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If you are one of those unfortunate gardeners who has suffered through hail
storms—perhaps more than once this season, here are a few quick tips on how
to bring back your damaged landscape.
- First assess
the damage by walking around checking your various plants. If it is early
in the season there is hope of reviving or replanting them. If it is later
in the season some things will be lost.
- Normally it
is beneficial to wait about a week to see what damage has been done to your
annuals and vegetables. Both usually bounce back from hail
storms after they are trimmed back, fertilized lightly and provided a little
extra water for a few days. When trimming remove only the most damaged
leaves leaving the others to promote growth. If plants do not show signs of
growth within a week or two, you might replace them if it is early enough in
the growing season.
- Perennials
should also be trimmed and fertilized lightly. Cut back on fertilizing and
water if fall is approaching, but mulch well for protection over the
winter. If they are more mature plants, they will have a root structure
that will provide them a greater chance of recovery. Remove all flower
stalks as they use energy that the plants now need to grow. Also trim
leaves that have been heavily damaged. Inspect plants regularly for insects
and disease and treat problems promptly to enhance chance of survival.
- Trees
and shrubs
may also suffer from hail damage. Any broken branches or stems should be
cut off cleanly. Less severely damaged bark wounds may heal naturally
through callousing, but if the wound is deep a fungicide may protect the
plant from disease brought on by stress. Also remove any damaged fruit as
this could attract unwanted pests.
For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern,
email
us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff
members. Remember,
Phelan
Gardens is open year-round!
For additional information, check the following links:
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