Tree Care Information for Homeowners
| "He who plants a tree, plants hope." - Lucy Larcom, Plant a Tree |
Crape-Murder Called Crime Against Nature
Regional Extension Agent Shane Harris is warning homeowners to spare the saw when it comes to pruning crapemyrtles. According to Harris.... (Read More)
Turning Over a New Leaf for 2008 
Beau Brodbeck wants homeowners to add two more resolutions for the new year. And these resolutions will not only make a better you, but will benefit others ... (Read More)
Planting Trees for Fall Color
Think the only way to enjoy fall foliage is to drive north? Rick Beauchamp says not so quick. Alabama homeowners have plenty of options when it comes to fall color. He lists ten trees well suited to our southern climate that can also reward homeowners with exceptional fall color. To see Rick's list... (Read More)
Summer Drought Affecting Trees
Several years of a persistent drought has taken its toll on Alabama's urban forest. Water stress has not only plagued younger trees but is beginning to extend into larger trees. Until our state returns to its normal moisture patterns, homeowners and gardeners should be worried and start taking actions to help their trees. (Read More)
Seasonal Tree Care Tips
When Old man winter arrives, it's time to put away the lawnmower, edger, trimmer and except for a few leaves to rake, relax from yard work until next Spring. Right? Wrong! (Read More)
Springtime signals a different kind of "urban renewal" to the homeowner. Not only does it awaken both the landscape but also a person's spirit. Learn what simple steps you can take to get your trees off to a good start. (Read More)
Extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and voracious pests can cause even the healthiest tree to suffer. Here what you can do to help your tree make it through the summer. (Read More)
As the days shorten and trees begin to display their autumn color, we know that one of our climate’s most perfect times to enjoy the outdoors has finally arrived. Here are three tips to help your tree this fall. (Read More)
Other Tree Care Articles
- Ask a Few Questions Before Planting Trees
- The Decline of the Bradford Pear
- Bradford Pear Alternatives
- Safe Chainsaw Operation
- Ginkgo Provide Spectacular Tree Color
- Selection and Care of Dogwoods
- Growing Oak Tree from Acorn
- Common Landscape Diseases and Insects
- Girdling Problems
- Chinese Pistache: A Great Tree for the Landscape
- Canker and Disease Problems Affect Leyland Cypress
- Trees Are Low-Maintenance Additions to the Landscape
- Recovering From Crepe "Murder"
- Improper Pruning of Crepemyrtle Getting Out of Hand
- Lichen on Woody Plants and Trees
Q. I'm worried what this year's drought will do to my young tree. What should I do?
A. Newly planted trees need time to build strong healthy root systems. It's during this time that trees are especially vulnerable to dry weather. Two strategies will help. First, make sure there is a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the tree's root zone. Second, for every week of dry weather during the growing season, make sure your new tree is watered with 10 gallons of water for every inch of tree caliper.
Q. How deep a hole should I dig before planting my tree this winter?
A. Unfortunately, too many trees fail because they were planted too deep. When "new" trees are planted lower than the field level from which they grew, they can suffer lower survival rates, girdling roots, and increased plant stress. A ideal hole should be the same depth as the root ball. This will help assure that the root flare of your "new" tree is where it is supposed to be --- above ground level.
Want to learn more about planting trees?
Check This Out!
Copyright © 1997 - 2013 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System
All rights reserved - Legal Disclaimer - webmaster@aces.edu
