I’m so sad to see summer come to a close, but I do look forward to the cooler temperatures ahead. Our plants will appreciate the break from the heat as well. Unfortunately, as we look around, we see evidence of the harsh summer we’ve endured. Lawns are brown, foliage may look dry and shriveled, and sometimes it has gone dormant prematurely. All are measures taken by the plants to survive the heat with relatively low rainfall. As these hot and dry conditions persist, please continue to water as regularly as you can. The shallow-rooted evergreens may not have drooping leaves, but I can assure you they are feeling the stress just as much as your Hydrangeas.
WARNING – HOLD OFF PRUNING UNTIL THE WEATHER COOLS AND DROUGHT IS OVER. The plant’s normal response to pruning is to produce new foliage. Unfortunately, during the drought, the plant lacks the energy necessary to support the new growth, and in trying to support the new growth, will take energy away from the recovery and maintenance of the mature growth. This will increase the plant stress, and could cause demise.
It is during these humid summer months that we frequently notice the appearance of fungus in our mulch or near an old tree stump. Some are actually quite beautiful, and most pose no threat to our plantings. They are simply evidence of the biodegrading process at work.
The Spotted Lantern Fly was quite prevalent this summer throughout the Baltimore area. Although they can cause considerable damage to our plants, there is evidence that predators have taken notice. At an associate’s property just north of the Pennsylvania line, there was a huge infestation of SLF last summer, and almost none this summer.
PLANTING & TRANSPLANTING
The fall is a perfect time to install new plants as the temperatures begin to cool off. Though most should be planted before November, there are quite a few deciduous trees and shrubs that can be planted even in November or December.
Now is the perfect time to divide and transplant your herbaceous Peonies and Itoh Peonies.
If TRANSPLANTING, I recommend taking the following steps:
– Hold off until at least mid-September so things will cool off a bit.
– Water the plant really well for at least 1 week prior to moving it.
– Create the largest rootball you can manage. Have burlap and hemp on hand in case you need it to hold the soil tight to the roots.
– Pour water into the new hole; let it drain.
– Sprinkle a combination of Bio-Tone (for root growth) and Soil Moist into the hole. You only need a very small amount of the Soil Moist. It’s my insurance in case I neglect to water for a short period of time.
– Plant at the same depth.
– Water thoroughly to remove any air pockets.
REMOVE DAMAGED FOLIAGE
Many summer-stressed perennials will perk up during these fall months. If you remove the old foliage, the new foliage will look like a brand new plant. If your herbaceous Peonies have succumbed to powdery mildew, do cut them back at the base. Other perennials with powdery mildew should be cut back to 3”, as well. When sprucing plants up for the fall, keep in mind the effect you want during the winter months. The black seed heads of Rudbeckia are quite striking against the snow, and the foliage of ornamental grasses is graceful blowing in the wind. Dormant foliage will also provide another layer of insulation against the cold, and a habitat for wildlife. It is your personal taste that matters the most.
PRUNING
September is also a good time for pruning trees and shrubs that bloom on new wood. The new growth encouraged by pruning will have sufficient time to harden off before the winter cold settles into our area. Plants that bloom in the spring on the previous season’s growth should be left alone until after blooming in the spring. Most notably, this group includes Azalea, Rhododendron, Lilac, Viburnum, and most of the spring-flowering trees. If you are unsure, please send me an email, and I’ll be happy to advise which group applies.
LAWN RENEWAL
Experts all recommend the Fall as an ideal time to renew your lawn areas. Aerating and over-seeding is one of the more popular methods. If you have full sun and few trees, Fall is the ideal time for you. If you have trees, leaves may already be scattered over your lawns. If allowed to remain, they could smother new growth. If you have lots of trees, you may elect to renew your lawn in the spring.
