Chores Before the Snow Flies

Saturday, October 20, 2007 03:45 AM

It will not be long before the snow begins to fall and temperatures drop so you want to make sure that the garden and yard are ready to survive the upcoming winter. The following is a list of chores that should be done to help plants come through the winter healthy and damage free.

Any newly planted large caliper trees or other fragile trees should be staked to prevent heavy winds from blowing them over or breaking them. Stake a tree by placing a 3-5 foot heavy metal stake, 4-6 inches away from the main trunk and then pound it into the soil at a depth of 12-18 inches so that it is secure. Next using tree rope or jute (not wire or plastic as this cuts into the bark of the tree) secure the tree to the stake.

Broad-leafed evergreens such as rhododendrons need to be wrapped with burlap to prevent the foliage from dehydrating. It is also a good idea to wrap Alberta Spruce as these tend to get a winter burn which damages the foliage. Cedars should be wrapped with either burlap, string, or an old tennis net etc. to prevent the branches from being bent and damaged by heavy snows. You want to do this when you know the temperatures will remain cold. If you do this when the temperatures are warm you could get a fungus or mold forming due to warm temperatures and pure air circulation.

To keep trees and shrubs strong over the winter months, fertilize them with 0-0-50 which is a fertilizer that contains 50% potassium. Potassium helps increase disease resistance as well as aid in plant hardiness. This is not necessary for all trees and shrubs but certainly for those that are fragile or weak.

Perennials can be cut back to within 6 inches above ground level. You want to leave six inches of growth so that the remaining stems will catch the snow resulting in a warm winter blanket. It also helps mark the spot where the perennial is growing so that next spring you will know where it is. It is also a good idea to label where you have planted bulbs and perennials so that next spring you will not accidentally dig them up.

This year it is important to clean up the perennials so that mice will not nest in the dying foliage over winter. I have noticed an abundance of mice this year which can cause a lot of damage. If you haven¡¦t already done so, put mice guards on all your deciduous trees to protect them from mice eating the bark over the winter. Place the mice guards at ground level and have them go up the first 4-5 feet of the main stem.

Remember to keep everything well watered until the frost sets into the ground. Don't forget those plants that are under the eaves and close to the buildings!

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Garden Centres in the Prince George area: