Fall heat wave on its way!

It may just be me, but the weather this year is just crazy. Hot, hot, hot than cooler 50 degree temps. Now as I am writing this article, the news is predicting 80 degree days ahead. More rain? Who knows? Is This the start of Indian summer?

I hate to sound like a broken record but, the crazy patterns of rain, then no rain are causing a bit of stress on plants. Overall, our nursery this year, has had a great growing season. Keep in mind, the right amount of water needs to be given to a plant when it needs it. Whenever a week to ten day span of weather occurs with no rainfall, that is the time to water even your established plants. Newly installed plants will need more attention to their water needs. When your plant is dry, I like a slow deep watering when plants are thirsty.

Use a metal coat hanger and push into root ball of plants. Pull out and examine. If muddy, plant is too wet, if dry n dusty or won’t push into root ball, water immediately. If a little soil clings to hanger, that is perfect, wait another day or two and check again.

When you are ready to water, turn your hose on just enough to create a ¼” wide trickle

Large trees with diameters 18-24” wide should have an hour or so water run on them. Larger trees up to 2 hours or longer. Small newly transplanted trees should have 30 minutes or so of water run on them.

As for shrubs, small 1’ tall shrubs should be watered 3-5 minutes. Larger shrubs 2-3’ tall can use 1015 minutes of watering. Bigger shrubs 20-25 minutes. Again the key is to deep water. Do NOT use a lawn sprinkler. Running a lawn sprinkler 1 hour in place will only yield a ¼” depth of moisture when you dig down. A water weeper or soaker hose is great for deep watering plants. Longer and slower is the key to quenching the thirst of plants and trees.

It is so important to plant trees elevated from surrounding soils and to use, native, mostly clay based soil and mix in a soil conditioner like aged pine bark mulch in with the native soil and amend it. I have had so many people use potting soil and remove all the clay soil and create a bath tub which their tree eventually dies in. The water just does not leave the hole and rots the roots of plants .... Proper planting is very important for success down the road.

Many plants and trees are starting to shed their leaves and enter survival mode. I have seen birch trees all over doing this. Many larger maples have transformed into their fall colors and are dropping leaves already. I am also seeing heavy seed pods forming on everything from Japanese maples to redbuds and everything else in between. These are all signs of stress from lack of water.

I am also seeing lots of maple trees covered in tar spots on the leaves. This is a disease caused by a wet spring, cool nights and excess moisture. Spores which are invisible from the naked eye float there way up and attach to leaves. As fall nears, spots of tar like it has been sprayed randomly appear all over the tops of leaves. No spray exists to stop this ugly disease. The only cure is sanitation. Rake the fallen leaves and discard them this fall. Leaves left underneath trees can have a recurring problem the following year as the spores sleep over winter waiting for the right conditions to occur.

If your plants need a boost, A shot of super thrive is worth the investment. Super thrive is a blend of vitamins and other proprietary ingredients. It allows plants to make hydrogen. Few products yield the results of this magic elixir. It is super high concentrate and you mix ¼ of a teaspoon to a gallon of water. It works on anything that is green and grows. It has brought plants back from sure death and have helped in securing fair winning sized vegetables. I can not say enough good about this product. I use it personally and if you are planning on transplanting any shrubs or trees, this is what you should use.

When reading the directions, this product does everything but solve world peace. Believe everything it says. It’s been around for more than 50 years and everyone that does anything with plants should have a bottle on hand just in case. Try it, you will be amazed!!

Now’s a great time to add some mums to the landscape for great fall color. When done blooming, trim blossoms off and let plant adapt to soil. Once we have a hard killing freeze, typically late October or early November, trim down to 6-8” and mulch over top of plant. This will help the plant survive the freeze, thaw cycle by insulating the top of the plant. This will increase chances of your mums returning next year.

October is also a great time to reseed and fertilize your lawn. I would definitely apply a fall feeding now. I have spoken to many who want to wait till November to feed. I feel this is a waste. Food applied now will reap better rewards now than waiting a month from now. I do like Fertilome’s lawn food plus iron and recommend that be used now. If you are into organic, Espoma brand fall food is the best.

Planting , bushes, trees, shrubs and perennials now is a great time to do so. Maintenance is greatly reduced and plants like the cooler weather associated with fall. Top growth of plants is reduced and root growth is increased allowing great establishment.

Enjoy the nice days ahead and the season we call fall. Color of plants at this time of year are spectacular and ever changing. Don’t miss out and enjoy the moment! Plant something today!!