KLRU: Central Texas Gardener > Question/Plant of the Week

<% tDate="September 10, 2005" %> KLRU: Central Texas Gardener > Question/Plant of the Week > <%=tDate%>

<%=tDate%>

Q. Why are my trees dying?

A. Not only is this a question for the week, itís really a question for the year.

Recently weíve had questions about several species dying at the same time. First, itís important to know that diseases typically donít go from one type of plant to another, or from one species to another. For example, the powdery mildew on a rose is not the same mildew as on a rock rose (Pavonia), and they wonít infect each other.

There are some exceptions, like cotton root rot, that can take out many plants. But in general, when several different types of plants are distressed, we look for cultural problems.

Soil is the starting place. Many times a tree dies or is in stress because itís lost its resilience. Trenching the lawn, bringing in soil to cover up roots, removing soil, or construction that compacts soil, may not have immediate impact, but will show up in a few years. Take care of the root zone, and never build up soil around a tree. If you have a building project, which includes even a patio or extensive bed around a tree, call your Extension Office for tips.

Drought is certainly stressful, and weíve lost many trees due to drought this year. During extended dry periods, give the roots a good deep soaking. This means slow water around the base of the tree to the canopy. Overwatering is bad, too, so look at drainage or leaking sprinkler heads that could be drowning your tree. Keep trees mulched, but keep the mulch away from the base of the tree to give the root collar light and air. Mulch as wide as you can to prevent damage from mowers and trimmers. Correctly prune damaged branches after a storm. Do not use weed and feed products.

<<view past Questions of the Week

Dwarf Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)
Ornamental grasses add a simple beauty to the landscape. Some provide attractive seed heads as an added bonus. Dwarf fountain grass makes an attractive clumping grass that at 2-feet tall and wide is compact enough for many landscape locations. In fall white fluffy seed heads appear to decorate the mounded plants.

A relative, purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') is taller growing with deep burgundy foliage and seed heads. Its bold color is a real attention getter although unlike dwarf fountain grass it is not dependably hardy in central Texas. Both Pennisetums need moist soil conditions and plenty of sunlight.

<<view past Plants of the Week

Now's a good time to divide cannas, daylilies, liriope, and the hardier ferns.
If you're planning a wildflower spot this year for bluebonnets and other spring wildflowers, get that soil ready now, because itíll be time to seed them in a few weeks. Remove perennial weeds and grass that can choke them out. When itís time to seed, the key is to offer good seed to soil contact.

If youíve got a poinsettia or Christmas cactus you held over from last year, start covering them around 5 p.m. to simulate darkness that will promote blooming at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

<< more Planting Tips