As Thanksgiving approaches, homeowners across East Texas are taking time to assess their yards and landscapes. With cooler temperatures settling in, it is crucial to complete a few essential tasks that can significantly impact the condition of lawns and gardens as winter approaches. This brief checklist provides key actions to take, along with common pitfalls to avoid.
Final Mowing and Leaf Management
The first step is to give your lawn its last proper mowing of the season. Avoid cutting the grass too short. For warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda, maintaining a height of about 2.5 to 3 inches is advisable. This height protects the grass crowns from cold damage and helps suppress early weed growth. Cutting too low in November may expose vulnerable growing points and stress the turf as it slows down for the winter.
Next, address the accumulation of leaves. A light layer can be beneficial, and mulching them back into the turf can return vital nutrients to the soil. However, thick layers of leaves can smother grass, leading to potential damage. It is best to mulch what you can and remove any excess to prevent a wet, compacted layer from forming.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife, mulched leaves can enhance soil organic matter and improve overall turf health, provided the layer remains light enough for grass to breathe.
Timing for Fertilization and Pruning
Now is not the time to fertilize your lawn. Late-season nitrogen can encourage tender growth that is susceptible to cold weather. As grass prepares for dormancy, it is wise to save fertilizer for the spring when growth resumes.
Homeowners may feel the urge to prune shrubs and trees during the holiday season, but it is advisable to resist this temptation. Pruning in November can stimulate new growth and expose plants to cold damage. If branches are broken or pose a hazard, they can be removed, but general pruning should wait until mid-winter for trees and late winter or early spring for most shrubs.
Optimal Planting Conditions and Winter Color
Now is an ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. The window from mid-November to February provides optimal conditions for establishing woody ornamentals in East Texas. The soil remains warm enough for root development, while cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young plants. Species such as oaks, native hollies, maples, and camellias thrive when planted during this period. Ensure proper planting depth, water deeply at installation, and refresh the mulch ring while keeping it off the trunk.
To add winter color to your landscape, consider planting cold-tolerant options like pansies, violas, ornamental cabbage, kale, snapdragons, and dianthus. These plants will not only enhance your outdoor space through the winter but will also carry through into early spring.
Finally, it is essential to be patient with any lawn disease issues. Many problems tend to subside as temperatures drop. For instance, brown patch, also known as large patch, becomes less active with cooler soil temperatures. Most seasonal blemishes on shrubs are simply part of the natural transition.
As the holiday season unfolds, take advantage of this opportunity to prepare your yard for winter. Engaging in these straightforward tasks now will set the foundation for a healthy and vibrant landscape come spring. Enjoy the holiday season with family, while ensuring your outdoor space is ready for the challenges of winter.
