Woody plants are actively building up their storage of sugars as they approach leaf drop. Pruning in the fall limits this process and reduces the amount of energy the plants have available through dormancy. Also, pruning now may encourage woody stems to
send out new growth that will be more susceptible to freeze damage during winter.

With the exception of removing dead or diseased branches, it is best to save pruning until after winter. For shrubs that bloom in spring, pruning in the fall can reduce flowering. Spring-flowering shrubs, such as forsythia, lilac, flowering quince, almond, beautybush, deutzia, pyracantha, mock orange, cotoneaster, weigela, viburnum and witch hazel should be pruned after they bloom.

Summer-blooming shrubs, such as hydrangea, rose of Sharon, butterfly bush and crepe
myrtle, can be pruned in early spring because the blooms establish on new growth. With
a few exceptions, most deciduous trees respond best to late winter/early spring pruning.
Proper timing of pruning allows trees to go into dormancy healthy, without increased
stress from pruning.

Soil tests are useful tools to evaluate the pH and nutrients in the soil. A separate soil
test is needed for each area of the landscape that will be planted. For example, soil
from the lawn should be tested separately from soil in the garden.

Steps for Taking a Soil Sample:
• Identify six to ten spots within the area to be tested.
• Use a soil probe or shovel to collect soil 8-12 inches deep in each spot.
• Remove debris and combine all of the samples collected from this area in a bucket to
create a representative sample.
• Remove one pint of soil and place it in a container. A clean milk carton, resealable bag or similar container will work.
• Label the container with your name, address and information about what you
plan to grow in this area.

Your local agriculture or horticulture agent will either test the sample in the county soil
lab or send it to the K-State soil testing lab. Your agent will make recommendations
based on the results provided by the lab.

We recommend soil testing in the fall/winter before spring planting. This gives you time
to make plans for soil improvement and avoid delays from the soil test labs which tend
to be busier in spring.

Need help finding your Extension agent? Check out this map: https://www.ksre.kstate.edu/about/statewide-locations/

Removing debris from iris plantings is important to
help minimize problems. Iris borer eggs and iris leaf
spot survive in plant debris through the winter.

By removing debris from the garden, you are reducing
the spread of these problems the following growing
season.

Healthy iris leaves can be left intact; they do not
need to be cut back.