An Ice Storm in h October was not in our a plans; however, if you do O have trees that suffered as a result of the storm, OSU Extension has a very good fact sheet on managing storm damage trees. If you need a copy of this fact this fact sheet, please call the Blaine County OSU Extension Office at 580-623-5195.
Here are some horticulture tips you can follow:
Lawn & Turf
Fertilize cool-season grasses like fescue with 1-pound nitrogen per 1000 square feet.
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 in early part of winter. Prune only for structural and safety purposes.
Wrap young, thinbarked 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 and burlapped 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.
Fruits & Nuts
Delay pruning fruit trees until next February or March before bud break.
Harvest pecans and walnuts immediately to eliminate deterioration of the kernel.