When fall arrives, it can be tempting to cut everything back and give the landscape a complete cleanup before winter. But in many cases, leaving some healthy perennials, seed heads and ornamental grasses standing can actually benefit the garden.
At Marrazzo’s Garden Center in Newtown, PA, fall is a good time to take a more selective approach to cleanup and decide what should stay and what should go.
Leave Some Perennials Standing
Not every perennial needs to be cut back in fall.
Healthy stems and dried flower heads can continue to add texture and structure after the growing season ends. Some seed heads can also provide a natural food source for birds during the colder months.
Leaving certain perennials in place until late winter or early spring can help extend the season of interest in your landscape.
Let Ornamental Grasses Stay for Winter
Ornamental grasses are often at their best when left standing through winter.
Their seed heads and dried foliage can add movement, height and texture to a landscape that might otherwise look bare. Frost and snow can make them especially attractive during the winter months.
Waiting until late winter or early spring to cut them back allows you to enjoy their structure longer.
Create Habitat for Wildlife
Standing stems, seed heads and natural garden material can provide food and shelter for birds, beneficial insects and other wildlife.
You do not need to leave the entire garden untouched. Even keeping a few areas more natural can help support wildlife while still keeping the landscape looking cared for.
Fallen Leaves Can Be Useful
Leaves do not always need to be removed from every garden bed.
A light layer of leaves can provide insulation, help protect soil and create habitat for small wildlife and insects. Over time, leaves also break down and return organic matter to the soil.
Avoid allowing thick, matted layers to build up where they could smother smaller plants.
What Should You Remove?
Fall cleanup still has an important place in the garden.
Diseased, heavily damaged or pest-infested plant material is generally better removed. You may also want to clean up plants that collapse unattractively or block walkways and other frequently used areas.
The goal is not to skip cleanup entirely. It is to be thoughtful about what you remove and what you leave behind.
Enjoy More Winter Interest
Evergreens, ornamental grasses, dried seed heads, colorful stems and interesting branches can all help make the winter landscape more attractive.
Leaving selected plants standing can make your garden feel more complete through the colder months while also helping wildlife.
Fall Garden Cleanup FAQs
Should I cut back all my perennials in fall?
No. Many healthy perennials can remain standing through winter and be cut back later.
Should ornamental grasses be cut back before winter?
Many ornamental grasses can be left standing until late winter or early spring for added winter interest.
Do seed heads help birds?
Some seed-producing plants can provide a natural food source for birds during fall and winter.
Can I leave fallen leaves in garden beds?
Yes, in moderation. A light layer can be beneficial, but thick mats of leaves may smother smaller plants.
What should I remove during fall cleanup?
Diseased, damaged or pest-infested plant material should generally be removed.
Visit Marrazzo’s Garden Center
Have questions about what to cut back and what to leave standing this fall? Stop by Marrazzo’s Garden Center in Newtown, PA and let us help you get your garden ready for the colder months.
Marrazzo’s Garden Center
591 Durham Road
Newtown, PA 18940
(215) 295-6662
Fall Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
