Fall Home Improvement Guid

Fall

home Improvement

Information Guide

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The happiest plants on earthâ&#x20AC;? p6

Replacing what nature took away in summer storms

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September 2011

& Joining together to bring you information on the newest products to clean up, fix, decorate and landscape with, along with do-it yourself ideas.

Fall Home Improvement • September 2011

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Fall

Fall is here!

Improvement

Yes, it is September and no, I do not know where summer went - I am wondering the same thing myself. If you are like me, there are still a few items left on the “honey do” list that need to get done before the snow starts to fall. Or maybe you have some spare time and are looking for a fall project to take up a day or a couple weekends. We are here to help! This 2011 Fall Home Improvement section is full of ideas and tips on things anyone from a novice do-it-yourselfer to a pro can use this fall. Sometimes it is just a matter of finding the right tool for the job. Other times, you get in over your head and need a professional to take over. Whatever the case, there are many advertisers featured that are ready to help you with any project large or small. Ask them lots of questions- they like to help make your project a success. These advertisers have made this section possible so please support them with your patronage.

September 2011

The 2011 Fall Home Improvement Information Guide is produced by the Scotsman and St. Croix Valley Peach with assistance from reporters at the Isanti County News, ECM Post Review and Forest Lake Times.

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2011

Replacing what nature

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took away in summer storms

By MaryHelen Swanson ECM Post Review The devastation of an act of nature can change the face of a community in more than one way. This summer’s severe storms took out many mature trees leaving a new look to the landscape of the area and the yards of many residents. Loving their trees, many residents may be anxious to put them back. For the most part, the clean up is just about done, and it’s time to replace those trees, with the understanding that it will be years before they will give you the shade and comfort that the large, fallen trees provided. At Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping Greenhouses Garden Center, just south of North Branch, Maggie Lofboom said that they have already been selling replacement trees taken out by this summer’s storms. It’s a good time now, she said, to plant trees.

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Fall is better than the summer because with the temperatures down there is less stress on the tree. You do need to water a newly planted tree about every other day even in the fall. Giving them a trickle from a hose for about a half hour will provide the soaking they need to establish their roots. As far as where to plant a replacement tree, if the fallen tree was completely removed and the stump ground down a couple of feet by a professional stump grinder, the new tree can be planted in the same place, if you wish. Trees can be safely planted to the end of October, but Lofboom would encourage you to do it sooner rather than later so the tree can establish good roots before the frost. “If you’re good to your tree in the fall,” she said, “your tree will be good to you in the spring.”

That changing landscape When the settlers came to East Central Minnesota area, especially the North Branch area, they were greeted by an Oak Savanna, one of the most common vegetation types in the Midwest. Over the years that scene changed, but this area still has kept its majestic stands of oak. But Oak Wilt has taken its toll in the area and now, a number of the fallen trees this summer were our beloved oaks. Lofboom said replacing oak with oak will take a long, long time. Oaks are slow growing and can take as long as two to three decades before they begin to provide significant shade.

Maggie Lofboom at Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping is happy to help you find a replacement for the tree you lost in this summer’s storms. And she’ll help you with tips for planting it. Photo by MaryHelen Swanson

In fact, Wayne’s does not carry them in stock. She pointed to new varieties of Maple trees that are fast-growing, disease resistant and have good color. A favorite of hers is the Autumn Blaze Maple, a cross between the silver and red maple. The advantage of this tree is that it is fastgrowing without sacrificing strength, she said. They grow to be 50-60 feet tall. If the leaves of the young maple have turned color when you purchase the tree, it is a fair indication of what the mature tree will look like come autumn in future years. Continued on page 4

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2011

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Replacing

what

nature

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Other replacement trees she suggests include the Poplar, a cottonless cottonwood, which she has seen grow a foot and a half a year; pine trees, which establish into the ground quickly; and river birch. Larger pine trees are also being transplanted and do well, if you want more instant gratification for a bare spot in the yard. But they can be costly. Lofboom offers tips for planting your new tree (see sidebar). Most importantly she believes you need to make sure you add good black dirt because in this area there is so much sand. Fertilizer is not recommended for fall planting, but keeping the tree moist is. The folks at Wayne’s are happy to answer any questions about replacing your trees, whether you purchase a tree there or not. They can also help you choose the right location to plant your new tree.

