Page 27 - Lawn & Landscape Guide AL

Watering: Apply 1.5”-2” of precipitation per week is recommended per week. This can come from rainfall or irrigation. Water early in the mornings to help prevent ornamental diseases.
Clean Up: Remove debris, by (raking/blowing) out of the flower beds and away from the structure of the house. This not only is an eyesore but also retains moisture and is a great place for insects to harbor.
Mulch: Top off the mulch in your flower beds. This helps prevent weeds and to protect the ornamentals. Remember, leave 12”-18” of mulch off the foundation of the structure to remove conducive conditions for wood destroying organisms, such as termites. Replace that with some type of rock, stone, or rubber material.
Post-emergent: Spot spray active weeds in your bed space with a non-selective herbicide. Be careful not to get on plants, especially in wind conditions more than 10 mph.
Pruning: Your trees and shrubs should be rejoicing with the cooler temperatures. Now is a time to do light pruning. Shaping this time of the year is best due to the plant not resuming fast growth until early next year. Heavy pruning will be an eyesore most of the winter and makes the plants more susceptible to winter damage if extreme cold temperatures persists.
Fertilize: Fertilize your ornamentals this time of the year. Apply up to 1lb of nitrogen per 1000 sqft for mature trees and shrubs.
Insect and Disease: Apply insect control as needed along with a fungicide. Dormant oils can be applied to help suffocate overwintering insects.
December