Lately, we have had a bit of rain and I notice an abnormal appearance of toad stools in yards around the area.  I am not sure, but I suspect these "shrooms" are springing forth from their favorite growing medium - dead wood.  Could this dead wood be dead roots of large trees?  Time will tell.  Major trees will probably die in June after they have leafed out, when the hot weather sets in.  The leaves of other large trees may simply fail to make their spring appearance.  In many cases there is not much we can do to prevent this damage.

    As for smaller perennials and shrubs, we have a bit more control over their fate.  Plants should always be hydrated (watered) during dry winters to keep the roots and leaves from drying out.  Winter watering should be done when the ground is not frozen and the roots can take up liquid.  Water during mild periods when the temperature is above 45 degrees.  Watering need not be done as frequently in the winter because the temperatures are lower.  However, plants must be well hydrated through the winter to hold their own against the cold and dry winds of winter.  Think about how hard winter is on our skin, as compared to the humid summer weather.  Find water if you can and water your plants deeply before Thanksgiving.

    Monitor the level of soil moisture through the winter.  One very good way to do this is to dig down as far as the bulk your roots grow and feel for moisture.  Use your hands.  You can do this with your eyes closed and it works.  Mulch is also important for protecting the bases of small plants.  Mulch also conserves moisture.

    Normally, the dead of winter is a good time to feed plants with natural or slow release fertilizers.  Such high quality plant foods will remain intact until the natural greening of spring.  The nutrients will release at a natural pace in the spring.  However, almost all fertilizers have a salt content that can damage or kill a severely drought stressed plant.  Be careful.

    Anti-dessicant products such as "Wilt-Pruf" form a thin, breathable coating over the leaves of plants, retaining moisture and guarding against harsh winds.  These products should be sprayed on in early winter (November) and again in late February.  The winter coating will have worn off just prior to the March winds, so don't miss the February application.  These products are especially good for broadleaf evergreens such as magnolias and camellias, as their leaf surface area lends itself vulnerable to drying winds.  Meanwhile, keep praying for rain.  This will be a plant's best defense against cold weather.  Until next week.

                                                                                                Andy Lynn