October

• Recycle disease-free plant material and kitchen vegetable scraps into compost.
• Good time to plant new trees and shrubs or transplant existing ones.
• Apply preventative weed control in landscape beds, pull or treat existing weeds.*
• Take care of soil drainage needs of lawns and landscape needs before rain begins.
• Treat stone fruit trees to prevent various fungus and bacterial diseases.*
• Clean and oil tools and equipment before storing for winter.
• Plant spring flowering bulbs like crocus, daffodils and tulips.

November

• Apply lime to lawns.*
• Treat roots of trees and shrubs with beneficial mycorrhizae fungus to increase rooting, nutrient uptake, and help protect from certain root diseases.*
• Plan erosion control; use mulches, fir boughs, etc., to prevent compaction from rain and from soil washing.
• Rake and compost leaves that are free of diseases or insects.
• Provide winter protection to built-in sprinkler systems; drain the system, insulate the valve mechanisms.
• Reduce fertilizer applications to houseplants.
• Prepare lawnmower, other garden equipment for winter storage. Drain and store hoses carefully to avoid damage from freezing.

December

• Cut holly for holiday decorations.
• Make holiday decorations from trees and shrubs in the yard.
• Tie limbs of columnar evergreens to prevent snow breakage.
• Subsurface fertilize ornamental trees and shrubs to enhance spring growth and health.*

*Services provided by Collier Arbor Care