Pruning Basics: What (and What Not) to Cut Back in Fall

Timing and techniques for shrubs, perennials, and trees in autumn

As fall settles into Central Florida, many gardeners wonder what to prune and what to leave alone. While cooler regions across the country prepare their gardens for dormancy, our coastal climate keeps plants growing longer into the season. At Lindley’s Garden Center, we help local gardeners make smart seasonal choices that promote healthy growth year-round.

What to Prune in Fall

Early fall is an ideal time to tidy up plants that have finished blooming or show signs of stress after summer’s heat. Light pruning encourages healthy regrowth and keeps your garden neat heading into the cooler months.

• Tropical shrubs such as hibiscus, bougainvillea, and plumbago can be trimmed lightly to shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning until late winter to protect new growth from any brief cold spells.

• Perennials like pentas, salvias, and lantanas benefit from a light haircut after flowering. This encourages fresh blooms well into the season.

• Palm fronds that are brown or yellow can be removed, but always leave green fronds intact—they provide essential nutrients to the tree.

What Not to Prune

Certain plants should be left untouched until late winter or early spring.

• Cold-sensitive shrubs such as crotons, allamanda, and gardenias should not be pruned before the chance of frost has passed. Fresh cuts make them more vulnerable to cold damage.

• Spring-flowering trees and shrubs like azaleas and camellias set their buds during fall and winter. Pruning now removes next season’s blooms. Wait until after flowering to shape or reduce size.

Best Practices for Healthy Pruning

Always use clean, sharp tools and make cuts at a slight angle above a node or bud. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood first, and avoid over-pruning—removing more than one-third of the plant can cause stress. Follow up with a feeding of Espoma Organic Plant-Tone or Fertilome Tree and Shrub Food to promote recovery and strong root growth.

Need Local Advice?

Every plant behaves a little differently in Florida’s coastal environment. The knowledgeable staff at Lindley’s Garden Center can help you identify the right timing and techniques for your landscape, from native perennials to flowering shrubs and fruit trees.

Visit us at:
Lindley’s Garden Center
1232 Canal Street
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Phone: 386-428-7298
Email: plants@lindleysgardencenter.com
Hours: Sunday 11 AM–4 PM | Tuesday–Saturday 9 AM–5 PM | Closed Mondays