Often times the cooler weather gives us the feeling that we should be working inside instead of attending to our landscape. On the coldest days, this certainly makes sense, but there are a number of things that can and should be done now in our landscape to get them ready for the spring flush.
Although the ideal time may have been while it was a little warmer, you can still get away with transplanting small trees and shrubs. I have successfully transplanted many trees and shrubs all the way through early spring. The key is to not attempt this when the ground is too moist or soggy and as we all know, to prepare the planting hole as well as possible.
Take out as much of the original root ball as possible to cut down on transplant shock. One trick I use if I only need to move a larger shrub a short distance is to have a flat piece of cardboard or plywood nearby. Place the removed shrub or tree on the cardboard or plywood and then simply drag the plant to the intended planting site. In doing it this way there is much less chance of losing part of the root ball because the plant is barely lifted off the ground.
Begin now to prune shrubs and trees (including fruit trees) to shape them and remove dead wood. Remember to leave the spring flowering plants alone unless they need some major overhaul pruning. This is also a great time to check the condition of our pruning equipment. I get the urge every winter to pull out just about everything that has a edge on it and sharpen it.
When pruning large limbs, always undercut first. This means to cut from the bottom up, one-third of the way through the limb, then finish by cutting from the top. The undercut keeps the limb from splitting and breaking off, which could damage the trunk and become an entryway for insects and diseases. Do not cut flush to the trunk, the collar or enlarged base of a branch produces hormones that help heal wounds.
Now is a good time to do some general maintenance around our flower beds. Remove any existing dead foliage from the annuals and perennials in the landscape. Be sure to mark the spots of perennial plants so you don't over plant the area in the spring.
Proper rose pruning is the key to successful summer blooms. Prune roses back 25 percent if you want many, medium-sized blooms. Prune back 50 percent if you want fewer, larger flowers. Modern roses should be pruned just before the buds break dormancy after the last frost.
Scout the lawn for emerged winter annual weeds and apply the appropriate herbicide if needed. I tend to like the colorful display of Henbit and since my lawn if sort of weak anyway, I just let it go. While others can't stand the thought of one stem of clover in their manicured bermuda lawn.
Billy Skaggs: Agricultural Agent Hall County Extension Coordinator.
734 East Crescent Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
Phone:(770)531-6988 Fax: (770)531-3994 Email: [email protected]
Monday
August 4th, 2025
8:12PM
