Newly planted red maples don’t need fertilizing
Posted on Sunday, May 4, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Living/64841/
Question: When can I apply fertilizer to my red maple tree ?
Answer: If your maple tree is newly planted, no fertilizer is needed until early next spring. If the tree is well established, no fertilizer is necessary. Fertilizer may hasten its growth, but how fast do you want a tree to grow ? Fertilizer applied to the lawn will benefit the tree as well. Water is more needed than fertilizer.
Question: Does a persimmon tree need a pollinator ?
Answer: Persimmon (diospyros ) consists of several hundred species. Some bear edible fruit. To get a good crop, both sexes should be planted. Check on the heritage of your tree. Some varieties that are tagged as American or Japanese usually bear fruit. Many cultivars are parthenocarpic (setting seedless fruit without pollination ).
Question: When should I apply dormant oil to my fruit trees ?
Answer: Dormant oil is applied in late January until blossoms begin to form. It is a preventative and protective measure.
Question: When should I prune dogwood ?
Answer: Dogwood has a graceful shape that usually don’t need pruning. However, if it seems necessary, prune lightly right after the petals fall.
Question: When can I prune my maple tree so that it doesn’t ooze sap ?
Answer: Maple trees can be pruned in late spring or early summer. At this time, the foliage will use the sap and the cut surface will heal over more quickly. Mature trees can be pruned anytime during the growing season. The least desirable time is late summer and early fall. Then, there is the possibility of stimulating new growth when the tree is in the process of going dormant for the winter.
Question: Can I use sunflower seed hulls as a mulch in my vegetable garden ?
Answer: Sunflower seed hulls contain a weed inhibitor which makes it sound like an ideal mulch. However, how it will affect vegetable plants has not been tested sufficiently to take a chance of losing your vegetable crop. If the hulls are composted, they will be safe to use as a mulch for anything.
Send your gardening and landscaping questions to Washington County Master Gardeners, 2536 N. McConnell Avenue, Fayetteville AR, 72704. You may also call 444-1755 for answers to your questions.