On 23 Oct 2006 06:47:37 -0700, "Jo Ann" wrote:

I have read that one should not prune shrubs in the fall, since that
will prompt them to put out more growth heading into winter. However,
due to my extended absences this summer, my shrubs became overgrown and
look really ratty. Do I really have to just grin and bear it until
spring?

Thanks in advance for all advice,
Jo Ann


Not really. But the question is what kind of shrubs? Ideally they
should be pruned soon after they bloom. In general pruning does
encourage new growth, but when the temperatures fall below 50 it won't
produce much new growth.