergreens such as Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), Holly (Ilex aquifolium), and Yew (Taxus baccata) continue to transpire slowly during winter, making them more vulnerable to cold, drying winds. A slow, deep drink during milder periods helps prevent leaf scorch and winter stress.

Mulching for Root Protection

Mulching is one of the most beneficial winter tasks for woody plants. A layer of compost, bark fines, or leaf mould around the base of trees and shrubs helps regulate soil temperature, prevents frost heave, and supports soil organisms even in colder weather. Keep mulch a few centimetres away from the trunk or stems to avoid trapping moisture against the bark.

For more detailed information on the benefits of mulching and the best materials to use in winter, see the RHS advice on mulching.

Check Stakes and Supports

Strong winter winds can loosen young trees and newly planted hedging. Inspect stakes regularly and ensure ties are firm but not tight. A little movement helps the plant build a stronger trunk, but excessive rocking can damage developing roots. Replace damaged ties and reposition any supports that have shifted during storms.

For further guidance on caring for young trees during the colder months, the RHS has excellent winter tree care advice designed for UK conditions.

Quick Fact: Roots continue growing whenever soil temperatures are above 5°C — even in December — making winter an ideal time for establishing new trees and hedging

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Soil Prep and Border Refresh

Clear and Clean Borders

Begin by clearing away fallen leaves, tired annuals, and any debris from ornamental beds. Healthy leaves can be added to your compost heap or leaf mould pile, while any diseased material should be disposed of to prevent fungal spores from overwintering. With borders more visible at this time of year, it’s easier to spot persistent weeds — removing them now prevents a stronger resurgence in spring.

Improve Soil Structure

December is an ideal time to nourish your soil without disturbing dormant roots. Spread a generous layer of compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure across beds and around the base of trees and shrubs. There’s no need to dig it in — winter rain, worms, and natural freeze–thaw cycles carry organic matter down through the soil, improving structure and fertility ahead of the growing season.

Tackle Drainage Issues

If parts of your garden stay waterlogged in winter, now is the moment to identify and address problem areas. Heavy clay soils benefit from the addition of grit or garden compost, while raised beds or subtle contouring can help redirect excess water. Protecting roots from sitting in cold, saturated soil helps prevent winter dieback.

For broader guidance on preparing soil throughout the year, take a look at our seasonal planting tips for trees, hedging, climbers, and shrubs.

Top Tip: Avoid walking on wet or frozen soil — it compacts easily in winter, limiting oxygen flow to roots and slowing spring growth.

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What to Plant This Month

December may feel quiet in the garden, but it’s still an excellent time for planting. Bare-root season is in full swing, and the cool, moist soil allows new trees and shrubs to settle their roots with minimal stress. Whether you’re adding structure, colour, or wildlife interest, winter planting gives your outdoor space a strong head start for spring.

Here are six excellent choices to plant this month — each offering resilience, character, and long-term appeal for your outdoor space:

Italian Cypress – Elegant Evergreen Structure

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Totem is a striking evergreen ideal for adding height and architectural interest during the bare winter months. Its narrow, upright shape suits small gardens, entrances, and formal designs. Planted in December, this hardy cypress establishes well in cool, moist soil and offers year-round colour and structure.

Flowering Cherry – Compact & Early Flowering

Prunus incisa ‘The Bride’, a charming ornamental cherry, produces masses of pure white spring blossom, often emerging as early as late February. Compact and easy to grow, it’s a perfect choice for smaller spaces or feature planting. Winter is the ideal time to establish deciduous cherries, allowing roots to settle before the flowering season.

Juneberry – Four-Season Appeal

Amelanchier lamarckii is a versatile garden favourite offering spring flowers, summer berries, striking autumn colour, and a graceful winter silhouette. Juneberry thrives when planted in winter conditions and is well-suited to cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly spaces, or mixed borders. The berries are especially valuable for birds during winter.

Flowering Plum – Stunning Early Colour

Prunus × blireana, a beautiful ornamental plum known for its double pink blossoms and attractive bronze foliage. Planting in December gives this tree an excellent start, with blossoms emerging early in spring when gardens need colour most. Its compact size makes it suitable for urban or suburban spaces.

