Roses can be pruned in fall or spring—fall helps with shaping, while spring pruning supports fresh growth. In cold zones, stick to light fall pruning to avoid frost damage; in mild zones, heavier cuts ...

Light fall pruning keeps lavender neat, healthy, and less prone to winter injury. Never cut more than one-third of new growth or prune too late in fall. Avoid cutting woody stems since lavender won’t ...

Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is one of those garden favorites that offers what feels like a reward for the hard work you put into your landscaping. With its tall stems and bursts of color, this perennial ...

To cut or not to cut? That is the perennial question—pardon the pun—when it comes to cutting back plants in fall. With perennials, there is no one perfect time to cut back plants as a group. Some ...

Pruning can still be done. Contrary to popular belief, pruning can be done year-round. Light, judicious pruning in the fall does not kill plants and is often needed to control straggly and overgrown ...

The flowers are fading, leaves are falling, and the lawn has lost its summer beauty as we inch into autumn. Drought and intense heat have left many plants struggling, and what was once a beautiful ...

Prune annual herbs like basil fully before frost, but leave cold-hardy types to reseed naturally. Lightly trim woody herbs like sage and thyme; save heavy pruning for spring. Use mulch or covers to ...