Fall is here and it’s time to take a closer look at your garden! While many gardeners may feel the urge to tidy up their landscapes, fall pruning requires a careful approach to ensure the health and longevity of your plants. Here’s a guide to help you determine what to prune and what to leave alone as the colder months approach.
Why Prune in Fall?
Pruning in the fall can help shape and maintain your plants, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote healthier growth in the spring. However, timing and technique are essential to avoid damaging your plants during their dormancy.
What to Prune
Dead or Diseased Branches:
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. This helps prevent the spread of disease and allows the plant to conserve energy for healthy growth.
Perennials:
Cut back perennials that have finished blooming. This not only tidies up the garden but also allows for better airflow around the plants, reducing the risk of disease over winter.
Deciduous Trees:
Lightly prune deciduous trees to remove any crossing branches or to shape the tree. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stress the tree before winter.
Fruit Trees:
Fall is an excellent time to prune fruit trees, particularly apple and pear trees. Focus on removing any dead or crossing branches, and ensure the tree maintains an open center to promote air circulation.
Ornamental Grasses:
Cut back ornamental grasses to about 6 inches above the ground. This will encourage new growth in the spring.
What Not to Prune
Spring-Blooming Shrubs:
Avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs and azaleas in the fall. These plants set their buds for next spring’s flowers in the summer, so pruning them now will remove those buds and reduce blooming.
Evergreens:
Refrain from heavy pruning of evergreens in the fall. While you can remove dead branches, significant pruning can expose the plant to winter damage.
Certain Trees:
Avoid pruning trees like oaks and maples in the fall. These species are prone to diseases like oak wilt and can bleed sap when pruned in late fall. It’s best to wait until late winter or early spring when they are still dormant and the risk of disease transmission is lower.
Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs:
If you’ve recently planted trees or shrubs, avoid heavy pruning in the fall. These plants need to establish their root systems before winter, and excessive pruning can hinder this process.
General Tips for Fall Pruning
- Timing is Key: Aim to prune during dry weather when plants are less likely to be stressed. Late September to mid-November is generally a good window in Michigan.
- Use Clean Tools: Always use sharp, clean pruning shears or saws to make clean cuts. This helps prevent disease transmission and promotes quicker healing.
- Make Proper Cuts: Follow the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk) when making cuts. This helps the plant heal and prevents water from pooling in cuts, which can lead to rot.
- Monitor Weather Conditions: If an early frost is expected, it’s wise to complete any pruning before it arrives. Cold temperatures can cause stress to freshly pruned plants.
- Mulch and Protect: After pruning, consider adding mulch around the base of plants to protect roots from extreme temperatures. This is especially important for newly planted or sensitive species.
Conclusion
Fall pruning in Michigan can enhance the overall appearance and health of your garden, but knowing what to prune and what to leave alone is crucial. By focusing on dead or diseased growth and avoiding cuts to spring-bloomers and certain trees, you can prepare your landscape for the winter months while promoting robust growth come spring. Happy gardening, and enjoy the beauty of the fall season in Michigan!