And one more very very important note, Lofboom added, be sure you call utilities before you dig. More answers to your tree questions can be found at the DNR Web site www.mntrees. org. In addition, Minnesota Extension, and especially Master Gardeners, may have the answers you need. The majestic oaks we knew and loved may give way in a decade or so to a new look in landscape with different kinds of trees being planted as replacement this year. But we love our trees, so now is a good time to pick up the shovel and replace those taken from us this past summer. Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping is open through October 31. Currently all trees in stock are 20 percent off the regular price. Call 651-462-1500 for more information.

How to plant your new tree 1. Dig a hole about twice the width of the container. 2. The soil that was removed from the hole should be in a pile next to the hole. Add planting mix: organic matter - compost, manure, wood chips, peat and black dirt to the clay or sandy soil. Mix with the existing soil. 3. Lay the tree down and pull on the trunk while holding onto the plastic container. Gently set the tree into the hole. 4. Using the amended soil mix, put soil around the root ball to the top of your native soil. 5. There will be extra soil. This can be used to make a mound around the outside edges of the hole. The mound should be about three to six inches high. 6. Water the plant two or more times. The first time the water will go down quickly. The second time the water will go down more slowly. 7. Mulching helps retain moisture and helps keep weeds out. Mulch 4 inches thick and 2 feet out from the tree. When applying mulch, you do not want it to come in contact with the tree trunk. 8. Water twice a week if no rain, give it a good soaking. 9. Enjoy your new tree!

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Strong-winded storms on July 1 and August 2 took out many mature trees in the East Central Minnesota area. Fall is a good time to plant a tree and might be the right time for replacing those lost in your yard.

“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” –William Cullen Bryant

Fall Home Improvement • September 2011

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City-owned compost site operating at new location Compost is now located on south US-61 Jennifer Mevissen Forest Lake Times Fall is almost here, and with it comes an abundance

Avenue Improvement Project. Citizens can drop-off materials or pick-up finished compost. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Mike Tate, the city’s public works director, said the compost site will be open on

of rich composting materials. Although the city-owned compost site moved this spring to Forestland Nursery, 2000 US-61, materials continue to be free to Forest Lake residents. Bixby Park needed to be relocated to accommodate construction of a backage road – NW 1st Ave. – as part of the 2011 Broadway

Sundays for just three weeks starting in mid-October. Buberl Recycling, a subcontractor operating the site, will also accept commercial accounts such as lawn mowing services, professional tree-cutters, etc. for a set fee. Call 651-982-9273 for more information about prices. DIY While you are clearing up the finished garden items and other chores, be sure to follow these simple composting tips • Only add plants and other natural waste that is not diseased. • Do not forget to mix up any remaining compost to

“fertilize” your new addition with good bacteria. • Now is the time to add more coarse material, as it

will break down all winter. In the spring, if there is anything left, you can easily remove it.

Forest Lake’s city-owned compost site moved to Forestland Nursery, 2000 US-61, last spring. Photo by Jennifer Mevissen

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2011

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“The happiest plants on earth” can be found at Petal Pushers Garden Center Rachel Kytonen Isanti County News “The Happiest Plants on Earth,” can be found at Petal Pushers Garden Center in Mora. Lori Christian, also known as the “Greenhouse Lady,” has been the owner of Petal Pushers the past nine years. The business itself has been in existence since the mid 1970s. Petal Pushers offers a wide variety of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs,

vegetables and bulk seek, hanging baskets, and a wide variety of garden supplies and unique accessories such as gazing balls, decorative planters, hooks and crooks, whimsical items, Jack’s Classic Fertilizers and animal deterrents. “We grow all of our own products here,” Lori said. “We also offer advice and suggestions to our customers who may need some guidance, and try to answer everyone’s questions. All of my staff have different areas

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of expertise and if we don’t know the answer to something, we will try our hardest to find the answer.” Petal Pushers also offers garden design, custom container planting (cemetery urns, planter baskets), and Lori will speak to local groups or organizations about all sorts of gardening topics. Lori said Petal Pushers caters to all clients, whether they are smaller, more personable jobs for private homes, or larger jobs for corporations.

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Petal Pushers Garden Center in Mora offers a wide variety of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, hanging baskets, and a wide variety of unique garden accessories. Lori started out working in the garden of her parent’s farm by Milaca. After she graduated, she moved to Mora where she started

planting gardens where ever she was living. At first she grew mostly vegetables, with a few flowers around the edges of the garden. Then over

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the years, her gardens expanded to include more.

