As fall sets in, it’s easy to think your garden work is done. After months of caring for your shrubs, they seem to be winding down. But don’t be fooled—what you do now will make all the difference in spring.
October is the perfect time to prune your shrubs, and it’s crucial for their health and future growth.
Many gardeners hesitate to prune in the fall, worried about making mistakes. But with the right approach, fall pruning is one of the best things you can do for your shrubs.
Let’s look at nine shrubs that thrive when pruned in the fall and how to tackle each one.
9 Shrubs You Need to Prune This Fall
1 – Hydrangeas
Some hydrangeas bloom on new wood. Fall pruning encourages strong growth in spring. Trim back paniculata and arborescens varieties. Avoid pruning hydrangeas that bloom on old wood, like bigleaf hydrangeas, as it could remove next year’s flowers.
Here’s a full guide on how to prune your hydrangeas properly according to its species.
2 – Roses
Lightly prune roses in fall. Remove dead or damaged branches to prepare them for winter. This encourages healthy growth in spring. Be gentle—save the major pruning for early spring.
Just like hydrangeas, roses can be a bit tricky too. But you don’t need to panic, here’s a full guide on how to prune your roses properly.
3 – Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Butterfly bushes grow quickly. Prune them back by about two-thirds in fall. This prevents winter wind damage and keeps the plant under control. Remove any dead or weak stems.
4 – Spirea
After blooming in fall, spirea benefits from a light trim. This keeps the shrub tidy and encourages bushier growth next year. Focus on removing dead branches and thinning out crowded areas.
5 – Reblooming Lilacs (Bloomerang)
Unlike regular lilacs, reblooming varieties can handle fall pruning. A light trim shapes the plant and encourages more blooms. Don’t prune too heavily, as lilacs don’t like drastic cuts.
6 – Boxwood
Boxwoods grow fast and can use a light fall pruning. Trim back any weak or dead growth. This helps maintain the shape through winter, keeping them looking neat.
7 – Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtles benefit from a light fall trim. Remove dead or damaged branches. Light shaping encourages healthy growth in spring. Avoid severe cuts, as crape myrtles don’t need heavy pruning.
8 – Smoke Bush (Cotinus)
Fall is the perfect time to prune smoke bush. Cut back overgrown branches and remove weak stems. This helps the plant stay tidy and promotes new growth in spring.
9 – Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Ninebark shrubs can handle a good fall pruning. Remove older woody stems to encourage new growth. This also helps keep the shrub from becoming too dense.
Why Pruning in October is Important
Pruning in October prepares your shrubs for winter and spring. As they go dormant, they store energy for new growth.
By trimming dead or overgrown branches now, you’re helping them conserve energy for next season. It also keeps them in shape and reduces the risk of winter damage.
Pruning also helps prevent disease. Dead and damaged branches can invite fungi and other infections. Removing these now gives your shrubs a better chance of staying healthy through the colder months.
Timing is Key
Timing is everything when it comes to fall pruning. Early October is ideal because it gives your shrubs time to heal before the first frost.
Pruning too late can expose your plants to cold damage since fresh cuts are more vulnerable.
Be Careful!
Not all shrubs need fall pruning, though. Spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs and forsythia set their buds for next year early. Pruning them now could remove those buds.
But shrubs that bloom in summer or evergreens can benefit from a trim in the fall.
How to Prune Effectively
Start by examining your shrubs. Look for dead, damaged, or diseased branches. These should be removed first to improve the plant’s health and appearance.
Next, focus on shaping the shrub. Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. This helps reduce the risk of disease and promotes healthy growth. Aim for a balanced shape where each branch gets enough light and air.
Avoid over-pruning. Cutting back too much can stress the plant. A good rule is to remove no more than one-third of the shrub’s total growth.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools is essential for good pruning. Sharp, clean pruning shears or loppers will give you smooth cuts, which heal faster. For thicker branches, use a pruning saw.
Always sanitize your tools between shrubs to prevent spreading diseases.
Protecting Shrubs for Winter
After pruning, your shrubs are ready for winter. You can help them further by adding a layer of mulch around the base.
Mulch insulates the roots and protects them from the cold. This extra step can make a big difference in your shrubs’ survival through the winter.
Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is pruning too aggressively. While it’s important to clean up your shrubs, cutting too much can shock them, especially if winter comes early.
Another mistake is pruning shrubs that set flower buds in fall. This can mean losing next year’s blooms.
BIG Mistake!
Another mistake is pruning shrubs that set flower buds in fall. This can mean losing next year’s blooms.
Always know your shrubs before pruning. Each species has different needs, so understanding their timing is key to success.
Set Your Garden Up for Spring
Pruning in October isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about giving your shrubs the best start for spring.
By removing dead branches, shaping your plants, and preparing them for winter, you’re setting them up for healthier, stronger growth next season.
Don’t put away those pruning shears just yet! Give your shrubs the care they need this October, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful garden come spring.
