Pros and Cons of Fall Pruning

Do you know when to prune trees and shrubs? Rose pruning is generally considered a task best left for fall. Pruning trees after the leaves have dropped in late autumn is another option -- for some. The 'when' of correct tree and shrub growth removal is hotly debated; in fact, it is fair to say that the battle lines are drawn more decisively than when discussing pruning techniques. Are you hip to the pros and cons of fall pruning? Do you figure you'll get around to it when you have some spare time? Even this approach may not be in the best interest of your garden.

Rose Pruning: Fall is a good Time for Cane Cuts

The Rose Magazine is clear in its advice on fall pruning. The goal of the exercise is the prevention of loosened roots, which can be the case when a bush made up of long canes experiences the pummeling of strong winter winds. A smaller bush -- or one properly thinned out -- does not endanger the plant. Yet even here there are caveats. If your fall suddenly gives way to a few more warm summery days, the cuts may encourage new growth, which then leads to frost death. Wait too long, and the plant looses its sap. A similar philosophy is espoused by those cutting by trees and shrubs.

Floral Intactivists disagree

The Rodale gardening expert heartily disagrees. Asserting that "fall pruning could cause more harm than good," this gardening intactivist does not want anything to come into the cross-hairs of a pruning shear. Winter pruning may be permissible, although spring pruning is considered the new gold standard for the practice. The logic has some merit. For example, an early fall pruning counteracts the plant's need for dormancy as new growth may follow a clipping.

Straight from the Colorado State University's Mouth

Dr. James Feucht gives fall pruning the green thumbs up. He believes that "mid-to-late fall is a great time to prune." There are no leaves to get in the way. Problem areas and dead wood are easy to recognize. He calls special attention to "V" shaped tree limb configurations, which may become tomorrow's winter storm breakage. Mind you, Colorado fall is very different from autumn in other portions of the country!

What does it all mean?

Fall pruning is not without danger. Even though in colder areas the latter portion of fall is safe, in the more temperate regions -- such as sunny Southern California -- it may indeed cause more harm than good. Of course, the idea of winter pruning is a double-edged sword as well; once again, Southern California winters can be notoriously soggy, which is a big no-no when it comes to pruning.

Opt for a middle of the road compromise when deciding when to prune. Remove heavily diseased, dead or partially broken branches in the fall. There is nothing to be gained by keeping these on the trees or shrubs. Use proper pruning techniques for optimum wound healing and pick the first part of winter for the rest of the pruning. Avoid the wet portion of the season.

By the way, if you have shrubs that flower during spring, prune them after blooming; do not wait until fall or winter.

Sources

Rose Magazine: "Pruning Roses"

Rodale: "Fall Pruning: Don't Do It!"

Colorado State University: "Fall Pruning"

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