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December Maintenance Guide

 


"One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides" - W E. Johns
 


N o w   I s  T h e  T i m e  T o  P l a n t
We’re different from the rest of the country because we can plant in the winter. Our cold temperatures, coupled with the plants’ natural dormancy period, lessen transplanting shock giving plants time to adapt before the warm weather returns. Gardening in Texas can be a year round activity and right now, without the insects and heat, is an excellent time.

 

Why Plant ?
Trees and plants absorb ozone damaging pollutants, capture carbon dioxide and convert it to life sustaining oxygen. Plants also keep temperatures down and act as noise and privacy buffers. The aesthetic and intrinsic value on body, mind and spirit is incalculable.

 

We encourage the use of native and adapted plants because they use less water and are more insect and disease resistant. They also require less maintenance so we have more time to enjoy them.
 



P L A N T

Trees, Shrubs, Roses, Annuals and Spring Bulbs.
 

See Winter Flower Ideas
 

LANDSCAPE WITH NATURE, INC.

16032 Pool Canyon Road
Austin, Texas 78734
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Telephone 1-512-335-0344
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LWN, INC. Seasonal Guide
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Texas LA Registration #1523
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M O W
As needed until the grass goes dormant which is usually this month so drain the gas tank, clean engine and sharpen blades. Leaves on the lawn cause turf stress so it’s best to rake or mow with a mulching mower. Use leaves (nature's best slow release fertilizer) as mulch around your woody ornamentals to reduce landfill waste too.

 

M U L C H
All bare soil – it’s vital for moisture retention, will protect the root system in cold weather, discourage weeds, and makes your landscape look cared for and balanced. We recommend shredded Cypress, Texas Hardwood or Pine Bark mulch at a depth of 3 to 4 inches. We don’t recommend Cedar mulch because of its toxicity.

 

T R E E  P R U N I N G
Begins for most hardwoods after the first freeze. We suggest consulting a professional for best pruning techniques. Be sure to paint Oak tree wounds after pruning and disinfect the blades to avoid spreading the Oak Wilt disease. Never cut the tops off Crape Myrtles. With young trees, leave branches on the main trunk to encourage a thicker trunk more quickly and only remove branches when they reach one inch in diameter.

See January Maintenance for more pruning information.
 

 

T W O  C H R I S T M A S  T R E E  S U G G E S T I O N S :
Japanese Black Pine
Which matures to 30 feet tall with a 15-20 foot spread.
Upright Rosemary
"Herb of Remembrance, Friendship & Love" is an aromatic 2 to 3 feet tall evergreen that looks like a small Yuletide tree. Although it's not a houseplant, it can be enjoyed over the holidays provided it's placed near a window to receive bright light and its soil kept moist. Repot in larger container outdoors when the temperatures are above freezing or plant.
Uses for Rosemary
Insect repellent in closets and drawers. Burn branches in fireplaces, use leaves in potpourri, weave into wreaths and garlands and lay sprigs among linens. Scatter on barbecue to discourage insects.

Indoor Poinsettia, Christmas cactus, Cyclamen, and Amaryllis should be sink soaked and then placed in bright daylight. Kept wet but not soggy, they should last through the season.

Make holiday arrangements using branches with red and blue berries. Watch out for poisonous yaupon berries.

 

S P R A Y
For insect and disease problem.

 

W A T E R
Once a week unless it rains. Watering thoroughly before a freeze will buffer soil temperatures creating a warm insulation. To avoid freeze damage on fragiles (i.e. Camellias, Gardenias, Hibiscus and Palms), cover with old cotton sheets. Don't water when it's freezing. Check with your water provider for current restrictions.

 

F E R T I L I Z E
Pansies and other winter annuals only lightly every month or so using a liquid soluble fertilizer such as Peters 20-20-20.

Keep purchased and unknown origin firewood away from your Oak trees and wrapped in clear plastic to avoid disease.

 

See Winter Flower Ideas
See Winter Vegetable Garden Suggestions

 

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