Cockspur Thorn – Hardy & Wildlife-Friendly

Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia Splendens', a robust, highly ornamental thorn tree offering glossy leaves, autumn colour, and clusters of bright red berries. Cockspur Thorn thrives in exposed or challenging locations and supports garden wildlife throughout winter. Bare-root planting in December encourages strong root development before spring.

Willow Cotoneaster – Semi-Evergreen Winter Interest

Cotoneaster salicifolius ‘Rothschildianus’, with its graceful arching habit, creamy-white berries, and semi-evergreen foliage, this cotoneaster provides valuable winter structure and food for wildlife. It’s easy to grow, tolerant of poor soils, and ideal for winter planting. A great choice for low-maintenance winter interest.

If you’re planting during particularly cold spells, our winter guide to planting trees amidst frost and snow explains how to ensure young trees establish safely.

Planting for Lasting Impact

Planting in December isn’t just about filling gaps — it’s an investment in long-term structure and character. Bare-root trees planted now benefit from cool, moist soil that encourages deep root growth without heat stress. Species such as Black Elder (Sambucus nigra ‘Black Beauty’) establish well in winter and reward gardeners with dramatic foliage and flowers later in the year. Likewise, deciduous flowering trees — including Black Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardi Nigra’) — settle quietly through winter before bursting into colour in early spring. With a layer of mulch and occasional watering during mild spells, your December plantings will develop into resilient, reliable focal points for seasons to come.

Winter Interest for Smaller Outdoor Spaces

Compact outdoor spaces can enjoy winter structure and early colour with the right choices. For gardens needing a lift, Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis jacquemontii ‘Snow Queen’) brings bright, elegant winter bark and a beautifully refined form that stands out even in the darkest months. If you prefer early flowering interest, Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis ‘Shirobana’) offers beautiful blooms in early spring and thrives when planted during the dormant season. For a splash of colour and refined form, Hawthorn ‘Punicea’ (Crataegus x media ‘Punicea’) provides vibrant, fuchsia-toned flowers and year-round structure in a compact shape. These smaller, ornamental species integrate easily into patios, courtyards, and borders, providing winter charm without overwhelming limited space.

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Managing Garden Maintenance

While growth has slowed and many plants are dormant, December still offers important opportunities to keep your outdoor space healthy and protected. Winter maintenance is all about reducing damage from wind, frost, and disease, while ensuring young trees, shrubs, and hedging stay stable through the coldest months. A little attention now will make a noticeable difference when growth begins again in early spring.

Winter Hedge Care

Although heavy pruning is best left until late winter, December is a good moment to tidy and check your hedging. Remove wind-damaged or broken shoots, especially after storms, and clear any leaves lodged at the base of dense hedges. Wet masses of leaves can trap moisture and encourage fungal problems. Newly planted bare-root hedge whips will also benefit from a quick inspection — firm the soil gently around any that have lifted during freeze–thaw cycles.

For more guidance on supporting trees and hedging after strong winter winds, our blog on recovering your garden after a storm offers practical steps for protecting young plants.

Tree Stakes & Structural Support

Strong winter winds can loosen young or recently planted trees. Walk through your garden periodically and test the stability of stakes and ties. Stakes should remain firm in the soil, while ties should be secure yet loose enough to allow very slight movement. Replace cracked stakes or rotting supports, as weakened posts can snap under winter gusts. For multi-stem shrubs or top-heavy ornamentals, consider adding a temporary winter stake if the site is particularly exposed.

Clearing Debris & Preventing Disease

December is an ideal month to remove debris before fungal problems develop. Clear away fallen leaves from paths, borders, and around the base of trees and shrubs — especially if they belonged to plants troubled by diseases such as black spot or rust earlier in the year. Dispose of any diseased material rather than composting it. Keeping borders tidy over winter reduces overwintering spores and creates a healthier environment for spring growth.

If you’re concerned about potential problems overwintering in your garden, our guide on how to identify and treat tree diseases can help you spot the early signs.

Frost & Snow Protection

Cold snaps are common now, and young or tender plants benefit from a little extra protection. Apply mulch around the base of shrubs and trees to insulate roots and reduce frost heave. In snowy conditions, gently knock accumulated snow off hedges, conifers, and multi-stem shrubs, as the weight can splay branches or cause breakage. Keep horticultural fleece at hand for sudden frosts and drape it over vulnerable plants during particularly cold nights.