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2011

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“I love to see plants grow,” Lori said. “I get to watch them just start out, and then before you know it they are blooming. I just feel better when I’m outside and working in the gardens.” Lori said customers can expect personalized service at Petal Pushers. “I personally strive to have the best customer service anywhere, and all of us here work together as a team because we really enjoy our work,” Lori said. “We are like a family here, and take care of each other. We offer free carry-out services, and always have plenty of benches around so people can feel free to sit down and just relax.” Gardening has always been a part of Lori’s life. “I’ve been a gardener my entire life, and it’s always fun to see new gardeners come in,” Lori said. “Gardening is something I truly enjoy.” Lori said the fall bulbs are in, fall mums are in, and it’s

a great time for fall planting. She said they also have a nice selection of perennials, trees and shrubs. Petal Pushers is located 211 Mattson Road in Mora, and can be reached at 320679-3550. Petal Pushers is open through the beginning of October on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More

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information can also be found at www.greenhouselady.com.

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Fall Lawn &

Garden Care

By Donna Tatting Chisago County Master Gardener Where I live in southwestern Chisago County, our soil is pure sand. Normally that means lots of lawn watering to keep things green and healthy but this year, all the rain we had for most of the spring and summer meant far less effort for me as far as watering goes. Now, however, we appear to be in a dry spell so out comes the sprinklers again. In addition, the moles are very active right now and their damage

gets worse by the day. We’ll just keep setting those traps and hope for at least a small reduction in their numbers. Fall is a pretty important time for lawn care. If you are reseeding, August 15th through Sept. 15th is the best time to seed. Because of the cooler temperatures, there is far less stress on the new plants and there is still plenty of time to become Continued on page 9

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2011

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established before the plants go dormant. For years now, we’ve been advised to apply a late season winterizing fertilizer in late October. The University of Minnesota has recently revised this information due to some research on how the grass stores the nutrients over the winter. It’s been found that the grass’ up take of nitrogen declines significantly as temperatures decrease. The new recommendations for fall fertilizing are to apply fertilizer in early September around Labor Day and then again in late May or early June for lawns that are regularly watered. I expect we will being seeing more information on these revisions in the near future. Of all the lawn care questions the Master Gardeners get, Creeping Charlie is among the most often asked about. This tough little ground cover can be a blessing….yes I said blessing….or a curse depending on your preference for a turf lawn. Believe or not, I’ve met many Master Gardeners who think of

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Creeping Charlie as a low maintenance, beautiful ground cover that’s suits their need for a lawn quite well. Can’t say that I agree with them but I can’t argue with their logic. Though Creeping Charlie usually grows best in shaded areas, this year due to all the rain we had up until a couple of weeks ago, I’ve seen it flourishing in full sun areas. Indeed in one area I know of that is quite sunny, it’s almost totally taken over the grass. There are several broadleaf weed killer products out there that do a good job of keeping Creeping Charlie from getting out of control. The best time to apply them is when the plant is blooming or shortly after bloom. I’ve been using a Ferti-lome product called Weed Free Zone that comes in a granular and it works quite well. It’s applied early in the morning while the dew is still heavy on the plant so that it sticks well. Whichever product you choose, it’s critically important that you read and follow all direction on the label. My belief is that you may not win the war on Creeping Charlie but you can win some of the battles. Fall is also an excellent time for planting perennials, trees and shrubs. Again, because of the cooler temperatures, there is less stress on the newly planted, or transplanted plants. There is also time for these plants to become established by putting down new roots before the ground freezes. This

is not a good time to prune trees and shrubs however as pruning can promote new growth that does not have time to harden off before a hard frost. It is important however to water trees and shrubs until the ground freezes. They need to go into the winter well hydrated and we often do not have enough rainfall to give adequate moisture in late fall. This is especially important the first 3-5 years after a tree or shrub is planted and needs to become well established.

