Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County

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Wildfire Smoke Can Be Hazardous to Your Health!

If you’re spending any extended time outside on these smoky days—working, walking, or just waiting around—you should be wearing some type of protection for your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. But not just any mask will do the job. And wet towels or bandanas don’t work either.

Look for a face mask called a “particulate respirator” and choose one labeled N95 or N100 that has two straps that go around your head. Don’t choose a one-strap paper dust or surgical mask that hooks behind the ears. Choose a size that fits under your chin, over your nose, and tightly against your skin. Unfortunately, sizes that fit small children may be difficult to find.

For a good seal, put the upper strap above your ears, against that bump on the back of your head. The other strap goes below the ears to hold the mask firmly in place. (Beards don’t seal at all! A clean shave is best.)

You cannot clean and reuse these masks. If you’re working all day and wearing a mask, it’s best to replace it daily. Or if you perceive more difficulty breathing, simply toss the mask and replace it with a fresh one.

For more information, go to http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/334-353.pdf

Article written by Glenn Palmer, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.

Firewise: Erosion Control after Wildfire

With heavy rain possible in our area, landowners with wildfire damage need to be alert for possible erosion of fire-damaged soil.

What you’re trying to accomplish is to slow the water down and spread it out so it can soak into the ground. Unfortunately, fire-damaged soil can develop an impervious layer which makes your job even more challenging.

The University of Colorado has these suggestions:

  • Fell damaged trees across, not down, the slope to slow water runoff from rainfall.
  • Create check dams in drainage areas using straw bales.
  • Spread straw to protect the soil and help reseeding efforts.
  • Use water bars to reduce soil erosion on roads.

Article written by Glenn Palmer, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.

Protecting Your Woody Plants from Winter’s Wrath

In October, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) forecast a warmer than normal winter for our area. That’s not good news for us gardeners, or for our woody plants! 

Why warmer weather isn’t better
Our shrubs and trees struggled all summer—and now into the fall—with higher-than-normal temperatures and lower-than-normal moisture. Once cooler weather arrives, even short increases in temperature can cause buds to break dormancy. And lower-than-normal cold snaps that accompany our increasingly irregular weather make things worse.

Which woody plants are most vulnerable?
Plants aren’t equally sturdy. Make sure you know what shrubs and trees are in your landscape, as well as their specific requirements. Many popular landscape choices are only marginally cold hardy here in the mountains and your terrain has a lot to do with cold hardiness. Cold air settles in low-lying areas of your yard. Whether a plant is on the north versus south-facing side of your home and has or doesn’t have protection from winds all affect how your plants fare. Evidence is mounting that woody plants with less chlorophyll (green) associated with the foliage—those that are variegated, gold, or purple—are less vigorous than all-green parent species.

Hinoki Cypress_Bark Split from Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Bark split on Hinoki Cypress from freeze-thaw cycle.

What can you do?
To protect your plants from those freeze-thaw cycles—as well as the sunburn, wind, snow, and ice that really do the damage, particularly at higher elevations—you need to provide some additional layers. For plant roots, a good layer of mulch is an appropriate defense. Mulch doesn’t keep the roots warm, but it does protect them from temperature extremes that come with the ground freezing then thawing.

Similarly, protect the upper part of a tender plant by surrounding it with a “blanket.” Drive stakes into the ground around the plant and staple burlap to the stakes. Stuff the spaces between the branches with pine straw. The intent is to keep the plant cold on warm days, rather than warm on cold days. This keeps dormant plants dormant! Avoid using plastic, which traps heat, causing temperatures to rise well above the temperature of the surrounding air.

For evergreens, burlap may help protect from sun- and windburn. Anti-desiccant sprays purport to provide protection, but it may be short-lived. Making sure the roots are well-watered is a better plan to prevent woody plant loss.

Article written by Glenn Palmer, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.

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Buncombe County Extension Office
49 Mount Carmel Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Helpline 828-255-5522

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