To cut a plant that is too tall without killing it, identify the height you want and make a clean, 45 45-degree cut with sterilized shears about 14 14 inch above a leaf node (where a leaf joins the stem). This signals the plant to safely push out new growth.
Certain trees are unsuitable for residential yards due to invasive roots that damage pipes and foundations, weak or brittle wood that snaps in high winds, and excessive debris that attracts pests. Planting these trees too close to your house often leads to expensive property damage.
For many, it's best to avoid pruning in the fall because it can stimulate new growth that will be damaged by cold. On the other hand, there are a few plants to prune in October, especially if you want to keep your garden looking gorgeous right through to spring.
Cut back tall shoots
To make plant bushier, shorten stems and prune back to a side branch or bud. Hint: Place cutting blade closest to the part of the plant you want to keep and the thick bypass part on the side you are cutting off.
Plants to Prune in October
For outdoor plants, the general rule is that plants should be trimmed at the very end of winter or the beginning of the growing season (spring and summer). That will mean you're giving them a haircut just as they're preparing for some vigorous growth. You shouldn't prune a plant when it's flowering.
Avoid pruning plants that bloom on "old wood" (buds set the previous year), bleed heavy sap, or need winter cold protection. Pruning these in winter risks losing next year’s flowers or stressing the plant.
For roses planted in particularly windy or exposed areas we suggest pruning shrub roses by 1/3 of their size in mid to late October; once the last of the roses have faded. This prevents 'wind rock' which is when the rose becomes loose at the base where it meets the soil, due to wind exposure.
Bill Gates argued against relying on planting trees as a primary solution to climate change, calling the idea "complete nonsense". He believes tree planting is insufficient, unproven at scale, and distraction from necessary technological solutions like direct air capture, arguing that emissions reduction requires fundamental industrial changes rather than relying on reforestation.
Do you know that this beautiful flowering plant is actually a silent killer? In 1807, the British brought it to India only for decoration. But this Lantana camara, which came out of the Kolkata Botanical Garden, has become an enemy of our forests today.
The 11 Worst Trees For Your Home
One of the eaiest ways to reduce height and the need for PGR treatment is to maximize the amount of light plants receive to reduce "stretch." This means adequate spacing, clean glass, and fresh plastic covering. For some plants supplemental HID lighting may be feasible.
When and How to Prune Your Plants: Top off your plants while they are young to encourage them to grow out, rather than up. The picture on the left is a pepper plant that I “topped off.” That means that I cut off the top of the plant to slow it's progress growing up, and to make the plant more bushy and compact.
Cutting back overgrown plants is a process of selective removal (pruning) to manage size, shape, and health. Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant, and cut at a 45-degree angle just above a bud or node.
Stop plants from growing too tall by pruning the growing tips, bending or tying stems down (Low Stress Training), and increasing light exposure to prevent "stretching". Consistent plant management redirects energy from vertical growth into fuller, bushier, and more stable foliage.
When you cut a plant stem, it triggers two main responses: the parent plant redirects its energy to sprout new branches, and the severed piece can grow roots to become an entirely new plant.
Fruit Trees (Apples, Pears, and Plums): October is an excellent time to remove dead or diseased wood from fruit trees. Pruning fruit trees helps prevent the spread of fungal diseases and improves air circulation, which is crucial for fruit production next season.
Avoid pruning plants that bloom on "old wood" (buds set the previous year), bleed heavy sap, or need winter cold protection. Pruning these in winter risks losing next year’s flowers or stressing the plant.
Some perennials, like hostas, peonies and daylilies, need to be pruned in fall to avoid winter damage. Plants like these should be pruned after the first few frosts in late fall or early winter. Other perennials like mums and coneflowers are better off being pruned in spring just before new growth comes in.
Fruit bushes such as currants and gooseberries will benefit from thinning out, while perennials that lack decorative seed heads should be cut back to the ground. Autumn is also the time to prune tender plants such as lavender and rosemary, which won't withstand pruning in winter.
In gardening, the "70/30 rule" is a flexible guideline used in several different ways depending on your gardening goals. The three most common interpretations involve native plants, garden design, and vegetable growing.
Common pruning mistakes to avoid include over-pruning (removing >25-30% of foliage), pruning at the wrong time, using dull/dirty tools, and improper cutting techniques like topping or flush cuts. These errors stress plants, invite disease, or cause irreversible structural damage. Proper cuts are made just outside the branch collar.