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raingardens

Debunking myths about Angie Hong Educator, East Metro Water Resource Program Raingardens are increasing in popularity around the Twin Cities area and especially in the East Metro. Some local residents are planting raingardens in order to help reduce runoff water pollution to nearby lakes and rivers, while others are using them to correct drainage problems on their properties. Still others are choosing raingardens for purely aesthetic reasons. Unfortunately, although raingardens have become more prevalent in our landscape, many common myths and misconceptions continue to proliferate. Here’s the real scoop on a few of these falsehoods. Myth #1 – Raingardens are weed patches: Here’s the deal. Raingardens need to be weeded, just like any other garden, and when they are well maintained they can be beautiful. A simple planting plan with only four to six plants may be easier to maintain than one with twenty, and people who aren’t familiar with native plants might also be more comfortable using common horticultural varieties in their raingardens. In general, raingardens should be weeded at least once in the spring and once around the Fourth of July to keep the invaders at bay. Myth #2 – Raingardens attract mosquitoes: When properly designed and installed, raingardens absorb water within one to two days, leaving no time for mosquito eggs to hatch. In fact, the vast majority of the time, raingardens are completely dry like any other garden. Of course, mistakes do happen. If a raingarden is too deep or the soil gets compacted during planting, it might not be able to absorb water quickly enough. When this happens, the best course of action is to pull out the plants and rebuild the garden. Sometimes, though, an overactive sprinkler is the real culprit. If a raingarden is wet every morning, excessive lawn watering might be to blame. Myth #3 – Raingardens are dangerous: Some people fear that raingardens pose a hazard to small children. Residential raingardens are only four to eight inches deep, however, not the caverns that some might imagine. When the plants are mature, it is often hard to tell that a raingarden is concave

at all and, in fact, hundreds of raingardens already exist throughout the East Metro area, perhaps unbeknownst to the people they cohabitate with. Myth #4 – Raingardens are only for people who live near lakes: In most communities, streets connect to streams through a series of underground stormwater pipes. Rain and melting snow washes off rooftops, drive-

ways and streets and carries dirt, litter and contaminants to lakes, rivers and streams that might be miles away. Even rural properties are connected to waterways through roadside ditches. Raingardens help to keep some of that water out of the storm sewer system so that there is less pollution in community lakes and rivers. Every drop counts, whether it falls ten feet or ten miles from

the edge of the water. Myth #5 – A wet spot in the yard is the perfect place for a raingarden: Raingardens are designed to soak water into the ground. If there is a place where water is not soaking in, it might actually be a wetland. Loosening the soil and planting deep-rooted plants might help the ground Continued on page 11

A Lake Elmo raingarden masquerading as beautiful landscaping. Photo submitted

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to absorb water faster, but if the area is truly a wetland, the land will remain wet. A better option for drying up a wet spot in the yard might be to plant a raingarden uphill where the soil infiltrates better, thereby capturing the runoff water before it reaches the soggy spot. Myth #6 – Raingardens are the solution to our water pollution problems: Runoff is the number one source of pollution to Minnesota’s lakes and rivers and raingardens can help to take a significant bite out of this pollution, especially in urban and suburban ar-

eas. Raingardens are just one of many tools in the toolbox, however, and they aren’t appropriate everywhere. Local communities continue to work with watershed districts, soil and water conservation districts, state agencies and private partners to tackle runoff water pollution in agricultural areas and ultra-urban areas using other types of techniques. In the East Metro, communities and residents are also helping to keep our water clean by using less lawn chemicals and winter deicers, raking and sweeping leaves, grass clippings and litter out of the streets, and shrinking streets

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and driveways. For more information on raingardens, visit www.BlueThumb.org. To learn more about keeping water clean in Minnesota, visit www.cleanwatermn.org. The East Metro Water Resource Education Program encompasses Brown’s Creek, Carnelian Marine - St. Croix, Comfort Lake – Forest Lake, Middle St. Croix, Ramsey Washington-Metro, Rice Creek, South Washington and Valley Branch Watersheds, Cottage Grove, Dellwood, Forest Lake, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, West Lakeland and Willernie, Washington County and the Washington Conservation District.

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Brussels Sprouts with Mushrooms Directions

Prep Time: 15 Min; Cook Time: 25 Min; Ready In: 40 Min Original Recipe Yield 6 servings

Cook Brussels sprouts in a pot of lightly salted boiling water for 15 minutes, or until fork-tender; strain through a colander, removing as much water as possible. Set aside. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook and stir mushrooms until lightly browned. Toss Brussels sprouts with mushrooms, and sprinkle with parsley and lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Ingredients: 4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 1/2 pound whole mushrooms 5 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley salt and pepper to taste fresh lemon juice

allrecipes.com

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