Mid-November on the calendar means it’s time for our PHC team to spray deer repellent and anti-desiccant to protect vulnerable plants from winter damage. If you’ve ever had browning of rhododendrons, boxwoods, hollies, leucothoes, or mountain laurels, you know what I mean by winter damage. This is caused by repeated cold winds or sudden temperature shifts in March, as the soil thaws and refreezes.
Deer populations seem to be increasing in our area. In the fall, their digestive enzymes change so that they can eat evergreens, probably the only food readily available. Winter deer browse on evergreens is a constant issue, with some properties requiring two sprays during the winter season. We can also set up temporary deer fencing or apply garlic clips to branch tips as a secondary strategy.
Our Plant Health Care team will also be pulling soil biology samples early this month as a check on beneficial populations of soil microorganisms.
