Cedar Hedge Preparation For Fall and Winter in Kelowna
/Posted on October 11, 2017 by Dennis Slade
There is no denying that the summer months of the Okanagan Valley are truly magical. An electricity seems to fill the air as residents flock to the lakes, splashing, swimming and basking in the sun. Some of us enjoy summer so much that we put a few of our projects aside when suddenly, cold air sweeps down from the peaks of the mountains and the leaves rapidly change their hues.
Fall is officially upon us in Kelowna, and you might be caught off guard a little, however, we must prepare for the winter ahead. When it comes to our homes, we should pay special attention to the portion of our property that cannot hide indoors for the winter. If you have coniferous trees or shrubs, such as cedar hedges, it is time to prepare them for the icy months ahead.
Cedars in the Winter
The needles and leaves of coniferous plant life are typically thick and almost waxy, which helps the shrub or tree reduce its overall water loss. Cedar trees come equipped with specialized openings called “stomatas”, which acts as a passageway for water vapours during the growing season. When the cooler temperatures arrive, these stomata will close up, attempting to retain water as much water as possible, which will help when mitigating damages that can result from freezing conditions. The main reason why a needle or leaf of a coniferous plant will not die or fall off is due to the resin they harbour inside, which is very difficult to freeze and a crucial element to winter survival. Therefore, the survival of your cedars is directly linked to their access to water.
Cedars Require Moisture
The main cause of cedar damage in the winter comes from dehydration, enhanced by late winter sun and winds. When the ground beneath a cedar is frozen and hard, the plant will have a difficult time drawing any moisture from the soil. There are several ways to mitigate this, starting with fall preparation. As the days grow shorter, you can drastically help your cedars out by giving them some extra water, especially if we have experienced a typical, hot and dry Okanagan summer. If the fall has brought minimal rain, you can water your outdoor plants and cedars right up until the ground has frozen.
It is also wise to cover the ground around your cedars with a thick layer of mulch, at least three inches thick. This mulch will help keep moisture in the ground, which can then be funnelled up by the root system of your cedars.
Hungry Winter Pests
When the rest of the word is grey and barren, your green cedars may attract extra attention from rabbits, mice and other rodents. Young plants and lower trunks can be protected with chicken wire or pest repellent sprays. The disadvantage to topical treatments is that they usually have to be reapplied after wet weather conditions.
If you have any first-year plants, you may want to protect their bark with a plastic guard. If you do apply plastic guards, ensure they are removed promptly in the spring to avoid a buildup of excess moisture which could attract insects. Plastic covers may not be the most attractive option for your property, however losing several, or all of your cedars can be a costly lesson to learn.
Pruning and Fertilization
The best time to shape and prune cedars is typically in September or October. At this time, the wild summer growth can be cut back, ensuring the shape of the cedar stays intact. You want to prune after the warm months have passed, but before the extreme cold and snow arrive. If you prune too late in the season, branches will not have enough time to repair before winter. This timing will change from year to year, so it is always best to consult with an expert (our teamwould be more than happy to answer your questions in this regard).
Just like grass, fall is a great time to add some fertilizer around your cedars, especially if they are young. At Hedgehogs Cedar Pros, we know what fertilizer to add to the soil, depending on the conditions and time of year. During the fall months, we also offer yard “clean-ups” and hedge maintenance. A quick tidy up on your property in autumn will have your yard looking immaculate all winter long, keeping your cedars healthy and making spring cleaning 10 times easier!