PREVIOUSLY SHADY AREAS NOW FULL SUN EXPOSURE: Many of us with previously shady landscapes suddenly have areas that are now exposed to full sun due to tree loss, courtesy of Hurricane Ike. This is a good time for moving shade loving established shrubs and small trees to new locations if necessary.

CONTINUE TO MONITOR HURRICANE-DAMAGED LANDSCAPE TREES: Take another look at large trees left in the landscape that sustained damage from Hurricane Ike. Determine if additional maintenance work is required. If the services of a professional are required choose someone who is licensed, bonded and insured.

SELECT AND PLANT NEW SHRUBS AND TREES: Fall is considered an ideal time to plant woody ornamentals in our region. Relatively mild soil temperatures during the winter allow root growth to occur. Fall planted shrubs and trees are therefore well on their way toward establishment before the demands brought on by hot weather begin in late spring.

MOVE TROPICALS INDOORS: Prepare to move cold sensitive tropical plants indoors for the winter. Make certain that they are pest free prior to the move by controlling scales, mealybugs and mites. A spray solution of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil helps to control these and other soft-bodied pests. These types of sprays control insects by suffocation—by plugging up their breathing pores, rather than by poisoning. Follow label directions carefully. This should be done before the night temperatures drop into the mid-forty degree Fahrenheit range.

COLD INJURY ON PLANTS: Be prepared to protect landscape plants from cold injury during a severe cold snap by taking a few preventive steps. If you trust your weather prognosticator and he or she predicts a hard freeze and if your soil is on the dry side at the time, then be sure to water your plants well prior to the freeze.

Odd as it may appear, many plants are killed due to a lack of sufficient soil moisture. Providing a 4-to-6 inch layer of mulch (such as leaves, compost, or shredded pine bark) will also help to reduce cold injury. While plastic does not provide sufficient protection to plants during an extended hard freeze, it can be used to protect cold-sensitive plants against light frosts. However, be very sure to remove the plastic immediately after the danger from a light frost has passed–temperatures inside a clear plastic covering can become very high on a sunny day.

POINSETTIAS: Christmas poinsettias are widely available now. Each year, people express concern about the poisonous nature of these beautiful plants. Plant scientists at Ohio State University have proven through extensive testing that they are not poisonous. However, poinsettias may cause moderate to severe gastrointestinal disturbances when ingested in sufficient quantity.
Always be sure to keep poinsettias well out of reach of inquisitive toddlers. There is always the possibility that some individuals may be especially sensitive to certain plants, including poinsettias.

For more information contact:
Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Galveston County Office
5115 Highway 3
Dickinson, Texas 77539
(281) 534-3413, Ext. 1, 2

OR - visit our website

This web site is maintained by Master Gardener Laura Bellmore, under the direction of William M. Johnson, Ph.D., County Extension Agent-Horticulture & Master Gardener Program Coordinator.
All digital photographs are the property of  the Galveston County Master Gardener Association, Inc. (GCMGA) © 2002-2006 GCMGA - All Rights Reserved.