Critical Late Season Landscape Tips from The Barn Nursery

As we prepare for the holidays, the dog days of summer are a distant memory.

While many of us had fond memories of long days at the pool and beach, the reality of the long term drought we suffered has faded. As we look towards perhaps the last warm weekend of the year, we want to remind all our friends, neighbors and customers that the drought has not ended.

Can anyone remember recent rainfall outside of Thanksgiving evening? The reality is that our soils are dryer now than they have been this entire year. While we have gotten some rainfall and the heat has abated, our sub soil is has not gotten sufficient water this season and the root balls of established and new plantings are extremely dry.

Our recommendation is to continue watering until temps are continuously dipping below 32 degrees. Unfortunately, this could mean re-hooking up hoses that have already been stowed away for winter.

The extra effort you make this weekend and until the ground freezes will pay off next spring. We recommend a heavy watering this weekend. Using sprinklers, we recommend for 5-7 hours in one are to reach moisture penetration of 8-12 inches.

For any new plantings and especially evergreens and broadleaf evergreens, now is the time to apply an anti-desicant leaf protector, such as Wilt Pruf or Wilt Stop. An application of Wilt Pruf will lock in moisture and prevent winter burn. It also will prevent salt damage and dog urine damage.

Stop at The Barn for these products which are available in ready to use and concentrate. Questions about watering or using Wilt Pruf products? Call us at 847-658-3883. We are now open Monday through Friday 10 am-6 pm and weekends 9 am-6 pm.

Find The Barn at 8109 S Rt 31, in Cary, at the corner of Rt 31 and Rakow Road.