Lawns and gardens require care during the winter months

“Fertilization, weed treatments, pruning and pest control are important practices to maintain throughout the winter,” said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulture specialist.

Hillock said lawns that contain cool season grasses such as fescue should be fertilized with one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Fescue can be mowed as needed at two inches and lawns should be watered during dry conditions as well as kept clean from fallen leaves, which damage foliage.

It is also important to control broadleaf winter weeds such as dandelions, said Hillock.

Once all the leaves have fallen and winter storms arrive, snow and ice can demolish trees. Early November is the perfect time to prune deciduous trees for safety and structural purposes.

“Balled and burlapped trees can still be planted during November; however young, thin-barked trees are particularly susceptible to sunscald,” Hillock said. “Wrapping these youngsters with a commercial protective material can help prevent damage from the low winter sun and drying winds.”

Before temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit dormant oil should be applied to trees and shrubs infested with scale, said Hillock. Evergreen shrubs should be closely monitored for arborvitae aphids, which tolerate cooler temperatures.

Flower gardeners may be surprised to know that tulips can be planted through the middle of November. The foliage on plants already growing like asparagus, mums and other perennials can help insulate plant crowns from harsh conditions so wait until late winter/early spring just before new growth begins to cut them back.

Though nearly everything outside is chilly and gray, the warm look and smell of spring can also be preserved inside. Bulbs like hyacinth, narcissus and tulip can be potted in containers for indoor forcing.

Although pruning fruit trees should be delayed until next February or March, pecans and walnuts should be harvested immediately once the month of November begins. Waiting to collect nuts at the end of the month could cause the nut kernels to deteriorate.

In addition to tending to plants and planting new seeds, maintenance and preparation plans are also an important part of gardening and lawn care.

“Seeds that were not planted can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer until the next planting season; however, seeds over three years old should be discarded,” Hillock said.

Dry leaves can be shredded and added to compost, used as mulch or tilled into garden plots. After this has been accomplished garden and landscape tools should be cleaned and stored away from damaging weather.

“Coat tools with a light application of oil to prevent rusting,” Hillock said. “It is also safe to drain fuel tanks, irrigation lines and hoses and bring hoses inside to prevent cracking.”

###

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu