I would never have even thought of pruning a fern. Ferns die back to the ground for the winter, and the dead fronds protect the roots until they get snow cover. They will rot and go back into soil but that's what they are supposed to do.

If you get snow cover they will soom be covered with snow and you won't have to look at them. If it's over crowded with them then dig out a few in the spring

Thank you! I'm hopeless in this area, but am very eager to learn, which is why I signed up for this forum. I appreciate your response and will not prune them at all.

Hey!! been there, done that.

There is one thing about gardeners --we don't mind sharing what we know. Some of us have been at it longer than others. Often there are many ways of doing things and getting the same results. We find the way that works best for us and we stick to that.

There is one thing about gardening. You will never know everything and it's a life long learning experience. However those of us who do it are addicted and there is great satisfaction in the process.

Waterton, you may also want to visit the Far North forum - it's more for those of us in the colder zones. It's pretty quiet there right now, but will pick up later. A lot of us start dreaming of spring just after the fall clean-up is done! LOL

Wow! Thanks so much for all the encouragement! What a great community. I'll also be sure to visit the Far North forum.