Watch for falling trees and branches
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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Garden Checklist for week of April 21
This week there’s plenty to keep gardeners busy. With no rain in the immediate forecast, remember to irrigate any new transplants.
* Weed, weed, weed! Get them before they flower and go to seed.
* April is the last chance to plant citrus trees such as dwarf orange, lemon and kumquat. These trees also look good in landscaping and provide fresh fruit in winter.
* Smell orange blossoms? Feed citrus trees with a low dose of balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) during bloom to help set fruit. Keep an eye out for ants.
* Apply slow-release fertilizer to the lawn.
* Thoroughly clean debris from the bottom of outdoor ponds or fountains.
* Spring brings a flush of rapid growth, and that means your garden is really hungry. Feed shrubs and trees with a slow-release fertilizer. Or mulch with a 1-inch layer of compost.
* Azaleas and camellias looking a little yellow? If leaves are turning yellow between the veins, give them a boost with chelated iron.
* Trim dead flowers but not leaves from spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. Those leaves gather energy to create next year's flowers. Also, give the bulbs a fertilizer boost after bloom.
* Pinch chrysanthemums back to 12 inches for fall flowers. Cut old stems to the ground.
* Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and control weeds.
* From seed, plant beans, beets, cantaloupes, carrots, corn, cucumbers, melons, radishes and squash.
* Plant onion sets.
* In the flower garden, plant seeds for asters, cosmos, celosia, marigolds, salvia, sunflowers and zinnias.
* Transplant petunias, zinnias, geraniums and other summer bloomers.
* Plant perennials and dahlia tubers for summer bloom.
* Mid to late April is about the last chance to plant summer bulbs, such as gladiolus and tuberous begonias.
* Transplant lettuce seedlings. Choose varieties that mature quickly such as loose leaf.
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