Q. Why didn't my pecan trees produce this year?
A. In the case of home orchard pecan trees, they often only produce a good crop of pecans every 2nd or 3rd year. With adequate fertilization, including zinc, you should be able to produce a pretty good crop each year. Low pH, which makes many minerals unavailable to the plant, can also decrease production. And of course, there's the drought?!
Q: Is now the time to prune my figs? And, how much can I cut them back?
A: The best time to prune your figs is late-winter/early-spring after the danger of frost has passed. If you want to reduce the height and encourage more branching, you can cut back last year's growth by 1/3 to as much as 1/2. Also, be sure to prune out all dead and diseased wood and remove it from the area.
Q: My oak trees are dropping lots of leaves and have tan-colored spots on them?
A: This is oak leaf blister. Oak leaf blister occurs as bulging, blister-like spots in the fall of the year. The disease only causes aesthetic damage, and since the leaves will be dropping soon anyway, don't worry too much about it.
Q. Can I install sod this time of year?
A: Landscapers install sod virtually all year long because they have. However, I would suggest waiting until spring if there is no rush. Cold temperatures can damage unestablished sod and result in spotty green-up in the spring. Install warm season sod, such as bermuda, zoysia, and centipede, sometime in May or June for best results.
Q. Should I treat my pond now for weeds?
A: Wait until early spring. Most pond weeds are beginning to slow their growth because of the cooler weather. Treatment now would not be as effective. Treat pond weeds in February.
Q. Can I still prune my shrubs?
A: Pruning this late in the year may cause cold damage. Prune summer blooming plants in late February or March, and early spring blooming plants immediately after they finish flowering.
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]
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