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Windy conditions could wreak landscape havoc

Watch for falling trees and branches

Sacramento Digs Gardening
BY Debbie Arrington PUBLISHED JAN 3, 2023

A park tree leans precariously after last weekend's storm. The sun was (briefly) out when it was photographed, but the tree could be in danger of falling during the next windy storm, starting Wednesday. Avoid driving or walking under trees if possible. Kathy Morrison

More wild weather is headed for Sacramento. And with this next round of rain come some powerful winds – and that could represent some real danger to our homes and gardens.

“Damaging winds will impact the region Wednesday and Thursday,” tweeted the Sacramento office of the National Weather Service. “Gather emergency supplies, charge your electronic devices, use generators outdoors, and keep refrigerators closed.”

In other words, be ready for more power outages due to downed power lines – and trees.

On Tuesday afternoon, the weather service issued a High Wind Warning for the greater Sacramento area, in effect from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 4 p.m. Thursday. That’s also when Sacramento can expect another inch or two of rain.

“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” says the wather service. “Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

“Saturated soils will allow trees to topple more easily during this wind event,” adds the warning. “The strongest winds will be Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday morning.”

Southerly winds will blow steadily from 25 to 30 mph, with gusts of 60 mph, predicts the weather service.

If you haven’t already, tie down or move anything that can be blown around by such gusts. Patio furniture can become missiles. Hanging plants can bash into windows. Large potted plants will be knocked over and rolled around.

Most destructive are falling branches and uprooted trees. The weather service warns residents to stay away from trees during this storm – and away from windows that could be broken.

Evergreen trees such as redwoods or cedars are at greater risk. Their foliage acts like a giant sail and catches the wind’s full force.

Before the storm, survey trees and large shrubs in your own landscape. Young trees may be stabilized with stakes or other supports; otherwise, their trunks and limbs may snap during this storm. More mature trees may need professional help.

For tips on tree care – before and after this storm – and how to hire an arborist, go to www.sactree.org.

For more on wind damage, consult these UC master gardener notes: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/ENVIRON/wind.html

-- Debbie Arrington

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Keywords:

trees January weather Sacramento rain gardening landscape storms rainfall wind damage roots National Weather Service soil condition Sacramento Tree Foundation saturated soil

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Garden checklist for week of Feb. 8

Dodge those raindrops and get things done! Your garden needs you.

* Start your spring (and summer) garden. Transplant or direct-seed several flowers, including snapdragon, candytuft, lilies, astilbe, larkspur, Shasta and painted daisies, stocks, bleeding heart and coral bells.

* In the vegetable garden, plant Jerusalem artichoke tubers, and strawberry and rhubarb roots. Transplant cabbage and its close cousins – broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts – as well as lettuce (both loose leaf and head).

* Indoors, start peppers, tomatoes and eggplant from seed.

* Plant artichokes, asparagus and horseradish from root divisions. Plant potatoes from tubers and onions from sets (small bulbs). The onions will sprout quickly and can be used as green onions in March.

* From seed, plant beets, chard, lettuce, mustard, peas, radishes and turnips.

* Annuals are showing up in nurseries, but wait until the weather warms up a bit before planting. Instead, set out flowering perennials such as columbine and delphinium.

* Plant summer-flowering bulbs including cannas, calla lilies and gladiolus.

* This is the last chance to spray fruit trees before they bloom. Treat peach and nectarine trees with copper-based fungicide. Spray apricot trees at bud swell to prevent brown rot. Apply horticultural oil to control scale, mites and aphids on fruit trees soon after a rain. But remember: Oils need at least 24 hours to dry to be effective. Don’t spray during foggy weather or when rain is forecast.

* Feed spring-blooming shrubs and fall-planted perennials with slow-release fertilizer. Feed mature trees and shrubs after spring growth starts.

* Remove aphids from blooming bulbs with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.

* Fertilize strawberries and asparagus.

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