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RAPPAHANNOCK
GARDENER
Protecting Ornamentals
Prune properly at an appropriate time for each plant throughout the year. This is effective in reducing damage by ice and snow. Particularly important is the removal of any weak, narrow-angled, V-shaped crotches. Avoid late-summer pruning yvhich stimulates new, tender growth and reduces the supply of nutrients available to the plant through the winter.
Proper watering can be a critical factor in winterizing. If autumn rains are not sufficient, give the plants a deep soaking that will supply water to the entire root system before the ground freezes. This practice is especially important for broad and needled evergreens. Watering when there are warm days during January, February and March also is important.
Mulching is afHmjJortant cultural technique through the year. It reduces weeds, helps control erosion and reduces loss of water. This last factor is of importance in preventing winter damage.
A two- to four-inch layer of a mulch material, such as tan bark, fir bark, pine needles, wood chips or sawdust will reduce water loss and help maintain a uniform soil moisture around the roots. It also reduces the alternate freezing-thawing of the soil which heaves, or pushes up, some shallow-rooted plants.
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