Horticulture Hotline 12/13/2021
By Bill Lamson-Scribner
The on and off rain and warm temperatures have really kicked in the Large Patch (Brown Patch) fungus disease. Strobe G or T-Methyl are 2 good systemic fungicides to apply now. This disease usually shows up in the same areas, so map these areas for future treatments and save money on products. Reduce thatch and correct drainage in these areas as well. Cotton burr compost reduces thatch.
As the leaves from the trees in your yard fall, be sure to rake them up (consider composting them in your yard) or mulch them with a mower.
Look up into your trees and see if any limbs are damaged. Those big, broken but hanging on limbs are called “widow makers” in the industry for a reason! As time passes, the torn wood that is holding the limb on loses more water making the limb more brittle and has a better chance of falling. Have you ever given a loved one “tree work” for a present? This year may be a good year to start. Look for limbs rubbing on the house or providing a pathway for rats or squirrels.
If you think you might want to transplant a tree or bush in the spring, now is the time to root prune for an easy move.
Moles have been doing their Holiday shopping. Tunnels everywhere.
Visit Charleston County Park’s Holiday Festival of Lights with friends and family. The Holiday Festival of Lights is one of the best in the Nation and always improving.
Our city, town, county, state and national parks have a lot to offer. The different private plantations also provide great landscape interest with the camellias, holly berries, and all the other winter color.
I know at Possum's we have gift certificates for that hard to buy for person. I'm sure most other local garden centers would as well. Plenty of parking, buying local, and short lines at the register for the quick in and out would be all the reasons I would need to go that route.
Now is a great time to test your soil and get on a Possum's Custom Program or buy a gift certificate for someone else to get on a custom program. The time is now to beat the spring rush. Prevention and protection are so important when landscaping in the Lowcountry.
Try some SUPERthrive to help keep your Christmas Tree fresh. One drop in a 4 ounce cup of water mixed in with the other tree stand water every 3 to 4 days is all it needs. SUPERthrive won the World’s Fair Gold Medal in 1940, so it is a good product to have around for many reasons.
Any bare areas in the lawn should be teased with cotton burr compost, so the grass will fill in. You might have tried cotton burr compost in the summer, but in the winter it does amazing things. Go light and watch the runners explode. Weeds love to move in on thin turf.
Always read, understand and follow product label. The product label is a Federal Law.
