Landscape

        • Plan for fall planting of woody plants that are sold in containers or balled and burlapped. Warmer soil temperatures encourage root development in the fall. Wait to transplant established woody plants until dormancy.

        • Continue watering program for all trees and shrubs to augment moisture received from rainfall. Moisture is continuously being transpired through leaf surfaces. Provide supplemental water to equal at least 1 inch of water per week.

        • Avoid tilling or any major disturbance of the soil under beech trees. Noted for shallow roots, heavy disturbance can result in decline and failure of the tree.

        • Handpick bagworms found hanging from twigs and branches and drop in hot soapy water to kill the worm inside. Spraying for crawlers next spring may be called for if the infestation is acute.

Lawn

        • Evaluate areas for heavy compaction. Several passes in several directions with a core aerator will allow air, water and nutrients to reach the lower root area of the lawn and provide spaces for seeds to settle during overseeding.

        • As newly seeded turf grass gets established, avoid high nitrogen fertilizer. To help establish healthy roots on grass plants, add light application of winterizing fertilizer, which is higher in phosphorus to aid root development.

Houseplants

        • Examine plants for insect populations. For spider mite problems, take plant outside and spray foliage with a strong stream of water. If pest persists, treat with insecticidal soap concentrate diluted with half water and half denatured alcohol. Make sure solution reaches underside of all leaves and leaf-stem notches. Repeat every five-seven days until all eggs hatch.

        Contact Civic Garden Center Hotline by phone: 221-8733; e-mail hotline@civicgardencenter.org.

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