q       Plant container-grown,  B&B, and bare-root trees and shrubs when the ground is not frozen or too wet.  Always plant at the same level plants were grown at the nursery, or slightly higher.  Top-dress with 2" of compost.

q       Do not plant Southern Magnolia or Cherry Laurel until late February or March.

q       Thoroughly water and mulch new plantings, keeping mulch away from the plant's trunk.

q       Add new mulch to existing beds if needed.

q       Prune broadleaf and narrowleaf evergreen shrubs to shape.  Do not prune spring flowering shrubs or vines, except to remove dead, diseased or crossing wood.

q       Prune summer flowering trees and shrubs (that bloom on new wood) to force new shoots in the spring.

q       Prune giant hybrid Clematis severely now (if needed) up until new growth begins to emerge, and prune other deciduous summer-flowering vines as well.

q      Continue to inspect evergreen shrubs for scale (particularly Euonymus, boxwood and Burford Holly). Spray with insecticide now or with dormant oil in late winter.  Heavy infestations can kill plants.

q      Cut back Liriope while the weather is still cold, before any chance of new shoots emerging.

q      After a snowfall, be sure to brush snow off of evergreen limbs to prevent breakage.

q     Plant spring flowering bulbs now - the is the last month to do so.

q     Cut back dead foliage of annuals & perennials, as well as established Bearded Iris and peonies.

November Tips