Pruning Shrubs In The Fall Is Important—Here’s How To Do It Right
Fall isn't just about raking leaves and preparing your garden for winter, it’s also one of the best times to prune your shrubs. With the growing season ending, pruning helps strengthen your plants, keeps them healthy, and sets the stage for better growth in spring. But timing, technique, and understanding your shrubs are key. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a clear guide to help you prune your shrubs the right way this fall.
Why Fall Pruning Matters
Pruning in the fall gives shrubs a clean slate before winter. It removes dead or damaged growth and keeps plants from wasting energy on weak branches. This helps protect them from snow damage and disease. Pruned shrubs are also less likely to become overgrown or misshapen. When done right, fall pruning supports the long-term health and shape of your shrubs, which leads to stronger, fuller growth in the seasons ahead.
Know Which Shrubs to Prune
That being said, not all shrubs respond well to fall pruning. Focus on deciduous shrubs that bloom in summer or later. These shrubs form buds in spring, so cutting them now won't interfere with flowering. Avoid pruning spring-bloomers like lilacs or forsythia, which set buds in fall. Cutting them now will result in no blooms next year. When in doubt, research your specific plant or hold off until late winter when it's safer for more types.
Start With the Right Tools
Having the right tools makes a big difference. Use sharp bypass pruners for thin stems, loppers for thicker branches, and a small pruning saw for anything too big to cut cleanly by hand. Always clean your tools before and after use to prevent spreading disease between plants. If a branch tears or splinters instead of cutting cleanly, your tools likely need sharpening.
Cut with Purpose
Don't just snip randomly either. To prune properly, focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. Then take out any stems that cross or rub, since those can cause wounds that attract pests. Next, thin out crowded areas to let light and air reach the center of the plant. Always cut just above a healthy bud or branching point. This encourages proper regrowth without leaving awkward stubs that could rot or invite insects.
Mind the Timing
Early to mid-fall is ideal for most shrubs. If you wait too late, new cuts may not heal before frost, which can lead to damage. Prune before consistent hard freezes start, when the plant is still moving into dormancy but not fully dormant yet. In colder areas, this often means finishing pruning by late October. Watch the weather and avoid pruning right before a cold snap or heavy rain.
Don't Overdo It
It's tempting to cut a shrub back hard to "clean it up," but over-pruning can stress the plant. Removing more than one-third of the shrub in one season can lead to weak regrowth or winter injury. If your shrub needs major shaping, spread the work over a couple of seasons. Keep pruning light and focused. Healthy plants recover quickly, but even they need time to adjust to change.
Fall pruning might seem like a small task, but it plays a big role in keeping your shrubs healthy and attractive. With the right timing, tools, and a little care, you'll set your plants up for a strong start next spring. Take the time to do it right, and your garden will thank you with fuller, more beautiful growth for seasons to come.