Canadian peat moss and bark are excellent, but often expensive or not readily available. Discourage late-season growth. Do not apply fertilizer to shrubs and trees within six weeks before the first expected fall frost. Do not prune late in the year except to remove dead or diseased parts. Reduce irrigation rates and frequency as days become shorter and cooler, but do not allow the soil to dry out.
Water loss is greatest during windy, sunny, mild weather.
If the ground is frozen below the root zone, water is unavailable to plant roots. Consequently, internal plant water becomes Inadequate to compensate for that lost from the plant. Leaves of broad-Ieafed evergreens curl inward and hang down when water loss exceeds uptake. Daily heating and freezing accompanied by wind and bright, sunny skies, damages exposed limbs and trunks, most commonly on their south and west sides. Sunburned and dehydrated bark splits, cracks and dies, especially if the plants have thin or young bark.