Fall Pruning for a Healthier Yard
As the leaves turn vibrant and the air gets crisp, it's time to give your Southern Utah yard a little TLC with fall pruning!
Fall pruning isn't for every plant, but for certain species, it can be a great way to promote healthy growth, enhance future blooms, and even improve air circulation. However, before you grab your shears and start snipping, let's get into the world of fall pruning and make sure you're doing it right.
When to Prune in Fall
First things first, not all plants benefit from fall pruning. In fact, for many spring-flowering shrubs and trees, it's better to wait until after they bloom in the spring. Fall pruning can stimulate new growth, which is risky in colder climates, as new growth won't have time to harden off before winter.
However, some plants thrive with a fall haircut:
Summer-flowering trees and shrubs: These beauties have already finished blooming, so removing spent flowers and lightly shaping the overall form can encourage bushier growth next season. Examples include butterfly bushes, crape myrtles, and some hydrangeas (like oakleaf hydrangeas).
Fruiting trees: Fall is a great time to prune apple, pear, and plum trees. This allows you to remove diseased or damaged branches, open up the canopy for better air circulation, and promote fruit production the following year.
Dead, diseased, or damaged branches: No matter the season, it's always a good idea to remove these unsightly and potentially harmful branches from any plant.
Perennials: While you may not want to cut back all perennials, some benefit from fall cleanup. Disease-prone perennials like peonies, lilies, iris, and phlox can have their leaves and stems removed to prevent the spread of fungal diseases over winter.
Fall Pruning Tips:
Know your plants! Different species have different pruning needs. Do your research to understand the specific requirements of your Southern Utah plants before reaching for the shears.
Sharp tools are essential. Dull tools can crush and damage branches, making your plants more susceptible to disease. Use sharp pruning shears, loppers, and saws for clean cuts.
Make clean cuts. Always cut at a 45-degree angle just above a bud that points in the direction you want new growth to go.
Don't go overboard. Remember, the goal is to remove dead, diseased, or unwanted growth, not to drastically alter the natural shape of your plant. Prune lightly and gradually.
Timing is key. In most climates, wait until after the first frost but before a hard freeze to prune.
