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Tree Care
In the modern world of soil compaction and environmental pollution, tree health and life expectancies tend to increase with responsible cultivation practices. For example, they are more likely to maintain proper form and growth if the particular planting, pruning, spraying and watering needs are met. Contributors typically want to know about a tree's planting depth and width, potential pests and stresses, pruning and watering schedules, and treatment options.
1,032 Questions
How do you kill a silver birch off?
A silver birch tree can be killed off by ringingÊ(girdling). ItÊ is easier to kill it atÊanytime, however, theÊquickest result is achievable during Êearly winter when the tree has shed off all the leaves.Ê
When is the best time to pick pine cones?
Like most fruit and growth on trees it harvests in the fall. By the end of October you should be able to pick them off the ground. It is the case for Western Canada.
Can you bring a potted cedar inside for winter?
Japanese maple can tolerate as low as Zone 4 (depending on the variety), so you are ok to leave your established tree outside. You can insulate the root/base if you like, but almost always its unnecessary. If you encounter heavy snow, it would be wise to brush it off to help the tree from snow damages. (Often by bringing inside and taking outside may stress the tree which is far worse than leaving it outside to deal with nature the natural way).
When is the best time to trim a peach tree?
The timing varies depending on what USDA hardiness zone you are in. Prune peach trees at the end of winter dormancy, shortly before flowering.
How do you water cypress trees?
No more than any other species of tree generally speaking. Cypress trees are often found in wet environments because they are very tolerant of them moreso than because they have a higher requirement for water. Cypress trees can make good lawn trees and in the absence of aquatic environments, usually don't grow the cypress "knees" that they are famous for. These knees are specialized roots that grow up above the water line to allow the tree to get sufficient air. As a side note, the most common reason trees die on construction sites is that too much dirt is placed around them and compacted and subsequently the tree roots aren't able to get the air they need to function.
Why when the weather turns cold in the autumn leaves of many trees turn red orange or yellow?
carotens
Beginning early in November, the shrubs should begin to be winterized. If they are less than 6 months old, they should be protected with a windscreen made from wooden stakes and burlap. This will help to protect them from wind which can cause them to dry out and die. If they are tall, twine can be wrapped around them to help keep any ice or snow from collecting on the branches.
If the shrubs are located near the road, they may get doused with salt from plow trucks. This salt can dehydrate the shrubs and damage them. Be sure to place a barrier between the road and shrubs. A barrier can be made using erosion control fabric attached to 2 x 4 stakes. This barrier will keep the salt from getting on or near the shrubs.
Frost PreventionTo keep frost from damaging the shrubs,they should well insulated. This can be accomplished by adding a layer of mulch around the shrubs base. The layer should be between 2 and 4 inches. The mulch will help to regulae the temperature of the soil and prevent root damage due to repeated freezing and thawing of the roots. If shrubs are up against the house, falling ice and snow can damage them. They can be protected by placing an A frame built from plywood over them.
How can you get tree sap out of your shirt?
You can soak the clothes in water and scrub them then wash the clothes. It might work.
When is the best time year to cut back trees?
Tree Trimming
Trimming trees at the right timeYou may have heard the old saying about tree trimming that goes something like this "Trim trees anytime your saw is sharp."This may be true when it comes to removing broken and dead branches, but in many cases timing is very important. Trimming flowering trees: "Timing, timing, timing!"Most flowering trees set their blossoms the year before they bloom. Therefore, they won't bloom if these flower buds are trimmed off the tree. The best rule is to always trim flowering trees within 3 weeks of when they finish blooming. That should prevent you from inadvertently removing buds containing next year's flower show.Removing this Weeping Cherry branch in the
Fall of the year removes the branch AND
the 'flower show' for next Spring
A few other trees that shouldn't be pruned at certain times of the year are listed below:
- MAPLES - Maples trimmed at certain times of the year will "bleed" or drip from the pruning cuts. Bleeding is most likely to occur when Maples are prunied in the seasons just before and right after winter. Studies indicate that "bleeding" doesn't hurt the tree, so it becomes more of a cosmetic issue. If you want to prune Maples without bleeding, it must be pruned when it is fully dormant in the middle of wwinter, or during late spring or summer when it's in full leaf.
- DOGWOODS - If you trim Dogwoods in April or May, it will make them more susceptible to the dogwood borer. This insect severely damages the vascular system of the tree after boring into the trunk.
- OAKS - Oaks should be not be trimmed from April thru October, due to the prevalence of Oak Wilt disease pathogens during that time frame.
Severely cutting back major branches causes weak growth in the
form of multiple branches that grow straight up, ruining the
natural structure of the tree. These fast growing shoots are
known as 'water sprouts.' Similar shoots, called 'suckers,'
grow from the roots of some trees, especially Crabapples
'Topping' Silver MaplesThis Silver Maple was 'Topped' a few years ago
AVOID Topping:
Our number one choice of "trees not to plant" is Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum). Their rapid growth may be desirable to some for the first 20 years, but after that most homeowners are forced to make a decision; trim-it or remove-it. Unfortunately, the decision is usually to trim-it using a method known as "topping." Topping creates a "hat rack" appearance and forever ruins the branching structure of the tree. A profusion of weak growth known as "water sprouts" is created at each cut. Where there was once a well-formed branch, there are soon 5 or 10 sprouts that grow straight up, faster than ever. Homeowners are then forced into the vicious cycle of topping the tree again, every few years.
TREEBOSS SOLUTION:
Remove overgrown silver maple trees and plant a more desirable tree species.
