We think about fall and leaves changing colors and dropping, football games, and weather changes. 

Well, our weather has us thinking a little differently right now. Rainfall is below normal, so our trees can still benefit from a deep watering once every two to three weeks. To do this you can use a soaker hose or tree gaiter or a homemade version of that. (cracked or leaking buckets work great!) 

Inspect any staked trees to determine if the staking can be removed. Look for binding of wires or straps. Remove from newly planted trees after first year, unless otherwise training for shape. Girdling or bark damage can result if in place too long.  

By late October, think about using tree wrap on young, thin bark trees to protect them from Southwest Injury Maples, redbuds, birch, and crabapple are extra susceptible. 

With our current drought conditions, do not fertilize stressed trees this fall. They need to be going dormant, not pushing new growth. Let them rest. Reconsider application in March. 

Tree Gaiter Waterer

Scar/bark damage from staking wires on too long

Paper tree wrap to protect from southwest injury.  Wrap in October and remove in March/April.  

Fall is an excellent time to plant most trees and shrubs. In fact, research suggests that early fall planting is best for container-grown and B&B shade and ornamental trees and pines, but spring is best for planting bare-root plants and broadleaf evergreens, such as holly and Southern magnolia. Plants planted in the fall have more time for the root system to become established before the onset of summer heat.

Check out our Tree Planting Guide (click) and we have many OSU Fact Sheets on selection:

Selecting Evergreen Trees

Selecting Deciduous Trees for Oklahoma

Shrubs for Oklahoma

If you decide to plant this fall, realize we are still in drought conditions and you MUST be willing to water regularly for success.  Do not fertilize at planting time, the tree must develop the roots needed for uptake of nutrients first.  Understand your soil and site, and consider how much water your selected tree will need. 

Every fall we begin to look ahead to plan the programming for the next year. I have a survey for horticulture topics that I would appreciate your time to consider. Topics that you think are needed for our community to grow are welcome anytime, but truly are needed as we plan for next year.  

Many of the master gardeners provided input at their September meeting. Help me serve you better by completing this Horticulture Survey 2022.  Thanks for your input! 

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry - Hay Resources Search (click on link)

Oklahoma State University Forage, Soil and Water Testing Services (click on link)

Drought assistance (reduced cost) for some testing services will be announced soon.   

Pottawatomie County USDA-Text Message Alerts - Text your state and county (OKPottawatomie) to FSANOW (372-669). Standard text messaging rates apply.

For Hay and Cattle prices: Red will indicate a drop in price, Green will indicate a rise in price. (9 30 2022)