Fall Lawn & Garden Care Is the Beginning—Not the End! (Continued from Previous Post)

Trees

Trees are often the most overlooked group of plants, despite being very important to our health. The reason is simple—they produce the oxygen we breathe.

Fall is the best time to care for trees. Early in September, wash all trees with the soap and water solution (shown below) to remove airborne pollution and aid in discouraging insects and  disease. If insects were a significant issue, spray a week later with an all-purpose organic tree spray made with neem oil or insecticidal soap. This should be done before October 1st, especially in the Southwest.

Plant and Tree Wash Instructions:

1. Add 5 tablespoons (roughly 1/3 cup) of a natural liquid soap (do not use detergent) to a 20 gallon hose-end sprayer jar.  Fill the balance of the jar with water. 
2. Thoroughly wash the plants, ensuring good coverage on leaves and stems. Focus on the undersides of leaves where pests often reside.
3. Avoid applying it in direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Tip: Test the mixture on a small area of a plant first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage. If you see leaf burn, reduce the soap quantity slightly.

In areas with cold temperatures, wrap the trunks of trees five inches in diameter or smaller to protect against freezing winds and animal damage. You can spray tree wrap and lower limbs with readily available organic repellents made from castor oil or essential oils. Make sure to remove the tree wrap first thing in the spring. 

Avoid feeding trees in the fall if you live in regions where temperatures drop below freezing.

To protect trees from boring insects, systemic organic treatments such as beneficial nematodes or horticultural oils may be effective. Such treatments are readily available. 

In warmer areas like the South, wash trees monthly with the soap and water solution mentioned above. 

Do yourself and future generations a favor—be kind to a tree.

Shrubs

Shrubs provide homeowners with great value, offering fast growth, attractive foliage, and beautiful flowers, often for a low cost. While they require little maintenance, a small amount of prevention is an affordable way to ensure their health. Wash and spray them in the same way as trees. Use natural repellents like cedar chips, diatomaceous earth, or essential oils around the base to deter pests. In colder regions, don’t feed the plants in the fall, and gently tie shrubs with old nylons or soft garden ties about halfway up to prevent damage during snow and ice storms. In the South, spray monthly with the soap and water solution mentioned above. 

Helpful Resources

Chapin 20 gal Sprayer Hose End Sprayer Mfr# G392 – Ace Hardware

Garden Tools, Planters, Raised Garden Beds +More | Gardener’s Supply (gardeners.com)

Gurney’s – America’s Most Complete Seed and Nursery (gurneys.com) – The new home for Gardens Alive