GUSTY WINDS WREAK HAVOC ON GARDENS.

Byline: JANE GATES

SANTA CLARITA - Batten down the hatches because here come the winds.

It's that time of the year when high-pressure centers form in the Midwest and speed howling winds through the canyons, blowing all our hard work to pieces.

If you haven't yet done so, make sure light objects are put away, umbrellas, breakables and fabric covers are tucked away safely, and young trees are staked.

Now temperatures have mellowed from that broiling summer heat, it's easy to think things won't dry out so easily. Maybe they won't bake dry, but they will blow dry.

Desiccating winds will dry out soils, new transplants and potted plants quickly. Because of the loss of moisture on leaves, plants transpire (breathe) more and require more moisture at the roots to fuel the effort.

Since many plants are shutting down for a winter snooze, this is not a problem for plants that lose their leaves going into dormancy. But watch out for the newly planted, vegetables, tender evergreens, broad-leaf plants and, again, those in pots.

After a few years it is a good idea to make sure trees are released from their stakes. Keeping them supported for too long encourages weak roots.

After the first year or two, depending on the size of the tree and the amount of wind assault, it is wise to loosen ties so there is some movement in the trunk. Try not to keep a tree supported after three years in the ground unless it is in a severe wind tunnel. Some motion in the trunk of even a relatively young tree does help encourage deep rooting.

Proper pruning when a tree is young should help it offer less wind resistance, while creating the form you wish. This also avoids draconian tree topping when the tree is mature.

Pots are easily dried out in winds and then they become lighter, making them prone to blow over or roll into places such as swimming pools.

If you have a pool or other water feature in your landscape and you want to have potted plants nearby, try using heavy cement pots. A drip system to these pots will help ensure the soil doesn't dry out even if you forget to water by hand.

This is also a good time for pruning trees and shrubs. Not only is the sap slowing, which will minimize bleeding, but shortening long whiplike branches, reducing large heads, and trimming out dead and excess growth will minimize profiles and, thus, wind resistance.

Keeping plants well pruned alleviates stress on stems and trunks. Keep those falling leaves cleaned up so they don't become homes for pests or fill water features where they will rot.

And with the winds, expect the usual increase in dust. Most of our plants are tougher than we are, so make sure you protect yourself from blowing dust with a firm hat and a pair of sunglasses.