Fall Projects Part 2

By John Wilson

John Wilson

Fall Projects – Part II

Last week I talked about fall projects in the lawn, garden and flowerbeds. Today I wanted to continue my list of fall projects as you prepare for winter around your home.

Trees & Shrubs:

• Don’t prune trees until leaves have fallen. Then (making correct cuts) such as removing limbs rubbing each other, growing back to the middle of the tree, water shoots, lower limbs (on older trees) if they hinder mowing and you want an elevated appearance, but not more than 20% of the total canopy of the tree… do NOT apply wound dressing!

• Protect thin barked younger trees from frost cracking with tree wrap (in late November) or use two boards nailed at a right angle to form an “L.” It should be tall enough to fit under the lowest limb. Then position so the “L” protects the south and west side of the trunk. Put a rag between the boards and the trunk so it doesn’t rub, then loosely tie the boards to the trunk to hold them in place.

• Clean fallen fruit and diseased leaves from under fruit trees, do not add this material to your compost pile.

• Remove and burn, bury or chip before April 1 any Scotch pine that died suddenly as this may have been caused by pine wilt. You can use it at home, but do not transport this wood to be used as firewood because you can move the pest that carries this disease.

• Pick remaining apples before a hard freeze and store them in shallow boxes as close to 32F as possible. Remove damaged fruit so it doesn’t spoil good fruit.

• Deep water trees and shrubs, especially newly planted stock, before the ground freezes. This will take more than a sprinkler used to water your lawn. You want to have good moisture 2-3 feet deep.

• Pull mulch away from trunk of trees or shoots of shrubs to prevent vole damage to the bark

• Protect trees and shrubs from deer rubs and browsing, may need to fence larger area or use posts outside trunk

• Protect trees and shrubs from rabbit or vole feeding. Place a tube of ½-inch wire mesh around trees and shrubs that will extend 1-2 feet above expected snow line.

House Plants:

• You probably already brought house plants in if they were outside, but if they were on an enclosed porch, be sure to check houseplants for insects and spiders before bringing into your home.

• Plant amaryllis bulbs by mid-November for blooms during holiday season.

• If purchasing holiday house plants, remove the decorative foil wrap and be sure potted plants have drain holes. Don’t put these plants in a draft or where there will be a lot of temperature fluctuation.

Miscellaneous:

• Now is an excellent time to start a compost pile. Add 1 part green (grass clippings), 1 part brown (leaves), 1 part soil. Mix after last addition this fall and every 2 weeks next spring and summer.

• Sharpen mower blades, clean under mower deck and use an air compressor to blow out dust, leaves and grass clippings before storing your mower for the winter.

• Do routine maintenance on power equipment such as mowers, tillers, or edgers. Change the oil, replace filters, and put fuel stabilizer in fuel tank. Check your owners manual for other guidelines.

• Clean garden tools with a wire brush to remove dirt and plant residue. Remove rust with an emory cloth, then apply a light coat of oil to prevent rusting.

• Remove, clean, disinfect and store plant cages and stakes for use next year.

• Store firewood outside to keep hibernating insects from becoming active in your house. Don’t stack firewood next to your house as this provides a hiding place for mice and other pests.

• Make sure the snowblower is ready to go… NOW! Winter is coming and I’ll guarantee it and it’s a lot easier to do this now than when the snow is deep, the wind is blowing, and your fingers are cold!

Finally, I want to apologize to all the guys out there who just got a bunch of things added to their “Honey Do” list, but hey, misery loves company.