By Anita Gall, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Two things not to do in the fall is prune or fertilize trees. Pruning and fertilizing trees and shrubs can invigorate the plant and stimulate new growth, this growth in turn takes time to harden off and to develop cold hardiness, making it more susceptible to winter damage. Pruning of dead or injured branches is acceptable but any structural pruning should be done when the plant is dormant preferably during late winter months.