For questions about trees: selection, planting, care, diagnosis, pruning, etc.
5
votes
1answer
646 views
Raised bed around tree. Do I need to protect the trunk?
I wanted to put in some raised beds that are about 1' deep above ground, and that wrap circularly around a Northern Arizona cedar tree. Do I need to plastic or a rock/cage around the tree trunk to ...
13
votes
5answers
343 views
How can I naturally encourage birds into my garden?
We love having our garden filled with birds, thus we have put up a variety of bird feeders. We also make lots of water available for the birds. The result is a 2½ year old that can identify about ...
8
votes
3answers
1k views
How should I prune this overgrown pear tree?
I have a pear tree, which is very zealous. Whatever it decides to do, it does in excess. First in the spring it sends out all sorts of new branches--all of them vertical. I snipped them off after they ...
5
votes
2answers
428 views
What time of year to mulch/feed trees?
This answer recommends putting down a layer of compost mulch in the fall in order to slowly feed the tree. (In addition to the unmentioned weed control and moisture regulation.)
It makes sense to me ...
11
votes
2answers
1k views
How should I prune an overgrown peach tree?
I have just moved into a home with a peach tree that appears healthy, but overgrown; it has clearly not been pruned in many years (although I have cut out some of the branches that made it impossible ...
10
votes
2answers
507 views
Will it kill my potted tree if I use tree fertilizer spikes?
I recently bought some tree fertilizer spikes to feed my potted dwarf kumquat and lime trees. After I got them home, I read the following warning on the side of the box:
NOTE: Never apply within 30" ...
12
votes
4answers
8k views
How far (on average) do tree roots extend out from the base of the tree?
I a looking to plot out my new garden site for next year and am wondering how far I need to be away from some nearby trees. The trees are a few different types (apple, oak, pine etc.) and anywhere ...
16
votes
3answers
1k views
What is a fast-growing deciduous tree for shading house in summer? (Long Island, NY)
My town recently took down a large 80 year old maple tree that sat on the south side of my house. Unfortunately that tree provided much-needed shade and now I have already noticed very high ...
3
votes
1answer
319 views
How do I control fire ants in the mulch around my tree?
I live in Houston, TX, USA and fire ants are a nearly year long concern. I have had success treating mounds with Orthene as they appear.
However, I had a Siberian Elm in my backyard that was ...
13
votes
2answers
11k views
Can I cut off exposed tree roots without harming the tree?
Large trees often have roots protruding out of the ground around the base of the trunk (such as the ones that can push up sidewalks next to the tree). When is it safe to cut those roots (that might be ...
9
votes
1answer
241 views
What causes spruce branches to drop their needles?
I have a spruce tree that has a problem. Every year, some branches suddenly drop all of their green needles and die. I would like to prevent this, but I don't know what the cause is. What causes this ...
9
votes
1answer
77 views
How should I choose which trees to cull?
I harvest firewood from a small woodlot behind my house. I almost exclusively cut "culls" -- dead, dying, or diseased trees that aren't going to yield much additional wood in the future anyway.
My ...
9
votes
1answer
176 views
How are Japanese Maple Trees cultivated?
I have mature Japanese maple trees in my yard that are extremely fertile. I find dozens, if not hundreds of saplings all over the yard. Some have even grown several feet tall. Is there a way I can ...
5
votes
3answers
123 views
What are the green shoots coming out from under my tree?
I just moved into my first house, :) and I have two big bushy trees in the front yard. (I'm unsure of the identification for them. Anyone know?)
At one time it looks like they were lanscaped, but ...
5
votes
1answer
5k views
What is the average lifespan of most maple trees?
In general how long do maple trees live? Does the lifespan vary a lot according to species? I'm thinking of planting a few in my yard and I'm wondering how long they will be around.
5
votes
1answer
444 views
What are the odds of getting a shea tree to grow in South Carolina, USA?
What are the odds of getting a Shea Tree to grow in South Carolina, USA? Temperatures here in SC range from mid 30s (occasionally around 40) Centigrade in the summer to -10 at the coldest days of the ...
2
votes
1answer
64 views
Are these baobab or acacia trees?
I have some questions about some trees present in my study areas. I think there must be acacias trees and baobabs, but it's hard for me to distinguish them.
Maybe there are also some additional trees ...
