As fall comes, we will be gearing up to do fall fertilizations. But did you know Arbor Doctor also does tree root zone aeration, tree planting and landscaping, tree and shrub pruning, and leaf removal and clean-up? Contact us for details.
Very dry conditions continue, and little or no rain is forecast over the next two weeks. Furthermore, after a nice cool down this week, we will return to nasty levels of heat next week.
I have noticed many people are not doing much watering. I can understand that this is one way to save money in a down economy. However, as Tony Sands, a TV weatherman in the 70’s, commonly said, “when you dance, you have to pay the fiddler.”
Proper watering does not mean running up huge water bills. After the 2007 drought and heat wave, we saw thousands of dollars in tree losses and increased insect and disease activity which continue to this day. Strategic watering can be the difference between life and death for plants, trees, and shrubs.
For more information, as well as rain gauges and sprinklers, click here>>>
We are looking for someone to work part time in our home office, about 15 hours per week. Interested? Call Bridget at 513-661-2673.
Just before sunrise on numerous mornings since mid-July, a curious doughnut pattern has appeared over several locations on NWS Wilmington, OH Doppler radar imagery. This feature, known as a “roost ring,” occurs when the radar beam detects thousands of birds simultaneously taking off from their roosting site around dawn to forage for insects. Read more>>>
A recent sample sent by Arbor Doctor to the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic tested positive for Verticilium Wilt disease. Verticillium wilt is a common and destructive disease of shade and ornamental trees. In all, more than 300 plant species have been reported susceptible. Read more>>>
The weekly update from Ohio State, the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line, stated that “many on this week’s call have been on the receiving end of recent rains.” That may be, but from my observation it missed much of the Cincinnati metro area.
In the past week, I have measured only 0.10 inches of rainfall with plentiful 90 degree temperatures, topping out at 99, and rapid drying rates. The forecast is bleak with more oppressive heat in the forecast next week and little or no rain.
Lawns are turning brown and new trees and transplants may not survive without water. This is the time which could mean life or death for new trees and shrubs in particular. Most plant warranties are voided if the plants are not watered properly.
For watering information, sprinklers, and rain gauges, click here>>>.
Remember to water, and stay cool.
After a warm and wet June, the weather has turned hot and, in some cases, dry in July.
While scattered showers have provided some relief, some areas have been missed. Drying rates have been high due to the high temperatures and the effects of the hot, dry weather are showing up in some area landscapes. It is important to water when the need arises, especially newer trees, shrubs, and transplants. We saw one transplanted tree in severe moisture stress the other day.
How do I water and how often?
No matter what type of sprinkler you chose, or if you use a sprinkler system, it is essential that you measure the water applied. In the Cincinnati area, in areas with clay soil, it is best to water one to two inches at a time, once every seven to ten days in the absence of rainfall. This schedule should be adjusted to account for variations in temperature, natural rainfall, exposure of individual plants and the water needs of individual plants. Do not locate plants together if their water needs are dis-similar.
You can find sprinklers, rain gauges, and books at the Arbor Doctor store here>>>
As we head toward fall, you may be interested to know that Arbor Doctor plants trees and shrubs. We also work with qualified landscape designers and installers for larger jobs.
Recently, I put together a list for a client who was interested in replacing a small tree in a front corner home landscape location. These are all trees which would work in such a location and are generally low in maintenance needs. Additionally, planting trees correctly tends to cut down on maintenance problems. The right tree in the right place, planted correctly!
Photos and information on serviceberry can be found here and here.
Other trees which could work include (with links):
Paperbark maple or Girard’s hybrid maple
Tanyosho pine (photos are of plants planted in 1966, so these are atypically large)
Cascade Falls weeping bald cypress
Spring Grove western arborvitae
Whether you want us to work on helping an existing tree or price a new tree, we can do either! Contact us today!
I commonly get concerned inquiries about the diseases on the trunks or limbs of trees. While fungi are sometimes a problem, often the concern is over a harmless plant called lichen. To find out more about the world of lichens, click here>>>.