Fall Pruning Guide for Plattsburgh, NY: Keeping Your Landscape Healthy and Beautiful

Fall in Plattsburgh brings crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the perfect opportunity for seasonal pruning to prepare your garden for the winter months ahead. As temperatures cool and plants enter dormancy, follow this comprehensive guide for fall pruning in Plattsburgh, NY, to promote the health, vigor, and resilience of your landscape.

1. Focus on Dead and Diseased Branches:

• Start by inspecting your trees, shrubs, and perennials for any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Prune these out using clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers, making clean cuts just outside the branch collar to promote healing.

2. Prepare for Winter Storms:

• With Plattsburgh's snowy winters in mind, prune trees to remove any weak, overgrown, or structurally unsound branches that could pose a risk of breakage or damage during winter storms. Pay special attention to trees near structures or power lines.

3. Thin Out Dense Growth:

• Thin out dense growth in shrubs and hedges to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Remove any overcrowded or crossing branches, focusing on opening up the canopy to allow sunlight to penetrate and reach the interior branches.

4. Prune Summer-Flowering Shrubs:

• For shrubs that bloom on new wood, such as butterfly bush (Buddleia) and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), fall is an ideal time for rejuvenation pruning. Cut back these shrubs by one-third to one-half of their height to encourage vigorous new growth next spring.

5. Avoid Pruning Spring-Blooming Plants:

• Be cautious when pruning spring-flowering shrubs and trees, such as lilacs and forsythia, as they set their flower buds in the fall. To avoid cutting off next year's blooms, wait to prune these plants until after they've finished flowering in the spring.

6. Shape Evergreen Trees and Shrubs:

• Shape evergreen trees and shrubs, such as yews (Taxus) and arborvitae (Thuja), to maintain their desired form and size. Use hand pruners or hedge trimmers to remove any stray or wayward branches.

7. Clean Up Fallen Leaves:

• As you prune, be sure to clean up any fallen leaves and debris from your lawn and garden beds. Piles of leaves can smother grass and provide habitat for pests and diseases, so either rake them up for composting or mulch them with a lawn mower for nutrient-rich mulch.

8. Consult a Professional:

• If you're unsure about the best pruning practices for your specific plants or if you have large trees or complex pruning needs, consider consulting an arborist or professional landscaper for expert guidance and assistance.

By following this fall pruning guide tailored for upstate NY, you can ensure that your landscape remains healthy, vibrant, and well-prepared for the winter season ahead. Happy pruning!