It’s beauty, history, structure, and nature are what we enjoy about trees. They can be intimidating and overpowering, but it’s our job to take care of them and continue planting. Colonial Gardens is proud to offer our knowledge and experience to our customers. Whether it’s identifying what kind of tree is in your backyard, or why the leaves of your tree are turning brown, we’ve gathered the most commonly asked questions from our followers and put our experts to the test!
When is the best time to prune my tree?
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While it depends on the tree, it’s typically best to prune the tree while it’s dormant, in Winter. There are several, like maples and their relatives( Japanese Maple and Box Elder) that want to be pruned in mid-Summer. They have a heavy sap flow and can bleed out during the Winter and Spring if pruned during that time.
My tree was damaged by an animal, mower etc. Should I use a pruning sealer?
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The use of pruning sealers is only recommended if the tree is bleeding(sapping) from the wound. If the tree is not, then spray the wound with a fungicide/insecticide and keep an eye on it. Most pruning sealers can inhibit the healing process of your tree.
When is the best time to fertilize my tree?
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While opinions vary on when the “best” time is to fertilize, I recommend giving them a slow release fertilizer in late Fall to break down in the soil all Winter long to give your tree the strength to flush well the following Spring. A slow release, low nitrogen is best.
How often do I need to water my new trees?
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Oh my, let the debate begin! This depends greatly on your soil type, tree size, temperature and the type of tree you have planted. A birch will drink substantially more than say an oak. If planted in our clay soil with the correct amendments, you typically should not have to water more than twice a week. The best way to water your tree is to use a trickle of water the size of a pencil out of the hose, placed directly at the base of the tree for about 30-45 minutes. It’s always recommended to check your tree several times a week during the establishment period(the first two years) but rarely will they require water more than twice weekly. More new trees die from too much water, rather than not enough.
My new tree is wilting, even though I watered it. What’s going on?!
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New trees can go through stress, or transplant shock after planting, especially during the Summer months. Trees can show heat stress as well since their roots have not yet gone into the surrounding soil. It’s always beneficial to check your soil before watering to ensure that your plants do actually need a drink and are not just wilting because of heat or sun exposure.
I have a low lying area that tends to hold moisture. What are the best trees to plant there?
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Some of the best trees to plant in an area like this are birch, bald and pond cypress, willow, and swamp white oak.
I have brown spots on my maple tree, what’s going on?
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There are several fungal issues that can be an issue with maple trees, the most common is maple tar spot. The spots are typically brown or black that look like little drops of tar, hence the name. It’s more of a cosmetic issue, not a life threatening one. An application of fungicide in early to mid spring can be advantageous if you wish to alleviate the issue.
I have an ash tree, and have heard that a borer has become an issue. How do I help my tree?
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All ash trees can come under attack by the Emerald Ash Borer. To try to help your tree survive for as long as possible, it’s recommended to apply a systemic drench to your tree once a year. You can apply it yourself, or have a tree service company apply it for you.
I want to plant a small tree on the West side of my house, will a Japanese maple or dogwood grow there?
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That’s a loaded question. Will it grow there, the short answer is yes. Will it thrive? No. Japanese maples and dogwoods are trees that prefer the East exposure, getting sun in the morning and shaded by noon to 1.
My apple tree has spots on the leaves, what’s going on?
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Apples can have a few leaf spot diseases, but the most common is Cedar Apple rust. It’s a pathogen that is present and spread on eastern red cedar to all species of apples. Spraying a fungicide on the tree in late April through May can help alleviate the issue. It can cause brown spots on the tops of the leaves, then have yellow to orange lesions on the bottom of the leaves.