(Contributed photo)

Temperatures are expected to drop later this week and many plants need special care leading into the winter months. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach advise evergreens also need care to survive winter. White pines often have needles that turn yellow and drop, similar to deciduous trees dropping leaves each fall. This is called seasonal needle drop and happens on a yearly basis. Pine trees planted earlier this year should continue to be watered until the ground freezes.

Also, the horticulturists advise the best way to prevent rabbit damage to trees and shrubs is to place chicken wire fencing or hardware cloth around the plants about 24 to 36 inches tall. In addition, either bury or anchor the fence to prevent rabbits from crawling underneath.