Photo/Illustration: Paul Zimmerman RosesPhoto/Illustration: Paul Zimmerman Roses
Now that we’ve begun talking about pruning let’s touch on a subject you also hear about a lot this time of year. It’s this.
After you prune should you strip off all the leaves?
The idea behind this is those leaves may carry some lingering fungus spores and you want to make sure you get them out of the garden before next season comes in. Plus, as the new leaves begin to emerge in spring they will push the old leaves off leaving a mess on the ground.
So yes, I would advise you take off the leaves but rather than hand pick them one by one by one by one; here is an idea to speed that along.
You may remember in an earlier post I talked about lime and sulfur spray and how it was great at treating disease if it got into the garden. In that post I mentioned when using this during growing season do so early in the morning, or on a cloudy day, because it will burn the leaves when the sun comes out.
Then let’s harness this power for good.
After you prune, spray lime and sulfur spray combined with a horticultural oil at the dormant strength mix (check the label). But this time when the sun is out! It will take care of any potential lingering disease spores and at the same time burn the old leaves off. You are doing two jobs at once!
If there are any leaves left you can simply pick them off by hand.
Worx WG323 20V Power Share 10" Cordless Pole/Chain Saw with Auto-Tension (Battery & Charger Included)
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
[12’ EXTRA REACH] It takes just a few minutes and no tools to attach the pole. And with a reach of up to 12’ and only 10 lbs., you’ll be able to get to branches and limbs before they become a problem. Please refuel before use, but oil is sold separately. [FAST, CLEAN CUTS] This cordless 20V PowerShare chain saw is as fast and powerful as anything in its class. And with no gas, and no cord, there’s much less muss and fuss. [SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER] The same battery powers over 75plus 20V, 40V, and 80V lifestyle, garden, and power tools in the Power Share family. [AUTO-CHAIN TENSION] The automatic, tool-free chain tension system ensures you’ll always have the correct tension for the job at hand. [AUTO-CHAIN LUBRICATION] The automatic chain lubrication system not only makes for smoother, more efficient cuts, but it extends the life of the tool. And the oil level indicator lets you know exactly where you stand. [COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT] The saw itself weighs only 10 lbs. You’ll work longer, with less strain on your hands, arms, back, and legs. [PLENTY OF JUICE] These are the same batteries we use on our Jawsaw and in our lawnmowers. They’re powerful enough for those, and powerful enough for a chainsaw.
Spear & Jackson 4930FZ Razorsharp Telescopic Tree Pruner
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Telescopic tree pruner with SK5 carbon steel blade which stays sharper for longer. Variable length telescopic handle extends up to 92 Inch (2340mm). Lopper for cutting branches up to 1.2" (30mm). 13 inch (330mm) saw is ideal for cutting thicker branches. Supplied with a long cord and pull-action handle. Part of the Razorsharp Advantage collection, the obvious choice for gardeners who demand and expect precise, powerful performance. "Grow Your Own" Great British Growing 2020 Award Winners.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Chainsaw, 10-Inch, Tool Only (LCS1020B)
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
10 inches premium oregon low kickback bar and chain. Tool-free blade tension system for quick adjustments. Oiling system for lubrication of bar and chain. 20V max Lithium Ion chainsaw bare tool. Included components: (1) Lbxr2020, (1) Lcs1620, (1) Lcs1020; Power source: Lithium ion. Battery and charger sold separately.
Comments
Oh Glory!!! Thank you for blessing what I gave up and did in January.!
All those leave still hanging on were just too much!!
See you at Biltmore
As I always say, trust your gardener's instincts when it comes to roses. They are just like any other plant!
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in