THE ARBOR DOCTOR

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 

Fox Valley dwarf river birch 

Columnar European hornbeam 

Sweetbay magnolia 

Brown Beauty magnolia 

Firebird dwarf crabapple

 Persian parrotia 

Lacebark pine 

Tanyosho pine (photos are of plants planted in 1966, so these are atypically large) 

Snow fountain cherry 

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>>>.

Check out the Boone County, KY, Arboretum’s excellent Emerald Ash Borer information page 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!

The following statement is included on the Ohio Division of Forestry’s Emerald Ash Borer website:

            “Ash is a tricky species due to its structural nature: as it declines and dies, large branches break or the entire tree topples over soon after death. Therefore, the safety hazard created by EAB in communities littered with dead ash trees creates a costly and dangerous problem for municipal leaders and homeowners. Removing dead and dying trees costs significantly more because of the unpredictable nature of the wood. Safely removing trees around homes, buildings, and backyards compounds the cost of dead tree removal.”

If you prefer to wait on removing the ash trees we will have 2 options for removal:    

1. Drop whole tree and what it hits is what it hits (dead ash trees tend to shatter upon impact)   

2. Bring a large crane on your lawn at a significantly increased cost.