With below average rainfall in August and an extremely dry September, your plants, lawns and trees are vulnerable. Preventing this stress will increase their health and longevity. Evergreens, such as pine, spruce, and arborvitae, are particularly vulnerable to extreme dry conditions.
Winter burn on Norway Spruce
Don’t let your plants go into winter stressed
- If you’re noticing excessive yellowing or browning toward the tips of your evergreen trees, these are indications of stress due to the lack of moisture.
- Applying water to stressed trees and lawns will ensure healthy landscapes the following spring.
- Use soaker hoses or a hose end bubbler to deliver water slowly and precisely to stressed plants, lawns, and trees.
- If any of your prized plants are less than five growing seasons old, it would be a good idea to apply water to those as well.
- Do not fertilize stressed trees at this time of year.
Note: Dry weather will affect leaf color change. If stressed, you will notice subtle tans, bronzes, and auburn colors instead of the vibrant colors you might expect.
Stressed Lawn
Lawns under stress
- For lawns, water as needed.
- They also like to be kept watered in the fall.
- Apply a fall winterizer--such as Gertens Winterizer as long as your lawn is not stressed.
- All types of plants and lawns can be watered until the ground freezes.
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!