Perennials

 After your plants have turned dry and brown it is time to cut them back. Be careful not to cut them too soon though. In order to prepare for winter, the roots will reabsorb all of the nutrients from the stems.

Perennial plants with woody stems, like Russian Sage, should not be cut all the way to the ground. Some less hardy species like to be tucked in with a layer of insulation like mulch to help them survive the winter.

Trees

Most deciduous trees can be pruned now and into early winter. When pruning make sure there are no areas where debris can accumulate as this can cause the tree to rot.

Not sure how to prune? No problem. Stop by the garden center and schedule an appointment for our pruning services.

Perennials

 If you have not already, fertilize your plants to give them the best chance of surviving the winter months. With the hotter months behind us, regular watering should not be needed unless temperatures rise above 80.

Trees

We at Heritage Hill Nursery Inc., recommend planting new trees in fall. The cooler temperatures are better for the plant and make upkeep much easier for the homeowner. When planting be sure to plant high enough, so root flare is exposed and keep mulch away from the trunk. If the tree is planted too low, it can develop “Stem Girdling” roots which acts as a noose around the trunk and can suffocate the tree. These roots also make the tree much more susceptible to being blown over at the base by wind.

Perennials

Remember to keep on watering but be very careful not to overwater and drown plants by over-saturating the soil.

If fertilizing with a product like Monty’s PlantVantage, located at our nursery, either apply the diluted mixture as a follicular spray drenching the entire plant or apply it directly to the root system by using a watering can and/or drip system.

Since plants generally absorb nutrients through their leaves much faster than through the soil, the follicular application is the preferred method, but either method will work. Monty’s is “rain fast” in two hours so if rain is in the forecast, be sure to give the product enough time to fully dry before getting wet.

Early morning or late afternoon is better for application as it lessens the possibility for evaporation. This DOES NOT work for all fertilizers so be sure to read the instructions carefully if not using a product like Monty’s.

Trees

Established trees require very little maintenance. Trees that haven’t been in the ground that long, may need some assistance, especially during the hotter months. Keep an eye on these trees in particular and if they seem to be struggling due to lack of water, create a small bed around the perimeter of the tree and fill in with mulch.

Mulching can help stop the evaporation of water from the soil and help keep your tree maintain proper hydration for as long as possible. When mulching, however, be sure that the depth of the mulch is very scarce at the base of the trunk and increases in depth as it is spread away from the trunk to the outer perimeter of the bed.

Having mulch directly touching the bark of a tree can be just as hazardous as the tree not getting enough water.

When mulch gets wet, it retains moisture. If the mulch is directly touching the tree, that moisture will transfer to the tree’s bark weakening the tree’s natural defense against different types of molds and diseases.

Other ailments that can affect newer trees and should be monitored on a regular basis are signs of disease and insect damage. Sometimes if caught early enough damage can be minimized or stopped.

Here at the nursery, we carry an extensive line of products that can assist with your needs. Speak with our Garden Center Sales employees to find out which product would work best for your situation.