Art in the garden: Don’t make pruning your top fall chore

There is plenty to do in the fall garden — cutting back fading foliage and flowers, pulling weeds exposed by garden clean up, raking leaves, the list goes on and on. But should pruning be on your list of things to do?

While it may seem a logical part of fall clean up, most plants should not be pruned in the fall. Here’s a look at the different plant groups and the best time to prune each type.

TreesWinter, not fall, is the best time to prune most deciduous trees. Once all the leaves have fallen, it is easier to see a tree#146;s structure. You will notice crossing branches, broken limbs and watersprouts. When a tree is dormant, insects that might invade a fresh pruning wound are inactive and cause no threat.Pruning stimulates new growth. Any new growth needs to harden off before hard freezes #8212; another reason not to prune in fall.Fall pruning should be limited to the removal of broken branches and any limbs blocking sidewalks or driveways that might fall under the weight of heavy snow. You should also prune any branches damaged by pest or disease. This will prevent the culprit from overwintering in the tree.Never try to prune a branch that is higher than you can reach. Instead, call a reputable, licensed contractor. The International Society of Arboriculture lists members on its website at isa-arbor.com.ShrubsConsider the bloom time of a shrub before pruning. Spring bloomers like lilacs, viburnum and forsythia have already formed their flower buds for next spring. Any pruning now will diminish the shrub#146;s blooming display next spring. Wait until after they bloom to prune these. You should also wait to prune shrubs that bloom in summer and fall. Just like trees, pruning stimulates new growth and any tender new shoots beginning to grow in the fall are much more susceptible to damage from frost.Yews are often at the top of most of our lists of shrubs that need pruning. While these durable, adaptable shrubs won#146;t be damaged by fall pruning, the best time to prune them is right after the fourth of July, and again after their second flush of growth, when they go dormant. A good rule of thumb is to wait for three hard freezes before pruning yews.RosesRoses should not be pruned in the fall. Ideally, you should even stop cutting flowers for bouquets from your roses bushes by Oct. 1 to discourage new growth that will be too tender to survive winter#146;s ferocity.Roses always suffer tip die-back in the winter. A portion of each cane, beginning at the tip and continuing down the stem, is damaged by freezing temperatures. If you prune canes in the fall, the die-back portion will be forced down closer to the crown of the plant. Instead, leave canes standing and pile soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches over the crown creating an insulating blanket.PerennialsWinter interest is one reason to delay perennial pruning until spring. Coneflowers, butterfly bushes, Joe Pye weed, sedum and ornamental grasses are beautiful in the winter garden.Winter protection of the crowns of perennials is another reason. Chrysanthemums and lavenders have a markedly better chance of surviving winter when they were not cut back until spring.For perennials prone to powdery mildew like phlox and bee balm, botrytis like peonies, or Septoria leaf spot like Goldsturm Rudbeckia, prompt pruning is a cultural imperative. Removing diseased foliage is very important so that these funguses don#146;t overwinter on affected foliage just waiting to re-infect new foliage next spring.Take advantage of beautiful autumn days to get out in your garden and prepare it for its winter slumber. Rake those leaves, clean out your vegetable garden, and pull the season#146;s last weeds. But save most of the pruning for later. ŸDiana Stoll is a horticulturist and the retail manager at The Planter#146;s Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040 or visit planterspalette.com. 13721475Don't prune roses in the fall. Tips die off in the winter, so fall pruning will cause that damage to happen closer to the crown.