With summer winding down, there is still much which can be done in the home landscape and garden. Here are a few tips and suggestions which may be helpful:
* If the leaves of euonymus turn yellow and drop, check the undersides of the leaves for tiny needle-like, white insects and a scattering of small, brown shell-like shapes. This is euonymus scale. Controls applied in spring are most effective.
* Many balled and burlap trees and shrubs are now sold wrapped in synthetic burlap that will not rot in the ground, resulting in a rootbound plant that doesn't grow well if the burlap is left in place. Some of this material strongly resembles cotton burlap; if in doubt about the burlap's makeup, cut it away from the root ball once the plant is in place.
* Fall is a great time to divide perennials and shrubs for next year's garden. By planting in the fall, your plants do not endure the stressful summer heat during establishment and have time to form sufficient root systems before the onset of winter dormancy.
* When planning next year's fall garden, consider the versatile and carefree daylily as a source of fall color to complement chrysanthemums and fall asters. There are several varieties of daylily that will bloom in September.
* Clean up fallen rose leaves. They can harbor disease and insect pests over the winter if allowed to remain on the ground.
* If you wish to kill grass and weeds growing through cracks in patios, garden walks, or driveways, be extremely cautious. Many weed killers will leach into surrounding areas and damage ornamentals or lawn. Pulling the weeds is the safest action, but you may wish to use a contact herbicide such as those containing glyphosate.
* Every weed that ripens seed means more trouble next year. Control weeds before they go to seed. Do not add weeds with ripened seed heads to the compost pile. Many weed seeds remain viable and germinate next year when the compost is used. Don't use ashes from your charcoal grill in the garden or compost pile. Briquets have ingredients added to aid in the burning process which may be harmful to your plants.
* Powdery mildew diseases attack many ornamentals most often in the late summer when the days are warm and the nights cool. Some mildews, particularly those on roses, apples and cherries are also increased by high humidity. Prevention by proper cultural techniques is the first defense.
Billy Skaggs
Agricultural Agent
Hall County Extension Coordinator
734 East Crescent Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
Thursday
August 7th, 2025
8:44PM
