Apply these before adding any supplemental mulch to the plants. As with other small fruit crops, now is a good time to do a weed survey and map the weed problems in your planting. This information will be very useful in tailoring your weed management plan so that it is effective and not wasteful. Weak plants can easily be detected this time of year because they tend to turn red earlier than healthy bushes. Upon finding weakened bushes, try to determine the reason for weakness.
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in resolving the problem and avoiding spread.
Enlist the help of specialists if you have trouble determining the cause of problems. The main worry now is for sharp-nosed leafhopper, which is the vector for stunt disease. The drought this summer may result in a lack of food available for deer this winter. This could increase the likelihood of deer feeding on strawberry crowns. Deer have been a problem during the winter in areas of high herd populations and low food resources.