One of the most necessary components of gardening for fall is making sure that you prune what is necessary before winter hits. But did you know that you should only prune certain trees, shrubs, and plants in your garden? It’s true. Pruning plants that don’t need it is the quickest way to kill them before Spring. Here’s what you need to know about fall pruning.
Fall Pruning Guide
When pruning fall plants, you should only prune the ones that are dead, damaged, or require fall pruning. Gardeners should keep in mind that blooming time is everything, and whether or not the plant will bloom on new or old growth. If your plant will bloom on new growth, you can prune them in the Spring with no issue. If your plant will only bloom on old growth, it’s best to prune in the fall.
For some plants in your yard, pruning them before new growth in Spring can help them put on a showing. In some cases, pruning plants in fall can help make them hardier come winter. Keep reading to learn more about when to prune your favorite garden plants.
Fall Pruning Plants
If you have one of these plants in your yard, you can prune them in the fall will no problem whatsoever. Plants like Angel’s Trumpet, Butterfly Bush, Chaste Tree, Delphinium, and Gardenia should all be pruned in the fall just as soon as they finish blooming, or drop their summer blooms.
Plants To Prune In Spring
Azaela, Viburnum, Loropetalum, and Lilac should not be pruned in the fall. Pruning these plants in the fall will leave their tender buds exposed to the harsh realities of winter, and you’ll have a very dead plant to deal with come Spring! Who wants that? This guide of mine can help you prune your plants in the summer or fall in a straightforward and easy manner.
Fall Pruning Roses
If you have roses, you are probably wondering when and how to prune them. I recommend pruning roses in the Spring. Of course, gardeners should remove dead, old-growth before winter comes, but you should wait to do a majority of your pruning in the Spring. Prune in the spring just as soon as the last frost date has passed, and make it an effort to remove any weak branches. Additionally, gardeners should prune any flowers that “cross” and rub one another. Always make your pruning cuts are at a 45-degree angle, sloping away from the bud. This allows for better water runoff.
Fall Pruning Hydrangeas
Hydrangea plants should be pruned in late summer after their summer blooms have started to fade and fall off, especially if your hydrangea blooms on old wood. In early fall, prune away the oldest branches of your hydrangea to soil level (this will promote new, bigger blooms come to Spring). Otherwise, you can prune your branches directly below the old blooms.
Thanks for the info. Could you include a demo video or picture? I have multiple hydrangeas that have become too large for their area. Dig and transplant, divide or prune by one third in November?
Thank you for explaining some of the plants that should be pruned in spring instead of fall. I’ve been wondering if I should call someone to help me with some of the pruning around our property, especially a few trees. I’ll be sure to do some more research, but it’s good to know that we should also prune our azaela while we’re at it.