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Welcome to Lou's Greenhouse
Watering Trees and Shrubs for Fall
We have had some rain this fall, but if you haven't watered your trees yet this year, you may want to do it before freeze up. Even if the leaves are turning color, the tree is still preparing itself for winter. The question usually asked is "if I water my trees, how much water should I be putting on them". Trees should be watered until late October - unless cool, wet weather prevails. This moisture will allow trees to prepare for winter and
reduce the extent of winterinjury or winter browning. It is difficult to say how much water needs to be applied but here are some guidelines.
Size: Water needs every 10 days
Small shrubs (less than 3 feet): 3 gals
Large shrubs (more than 3 feet): 5 gals
Trees (less that 1 inch dia): 10 gals
Trees (1-2 inches dia): 20 gals
Trees (2-5 inches dia): 40 gals
Trees (5-10 inches dia): 60 gals
This figure assumes no rainfall during that time period.
Plants need abut 1 inch of precipitation per 7-10 days, so if 1/2" fell, cut the watering in half or if you get an inch of rain you would not have to water for about 10 days. Again, this may vary depending on the temperatures and other conditions. This watering table can also be used in the spring and summer.
We have had some rain this fall, but if you haven't watered your trees yet this year, you may want to do it before freeze up. Even if the leaves are turning color, the tree is still preparing itself for winter. The question usually asked is "if I water my trees, how much water should I be putting on them". Trees should be watered until late October - unless cool, wet weather prevails. This moisture will allow trees to prepare for winter and
reduce the extent of winterinjury or winter browning. It is difficult to say how much water needs to be applied but here are some guidelines.
Size: Water needs every 10 days
Small shrubs (less than 3 feet): 3 gals
Large shrubs (more than 3 feet): 5 gals
Trees (less that 1 inch dia): 10 gals
Trees (1-2 inches dia): 20 gals
Trees (2-5 inches dia): 40 gals
Trees (5-10 inches dia): 60 gals
This figure assumes no rainfall during that time period.
Plants need abut 1 inch of precipitation per 7-10 days, so if 1/2" fell, cut the watering in half or if you get an inch of rain you would not have to water for about 10 days. Again, this may vary depending on the temperatures and other conditions. This watering table can also be used in the spring and summer.
Tips for winterizing your gardens
TIP #1- Rake leaves and dispose of them. A great way to dispose of them is to put them in a compost heap. Failing to rake leaves can result in dying or diseased lawn.
TIP #2- Pull up any annual flowers or vegetables. Dispose of these in the compost heap. If you suspect disease of any kind, throw them in the garbage.
TIP #3- Cut back perennials close to the ground if foilage has become overgrown.
TIP #4- Weed. Fall action prevents weeds from getting a head start next spring.
TIP #5- Apply a winter mulch to perennials where winter temperatures generally fall below minus 10 degress F. Simply lay a lightweight organic mulch, such as shredded autumn leaves, pine needles or straw, over beds to protect plants from winter's extremes.
TIP #6- Water evergreens and small trees and shrubs if the fall weather is dry. This prevents damage from drying winds.
TIP #7- Dig up tender bulbs. Cannas, tuberous begonias, gladiolus, and most summer-blooming bulbs do not survive the winter in USDA Zone 9 or colder. Store bulbs in Vermiculite in a paper bag and store in a cool, dry spot (65 degrees F or cooler).
TIP #1- Rake leaves and dispose of them. A great way to dispose of them is to put them in a compost heap. Failing to rake leaves can result in dying or diseased lawn.
TIP #2- Pull up any annual flowers or vegetables. Dispose of these in the compost heap. If you suspect disease of any kind, throw them in the garbage.
TIP #3- Cut back perennials close to the ground if foilage has become overgrown.
TIP #4- Weed. Fall action prevents weeds from getting a head start next spring.
TIP #5- Apply a winter mulch to perennials where winter temperatures generally fall below minus 10 degress F. Simply lay a lightweight organic mulch, such as shredded autumn leaves, pine needles or straw, over beds to protect plants from winter's extremes.
TIP #6- Water evergreens and small trees and shrubs if the fall weather is dry. This prevents damage from drying winds.
TIP #7- Dig up tender bulbs. Cannas, tuberous begonias, gladiolus, and most summer-blooming bulbs do not survive the winter in USDA Zone 9 or colder. Store bulbs in Vermiculite in a paper bag and store in a cool, dry spot (65 degrees F or cooler).