QUESTION: Is it too late to winterize my trees and shrubs?
- Elma
ANSWER: As long as the ground is not frozen, it is not too late to give your trees, shrubs and perennials a deep root watering.
If the temperatures are above zero, it is not too late to spray an anti-transpirant (like Wilt Prouf) to protect your cedars and junipers.
If the temperatures are below zero, it's too late.
It is not too late to cover your cedars with burlap. Loosely surround your cedars with the burlap leaving an opening at the top for air circulation. All the burlap is doing is shielding your plant from sunburn.
Wrapping it too tight only creates poor air circulation, which results in other problems.
No, it's not too late to put mulch such as leaves, straw, peat moss or bark chips over your perennials and tender tea roses. Even if there is a bit of snow on the ground go ahead and put that extra layer of insulation over your plants.
Timing can be of the essence. Once the ground is frozen and the snow cover is there to stay, you can officially hang up your gardening garb for the season.
