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Hort Shorts for November 1, 2020 -- Trees and Shrubs, Gardens and Lawns

A summary of timely activities and emerging disorders in landscapes.

Rake Under Pines?

Do not rake fallen needles under evergreens unless the needles have disease. Needles enrich the soil, moderate temperatures and conserve moisture under the tree.

Irrigate Evergreens

Most of North Dakota is in a drought. If your soil is dry, irrigate evergreens to fill their needles with water before the ground freezes. This prevents needle tips from drying (shown) due to harsh winds and glaring sun rays over winter. Young, wind-exposed trees are most sensitive.

Deer Repellents

Products that generate a sulfur odor work best. These repellents contain decaying animal proteins such as eggs or slaughterhouse waste. Deer sense this odor and fear a predator is nearby. Products include Deer Away, Liquid Fence and Plantskydd. Spray directly on plants.

Clean and Store Tools

Brush off soil and sharpen blades. Put oil on moving parts and rub a light amount of oil into the wood.

Store Winter Squash

Keep at least 1 inch of stem. Wipe but do not wash fruit. Except for acorns, cure in a warm (80°F) spot for 10 days. Store on pallets at 55°F and 60% RH. Most varieties taste better after 4–8 weeks in storage.

Clean Under Fruit Trees

It’s important to rake and remove fallen leaves and fruits. This litter is a source of insect pests (such as apple maggot shown above) and diseases next year.

Trim Your Lawn

A tall turf attracts voles (shown with its damage) and becomes more susceptible to mold. Mow at a normal height or slightly lower (approximately 2 inches).

Dormant Seeding

Filling in bare spots? Seed may be sown now in flat, sheltered areas. This seed will sprout in spring. Sow seed, lightly incorporate in soil, and irrigate once.

Winterize Mower

Scrape dirt from under the mower deck. Run the engine until all gas is gone or add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes. Change oil. Remove the spark plug and battery.

Written by Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist, North Dakota State University. Published in the NDSU Yard & Garden Report for November 1, 2020. Photos were made available under Creative Commons licenses specified by the photographers: Ted; Mike Schomaker, Colorado State Forest Service, Bugwood.org; jon; ClayGiraffe; Nick Warner; Tom Kalb, NDSU; BlueRidgeKitties; David L. Clement, University of Maryland, Bugwood.org; Matt Lowden; Jo Zimny.