The five essential garden jobs to complete this autumn

As the sun begins to set a little earlier each day and the temperatures take a turn for the chillier, it’s clear that autumn’s beckon is just around the corner. But while the vibrant blooms of summer may be fading, there is still much that can be done in the garden during autumn, both to make the most of the last season’s sunshine, and to prepare it for all the horticultural wonders that 2025 will bring.  

It can be difficult to know where to start though, and some gardeners may worry that a too-thorough pruning at this time of year could damage plants, trees and hedges for the years to come. Luckily, Steve Swanborough from Henchman, is on hand to share the top five jobs that should be carried out throughout September and October.  

Neaten evergreen hedges 

“If you have evergreen hedges or trees in or around your garden, such as privet, yew, box or conifer, early autumn is the ideal time to neaten the edges and give them a thorough trim. Carrying out this task at this time of year helps us to avoid nesting birds and ensure that the garden looks tidy as we enter the chillier months of the year without disrupting our feathered friends!  

“To prune hedges, first of all make sure that you have a stable base to work from – I use the Henchman Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder to give a safe platform to trim taller hedges and trees from. The three legs are independently manoeuvrable, meaning that gardeners can trim hedges even on hilly or uneven terrain. 

“Then, prune old stems or dead branches with Bypass Secateurs and remove any crowded or weak shoots, either by hand or with garden shears. Remove the oldest and largest branches from the hedge – you may have to use a Pruning Saw for any particularly hardy stems.  

“I’d recommend using a Heavy Duty Ground Sheet to make tidying up after pruning a little easier – just lay it under the area you’re trimming to catch any falling branches and pop it in your wheelbarrow to transport to your garden bin or compost pile.” 

Get greenhouses spick and span 

“After the busy horticultural seasons of spring and summer, autumn is the ideal time to clean your greenhouse, ready for the next busy gardening year. First, clear out any old plants or debris from the greenhouse using a stiff brush and a good pair of gardening gloves. When the space is as tidy as possible inside, wash out the interior of the structure using disinfectant or detergent.  

“Use a ladder to reach the outside and roof of the greenhouse safely, so that you can wash the windows down and also scrub off any build up of grime – making it not only spick and span for next year, but also ensuring that sunlight can make its way through the glass and help your plants to thrive.  

“Last, check the greenhouse thoroughly for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Autumn is the ideal time to replace those, before the space once again becomes a busy planting ground next spring.” 

Make autumn aut-yum by harvesting fruit 

“For those of us lucky enough to have a fruit tree or two in our garden, depending on the variety, autumn can be the ideal time to enjoy the fruits (literally!) of our labour. Mid-season apples, blackberries, elderberries, plums, raspberries and much more can all be harvested and enjoyed in autumn, so use this time to pick fruit and enjoy a delicious sweet treat – perhaps in a warm cake, crumble or pie.  

“Use a tool such as the Pointed Fruit Pruner, which is ideal for snipping without damaging any fruit, vegetables or flowers. The blades form a fine point, so you can easily clip the right stems and keep plants, topiary or bonsai looking neat and tidy. 

“Depending on the size of the harvest, you may need to use a wheelbarrow to help you collect any fruit and take them back to the house. Prune fruit trees regularly to make sure that you can enjoy a bountiful offering from them, year after year!” 

Avoid damp problems by clearing guttering 

“Blocked guttering can cause a multitude of problems, including damp issues within the home and flooding of the garden, so autumn is a great time to take stock of any buildups and remove them. 

“Clearing out guttering is once again a job for the trusty Henchman Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder, so make sure that the legs are placed in secure locations to allow you to safely access any problem areas. A heavy-duty pair of gloves are also essential to protect hands.  

“Use a gutter scoop or trowel to remove any debris from the gutter, being careful not to overstretch. Once you are confident that the area is clear, use water to flush out any lingering detritus and to ensure that the pipe once again runs freely.” 

Help hibernating wildlife find a home over winter 

“Of course, as we enter the cooler months, there will be many creatures great and small searching for a home to hibernate in over winter. From bats to hedgehogs, frogs to newts, we can all do our bit to create a safe haven for these animals while they snooze.  

“Bat boxes are a worthwhile investment for the winter months, giving these vital creatures a place to hide away during any frosty, snowy times. First, match your bat box to the species in your area, ensuring it has the best possible chance of being a popular spot. Use a ladder to put the box as high as possible in an area where bats are known to feed, which will help keep them safe from predators like cats.  

“Many think that birds nest in the new year before breeding season, but in fact many species are in search of somewhere to shelter and stay warm in the winter months, making autumn a great time to hang a nest box. Ensure you pick one with a suitable opening for the type of feathered friends that visit your garden most. And of course, help our native species by leaving bird food out every day, and remember to keep your bird bath topped up!” 

For more expert advice and to find the perfect Henchman ladders for autumn gardening jobs, visit www.henchman.co.uk  

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Editors notes

Henchman has been a pioneer of specialist garden ladders and safe hedge-cutting platforms since 1994, when it launched its first model at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Founded by father and son duo Mike and Tom Kitching, over the past three decades the company has evolved from a small family business to the leading garden ladder brand in the UK.

Based in Wiltshire, the dedicated design team at Henchman offers a wide range of unique products created to keep customers safe on uneven terrain while working at height.

Its collection includes the cutting-edge Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder, Fully Adjustable PRO Tripod Ladder, the Hi-Step Platform, the Wheeled Henchman, as well as a range of large capacity wheelbarrows and accessories, all designed to make gardening a safe, sturdy and enjoyable experience.

Henchman has pioneered the way in ladder safety and is the first and only fully EN131 certified Tripod Ladder on the market in the UK and the rest of the world.

From the National Trust, to the England Rugby team and Royal Households, and not forgetting thousands of gardeners, DIY-enthusiasts and professionals, Henchman helps its customers get the job done, safely.