October 1, 2009
Gardening Tips for October:
Trees and Shrubs
Evergreens are not forever-greens. The older needles, which are located near the
inside of the plant, naturally turn brown and drop. Dont worry about this. Just
as we dont worry when our ash trees drop their leaves in fall, we should not
worry about evergreens shedding their old needles in fall.
Needles from a healthy evergreen do not need to be raked. Fallen needles will
mulch the ground beneath the tree. The acidity of the needles will help the
growth of the evergreen.
Young trees should be wrapped to protect their bark from sunburning and cracking
(maples and crabapples are especially sensitive). Wrap them from the base of the
tree to the lowest branch. A plastic drain tile can also be used; cut the tile
to the proper length (base to lowest branch) and slice the tile vertically to
allow you to slip it around the trunk. Fruit growers often apply white latex
paint (diluted to 50%) for the same purpose. Trees should be protected as least
a few years until they develop a rough texture to their bark.
Evergreens should have been planted by the end of September.
Many leafy trees can be planted through the end of October. Exceptions to this
are trees with strong tap roots and weak fibrous root development. Such trees
include birch, crabapples, hawthorn, honeylocust, linden, red maple, oak and
willow. It is safer to plant such trees in spring.
Also see
more information on
trees and shrubs
