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Stark-Billings County |
Extension Spotlites
September 17, 2009
September Tips for Trees and Shrubs
Lilacs often develop a gray powder on their leaves during fall. This is powdery mildew, an unsightly but fairly harmless fungus. The best long-term solution is to regularly prune out old canes (do this after flowering in late spring) and increase the sunlight to the bushes (remove overhead branches of nearby trees). Rake away infected leaves this fall to get the fungus out of the area.
Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered regularly until the ground freezes. If it doesnt rain, apply 10 gallons of water every week for every inch of trunk diameter.
The fall webworm and other leaf-eating caterpillars can be found on trees now. Dont worry. The leaves have done their job for the year and were soon going to drop anyhow. Insecticide treatments are not warranted.
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.
Dont fertilize trees and shrubs now. This will lead to succulent growth that can be winterkilled.
For more information contact:
Kurt Froelich,
Extension Agent
NDSU Extension Service
Stark-Billings County
1340 W. Villard St.
Dickinson ND 58601-4646
(701) 456-7665