Prune shrubs with long branches now to prevent wind damage

Shrubs with a lot of new growth and long shoots are susceptible to wind and storm damage in the fall. You can prevent this by pruning these shrubs now. This isn’t a formal pruning session, like winter or summer pruning, but rather the trimming and cutting back of long shoots, runners, and branches.

Prune butterfly bushes, shrub roses, and shrub mallows now to prevent damage in the fall

Butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) are relatively susceptible to damage from wind, storms, and snow. It is therefore advisable to prune them around October, especially if the shrub is exposed to the wind.

Other shrubs you can prune back a bit around October include shrub roses (Rosa), botanical or wild roses (such as Rosa pimpinellifolia, Rosa rubignosa, and Rosa rugosa), shrub mallow (Lavatera), and possibly hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus). If possible, wait until mid-March to prune hibiscus to prevent frost damage. You can also prune (evergreen) climbing plants with long shoots now. Of course, you can also tie up climbing plants again!

How do you prune in the fall?

Choose a dry day for pruning. Trim the long branches and shoots back by about half. You can do this with sharp (and clean) pruning shears or loppers.

Pruning just above a branch or leaf creates a more natural look, making the pruning wounds less noticeable. When pruning, vary the height slightly to minimize this effect. Unfortunately, you can’t completely avoid an unattractive and unnatural shape. This becomes especially noticeable once the leaves have fallen. Nevertheless, this helps prevent storm and wind damage, which would otherwise be much worse. Shrubs with long branches can even become dislodged at the root ball and uproot due to strong winds. This risk is particularly present with new plantings and younger plants.