Huron Expositor, 2000-05-17, Page 66 -THE HURON IIXPO$ITOt#, May 17, 2000
LAW & GARDEN 2000
What to do after planting
Watering is the key to
tree survival. It should be
used when filling the
planting hole to eliminate
large air cavities, firm -the
around fine roots and
provide nourishment for
the new tree.
During planting, bare -
root trees can be dipped in
water -absorbing polymers.
This amazing chemical
:omen under a variety of
band names and is
available from nurseries.
Its function is to attract
water when abundant and
hold it longer than soil
when conditions get dry. It
zan also.be used with
balled and burlapped trees
when it's mixed with the
backfill. The effects last for
about two years. With or
without the aid of
polymers, water deeply
around your tree once a
week during warm, dry
spells.
of its crown as possible.
Exceptions to this rule
include trees that will be
exposed to strong winds or
drought conditions, in
which case. early pruning
will reduce the demand for
water from the roots.
Always prune dead or
broken branches.
Avoid fertilizing shade
trees until late spring of the
second year following
planting. Fertilizers can
"burn" roots or stimulate
crown growth faster than
the roots can supply water.
Stakes and guy wires
should be used only if
support is necessary. When
using, avoid common
problems by following
these guidelines.
I .If the main stem droops,
find the best place for
support ties by moving
your hand up the trunk to
locate the point above
which the top can stand up
install, provides good
support and cushions the
tree from rubbing against
the stake. Using two ties
will also minimize the
chance of bark damage
from rubbing.
3.Regardless of the tie
used, allow slack for sway.
4.Avoid driving stakes
through the root ball, or
using stakes with flanges
that will break roots when
removed.
5.Remove support ties after
one or two years.
Mulch is a young tree's
best friend. It holds down
competing weeds or grass,
retains soil moisture,
prevents soil cracking that
• can damage new roots,
protects the trunk from
lawnmower damage and
helps prevent soil
compaction. Organic
mulches, such as wood
chips or pine needles, also
contribute,to better soil
How To Prevent Problems
and Care For Your Lawn
A preventative health
:are program for your
lawn is very similar to one
you would use to maintain
your own health. The idea
is to prevent problems
from occurring so you
ion't have to treat them. A
healthy lawn can
withstand most stresses
such as weeds, insect
attacks and other diseases.
Use the program outlined
below as a general guide
to growing a healthy lawn.
I. Develop healthy soil.
Good soil is the
foundation of a healthy
lawn. To grow well, your
lawn needs soil with good
texture, some key nutrients
and the right pH balance.
Most lawns need to be
fertilized every year,
because they need more
nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium. Soil that is too
acidic can be "sweetened
with lime; soil that's not
acidic enough can be made
more "sour by adding
sulfur.
2. Choose a grass type that
thrives in your climate.
The right type of grass is
one that suits your needs
and likes the local weather
and will always give better
results.
3. Mow high, often land
with sharp blades.
Mowing high is keeping
yourlawn a bit long and it
will produce stronger,
healthier grass with fewer
pest problems. The rule of
thumb is to mow often
enough that you never cut
more than one-third of the
height of the grass blades.
4. Water deeply but not too
often. It's best to water
only when the lawn really
needs it, and then to water
slowly and deeply.
5. Correct thatch build-up.
All grass forms a layer of
dead plant material,
known as thatch, between
the grass blades and the
soil. When it gets too thick
it prevents water and
tr
1.
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nutrients from penetrating
the soil and grass roots.
Reduce thatch by raking
the lawn or using a
machine that slices
thtough thatch to break, it
up. Sprinkling a thin layer
of topsoil or compost over
the lawn will also help.
6. Set realistic goals. Even
a healthy lawn is likely to
have some weeds or insect
pests. But it will also have
beneficial insects and
other organisms that help
keep pests under control.
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