Is Your Landscape Ready for Winter?
The warmer than average temperatures this fall may create some problems for our landscape plants. Cool temperatures along with shorter days cause our plants to "harden off" and prepare for winter. Some buds on trees are swelling and not maturing normally. We'll have to watch and see what happens in the spring. At this writing we are lacking in rainfall and it is extremely important to deep water mature trees, especially evergreens and any plants added to your landscape in the past 2 years. Do not put the hoses away yet, especially if you are taking advantage of some late sales and are still planting. Trees and shrubs planted this fall and in particular those that are evergreen, those keeping their foliage whether leaves or needles, are most vulnerable to winter damage. Be sure to soak them once a week if it doesn't rain so they are well hydrated going into freezing temperatures. To avoid damage to your plumbing disconnect the hose from outside faucets when it is going to freeze.
Yes, plants need adequate moisture at the root zone in the winter. Remember, the humidity outside is lower in the winter and when the winds are howling, moisture is lost from exposed bark and the leaves and needles of evergreens. One thing to consider is applying an anti-desiccant spray like Wilt Pruf® or Stop Wilt® which will coat the plant surfaces with a clear membrane to reduce evaporation. There should be a 2" layer of mulch for both moisture and temperature protection of the roots for any newly planted plants. If you have any young shade trees protect the trunks from Sun Scald and eventual bark splitting. Tree guards that provide protection from the southwest sun, AKA "sun scald", should be in place by the end of November until March.(see photos). This is critically important for trees with thin bark. Install white Tree Trunk Protectors, they are very important for trees like red or swamp maple varieties preventing the sun from heating up the southwest side of the tree trunk when cold temperatures are here, causing the bark to split.
These seeming small details can make a huge difference in protecting the investment that has been in our properties. None of us want our plants to be damaged or killed even though most garden centers guarantee them. We want to avoid having to spend the time and effort of replanting and having to reestablish plants and losing a year or more of valuable growth. If you haven't fertilized your lawn this fall there is still time to do that. Plant roots are active, absorbing nutrients, whenever the soil is not frozen. Late fall feeding of turf is the most important application all year. The plants in our yards will start off next spring much better when they have food available during the winter months. Think about adding some indoor plants to your living area at home or office this winter. Plants improve our environment by improving the quality of the air we breathe as they fortify the environment with oxygen and "soften" the indoor environment. There is no better time to do this than at holiday time with a beautiful, poinsettia or other seasonal blooming plants. They are easy to care for and they improve our psyche with their soothing nature.
Send any questions or comments to info@meadowview.com .
30 years of Growing
Meadow View Growers
New Carlisle, OH
www.meadowview.com