Planting and Moving
This is the time of year for planting bare-root deciduous hedges, trees and shrubs. It also an ideal time to plant Roses, however you should avoid planting in areas where Roses have previously grown. This is because they can suffer from replant diseases.
Newly planted trees and shrubs should be protected from the cold and wind as much as possible with use of netted wind breakers, straw, or a polythene shield to allow sunlight in.
Pruning and renovation of many deciduous trees, shrubs and hedges can be carried out from now throughout the dormant season. It is easier to see what you are doing when the branches have no leaves.
Shrubs normally pruned hard in the spring – such as Buddleja davidii, and Lavatera – can be cut back by half now, to prevent wind rock and neaten their appearance.
Ensure any pruning of Acer and Betula is completed before the end of the year to avoid bleeding of sap from cuts.
If there is snow in your area, then you may need to brush it off the branches of conifers, climbers and light-limbed shrubs and trees. Heavy snowfall can splay branches, break limbs and spoil the shape of the tree.
Pests and Diseases
Garden hygiene helps greatly in the prevention of disease carry-over from one year to the next. It is always a good idea to rake up and burn, bury, or throw away infected leaves.
Phytophthora root rots can cause dieback on mature trees and shrubs. Wet winter weather and poorly-drained soils are likely to encourage this problem on susceptible woody plants.
Coral spot is often noticed once the leaves have fallen from deciduous hedges, shrubs and trees. This problem can be connected with poor ventilation and congested, un-pruned twiggy growth (as found inside clipped hedges), but it is more a sign of unsuitable conditions than a serious pathogen in itself.
By choosing a Pine or Fir Tree instead of the traditional Norway Spruce for your Chrustmas Tree this year, you can prevent premature needle drop. This is because these species of Tree hold their needles for a longer period of time. You should also avoid placing your Christmas Tree near heat sources such as fire places or radiators.
Keep your Christmas Tree drinking freely by sawing off a few inches from the bottom of the trunk, and placing in either a bucket of water or using a stand with a reservoir.