Thank you! I’ve been needing to hear exactly this. I’m a very hesitant pruner, so was great to hear not only that I’m not alone but all the reasons we prune, the benefits and specifics for each category of plant we see here in Central Texas.
Remember that the birds eat a lot of these seeds. Especially things like beauty berries n stuff. So keep in mind. It's why a lot of people leave their stuff until springs before cutting back!
What about the bees and other insects larvae that overwinter on the brown of the perennials. I don’t think that any harm comes from waiting to prune until March.
Exactly! And we do mention that. Some people do like to clean up early, but I like to leave overwintering plants for habitat, like you doi. But we can prune progressively to keep habitat but clean up some woodies that are just sticks now.