Extension

Lawn & Turf

• Fertilize cool-season grasses like fescue with 1 pound nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft.
• Continue to mow fescue as needed at 2 inches and water during dry conditions.
• Control broadleaf winter weeds like dandelions. (HLA-6601)
• Keep falling leaves off fescue to avoid damage to the foliage.

 

Tree & Shrub

• Prune deciduous trees in early part of winter. Prune only for structural and safety purposes.
• Wrap young, thin-barked trees with commercial protective material to prevent winter sunscald.
• Apply dormant oil for scale infested trees and shrubs before temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow label directions.
• Continue to plant balled & burlap and containerized trees.
• Watch for arborvitae aphids, which tolerate cooler temperatures in evergreen shrubs.

 

Flowers

• Tulips can still be successfully planted through the middle of November.
• Leave foliage on asparagus, mums, and other perennials to help insulate crowns from harsh winter conditions.
• Bulbs like hyacinth, narcissus and tulip can be potted in containers for indoor forcing.

 

Miscellaneous

• Leftover garden seeds can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until the next planting season. Discard seeds over 3 years old.
• Gather and shred leaves. Add to compost, use as mulch or till into garden plots.
• Clean and store garden and landscape tools. Coat with a light application of oil to prevent rusting. Drain fuel tanks, irrigation lines, and hoses. Bring garden hoses indoors.

 

Fruits & Nuts

• Delay pruning fruit trees until next February or March before bud break.
• Harvest pecans and walnuts immediately to eliminate deterioration of the kernel.