JANUARY LANDSCAPE CHECKLIST
Its January, winter is really here. Have you made your landscape checklist or are you just going to fly by the seat of your pants? The following is a checklist I received from the North Carolina State University Extension Landscape Specialist, Dr. Kim Powell. Take a close look at it, the list may well be worth your time.- Slow Release Fertilizers
- Winter Bird Feeding
- Winter Pansy Care
- Protecting Bark on Trees & Shrubs
- Dealing with Winter Damage
Slow Release Fertilizers
This is the time of year when gardeners dream over plant catalogs and haunt garden centers, planning for spring. While thinking about new products you might try, consider using Slow Release Fertilizers. Applying fertilizers in the slow release form can supply nutrients without raising salt levels enough to injure roots. Fertilizer does not need to be applied as frequently if applied in this form because nutrient release occurs over an extended period of time (3-9 months depending on type of slow release fertilizer). Nitrogen is used more efficiently by plants and at a higher percentage. The higher efficiency of slow release fertilizers results in less nitrogen polluting streams and groundwater. back to the list
Winter Bird Feeding
Many delightful birds will stay in the yard all winter, if there is sufficient places for them to hide and food to eat. Not all birds eat the same thing. Bluebirds eat mostly berries during the winter, and will greatly benefit from a suet ball containing cranberries and raisins. Finches love thistle seed, and cardinals thrive on sunflower seeds. If you have only one feeder and a mixture of many different birds, select one of the mixed bird seed mixtures. Try to find one with a high amount of sunflower seeds. These seeds contain a lot of oil which birds eat to keep themselves warm. Placing several feeders in different areas that are visible to the house may bring you new bird visitors. Just be certain that once you start feeding the birds, continue to feed them regularly well into spring. Birds develop winter territories, and will not invade other birds' territories for a snack if you should forget about them. Also, if the birdfood gets soggy from winter storms, sprinkle it on the ground and replace it with new. If it is left in the feeder it will produce mold toxins which can harm your feathered friends. back to the list
Winter Pansy Care
Pansies are by far the most popular winter landscape annual in North Carolina. If properly planted and maintained, they will have minimum problems while performing all winter long. Just to remember to deadhead the old flowers once in a while. This saves energy for the plant by stopping seed production. Also, think about adding a little fertilizer around the 1st part of February to help stimulate growth and flower production by March. Once active growth begins plan on fertilizing about once a month. back to the list
Protecting Bark on Trees & Shrubs
Slow death of the tree or shrub frequently results from bark damage. When care is not exercised in the use of a trimmer or lawn mower, bark damage to a plant often results. As a weed trimmer or lawn mower strikes, it will pierce through the bark and the cambium (that thin layer of living tissue contains the tree's vascular system is the live blood of the tree). If a plant is completely girdled (the bark is damaged all around the trunk), it will die. If even a small portion of the trunk is damaged, the tree will be weakened by the damage, and ensuing insects and diseases may finish the plant off later.Protect trees and shrubs from weed trimmers and lawn mowers by mulching around the base of the plant. Hungry rabbits also often eat the bark from young trees and shrubs. If rabbits or other bark-eating rodents are a problem in your yard, wrap your young trees with an expandable tree protector. Check it occasionally as winter progresses to be sure it is not becoming too tight. back to the list
Dealing With Winter Damage
Ice storms may take their toll at this time of year. Heavy, wet snow may permanently disfigure ornamental trees and shrubs. Protect the shape of cedars and other delicate evergreens by binding them tightly with twine if an ice storm or heavy snowstorm threatens. If some evergreen shrubs are too large to tie, go out several times during the storm with a broom and knock off the accumulating snow before it becomes heavy enough to do any damage.After the storm is over, brush off any remaining snow or ice before untying. Walk the landscape over and look for any damage from weather conditions, wildlife, insects and man. If changes or corrections need to be made, it is best to do this while the plants are still dormant. Example--pruning damaged wood, removal of plants and replacing with others. back to the list
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