11. November.
Tree and Shrub Care
November Calendar – From OSU, Corvallis Oregon.
NOTE: Oregon State University Extension Service encourages sustainable gardening practices, which True Care Inc. prescribes to. Preventative pest management is emphasized over reactive pest control. Identify and monitor problems before acting, and opt for the least toxic approach that will remedy the problem. This is part of the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practice that is the basis of True Care Inc.’s philosophy.
Maintenance and Clean Up
- Rake and compost leaves that are free of diseases and insects. Use mulches to prevent erosion and compaction from rain.
- Rake and destroy leaves from fruit and flowering trees and shrubs that were diseased this year. Remove and discard mummified fruit.
- Protect built-in sprinkler systems: drain the system, insulate the valve mechanisms.
- Clean and oil garden equipment and tools before storing for winter. Drain and store hoses carefully to avoid damage from freezing. Renew mulch around perennial flower beds after removing weeds.
- Protect tender evergreens from drying wind.
- Tie limbs of upright evergreens to prevent breakage by snow or ice.
- Trim chrysanthemums to 4 to 6 inches after they finish blooming.
- Leave ornamental grasses up in winter to provide winter texture in the landscape. Cut them back a few inches above the ground in early spring.
- Watch for wet soil and drainage problems in yard during heavy rains. Tiling, ditching, and French drains are possible solutions. Consider rain gardens and bioswales as a long-term solution.
- Take cuttings of rhododendrons and camellias for propagation; propagate begonias from leaf cuttings.
- Prune roses to “knee-high” to prevent winter wind damage.
Pest Monitoring and Management
- Monitor landscape plants for problems. Don’t treat unless a problem has been identified.
- Check firewood for insect infestations. Burn affected wood first and don’t store inside.
- Treat peaches after leaf fall spray for peach leaf curl and shot hole diseases.
- Bait garden, flower beds for slugs during rainy periods. Use traps or new phosphate baits, which are pet-safe.
