![]() ![]() Spread 2″-3″ of mulch at the base of the tree or shrub keeping the mulch from touching the trunk of the tree. Finish filling the hole and tamp the soil firmly around the root ball. Pour the diluted solutiion of Fertilome Root Stimulator over the soil and allow it to soak in wetting the roots. per gallon of water Backfillīackfill the hole half way with the native soil mixture around the tree or shrub. It aids in the development of a stronger root structure and promotes vigorous growth for greener plants. Using this method several times, you will be able to determine your own watering schedule.Fertilome Root Stimulator This product is for newly planted trees, shrubs, and flowers. If the ball falls apart, it's time to water. If the ball holds its shape after you let go, the soil is still wet. One little trick is to scoop up a handful of soil from that depth and squeeze it into a ball. The soil should be showing some significant drying down at that depth. Don't just look at the soil surface, dig down 5" to 6" to see how dry the soil is. Then don't water the plant again until the soil in the basin begins to dry. Fill the basin full, let it soak in, and fill it a second time. It should be wide enough to accommodate the root system of the plant (generally out to the drip line of the plant) and high enough to hold three or four inches of water when full. ![]() Knowing this, our recommendation is to water deeply by building a basin around fruit trees that are not watered by lawn sprinklers. If the soil is constantly waterlogged, there is not enough oxygen available to the root system and the roots suffocate and begin to die. The roots of a plant require oxygen in order to function. It is common for people to kill or unnecessarily stress their plants by watering too frequently. Then give the soil a chance to dry slightly between waterings. This encourages the plant to develop a deep, drought tolerant root system. Get the water down a minimum of 18" at each watering. The basic rule of thumb is to water deeply, but infrequently. Factors such as the soil type, how big the plant is, how fast the plant is growing, air temperature, humidity, wind and light intensity all will affect how often a particular plant will need watering. It is impossible to give a watering schedule that will be right for everyone all of the time. ![]() If you’re unsure about where to make the cut, come on in to Bookcliff Gardens, we’ll be glad to help you. When pruning, it’s very important that the pruning cut be made outside of the branch collar (the swollen area at the base of the branch). Come see us at Bookcliff Gardens to get more information. There are also specific annual pruning techniques that can be employed on your fruit tree to maximize fruit production. This has the effect of lowering the overall height of the tree, making it easier to prune, spray and harvest. In this case, the tree is encouraged to branch close to the ground (18”-36”) and then training the tree to form an upside down cone with the middle empty of branches. An alternative method of pruning is to train it as an “orchard tree’. In this case, any other pruning is best limited to removal of dead, diseased, unsightly, or competing branches. Gradually limb up the tree by removing one or two of the lowest branches each year until it’s at the head clearance is at the desired height. One way is to train it as a small ornamental landscape tree.
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