Oak galls, which come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, don't harm people or trees. (Photo: UC IPM)
The bumps on oak tree foliage and branches are galls caused by minute cynipid wasps, and do not harm people or the trees.
Tasks
Cut warm-season grasses short and over-seed with cool season grasses – annual or perennial rye or fine fescue. Better yet – let them go dormant to save water and mowing
Check and improve drainage around plants in low areas
Add fallen leaves, chipped trimmings, and garden debris to compost
Remember that plants in containers or beds under covered areas may not receive adequate water from rainfall and may require supplemental irrigation in fall and winter
Use organic mulch around permanent plants and add organic matter to the soil to prepare beds for spring planting
Pruning
Dispose of diseased wood by discarding in the trash
Plant peas from seeds in the fall. (Photo: Nancy Devaurs)
Fertilizing
Feed cool-weather plants and vegetables
Add bulb fertilizer to planting holes before planting bulbs
Planting
Tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilled for six weeks may be planted now
Sow wildflowers or grasses on hillsides to prevent erosion in heavy rains
Perennials: coral bells (Heuchera)
Bulbs, corms, tubers: Hyacinthus orientalis
Fruits and vegetables: cabbage, peas, spinach, plant from seed
