Prune Japanese maples for slower growth
Posted on Sunday, August 17, 2008
Question: I have planted a lovely Japanese maple tree which I thought was going to be about 5 feet tall. Now I read that it will grow up to 30 feet. What can I do ?
Answer: Japanese maples come in all sizes. If you don't want to replant yours, it can be pruned each year to slow growth. Prune the tree back each winter, January, February and March. Make each cut just above a set of nodes (the places where leaves emerge from the branches or branches from the main trunk ). As a side benefit, pruning might make your tree denser and more attractive.
Question: I have planted wave petunias for the last four years. They were beautiful the first four years. This year they drooped and died. Is there a new disease in petunias ?
Answer: Your petunias are likely infected by Phytophera nicotiana. They will rapidly die. Fungicides are not effective for this disease, and the pathogen will remain in the soil. The solution is to rotate crops. This is common practice in the vegetable gardens, but seems to be less used by flower growers. For the next four years, plant a variety from a different family. Try zinnias for the next four years.
Question: Some kind of worms are attacking my pine tree. How can I get rid of them ?
Answer: The worms that are attacking your pine tree are sawflies. There are many species. They all lay rows of eggs in pine needles. The larvae that hatch from these eggs feed in groups on the outer part of the foliage. As the larvae grow, they feed on larger portions. Eventually entire needles are devoured.
When damage or insects are first noticed, spray with an insecticide containing acephate. Inspect the tree periodically to detect infestations before severe defoliation occurs.
Tip: A recipe for an insecticide was left to us from the Rev. Carl Totemeier Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of Tabasco sauce, with an added dash of a mild liquid dish-washing detergent, for each gallon of water. Spray thoroughly as with any insecticide. Repeat the process at five- to sevenday intervals until control has been achieved.
Send your gardening and landscaping questions and tips to Washington County Master Gardeners, 2536 N. McConnell Ave., Fayetteville AR, 72703. You may also call 444-1755 for answers to your questions.
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