As this season winds down, I am looking at some sad Hosta foliage. I am curoius about whether you like to cut the spent foliage off, or leave it? I know it sort of "disintegrates" in time, and will be fine to leave.
Its just that I work as a landscape maintenance supervisor, and we have a lot of customers that prefer that we cut it down for appearance sake. I usually let mine fade away on its own without doing anything to it.
Are there any benefits to either option? Just wondering what other Hostaholics think...

I've read that cutting the foliage back in the fall helps prevent mold in the spring. I've cut back and I've left foliage to die out and clean up in the spring. Didn't see a difference! I know it's a lot easier on my back to just let them die and clean up in the spring

I dont cut miney either. I just clean up in the Spring.

what ever comes off in the fall clean up - in the spring i clear everything left out

I guess what I'm wondering, is if it is harmful to cut back in the fall? Anybody know?

It is mainly a personal preference. Some people claim it keeps down disease. A benefit in the fall is if you have nemetodes, you are getting rid of infested leaves.

Thanks to all you fine Hosta people. I'll just keep on doing what I do...
I like to wait until the foliage is limp and faded, and then give it a tug, and what comes out comes out, and the rest can stay.
It is hard for me to cut down a beautiful big plant at this time of year.

I leave the leaves til spring cause it helps keep hosta and tree leaves over the crowns for added insulation over the winter (and I tire of garden work by the fall).