Verbena is a genus containing about 250 species, many of which also simply go by “verbena” in common parlance, or if we’re lucky, something like the highly specific “purple verbena.”When I saw that my colleague here at Garden
06.06.2023 - 16:21 / gardenerspath.com / Gretchen Heber
How to Survive Jack Frost: Prepping Your Trees for WinterWhen winter winds whistle and you’re toasting yourself by the fire, don’t forget about your trees — they definitely need some preparatory love before Jack Frost bites.
In gratitude for the bountiful shade these leafy lovelies provide you all spring and summer, give your trees a leg up in their battle against winter’s worst weather.
Even if you live in a place where winter days are more mild than malevolent, winter is a good time to give your trees a little extra attention.
Please PruneOffer your tall beauties a healthy start to winter by making sure they are clear of deadwood, and are well-pruned for their species. If there are limbs or branches that may pose a danger to your home or walkways, trim, brace, or cable them to provide stability.
More MulchRepeated freezing and thawing can cause soil to expand and contract, which can damage roots and heave saplings out of the ground.
To maintain a more constant soil temperature, insulate roots, and slow moisture loss, add 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree in late fall or early winter.
Take care not to pile mulch directly against the trunk, since the base needs to “breathe.” Rather than applying it in a volcano shape, you want your mulch to more closely resemble a donut.
If you live where the ground freezes and stays frozen, wait to mulch until the ground has frozen, or else mice may take up residence in your cozy bed of organic material.
WaterWater trees well throughout the autumn before the ground freezes, especially newly planted ones. Water acts as an insulator — and plant cells that are swollen with water will be stronger against cold damage.
Additionally, moist soil tends to stay warmer than dry soil, so
Verbena is a genus containing about 250 species, many of which also simply go by “verbena” in common parlance, or if we’re lucky, something like the highly specific “purple verbena.”When I saw that my colleague here at Garden
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