As plants in the landscape go dormant or are killed off by colder temperatures, it is a good time to do some fall cleaning in the landscape.
Leaves falling from trees are a good source of mulch and compost. In wooded areas where there is little understory growth it is best to leave the leaves to decay naturally. If there are groundcovers or turfgrasses growing in the area then it is best to remove the leaves and compost them or use them as mulch.
Most landscape debris can be chipped or ground up to be used in compost piles or as mulch. However, if plants have been plagued with diseases and insects it may be best to remove them completely from the garden by burning them (if allowed in your community) or sending them off to collection facilities. Debris infected with diseases or insects remaining in the landscape will only become a source for infection next year.
Sanitation is an important step in reducing outbreaks of pest problems. A good example is the twigs that frequently fall from trees like pecan. It is very possible they are infected with the larvae of a twig girdler. Larvae overwinter in the dead twigs, eventually pupating in the twig and emerging as an adult next summer. Another good example is the numerous foliar diseases that also overwinter on dead leaves and debris only to spread to new growth the following spring. Removing these organisms from your garden will reduce the chances of them recurring the following year.
Another practice during the fall and winter months that helps keep pests at bay is occasionally tilling fallow ground. Flower or vegetable beds that remain empty during the winter months can be tilled just before freezing temperatures. Hibernating insects are brought to the surface where they will be exposed to and killed by the cold temperatures.
Other Tips for November are:
Lawn & Turf
• Fertilize cool-season grasses like fescue with 1 pound nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft.
• Continue to mow fescue as needed at 2 inches and water during dry conditions.
• Control broadleaf winter weeds like dandelions Keep falling leaves off fescue to avoid damage to the foliage.
Tree & Shrub
• Prune deciduous trees if in early part of winter. Prune only for structural and safety purposes.
• Wrap young, thin-barked trees with a commercial protective material to prevent winter sunscald.
• Apply dormant oil for scale infested trees and shrubs before temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow label directions.
• Continue to plant balled & burlap and containerized trees.
• Watch for arborvitae aphids, which tolerate cooler temperatures in evergreen shrubs.
Flowers
• Tulips can still be successfully planted through the middle of November.
• Leave foliage on asparagus, mums, and other perennials to help insulate crowns from harsh winter conditions.
• Bulbs like hyacinth, narcissus and tulip can be potted in containers for indoor forcing.
Miscellaneous
• Leftover garden seeds can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until next planting season. Discard seeds over 3 years old.
• Gather and shred leaves. Add to compost, use as mulch, or till into garden plots.
• Clean and store garden and landscape tools. Coat with a light application of oil to prevent rusting. Drain fuel tanks, irrigation lines, and hoses. Bring hoses indoors.
Don’t forget to contact the Blaine County Extension Office at 580-623-519