Because December has so much activity for the entire family, the garden may easily be neglected.
December is usually the month when the ground will be frozen on the surface for the first time of the season.
Normally the weather will moderate, the soil surface will thaw, and some digging can be done.
December is a valuable month for us, tree-wise. It is the first month of good planting weather after the dormant season for plants has begun.
Deciduous shade trees should be planted now and through February.
Practice Good Tree Management
In planting trees, remember that they increase in size each year and gradually demand more space.
Practice good tree management as you select and plant your permanent shade trees. Remember that an investment in trees increases yearly as they grow.
Trees have economic as well as aesthetic value. The average 50-foot lot cannot successfully accommodate more than one large tree.
Street trees would be more successful if planted on at least a block plan, if not a complete neighborhood plan.
Trees As Appropriate Gift
Nothing could be a more appropriate gift for a new homeowner than a tree or gift certificate for one.
The first tree planted on a property should be functional to provide shade or frame the house. Most trees can be both functional and aesthetic.
Another appropriate gift can be an evergreen tree or large shrub to be used as the Christmas tree and planted later in the garden.
This is a simple way of teaching conservation to children. It also builds further interest in the garden for all family members.
Regardless of the transplanting method used, the secret of success is soil preparation before the tree is planted.
Proper spacing of trees to allow for food, water and light are important if they grow to their maximum size and contribute to the landscape design.
Corrective Pruning
December is the month for corrective pruning and major tree surgery in this area.
Check all trees for weak or diseased limbs and remove sound wood. Competing or crossing limbs that rub together should be corrected by removing one.
Light thinning or heading back of young trees to shape correctly may be done now.
It is a fact that trees pruned to encourage a strong central leader type of branching to withstand wind and ice storms more successfully than those of open center or weak crotch type of branching.
Cavity Treatment
All scars made by removing limbs should be painted thoroughly with asphalt base paint—one that will prevent the entrance of moisture, air, or disease and yet remain pliable enough to withstand the movement of the tree.
For cavity work, it is well to contract the services of a tree surgeon.
Many old trees can be salvaged to give many more years of service if cavities are repaired soon after detection.
Spring Growth Preparation
Another good chore for winter is to feed trees in preparation for spring growth.
Dig four-inch post holes around the perimeter of the spread of the tree, allowing one hole for each one-inch of trunk diameter or fraction thereof.
Make each hole 30″ inches deep and add from 4 to 6 pounds of complete plant food to each.
After adding the fertilizer, fill the remainder of the hole with coarse gravel, allowing the free flow of water into the hole.
This will dissolve the fertilizer and make it available at a depth where it will do the most good.
By keeping these holes filled with gravel, it is possible to feed and water regularly.
On new set trees (one year in place), two holes should be made opposite each other and the amount of fertilizer divided between them.
Excellent Time For Pruning
December is a good time of year to do the pruning necessary to reshape evergreens. The trimmings can be used as holiday decorations.
Before the soil surface is frozen, the garden should be thoroughly soaked. A dry freeze will do irreparable damage to any plant.
Evergreens, in particular, suffer from the dry cold. The garden should be checked thoroughly after every freeze for plants heaved out of the soil.
Keep pansy beds soaked and mulched with screened manure, adding warmth and food.
Winter Mulches
Winter mulches should be applied this month.
Strawy manure is considered a good form of mulch. Its decaying action tends to keep the air temperatures at a ground level slightly higher.
The material used for mulching should not pack down and exclude the air.
Check the mulch frequently for rodents as they burrow into the debris and can cause a great deal of trouble with young plants.
When snow is on the ground, remember to watch for rabbits in search of food. They can girdle every plant in the garden in a short time.
Winter Protection
I have seen them completely riddle plantings of holly and pyracantha, as thorny as they are.
Check walls and walks for pockets that may collect moisture and cause damage when freezing occurs.
In the rose garden, remove all faded leaves that tend to hang on. Hill-up around the bushes for added winter protection.
Avoid excessive traffic on the lawn, as serious damage can result when the grass is not actively growing.
Even though no visible activity is seen, lawns need thorough soaking during winter.
Dormant sprays for scale and other stubborn pests should be made now on warm clays and throughout the winter months.
44659 by Robert H. Rucker