For
plants,
autumn is the
threshold of
dormancy (a period
of rest characterized by temporary growth
cessation and suppressed metabolism). Hormone
balances with each plant either push or stop
growth and is determined by day length and
temperature.
Cooler temperatures
and shorter days increase the balance of
inhibitor hormones which induce dormancy and
stall shoot development from buds.
For
trees and shrubs that loose their leaves,
fertilization should be done during the growing
season only. If fertilizer is applied later in
the year the plants may continue to grow and
will not harden off for winter.
However, for the evergreen conifers (like
pine, spruce, & arborvitae) and the evergreen
broadleafs (like rhododendrons, azaleas, &
laurel) fertilizer can be applied in the latter
half of |
the year without problems because
these plants simply store up the excess nitrogen
in their evergreen leaves.
This
in turn gives the plant the strength for a head
start for spring growth.
All plants will
need ample water during dry autumns and winter
months and will benefit from an occasional
watering to avoid dehydration,
especially under eaves and overhangs by decks.
Here are a
few points to remember about your trees
and shrubs to help them survive the winter:
.
Do mulch bark dust over the plants’ roots
but leave a space of 3” around the trunk.
.
Dormant spray
to control disease on the fruiting and
flowering varieties.
.
Dormant prune to control shape, health,
and production of flowers or fruit.
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WINTER DORMANT SPRAY
Evans Farms carries dormant season sprays.
Dormant sprays control fungus & will
smother the
over-wintering insects & eggs.
Liquid Copper Spray
Oil and Lime Sulfur
Sulfur Spray
Dormant Oil Spray
FERTILIZER FOR
EVERGREENS
NW Best granular fertilizer & 16-16-16 granular
fertilizer
will provide the nutrients to make more
vigorous conifers & broadleaf evergreens.
PRUNING SEMINAR
On Feb.
6, 2009
we will
host a Tree Pruning Seminar
by
Lyle Feilmeyer, a professional arborist.
Learn
how ,when, where, what and why to prune
The fee is $6.00.
Register today.
Call
503-632-3475
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