Tunnell Vision - October 2020

We used to say that sanitation was the key to reducing insect and disease problems for next year and make sure you clean your landscape up like you were cleaning your living room, but that has changed. We’ve realized that when you remove the leaf and plant litter in the landscape, you’re not only removing and/or killing overwintering insects, you’re also removing much needed insulation for insects burrowed in the ground that rely on the leaf litter to survive the winter temperatures, which includes some bees.  The dead brown plant parts from most perennials that are left standing all winter are an important part as well. They may contain seed for birds or offer hiding places for other insects.  So, again it is a change in our mindset, what is attractive and what is not. 
 
Some plant debris should be removed and composted, like peonies, roses, and fruit trees which keep their pest and disease problems in their fallen foliage. In these instances, it would be best to remove and compost.  If you must remove other dead or dying debris, do not be tempted to remove foliage too early.  Any green foliage is still manufacturing food for next year’s growth.  This is especially true for ornamental grasses.  These grasses, like turf-grass, can either be cool or warm season grasses.  Cool season grasses start to grow in early spring, may go dormant in summer depending on water, and may remain semi-evergreen over the winter.  Cool season grasses may require more frequent division to keep them looking good or else they might die out in the center of the plant.  Warm season grasses grow well in the heat.  This year’s growth will brown out in the fall, earlier than their cool season cousins.
 
Ornamental grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In my opinion, they are more attractive when left standing and usually are planted with the thought of still enjoying the brown mass of leaves in winter.  More than this, the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant in winter.  You should cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches in the spring before growth resumes. When foliage is removed, spring growth will begin earlier. Old foliage left on the plant can delay the crown’s warming and subsequent growth by as much as 3 weeks.  Division depends on the spacing and visual appearance of the plants as well as the overall health. Plants suffering from die-out in the center should be divided to improve appearances. Division is done in the spring before growth resumes or in the late summer or fall after the growing season. Plants that bloom late could be divided in the spring.
 
Most importantly, do not forget about watering.  Depending on the weather, all perennials, trees, and shrubs need a thorough watering before the ground freezes, especially evergreens which demand more water than other deciduous plants.
 
Fall is also the perfect time for aerating and over-seeding lawns.  Your last mowing should be at the regular height that you maintain throughout the year.  Do not cut it short for the winter or leave it long.