Stark-Billings County

 

 

August 20, 2009

 

August Gardening Tips

Trees and Shrubs

1. Leaves of ash and other shade trees are developing brown spots, curling, and dropping. This is anthracnose (shown), a disease promoted by cool, moist weather this spring. Anthracnose causes minimal stress on established treespesticide sprays are not needed. Rake the fallen leaves to prevent re-infection next spring.

2. Now is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. You can find good bargains at nurseries, too! Plant evergreens by the end of September so they are established before winter comes. Most leafy trees and shrubs can be safely planted in October.

3. Dont fertilize trees and shrubs now. This will lead to succulent growth that will be winterkilled. Lets wait until the plants show fall color; this is a sign the plants are going dormant and will not develop any new shoots this fall (roots will grow until the ground freezes).

4. Similarly, dont do any major pruning until later this fall. Pruning stimulates new growth that can be winterkilled.

5. Potentilla shrubs are in full bloom now. Easy to grow, potentillas are super hardy and tolerate drought. They grow in the harshest of environments (including gas stations!). The finest yellow-flowered varieties include Coronation Triumph, Fargo, and Goldfinger. Abbotswood is a popular white flowered type.

6. August is often the driest month of the year. Your top priority when watering your landscape is to irrigate newly planted trees and shrubs. Water deeply to encourage deep root development. As a general rule, we apply 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter each week, when needed.

Lawn Repair

1. Is your lawn a little thin?  The best time of the year to sow grass seed is from mid-August to mid-September. The ground is warm and the seed will germinate quickly.

2. The best grass for sunny areas is Kentucky Bluegrass, while red/fine fescue is best for shade. Quality seed mixes will contain a blend of varieties of both these grass types.

3. Look for some perennial ryegrass in the mix (10-20% is best). It germinates within a few days and will nurse the other seeds as they germinate. Avoid annual ryegrass, which dies over winter.