Dear Abby: Wear and tear take toll on holiday hostess. 2E
Today
S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 6 , 2011
SECTION E
WWW.TUSCALOOSANEWS.COM
N
ovember is another great fall gardening month. The dormant season is fast approaching and that means it is tree, bulb, rose and fruit planting time. There is tidying up to do for the coming holiday season and bulbs to force to brighten winter windowsills. Once leaves have fallen from the trees, it is time to begin planting trees and shrubs. Planting continues throughout February. All types of ornamental trees and shrubs can be planted this month. It is a good time to plant hydrangeas, hollies, roses and perennial vines. Plant fruit trees and blueberry bushes as they become available in nurseries and garden centers. Strawberry plants should be placed in the ground as early in the month as possible as they need warm soil to grow an adequate root system before winter weather sets in. Mulch newly planted strawberries to protect roots from freezing. Roses can also be planted this month. After the fall bloom season, allow the flowers to develop hips (the fruits of roses) for a colorful winter show and to encourage the plants to rest. Clean rose beds of fallen leaves and place a fresh layer of pine straw. Perennials and biennials, such as hosta, foxglove, and rudbeckia can be planted now. Be sure to prepare the soil well for them and to add plenty of organic matter. All newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials should be watered thoroughly after planting and watered whenever there is a dry period. Mulch them with pine straw or chopped leaves. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunks and stems of the plants. This will prevent moisture from building against the stems and causing decay. Evergreens can be pruned in November, but wait to prune fall-blooming Camellia sasanqua until they finish flowering. Plant spring-flowering daffodils, narcissus and other spring-flowering bulbs. Tulips planted at least eight inches deep can stay cold enough to give them a chance to re-bloom next year. Colorful houseplants like Rex begonias, ornamental peppers and mums lend a festive air to the season. Mums kept indoors require bright light and should be kept evenly moist. After flowering, put the pot of mums in a cold spot where it will not freeze. Trim the plants to soil level keeping the roots slightly moist. In spring the clump can be separated, and the plants grown in full sun in the garden. In mid-November start bulbs of paperwhite narcissus, hyacinths and amaryllis for Christmas blooms. If you started freesia corms in September, bring the pots indoors at the fi rst sign of frost. Holiday cactus will begin to form buds in November. As soon as you see the tiny buds, begin to fertilize the plant weakly and resume a regular watering schedule. On cold or rainy November days turn your attention to houseplants. Check them for insects — spider mites love the drier indoor air — and treat with a solution of soapy water or spray with one of the newer oil sprays. Check to see if plants are weak or growing leggy and place them closer to a bright window. Plants that have spent the summer outdoors may be ready for repotting. The vegetable garden is in slow gear this month. Clear beds of debris to reduce problems with overwintering insects and disease. If beds are bare, plant them with a cover crop of winter peas or spread a layer of mulch over the soil. Bare soil is an invitation to erosion.
Mary Jo Modica is horticulturist at the University of Alabama Arboretum. Reach her at mmodica@as.ua.edu.
