1) Plant trees and shrubs to give them time to get established before warm weather arrives.
2) Early in February before new buds begin to swell, apply horticultural oil spray to control scale insects on fruit trees, hollies, camellias, oaks, and crape myrtles.
3) Fertilize new trees and shrubs with a liquid, high-phosphorus root-stimulator fertilizer monthly.
4) Remove dead, dying, and weak canes from bush roses; leave 4-8 healthy canes; remove about half of the top growth by cutting just above a bud that faces out from the center;
5) Always use sharp, clean shears disinfected between each plant. I put rubbing alcohol in a small spray bottle and spritz on each blade of my shears.
6) Weave long canes of climbing roses through openings in trellises or arbors and tie them with jute twine or plastic/wire plant ties, which helps prevent damage from winter winds, and contributes to a neater appearance when roses are blooming.
7) Hire a certified arborist to prune fruit trees and save some heartache. Hiring an Arborist | ISA Texas Chapter
Vocabulary tips:
Prune - to cut away any plant part
Cane - main canes grow straight up; lateral canes grow outward from the main cane and will send side shoots
Bud - a small, undeveloped growth on a stem that should develop into a new leaf, flower, or shoot;
Shoot - the plant part that grows above ground; responsible for photosynthesis; allows plants to respond to sunlight.
Scale insects - insects that insert their tiny, straw-like mouthparts into bark/fruit/leaves
Arborist - professional who cares for trees, shrubs, and other woody plants; also known as tree surgeon, arboriculturist, or tree expert
Happy Gardening!
Gardening Series 4: Bringing Life Back to the Garden - Lawn
Planning is in full swing for the highly anticipated Home and Garden Expo, set for Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Fannin County Multipurpose Complex, FM 87, Bonham. If you are interested in being a vendor at this annual celebration of gardening, homemaking, and sustainable living, please contact the Extension Office for more information (903-583-7453).
For horticulture questions call 903-583-7453 or email fanninmastergardeners@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook - Fannin County Master Gardeners
Helpful sites
10 Ways to Make Your Landscape Earth-Kind
2025 Programming Sponsored by: Twin Oaks Nursery-Denison; Keystone Enterprises-Bonham; Red Coop Feed and Seed-Bonham; Fix and Feed-Bonham; Green Machine Rentals-Bonham; 160 Lawn and Timber-Whitewright
