As the leaves fall and gardens start to fade, one of the most common questions we hear this time of year is: Should I cut my perennials back in the fall, or leave them standing through winter?

The answer — as with most things in gardening — is: it depends!

There are great reasons to do a fall cut-back. Tidying up spent foliage helps reduce the spread of disease and pest issues that can overwinter in dead plant material. It also makes spring cleanup much faster, and gives gardens a neat, well-kept look going into the dormant season. Some plants, like daylilies or hostas, tend to turn to mush after frost and are often best removed once they collapse.

On the other hand, there is a growing movement toward leaving more structure in the garden over winter. Seed heads from coneflowers, grasses, and black-eyed Susans feed birds and add beautiful texture and movement when covered in frost or snow. Standing stems also provide valuable shelter for overwintering pollinators, which can lay eggs or pupate in the hollow stems of perennials.

At Poplar Point Studio, we believe there is no single “right” answer. The best approach depends on your personal preference, plant palette, and maintenance goals. We often help clients decide by blending both philosophies — cutting back what truly needs it, and leaving a few select plants for winter interest and habitat value.

So whether you prefer a tidy slate or a wilder winter garden, know that both approaches can be right — and your garden will thank you either way.