February 26, 2008
When the Snow Melts...
When the snow melts (and it will!), shrubs and small trees will need to be inspected for damage. The heavy snows we have had this winter may have done damage to the lower portions of larger shrubs and small trees. Smaller shrubs, some of which were completely covered with snow, may show damage on any part.
Any branches that are broken should be removed completely. Make a clean cut with a pruning tool to insure good healing. Ragged, torn wood will not heal well and may serve as an entry point for disease and insect problems later in the season.
Evergreen shrubs that have been covered with snow have had their branches bent down for a long time. These may have trouble snapping back into shape. There are a couple of techniques to try that may be helpful. Tie or prop branches into their normal orientation for a few weeks. This may allow some of them to return to normalcy. For large, heavy branches, consider shortening the branch to remove some of the weight and then tie or prop it into place. Some branches will respond while others, most likely, will not.
Posted by Sharon Yiesla at 1:47 PM | Permalink |
February 14, 2008
Need More Info on Ornamental Grasses
Need to know more about ornamental grasses? I will be teaching a class at the Lake County office of University of Illinois Extension on Feb 26 from 7-9 p.m. Call (847) 223-8627 to register or register online by going to the homepage of this website and clicking on the "Upcoming Events" section.Posted by Sharon Yiesla at 1:30 PM | Permalink |
February 13, 2008
Get Ready to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses
It seems like spring will never get here. The big mounds of snow really inhibit thoughts of gardening. Eventually the weather will warm and the snow mounds will recede. At that time, you should be ready to cut back ornamental grasses. Usually late February into mid-March is a good time to do this.
Cool season grasses will show growth first and will need attention first. With the good snow cover we have had this winter, many of the cool season grasses may emerge from the snow looking fairly good and may need relatively little cutting. Some of them however, may have been mashed down by the snow load and may need to be tidied up.
Warm season grasses will be slower to start growing, so you won't have to get cutting on them quite as early. When it is time cut them (just as new growth begins to peek out of the soil), cut them all the way to the ground and get rid of all the old growth.
Posted by Sharon Yiesla at 2:06 PM | Permalink |
