5 Plants to Prune in November Before It’s Too Late
By The Dirt Doctor® — Brooks Landscaping, Paulding County, GA
As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, most Georgia homeowners think yard work is done for the year — but November might be the most important month of all for your landscape.
Fall is the time when your plants are preparing for dormancy, and a proper pruning routine can make all the difference between thriving spring growth and a messy, stunted start.
At Brooks Landscaping, we specialize in landscaping that solves problems, and seasonal maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment. If you live in Paulding County, Dallas, Hiram, or surrounding Georgia areas, here are five plants you should prune in November before it’s too late.
🌳 1. Crape Myrtles — The Southern Classic That Needs Structure
Few plants represent the South like a Crape Myrtle — but unfortunately, few plants are also pruned as badly.
Homeowners often commit what professionals call “crape murder” by cutting them down to stubs.
When and How to Prune:
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Prune lightly in November to remove dead branches, seed pods, and crossed limbs.
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Avoid hard cutting; you only need to shape and thin for airflow.
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Use sharp, clean tools and make clean cuts just above lateral buds.
Proper pruning encourages new growth and larger blooms while preventing disease and bark damage.
💬 “Healthy pruning is about direction, not destruction.” — The Dirt Doctor®
🌿 2. Hydrangeas — Timing Is Everything
Hydrangeas are beloved for their big, beautiful blooms — but pruning at the wrong time can mean no flowers next year.
How to Know What to Cut:
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If you have Bigleaf Hydrangeas (macrophylla), avoid major pruning now — they bloom on old wood.
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For Panicle (Limelight) or Smooth (Annabelle) Hydrangeas, light pruning in November is fine.
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Remove spent flowers, weak stems, and dead wood, but don’t cut into healthy green growth.
Proper late-season pruning helps prevent disease and makes way for stronger stems come spring.
🌸 “Hydrangeas are like people — timing and care make all the difference.” — Greg Brooks, The Dirt Doctor®
5 Plants to Prune in November Before It’s Too Late
By The Dirt Doctor® — Brooks Landscaping, Paulding County, GA
As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, most Georgia homeowners think yard work is done for the year — but November might be the most important month of all for your landscape.
Fall is the time when your plants are preparing for dormancy, and a proper pruning routine can make all the difference between thriving spring growth and a messy, stunted start.
At Brooks Landscaping, we specialize in landscaping that solves problems, and seasonal maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment. If you live in Paulding County, Dallas, Hiram, or surrounding Georgia areas, here are five plants you should prune in November before it’s too late.
🌳 1. Crape Myrtles — The Southern Classic That Needs Structure
Few plants represent the South like a Crape Myrtle — but unfortunately, few plants are also pruned as badly.
Homeowners often commit what professionals call “crape murder” by cutting them down to stubs.
When and How to Prune:
-
Prune lightly in November to remove dead branches, seed pods, and crossed limbs.
-
Avoid hard cutting; you only need to shape and thin for airflow.
-
Use sharp, clean tools and make clean cuts just above lateral buds.
Proper pruning encourages new growth and larger blooms while preventing disease and bark damage.
💬 “Healthy pruning is about direction, not destruction.” — The Dirt Doctor®
🌿 2. Hydrangeas — Timing Is Everything
Hydrangeas are beloved for their big, beautiful blooms — but pruning at the wrong time can mean no flowers next year.
How to Know What to Cut:
-
If you have Bigleaf Hydrangeas (macrophylla), avoid major pruning now — they bloom on old wood.
-
For Panicle (Limelight) or Smooth (Annabelle) Hydrangeas, light pruning in November is fine.
-
Remove spent flowers, weak stems, and dead wood, but don’t cut into healthy green growth.
Proper late-season pruning helps prevent disease and makes way for stronger stems come spring.
🌸 “Hydrangeas are like people — timing and care make all the difference.” — Greg Brooks, The Dirt Doctor®
🌿 3. Ornamental Grasses — Trim Before They Collapse
Georgia’s ornamental grasses — like Fountain Grass, Pampas Grass, and Miscanthus — add texture and movement to your landscape. But by late fall, they can start to brown, break, or harbor pests.
When and How to Prune:
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Late November is the perfect time to cut them down to 4–6 inches above ground.
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Use hedge trimmers or shears for a clean, even cut.
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Remove dead debris to reduce fire risk and prepare for new growth in spring.
🍃 “Cutting grasses too late can choke new shoots — give them breathing room before winter.” — The Dirt Doctor®
🌺 4. Roses — Clean Up and Control Disease
Roses thrive in Georgia’s climate but can struggle through winter if not properly pruned.
As temperatures drop, it’s time for maintenance pruning, not deep cutting.
Pruning Tips:
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Remove dead or diseased canes immediately.
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Cut off spent blooms and reduce height by about one-third.
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Clean up any fallen leaves or debris to prevent fungal infections.
This keeps air circulating and disease down, ensuring vibrant blooms when spring arrives in Paulding County.
🌹 “The secret to spring roses is a November cleanup.” — The Dirt Doctor®
🌿 5. Perennials and Shrubs — Prepare Them for a Restful Winter
Most Georgia perennials (like Daylilies, Coneflowers, and Hostas) will die back naturally after frost. Pruning these plants before winter helps redirect energy into the root system for stronger regrowth.
What to Do in November:
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Cut back perennials to 2–3 inches above ground.
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Remove yellowed or blackened leaves to stop fungal spread.
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For evergreen shrubs like Boxwoods or Hollies, only lightly shape — heavy pruning should wait until late winter.
This step keeps your landscape tidy and prevents rot or pest problems during dormancy.
🌾 “Healthy plants rest best in clean beds.” — The Dirt Doctor®
🧤 Bonus Tip: Sanitize and Sharpen Your Tools
After pruning, always clean and sanitize your tools. Use rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to remove sap and bacteria. Sharp tools make clean cuts that heal faster and reduce plant stress.
And remember — November is also a great time to apply mulch to insulate roots, preserve moisture, and prevent erosion around plant beds.
🏡 Why Proper Pruning Protects Your Investment
Many homeowners underestimate how powerful pruning can be. When done correctly, it:
✅ Encourages healthy spring growth
✅ Reduces pests and disease
✅ Prevents overgrowth and structural weakness
✅ Keeps your property looking professionally maintained
For homeowners in Dallas, Hiram, and surrounding Paulding County, pruning is about more than looks — it’s about landscape health and protection.
🌳 Need Professional Help? The Dirt Doctor® Can Handle It
If you’re not sure what or when to prune, or if your yard needs a seasonal cleanup, Brooks Landscaping can help.
We offer full-service landscape maintenance, drainage repair, grading, sod installation, and seasonal care designed for Georgia homeowners who want long-lasting results.
📞 Call or Text: 678-200-6087
💻 Visit: www.mrtdoctor.com
💬 We Make Dirt Look Good™ — The Dirt Doctor®
👨🌾 About the Author
Greg Brooks — The Dirt Doctor®
Founder of Brooks Landscaping, Greg has been serving Paulding County homeowners for over 15 years, helping families protect and beautify their landscapes through expert drainage, grading, and seasonal maintenance services.
“Landscaping that solves problems. Designed to drain. Built to last.”
