Fall is prime pruning season in North Carolina, and some plants flourish when trimmed now. These 12 deserve your attention before winter arrives.
Proper pruning keeps plants healthy and beautiful. Check your garden for these must-prune species this month.
1. Crape Myrtle
Fall isn’t for major cuts on these beauties, but light maintenance works wonders. Remove crossing branches and dead limbs to improve airflow throughout the plant.
North Carolina gardeners know these flowering trees need minimal October pruning – just enough to tidy them up. Save heavy pruning for late winter when the tree is fully dormant.
2. Roses
October’s the time to give your roses a light trim before winter sets in. Cut back any dead or diseased canes and remove spent blooms to prevent hip formation.
Many Carolina gardeners make the mistake of heavy pruning now – don’t do it! Just a gentle cleanup keeps plants healthy until the major pruning season arrives in early spring.
3. Hydrangeas
Careful with these showstoppers! Only prune the types that bloom on new wood, like ‘Annabelle’ or ‘Limelight’ varieties. Remove dead stems and spent flower heads.
North Carolina’s climate is perfect for hydrangeas, but timing matters. If yours bloom on old wood, hands off until after flowering next year or you’ll lose next season’s beautiful blooms!
4. Butterfly Bush
These fast-growing shrubs benefit from an October haircut in the Tar Heel State. Trim back by about one-third to prevent winter damage from ice and snow accumulation.
The pruning encourages bushier growth next spring. Many North Carolina gardeners find butterfly bushes grow almost too vigorously, so don’t worry about being too gentle with your cuts.
5. Tomato Plants
Got late-season tomatoes still producing? Give them a final chance to ripen by cutting back foliage to expose green fruits to sunlight. Remove any diseased branches immediately.
North Carolina’s mild October weather often allows for extended harvests. Once the first frost warning comes, you’ll need to harvest everything or say goodbye to your tomato dreams until next year!
6. Perennial Herbs
Woody herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme appreciate a light October trim in North Carolina gardens. Never cut into woody stems – just shape the plants and remove any dead portions.
The mild fall climate helps herbs recover before winter dormancy sets in. Many Carolina gardeners harvest extra sprigs during pruning for drying or freezing to enjoy throughout the cold months.
7. Summer-Flowering Clematis
Late-blooming clematis varieties benefit from October pruning in the Carolina garden. Cut back stems that flowered this year to about 2-3 feet from ground level to encourage strong spring growth.
The key is knowing which type you have! Spring-flowering varieties should never be pruned now. North Carolina gardeners often mark their clematis types to remember proper pruning times for each.
8. Blackberry Canes
October’s perfect for tackling those thorny blackberry patches. Remove all canes that produced fruit this year – they won’t fruit again. They’re usually browner than the fresh green canes.
North Carolina’s climate is ideal for growing juicy blackberries. Thinning out the patch now prevents disease and improves air circulation, which leads to bigger, better berries next summer.
9. Ornamental Grasses
Resist the urge to cut these back now! Their golden plumes add winter interest to the North Carolina landscape. Instead, just remove any dead or broken stalks to keep them looking tidy.
Full cutbacks should wait until late winter before new growth emerges. Many Carolina gardeners appreciate how these grasses catch morning frost, creating spectacular winter garden scenes.
10. Evergreen Shrubs
October offers the perfect opportunity to shape those boxwoods, hollies, and junipers before winter. Make small, selective cuts rather than severe pruning to maintain the plant’s natural form.
The moderate North Carolina autumn temperatures allow plants to heal before cold weather arrives. Just remember to never remove more than one-third of the plant at once to prevent stress.
11. Blueberry Bushes
Light pruning works wonders for blueberries this time of year. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation throughout the bush.
North Carolina’s acidic soil makes it blueberry heaven! Save major rejuvenation pruning for late winter, but this October maintenance helps prevent disease issues during the damp winter months.
12. Japanese Maples
These stunning trees need minimal pruning, but October’s a good time to remove any dead or crossing branches. Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar to promote proper healing.
North Carolina’s climate allows Japanese maples to thrive with minimal care. Focus on maintaining the tree’s natural elegant form rather than heavy reshaping, which can stress these delicate beauties.