Many varieties of roses benefit from a late fall pruning. Remove dead or diseased branches and trim back long canes to prevent wind damage.
Cut back perennial plants that have died back for the season, leaving about 2-3 inches of stems above the ground. This helps protect against diseases and pests.
Pruning fruit trees in late fall can help shape the tree and remove diseased or dead branches. It's also a good time to perform routine maintenance.
Certain shrubs, like butterfly bushes and spirea, can be pruned in late fall to maintain their shape and size. However, avoid heavy pruning that may stimulate new growth before winter.
Trim back ornamental grasses to about 4-6 inches above the ground to help prevent breakage due to heavy snow or ice.
Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches from deciduous trees to improve their structure and overall health.
Trim back herbaceous plants like hostas, daylilies, and other perennials after the first frost has killed back their foliage.