Trimming trees in the right placeOne of the biggest pruning mistakes is cutting off branches in the wrong place. Amateurs tend to leave too much of a stub when removing branches. Once the stub dies off, it creates an entry point for disease pathogens and destructive insects.Unlike human beings, trees don't regenerate tissue. While our skin replaces itself, trees grow new tissue around wounds and compartmentalizes them. Once a a tree compartmentalizes an old wound, it has a much better chance of survival.
Efforts should also be made not to wound tree trunks with lawnmowers, tractors and other machines. Trunk wounds create opportunities for destructive fungi.
A natural defense system is built into trees, in the swollen area at the base of branches, known as the "collar" -- right where the trunk intersects the branch. Flush cuts are important to make, provided you don't remove the collar. Proper pruning cuts should be made just beyond the collar, without leaving a stub, but still leaving the swollen area.
Two branch cuts (bottom of photo) are already walled off with
callus tissue, while the long branch stub (top left in photo)
is preventing callus tissue from closing over the wound
Removing a tree branchSteps for sawing-off a tree branch:- About one or two feet from the trunk, make an undercut one-third of the way up through the bottom of the branch. Your saw will get pinched if you cut too far up.
- Make your second cut completely through the branch from the top side, about three inches out the branch from your first.
- This should allow the branch to fall away without tearing the branch bark into the trunk.
- Keep it Safe - Never do tree trimming or removal work that should be done by a professional. Heavy tree branches can seriously injure you in a split-second!
- More safety tips:
- Never use a ladder for trimming trees. This is asking to get hurt!
- Tie into the tree in 2 places, using professional grade equipment and techniques:
1) Use a safety line through a strong crotch in the top of the tree
2) The strap on your saddle (designed for tree climbing).
- Be sure to properly "notch" a tree trunk when you are felling it. Kickback can kill you!
- Take a class in chain saw safety and operation. Wear safety chaps lined with material that will protect your legs.
- Eye protection and a hardhat should be worn (also wear ear protection).
- False economy -- Hire a professional for jobs you can't handle -- it's really not worth getting seriously hurt, or damaging expensive property, just to "save money."
While these branch stubs might make good steps up to a tree house,
they should be removed for the health of the tree. However, leave
the swollen area at the base of the branch (known as the
"collar") and don't paint the cut.
Plant watering with salt water pool water?
Watering a plant with any type of salt water will cause the plant to wilt.
Because of the salt outside the plant cells, water leaves the cells in a process called osmosis. With less water in the cells, the cells shrivel up. If they shrivel up, the plant loses it's ability to hold itself up.
Why might a large tree need strong roots that spread out far?
Roots serve two purposes.
To supply the tree with nutrients and to anchor the tree and keep it upright. The spread will depend on the prevailing conditions i.e. how much wind it faces.
How can I plant the best trees in my garden?
The best trees to plant in your garden A few trees in your garden could create a beautiful environment for your home but you must select the right trees to get the best out of them. The following are some of the trees most home owners plant in their gardens. Red Maple: Being Rhode Island's state tree maple grows up to a height of between 2o to 40 feet. It is one of those trees that flower earliest in spring. During fall it goes scarlet in color. It grows fast and creates good shade. Tulip poplar: This is a tree that that grows up to a height of 70 to 90 feet and its flower is as large as a common tulip from your garden. The flower has petals of orange and yellow color. Yellow poplar is a variety that goes yellow in fall. Red and White Oaks: Being the most popular tree in the US there are many varieties of oak and you could buy one that suits your location from the shop. There are red, white and live oaks to choose from. It is a slow growing tree. Flowering dog wood: This very popular tree blooms in April and looks very beautiful. As a result, most people plant it in their gardens. It grows fast and stays well under a canopy of taller trees. This tree appears to be more beautiful because its flowers appear before the leaves. American sycamore: If you like to have a large tree in your garden, this should be your choice. It has large leaves and grows up to a height of around 75 to 100 feet in height. However, you need to note that it is a rot and damage prone tree. These are just a few of the best trees to be chosen. You could choose them according to the size and the location of your garden.
Can I prune a tamarack tree in the spring?
Yes, you can prune a tamarack tree in the spring, ideally after the last frost but before new growth begins. Spring pruning helps to remove any dead or damaged branches and can encourage healthy growth. However, it's important to avoid heavy pruning, as tamaracks can be susceptible to stress and disease. Always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and minimize damage to the tree.
How do you treat fungus on a cherry tree?
When a fungus attacks an ash, dogwood, maple, oak, sycamore, or walnut tree, it defoliates and disfigures the tree, significantly diminishing its appearance. During the spring, watch for twig cankers, twig dieback, defoliation, and leaf blotching.
Use fertilization and fungicide applications as needed during the spring, and remove and rack the dead leaves in the fall.
Is the bamboo tree harmful to human health?
No, the bamboo tree is beneficial for human health in many ways. The bamboo shoot has a lot of nutritional value and they reduce many health risks like weight loss, heart disease, cancer, control of cholesterol etc.
Will Mexican petunias grow in West End NC?
Yes. West End is located in the coastal plain, and the sandy soil there will allow them to grow quite well.
How much does the Husqvarna 455 Rancher chainsaw cost on average?
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher chainsaw is listed for sale all over the internet for about $329.99. The Rancher is the ideal chainsaw for a landowner who needs a high powered, heavy duty saw for all cutting conditions.
Yellowing is called necrosis. It is deprived of one of its essential nutrients. Depending on how the leaves are yellow will tell you what it is missing. Iron and manganese are popular nutrients that plants are missing. It would be a good idea to get a 10-10-10 fertilizer and mix it into the soil.
