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Workshops help with tree, shrub pruningBy David Coltrain Walnut Creek Extension District agriculture agent Kansas Fall is the best time of the year to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. The warm and moist soils normally associated with fall encourage root growth. Fall root growth helps plants become established better than those planted in the spring and better able to withstand summer stresses. Another big advantage for fall is that oftentimes garden centers have really good deals on plants. Use mulch around newly planted plants and stay aware of their moisture needs. Of course, mulch and watering are always important. If you want to move trees and shrubs already planted, wait until their leaves drop and they are dormant before moving them. Late October through early November is the most effective time to control broadleaf weeds. Dandelion usually produces a flush of new plants in late September and the winter annual weeds henbit and chickweed should have germinated in October. These young plants are small and easily controlled with herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products (Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, Weed-Out) that contain 2,4-D, MCPP and Dicamba. Fall is an ideal time to prepare garden soil because it is usually drier than in the spring, an abundance of organic materials are available to improve soil condition, and soil will have a chance to settle (and organic materials decompose) before next spring's planting. These days are ideal cleanup days--get a head-start on early falling leaves, destroy what is left of summer weeds before they provide seed for next year's crop in the garden, cut away or dig out that misplaced seedling tree and give the hedge its final clipping for the year. Protect foliage of fruit trees with periodic insect and fungus sprays. Water adequately. Remember that foliage this year produces fruit for next year. Yellowing foliage can be corrected with Fertilome Iron Plus or Greensand. Prune out dead or diseased wood now from trees and shrubs. Hold off any major removal of healthy tissue until winter as doing so at this time will only stimulate tender new growth that could be damaged by frost. Mark your calendars for "Tree and Shrub Pruning Workshops" that will be held in Lacrosse on Nov. 13, Ness City on Nov. 14 and Dighton on Nov. 16. Clean up dead iris and peony foliage and destroy it to decrease the spread of disease. Remove dead annuals from the garden and trim perennial stems as they become dormant in the fall. The bulbs of gladiolus, caladium, dahlia, tuberous begonia, calla lily, and canna lily need to be dug and stored so they can be planted next year. Dig after cold weather has browned the foliage. Then allow them to dry for about a week in a shady, well-ventilated site, such as a garage or tool shed. Remove excess soil and pack them in peat moss, vermiculite or perlite and store them around 50 degrees. Early autumn is an ideal time to make landscape plans. Select additional trees and shrubs needed for the landscape. Choose plants which will best do the job intended. Be sure each plant has a function in the total landscape plan. If you have specific questions or need more horticulture information, feel free to contact me at coltrain@ksu.edu or at 800-460-9079. 10/20/08 Date: 10/13/08 Advertisement
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