Fall Cleanup

Is it really necessary to clean up dead stems and gather all the leaves? Did you know that leaves, twigs and organic debris collect around the crown of plants when you leave the plant stems? The leaves, twigs and other organic debris are a good winter mulch and help increase winter hardiness for those plants.

However, fall cleanup in the garden isn’t just about the removal of dead leaves and debris. Be sure to examine your perennials and annuals before you decide to do any fall cleanup. Removing any plants with rot, wilt or disease is wise. Many of the pathogens on them can overwinter and show up next spring. Healthy plant material is welcome to stay whether you do a fall cleanup or wait until spring.

The type of garden that you want to clean up matters as well. Vegetable gardens and annual beds should be cleaned thoroughly. Tilling the old leaves and debris into the soil helps minimize an area for insects to shelter that can overwinter.  

According to Nebraska Extension horticulture educator Kathleen Cue, cutting stems allows water to make its way down into the crown of perennials. This can cause them to freeze and thaw and rot. Caryopteris, chrysanthemum and butterfly bush are plants that need not be pruned back in the fall for this very reason.

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