Container & Patio Plant Care

Check container-grown shrubs and trees regularly. Raise pots onto feet or bricks to stop them from sitting in water, and move vulnerable containers closer to the house for extra shelter. Only water during mild spells when compost feels dry — winter rainfall is often sufficient. Wrap ceramic pots in hessian or bubble wrap to prevent cracking and protect rootballs from freezing.

Greenhouse Checks & Winter Clean-Up

If you’re overwintering tender plants under cover, aim to keep your greenhouse just above freezing and ventilate on mild days to avoid excessive humidity. Remove dead leaves and debris promptly to reduce the risk of grey mould. Insulate the interior with bubble wrap if you haven’t already, and check that heaters or thermostats are working correctly. A mid-winter tidy also helps reduce pests and keeps your greenhouse running efficiently.

Tool & Equipment Maintenance

December is an excellent time to care for your tools. Clean mud and sap from blades, sharpen secateurs and loppers, and oil moving parts to prevent rust. Drain hoses and watering systems before frost damages them, and tidy sheds or storage areas so everything is ready when gardening picks up again in early spring.

BBC Gardeners’ World also offers clear winter pruning advice, particularly useful for shaping apples and pears while avoiding stone fruit at this time of year.

Expert Insight: A few minutes spent maintaining tools during winter can extend their lifespan significantly — sharp, clean blades make spring pruning easier and reduce disease spread.

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December Garden Round-Up

December may be one of the quietest months in the gardening calendar, but it’s far from unimportant. With bare-root planting in full swing, this is an ideal moment to establish new trees, hedging, or feature shrubs while the soil is cool and moist. Winter’s natural dormancy gives young plants the chance to develop strong roots without the stress of summer heat.

Maintenance this month focuses on protection and prevention. Clearing debris, firming in wind-rocked plants, topping up mulch, and safeguarding containers all help reduce the risk of frost damage, fungal issues, and winter dieback. Pruning apples and pears, checking stakes, and giving tools a seasonal clean also keep your garden in good shape during the darker days.

By tackling these simple tasks now, you’re preparing your outdoor space for a strong, healthy start to the new year. When spring arrives, your efforts will be rewarded with earlier growth, healthier plants, and a garden that’s ready to flourish.

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FAQs

What trees can I plant in December in the UK?

December is an excellent month for planting bare-root trees, as they are fully dormant and establish quickly in cool, moist soil. Many ornamental and native species thrive when planted now, including Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Juneberry (Amelanchier lamarckii), and evergreen options such as Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Totem’). Winter planting helps young trees develop strong root systems before spring growth begins.

Is December too late to plant hedging?

Not at all. December is one of the very best times to plant bare-root hedging, as the plants are dormant and soil moisture supports strong root establishment. Excellent choices include Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), and native mixed hedging packs. Avoid planting during frozen or waterlogged conditions and wait for a mild spell if necessary.

Can I prune trees in December?

Yes — but only selected species. December is the ideal month to prune apple and pear trees, as well as many dormant deciduous shrubs. Avoid pruning stone fruits such as plums or cherries, and leave spring-flowering shrubs until after they bloom. Any pruning done now should focus on dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

How do I protect my plants from frost?

Start by adding mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to insulate roots and prevent frost heave. Use horticultural fleece to protect vulnerable or newly planted species during hard frosts, and move containers to sheltered spots such as patios near the house. Raising pots onto feet helps stop waterlogging and prevents pots from cracking during freezing weather.

Should I water my garden in winter?

Water sparingly. Only water newly planted trees, hedging, or containers during mild, frost-free spells when the soil feels dry. Winter rainfall is usually sufficient for established plants, but cold winds can dry out young evergreens, so check them regularly.

What greenhouse jobs can I do in December?

Ventilate on mild, dry days to reduce humidity, clear away dead leaves and debris, and check heaters or thermostats if you rely on frost protection. Insulate with bubble wrap to retain heat and reduce energy use. Water sparingly and only when the compost is dry, as overwatering is a common cause of winter losses under cover.