October 2018 Newsletter

We saw record amounts of rainfall this year and it caused a slew of issues with weed growth, water-borne diseases, and other pests in the landscape.  We are hopeful though that this precipitation rolls over into the winter for some fluffy white snow! :p

It seems that the cold weather made a sudden appearance this month and it reminded us to REMIND YOU that the colder months ARE GREAT TIMES for PRUNING.

WHY you ask?

Pruning of plants/tree during the colder months:

a) Prevents potentially dangerous branches from breaking during snow/ice accumulations during the winter.  This could cause damage to your home, yard, or people/pets.

b) A clean cut branch is not as exposed to the elements and to diseases than one that might have split during a winter storm

c) Most tree/shrub diseases are found during high heat/humidity conditions

d) Trees/shrubs heal their wounds from cuts much quicker during colder temps, limiting exposure to diseases

Along with shrub and small tree pruning BAM’S Landscaping also highly recommends mulching beds prior to the winter months to further insulate the flower beds.  This protects the beds from temperature fluctuations, helps build organic rich soil, and suppress Spring weeds from emerging.

Bring on the LEAVES!

Did you know that the reds, oranges, and yellows that you see on the trees during the autumn months have always been there?  They have just been hiding behind the green color (chlorophyll) that is prominent during the active growing season.  The leaves changing color is due to the shortening of the daylight and the variety of colors seen can also be attributed to the temperatures and moisture the tree is getting at that time.

A few other facts about leaves:

1.  They break down on the ground to provide many nutrients and organisms that are very beneficial to the soil.  It is great to use your mower and mulch some of the leaves on your turf and let them decompose.  This saves space at the county dump and improves the soil structure of your lawn/garden.  (If you buy leafgro from the store it’s the same thing).  Just don’t allow too many leaves to sit on the turf because it will essentially suffocate the grass and limit sun and oxygen from reaching the grass.

2.  Evergreens never lose their leaves because they have special leaves that are resistant to cold and moisture loss.  You might see them wilt up a bit during the colder months but they are still actively performing photosynthesis (just much slower).

3.  During the summer months the leaves from the deciduous trees take in more sugars through photosynthesis than they need.  They use this extra energy to survive the winter months when they are naked.