Use these tips to make the perfect selection at the nursery By Mary Jo Modica
Special to The Tuscaloosa News
Y
ou’ve performed an evaluation of your site and matched the size, shape and cultural requirements of the trees you want to your landscape conditions. Now it’s time to head to the nursery. But how can you tell a good specimen from a poor one? What characteristics do you look for in a well-grown tree? And exactly when and how should a tree be planted? Trees should be inspected thoroughly at the nursery. Factors to con-
sider when choosing a new tree include size, health of the root system, trunk form, branch arrangement and presence of pests or disease. One of the first considerations when choosing a tree is its size. According to Neal Hargle, extension specialist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, when it comes to planting a tree less is more. “Numerous studies have proven that over a 12-month period, a newly planted tree with a trunk less than six inches in diameter establishes more quickly and is more resistant to drought than a newly planted tree
with a six-inch or larger caliper,” Hargle said. Smaller trees also require less water over time. It can take a large tree up to three years to become established. “Irrigating a large caliper tree twice a week adds up to a hefty water bill over time,” Hargle said. Next to size, experts agree the most important factor in ensuring a longlived tree is a healthy root system. Matthew McCollough, urban forestry coordinator for the Alabama Forestry Commission recommends inspecting all parts of a tree when pur-
chasing from a nursery. “When buying a tree we typically inspect it above the soil line, but more often than not fail to check the tree’s root ball,” McCollough said. “Trees kept in too small a pot can become root-bound. A mass of roots protruding from the drain holes or an accumulation of roots on the surface of the soil can indicate this.” There is a quick test to check root quality in the nursery. Push the trunk back and forth. The trunk on a good quality tree will bend along its length and will be fi rm in the soil or medium. SEE T REE | 8E
Characteristics to look for when choosing a tree: Inspect
TREE SALE AND WORKSHOP The Tuscaloosa Office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering a workshop and an opportunity to purchase trees appropriate to our area. Tree Workshop: “Planting and Pruning, When and How,” with extension state arborists Beau Brodbeck and Jack Rowe. Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the extension auditorium. Cost: $10. Details: Call the Extension System office for reservations. Other: The Tuscaloosa extension office is also offering a selection of trees and shrubs based on disease and pest resistance that should thrive in the central region of the state. Fruit trees, nut bearing trees, shade trees, flowering trees and shrubs, as well as a limited number of the state tree, the longleaf pine, will be offered. The sale is intended to help replant storm areas and other areas around the community. A copy of the sale brochure is available at www.aces.edu/ tuscaloosa. Deadline: Orders should be received no later than Dec. 9, and the trees will be delivered to the extension office for pickup in midJanuary. Call Neal Hargle at 349-4630. Proceeds benefit local 4-H and other extension education programs.
the trunk. Studies show that a newly planted tree with a trunk runk less ss than six inches in diameter meter will w establish itself elf more e Less than six inches quickly and iss more resistant to drought. roughtt. Look at the e roots. The trunk run nk
flare should be e above the soil liline. ine. A trunk flare that ha at begins more than han n an inch below the e soil line may be e starved of oxygen. gen.
Straight trunk
November means tree, bulb time
Tree-planting time
One dominant central leader or trunk No bark damage
Test the root system. Push
the trunk of the tree back and forth and inspect the bend. A tree with a healthy root system will bend along its length and be firm in the soil. If the trunk pivots or leans at the base it may have a damaged root system.
Early care: Mulch area around the tree.
Source: Alabama Extension Service Office STAFF ILLUSTRATION | ANTHONY BRATINA
Check angle at all 90 sides Three times the root ball
Health yb en d
MARY JO MODICA
Trunk flare should be two to three inches higher than the hole depth
Mulch acts like a blanket, holding moisture in and moderating temperature extremes. Good choices for mulch are leaf litter, pine straw, shredded bark, peat moss, and composite wood chips.
Water regularly. Water at least
once per week and more frequently during the hot weather months. Keep the soil moist but not soaked.
Do not cover trunk flare
T Trunk Tr flare fl la
Planting the tre tree: ee: Di Dig g a sh shal shallow, allo low, broad hole. The hole should be as
One to two inches free of mulch
Mulch Two to four inches deep
much as three times the width of the root ball.
Remove from container.
Cut and remove any circling roots. s.
Fill. After straightening out the tree, fill in the hole gently but firmly mlly by adding a few inches at a time. Settle with water after each fill. Firmly pack any loose soil to eliminate air pockets. Fertilizing att this stage is not recommended.
When to plant: t Fall l and winter are ideal. During these seasons, trees remain dormant except for the root systems. These systems are actively growing, burrowing deeper into the soil to establish a strong hold in the soil.
Source: The International Society of Arboriculture, Mary Jo Modica