To prune or not to prune, that is the question!
Apparently, the correct answer is not to prune in order to help our overwintering beneficial insects and birds.
You can be part of the solution, instead of part of the problem by reviewing this quick guide, provided by UCCE Placer County Master Gardeners, on how to easily provide natural habitat for those many species that nature supports in our area.
Doing less is actually doing more!
https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/publications/18-014.pdf
