Autumn Plant Health

As seasons change, it is important to consider the activities needed to protect your plants, pollinators, trees, and other species on your property. Your priorities also need to consider local weather and soil conditions.

With the arrival of the cooler weather and as plants start to die back, many people think “oh, the growing season is over” and focus on cleaning up. However, many plants still need attention; autumn is a good time to assess the condition of plants in your yard.

After an abnormally dry late summer, and several years of drier than normal conditions, some plants may be showing signs of stress. What does plant stress look like?

- Foliage may change color very early.

- Leaves may drop before changing color.

- There may be dieback on branches.

- Plants may be wilting.

- Perennials may be stunted compared to previous years.

Newburyport has recently started a voluntary water ban, but you can still address some drought issues in your yard and prepare for future droughts.

The ban requests that watering be done between 6-9am and 6-9pm. However, it is best to water plants in the morning hours. Why? Letting foliage stay wet into the cooler evening temperatures will only exacerbate mold and fungus issues. When plants are wilted in the afternoon, it is best to wait until the morning to see if they are still wilted. Often wilt is a sign of unexpected high temperatures. However, wilt in the mornings definitely means the plant is thirsty. The only things to water in the evening would be extremely dry containers or lawns where new grass seed has been spread.

If one uses an irrigation system and runs it for short periods every day in perennial beds, then your plants will not learn to extend their roots and search for water. Water only every 3-4 days for an hour on a slow setting. Keeping roots too wet can also cause rot.

If new trees were planted in the spring, continue to water once a week into November. If a warm, dry spell occurs in the winter, go out and give your tree a drink.

How can you prepare your plants to deal with drought?

- Use mulch but wait until the soil has warmed up in May.

- Purchase a rain barrel and hook it up to your gutters.

- Use grey water from washing dishes by hand to water your plants outside.

- Set your irrigation system to water longer, slower, and less frequently.

Other tasks for now – divide your perennials. Some, like peonies and iris, really prefer to be divided in the fall. As the trees and shrubs lose leaves, evaluate their shape and prune for air flow and an open structure. If they are spring flowering plants, one may want to wait and prune after they bloom. But sometimes it is best to evaluate the need to prune during the winter. Do not use too heavy a hand – a 10-15% reduction max!

Dieback in trees from the top often means root issues – uncover the flare and top roots by pulling grass away and make sure mulch is not touching the tree. For large trees you may need to call in a professional to examine the canopy.

Plants, like us, require a certain amount of fussy attention. Consider your plant’s needs as an invitation to a dialogue. Listen, and respond. Everyone, everything, likes to be listened to.

Jean Berger is a member of Friends of Newburyport Trees (FONT) and may be reached at Greenjeans33@comcast.net.

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This educational column first appeared in The Daily News of Newburyport on October 11, 2024.