For all my plants I put an extra layer of mulch, this summer, it was oak leaves. They were just sitting around begging to be used. Covering bare ground around any plant is a good thing. The extra stuff on top will help retain moisture in the ground. I don't think I would bother cutting back right now, with the end of the season coming, very fast!

HL

i would wack the a lot of the stressed out plants and you may get some fresh foliage and possibly repeat bloom with some depending on what plants you speak of

We cut down a tree, and now the Pachysandra bed that was under the tree is in full Sun. Of course, the drought and the hot sun has turned the bed tan/brown. What to do? With the tree gone, this may happen each August. Plant grass?