The calls and notes and emails have continued to arrive. Seems when people are inside, in the coolness of the AC, they come up with some pretty creative questions. Once again we have chosen those which we think are of interest and application for a large reading audience. If you have something you want to ask, speak up/write up. We’ll tackle your questions as long as they are relevant to what we do. We’re just not inclined to get in the middle of discussions with leading questions such as “How do I convince my better half that I need a _______?” or “Will you tell our neighbors to fix ________?”. Uh, no.
Let’s see what we have in the mail bag and on voice mail this time.
Rose Petal called and asked if her raised garden (one we installed) can be re-planted for fall and early winter crops? She keeps going by asking if she needs to do anything to the soil before planting in it again and if she decides not to plant does she need to treat the soil before it rests for the winter?
To Rose we say, “You go, girl!” She’s one ambitious gardener! By all means, Rose and the rest of you should go ahead and plant fall crops. Till in a little slow release fertilizer ahead of time. If you decide it’s best to let the soil and yourself rest then keep the soil tilled so it is loose for springtime planting.
An email came in from Pete Moss, wondering about this drought and whether it is going to impact fall tree planting. Specifically he writes “Will it be all right to have Designer Landscapes Inc plant trees this fall or is it going to be too dry? Will they require more watering than usual, even if we get rain between now and the planting? Will you be planting later in the fall this year? Will it be better to plant bigger trees or smaller ones?”
Clearly Pete has put some thought into this and we suspect he’s pretty particular about caring for newly planted trees any year. We are glad to provide the answers to his questions. It will be fine to plant trees this fall. In fact, we’re certain that our Creator will let loose of some more of His rain anytime now, maybe as you all are reading this. Indeed, it WILL take more watering initially. We believe smaller trees are better to plant. Let’s use 1 ½” caliper as an ideal size. They grow faster as their root systems are not stunted as much when root balling is done. If you’re unsure what we mean by caliper, it’s pretty much the same as diameter. As for root balling, well, it’s what we do to pack up the roots then re-establish the tree in the ground for safe keeping, until it moves to a permanent home. It assures that the tap root and others are secured to the tree when the time comes to move it.
We love hearing from you! Keep those cards and letters coming. Send us photos of projects we completed for you that have "matured" so we can see how everything has grown! Please use our email address, posted on www.designer-landscapes.com . If you haven't checked out the new web site this is the time to do it!
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