THE ARBOR DOCTOR

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>>>

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>>>

From “Deep Roots of Landscape Trees, a comprehensive guide to current research and practice”:

Because mild symptoms of deep roots are only reduced vigor or slow decline, trees that were planted many years ago can have deep roots. There are limits to what can be done without doing more harm than good. A root collar excavation may be the only option.

Read more about Established Trees.

For more information, check out what Arbor Doctor does about deep planted trees here>>>

If you would like more information, please contact us>>>

From “Deep Roots of Landscape Trees, a comprehensive guide to current research and practice”:

Planting the root ball too deep will result in deep roots. The sooner the mistake is identified, the more options are available.

Read more about Trees Recently Planted too Deep.

If you would like trees which are planted correctly, or trees checked which were recently planted, contact us at Arbor Doctor!

From “Deep Roots of Landscape Trees, a comprehensive guide to current research and practice”:

Trees may arrive from the nursery with roots to deep in the root ball. If there is just a few inches of soil over the roots, the best option may be to adjust the planting method, rather than reject the tree.

Following proper planting techniques can avoid planting the roots too deep, and pay benefits for a lifetime.

Read more about Proper Planting.

If you would like trees which are planted correctly, or trees checked which were recently planted, contact us at Arbor Doctor!

Bagwormsare common landscape pests because they feed on many of the most common ornamental plant species.  They are are usually found on conifers such as arborvitae, spruce, juniper.  Bagworms are detected and controlled by Arbor Doctor’s plant health care program.   Read more>>>

June rainfall totalled 6 to 9 inches in the Greater Cincinnati area.  Temperatures in June continued to be well above normal.  This combination of wet weather and hot weather led to scattered moisture stress in some plants, scattered root rot, increases in leaf diseases such as apple scab, and continued rapid progression of plant bloom times and pest emergence’s. 

While total rainfall was double normal in June, hot weather led to fast drying rates.  Therefore, smaller plants and new transplants may still need water.  Clay soil dries slowly even if the surface looks dry.  Check soil moisture with your fingers to see if soil is dry and water is needed.

More information on correct watering:  http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortihints/0108a.html

Buy sprinklers and rain gauges here:  http://arbordoctor.com/tools.html

Fire blight disease has been a serious problem this year on crabapples and ornamental pears in particular.  Because this is a bacterial disease, it is not controlled by fungicide treatments.  However, a bacteriacide can be applied the following spring to suppress re-infection.  Contact us for details.

Read more about fire blight>>>