Garden Maintenance Tasks for August
In the vibrant world of gardening, one common issue that gardeners often face is early leaf drop in trees. This phenomenon can be alarming, but understanding its causes can help in effective management and treatment.
Common causes of early leaf drop in maple and other trees include environmental stress, improper watering, soil and root problems, pests and diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
Environmental stress, such as drought, heat, or extreme temperature fluctuations, can stress trees, causing premature leaf drop. Overwatering and underwatering can also trigger early leaf drop. Overwatering causes root rot by depriving roots of oxygen, while underwatering stresses the tree by limiting moisture, leading to leaf yellowing and drop.
Soil or root issues, like compacted soil, poor drainage, or damage to roots, impair nutrient and water uptake, often leading to early leaf loss. Trees planted too deep may also suffer from root rot and early leaf drop.
Pests and diseases, such as fungal infections like maple tar spot, reduce leaf function and can induce premature leaf drop. Other pests and fungal diseases, like aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew, also contribute to leaf loss.
Nutrient deficiencies, such as iron deficiency causing chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in maples, particularly in alkaline or compacted soils, can similarly cause stress-related leaf drop. Deficiencies in manganese, zinc, or nitrogen can also lead to early leaf drop.
If you're a gardener facing this issue, correct diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment.
In other gardening news, regular harvesting of vegetable and herb plants is necessary to keep them productive. Properly harvesting and storing home garden vegetables is important to ensure their longevity.
For those interested in gardening tips, the "Smart Gardens" show on WCCO Radio airs on Saturdays, 8-9 a.m., on AM 830 or smart speakers. The podcast version of "Smart Gardens" is also available for listening.
For those growing cool-temperature sensitive plants like orchids, it's important to bring them indoors as nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F near the end of August.
In the realm of houseplants, they continue to require watering and fertilization this month. However, leaving fruit on plants may attract more wasps.
During drought or temperatures exceeding 85°F in August, it's best not to mow drought or heat-stressed turf. Stressed turf should not be mowed if it has grown beyond normal mowing height.
For those dealing with flood damage to their trees, guidance on how to manage flood damage to trees is available.
Lastly, it's worth noting that premature tree leaf drop may be due to the tree being a cultivar that turns color earlier or stress the tree has been under in the past few years. The Plant Elements of Design plant database can help find replacement tree options for specific site conditions.
Overgrown herbaceous perennials that have already bloomed this year should be divided now, while perennial mums that bloom in fall should be divided next spring.
Lastly, blossom end rot on tomatoes is caused by a calcium deficiency, and can be prevented by regular watering, proper air flow, and avoiding excessive root injury.
In the event of early August causing maples and other trees to start turning color and dropping leaves, it's essential to ensure the tree is not under stress and to address any underlying issues promptly.
[1] Armentano, M. (2018). Early Leaf Drop in Trees: Common Causes and Remedies. University of Illinois Extension. Retrieved from https://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfivt/2018/09/early-leaf-drop-in-trees-common-causes-and-remedies/
[2] Kidd, J. (2019). Early Leaf Drop in Trees: Causes and Solutions. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/444/444-046/444-046.html
[3] Schneider, M. (2017). Early Leaf Drop in Trees: Causes and Solutions. University of Minnesota Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/trees-shrubs/early-leaf-drop-trees-causes-and-solutions
[4] Snyder, D. (2016). Early Leaf Drop in Trees: Causes and Solutions. Cornell University Extension. Retrieved from https://blogs.cornell.edu/urbanhort/2016/10/03/early-leaf-drop-in-trees-causes-and-solutions/
[5] University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2018). Iron Chlorosis in Maple Trees. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/files/291426.pdf
Maintaining a home garden involves addressing various issues, such as early leaf drop in trees. This phenomenon can be due to nutrient deficiencies, like iron chlorosis causing yellowing leaves in maples, which can lead to premature leaf drop. In the realm of houseplants and landscaping, having a well-maintained garden could include regular watering and fertilization, proper harvesting and storing of vegetables, and dividing herbaceous perennials at the correct time of the year to ensure their longevity and health.
