Specialist pruning

Specialist pruning is a highly skilled horticultural practice that involves the careful trimming and shaping of plants, trees, and shrubs to enhance their health, structure, and aesthetic appeal. Unlike basic pruning, specialist pruning requires a deep understanding of plant biology, growth habits, and seasonal needs to ensure that plants thrive without causing undue stress or damage.

Rupert Bannister is an experienced horticulturalist providing professional pruning services across Devon, Dorset and Somerset. Drawing inspiration from the specialist pruning experts like Jake Hobson and James Todman, as well as his time spent in France and Japan, he offers clients a wealth of knowledge and expertise that helps their gardens flourish and thriving year-round.

Why is specialist pruning important?

Specialist pruning offers numerous benefits to your garden, promoting healthier plant growth, enhancing visual appeal, and increasing flowering and fruit production. By carefully shaping trees and shrubs, pruning improves air circulation, reducing the risk of disease and pest infestations. It also removes weak, damaged, or overgrown branches, ensuring plants develop strong structures and preventing potential hazards.

For your specialist pruning enquiries, please get in touch!
Specialist Pruning Devon and Somerset

Our pruning services

Rupert Bannister offers the following specialist pruning services to clients across the South West of England.

  • Formative pruning – Shaping young trees and shrubs to establish a strong, healthy structure.

  • Restorative pruning – Rejuvenating overgrown, neglected, or damaged plants to restore their vitality.

  • Crown thinning and reduction – Improving light penetration and air circulation while maintaining the tree’s natural form.

  • Espalier and topiary – Precision pruning to create decorative forms or train plants against structures.

  • Pollarding and coppicing – Traditional techniques to control growth, encourage regeneration, or produce timber.

  • Deadwood and hazard reduction – Removing diseased, weak, or hazardous branches to ensure safety and plant health.

  • Specialist fruit tree pruning – Enhancing fruit production and tree longevity by shaping and managing growth.

Frequently asked questions

We provide specialist gardening services across the South West of England, including Ottery St Mary, Branscombe, Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Honiton, Axminster, Lyme Regis and surrounding areas.

Yes, we work with homeowners, landlords, businesses, and public spaces to create and maintain beautiful gardens.

Yes, we offer free initial consultations and no-obligation quotes.

We specialise in pruning, planting and landscaping. Unfortunately we do not offer any general garden maintenance services – but would happily recommend other companies in the local area.

It depends on the species, but generally, late winter or early spring is ideal for most trees and shrubs.

Absolutely! We can safely trim, shape, and manage overgrown hedges and trees.

Yes, we can recommend plants suited to your soil, climate, and aesthetic preferences.

Yes, we can supply high-quality plants from trusted nurseries.

Yes, we assess and improve soil conditions to support healthy plant growth.

Yes, we have full public liability insurance for your peace of mind.

The best way to contact us is to give us a call on 07812 025 604.

Let your garden thrive!

Rupert Bannister is an experienced horticulturalist based in East Devon – where he lives with his family. With over 30 years of experience, he has established a formidable reputation in cultivating beautiful and thriving gardens. Whether reviving an overgrown garden or creating a stunning new landscape, Rupert’s skills, care and attention can help homeowners achieve the perfect outdoor space.