As perennials go dormant, don’t be afraid to trim them back.  Trim back tender perennials such as firebush, Mexican heather and lantanas after the first freeze and then mulch them to protect them from the cold.  Fall is also a great time for moving and dividing perennials; it will reduce your work next spring. The cool, moist weather is ideal for perennial roots to become well established.  A good rule-of-thumb is to move and divide plants in the fall that bloom between early spring and late June, if the plant blooms after June, you may want to wait until early spring to do any dividing.  Always remember to cut back the foliage by at least half to prevent serious wilting; this helps keep the leaf mass in proportion to the reduced number of roots.  And remember, if you’re a less experienced gardener and are not sure what to do or when exactly to do it, you can always do nothing – it just means you’ll have a bit more work to do in the spring.  Another good option is always to hire a professional to help your yard and garden during the transitions between seasons.  Most landscapers, including Bonick Landscaping, offer as-needed garden and lawn maintenance.