by Lis Friemoth
Predictions for new year
Planning ahead helps gardeners cope
Predicting problems in nature is interesting; there always
are lots of variables that don’t regularly act in any expected
fashion.
So why bother? Well, for one thing, I find it fun to monitor
environmental conditions. But more importantly, it may
offer a head’s-up look at potential problems. That gives
us a chance to correct potential issues — where it’s possible
— with cultural and manual measures, rather than with chemical
products.
Planning is a good thing. It allows time to make good
decisions and use the best method or product for each issue
in a timely manner. So what’s up for 2008?
There will be plenty of insects to deal with, especially
the emerald ash borer, which will not be going away anytime
soon. Anticipate the need to understand the potential issues
and responsibilities that surround it.
With some problems, the hype can overshadow reality. In
the case of the ash borer, we should be so lucky. According
to federal and state inspectors, the existence of the beetle
has yet to be confirmed in Wisconsin. The expectation is
that they will be found and that we will have to deal with
infestations somewhere in our area; we just don’t know
when and where.
Are there chemical treatments to prevent beetle damage?
Yes. Are they effective? Sometimes. Should they be used
now? No. It’s the wrong time of the year.
Time to elaborate a bit. Federal and state organizations
have developed response plans that detail what measures
will be taken to contain and eradicate any infestation
zone. At this point in time, those plans call for elimination,
not chemical treatment. If homeowners choose to treat ash
trees and are unlucky enough to have an EAB found nearby,
those trees will be handled in the same manner as those
that have not been treated. Whether to treat is up to the
individual. I advise checking out the latest research on
EAB to help make that decision.
There are many insect critters that plague us regularly.
Fortunately, the cicadas will not be back in full force
for another 17 years. But, the Japanese beetles will be
back, as will box elder bugs, Asian lady beetles, earwigs,
slugs, leafminers, chinch bugs, and June bugs, and, and,
and ….
Under some circumstances, control is necessary. Under
most other circumstances, there really is not much to worry
about, except cosmetic damage. Proper identification and
a bit of education on critter life cycle will help to focus
efforts at the most effective — and deadly — growth periods.
Every year, fungal and bacterial pathogens will hit plants.
This year will be no different. Fortunately, healthy plants
are less susceptible to extreme disease ramifications.
And a few cultural practices can help you out. First, when
buying plants, consider all site and growing conditions,
since a properly placed plant will be healthier.
After installation, considerate care practices are necessary.
Make sure, for example, that landscape plants receive adequate
water. The equivalent of 1 inch of rain per week is generally
enough for established plant material, and about 2 inches
per week for anything that is newly planted.
As plants grow, they need to be pruned and trained to
grow strong. Take the time to understand when a plant flowers
and produces fruit and whether the plant responds best
to infrequent, severe or light pruning techniques. As a
general rule, and for most plants, structural pruning should
be done during the dormant season. If you have a flowering
plant, prune just after flowering to ensure that blooms
are not lost. If you’re growing plant material for fruit,
learn and understand the best methods to structurally train
and prune to encourage strong branching and the best production.
Weeds seem a part of life in the landscape. We can’t escape
them and they demand our frequent and personal attention.
From a cultural perspective, weeds can teach us about soil
quality, nutrient deficiencies, compaction, and moisture
levels.
Observing, identifying, and learning about conditions
under which they prosper will point out needed corrections
in the landscape. If more intense control is needed, there
are growth regulator products that can help in the control
of weed germination and growth prior to emergence. Timing
is crucial to success. Carefully read and follow the label
instructions for handling, application, rates, and timing.
Product formulation can differ, so use good judgment and
caution when choosing and applying any chemical.
Over the past few years, extended drought periods, excessive
rains, abnormally hot winds, cold summer nights, early
dormancy and a warm, moist fall have contributed to the
increased stress levels in some landscape materials. These
factors will work to force premature bud break, so don’t
be surprised to see a few green leaves pop out here and
there. And with any early emergence, expect to see some
leaf damage from the middle of spring through early summer.
Keep a close watch.
— Lis Friemoth is a horticulture diagnostician. Contact her at (262) 745-2904, P.O. Box 58, Springfield, WI 53176, visit online at www.thegardenhoe.com or e-mail her at gardenhoe@tds.net. Listen to Liz from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. every third Saturday on WISN AM1130 radio. |
