Should I Cut Back My Perennials In The Fall?

Some gardeners like to cut down their perennials in the fall.  This way the garden is nice and tidy when spring comes.  However, it might be better for the plants to leave them (maybe trim a little if they are  floppy and messy) and let them die back over the winter.  The energy from the plants will be drawn back into the roots.  The crowns of the plants (the part from which the foliage grows at ground level) will be covered by the dead foliage and protected from the winter cold.  Early spring is the best time to  cut the dead foliage from the perennials and allow them to grow back.
*Don't trim or prune lavender or culinary sage in the fall.  It will likely kill the plant.

Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten' - culinary sage - waterwise in utah

Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten' - culinary sage