August 2005 Gardening Corner
Whoa ! Wilma packed a wallop. For gardeners and homeowners, Wilma gave us tons more to do. October and November are generally the months for winter preparation. That means fertilizing, and mulching. At this time of year we generally don't do a significant pruning. Since many plants and trees were damaged from the winds, it left us no choice but to trim, prune and cut. Remove wind burned branch tips on small shrubs, cut twisted and cracked limbs from trees. If it is dead or dying cut it off of your trees and palms. Understand that unfortunately if your tree has been damaged at the trunk it is better to call it a loss and cut it down. If your tree is leaning and is too close for comfort to a neighbors house, garage, pool enclosure, driveway etc., be a good neighbor and do the right thing...have it cut down. Severely damaged trees should be removed.
Fertilizing and mulching will help your plants and trees recover more quickly. If you happen to have had a plant or small tree that has been up rooted, you can save it. If you were able to keep the plants roots moist, and if it is still green, you could try to right the tree (stand it vertically). Understand that standing a tree may tear roots, it may be necessary to root prune or cut roots on one side to get the job done. Depending on the size of the plant, staking it is highly recommended 3 stakes leaning outward in a triangle formation with the main trunk in the center is ideal. Tie the trunk or main stem of the plant to each stake, you can use cord or rope...try slipping the rope thru a piece of an old garden hose so it won't rub against the bark. There is also a plastic tie material available at garden centers. Don't place all 3 ties at the same place on the plant that may cause too much stress, and the plant is already stressing. Your baby may still go into shock and drop all it's leaves, but don't give up. I'm nursing a Jaboticaba and hoping it survives the ordeal..time will tell.
Please cover exposed roots with soil, and then mulch. It will be necessary to water the plant with a slow running hose daily for at least 2 weeks. This will assist the plant while it is in transition, forming new roots. Good Luck.
With the weather getting cooler remember it is safer to use a weed and feed formula on your lawn. This is the time to get rid of weeds! Follow directions and make certain your irrigation is working properly. It's uncomfortable to work on your sprinklers in the cooler weather. Do it now.
If you've stuck with the article this far, please let me encourage everyone who has a pool to make certain it is secure. If your fence or screen enclosure was damaged please make a barricade of some type to prevent serious injury to someone.
Happy GardeningJoy Schwartz
994-1346