Question:
My neighbor removed a large tree that provided shade to several Camellias in our backyard. During the last heat spell, the foliage burned. How do I protect them from further burning?Answer:
- Shade Cloth is the answer to this problem.
- Shade Cloth is a mesh fabric, made of synthetic fiber, designed to block a certain amount of sunlight, anywhere from 40% to 95%. It allows airflow, quickly absorbing and releasing heat, keeping whatever is underneath it cool.
- It's not just for plants; it's also used to shade animal kennels and as a patio cover.
- The standard sizes are 6'x10' and 10'x20', and comes in either black or dark green. Groments are pre-installed to make it easy to attach. You can be thrown over the plants as a temporary covering or set up as a permanent screen.
- The material is very durable, lasting for years. Online, you'll find a selection of sizes and densities. However, some garden centers carry it in large rolls so that you can get a custom size.
- Adding a three-inch layer of mulch is also crucial to insulate the roots as Camellias are surface rooted. The mulch also increases moisture retention on hot days.
- It is spread out around the edge of the canopy or in those areas where the sun strikes the ground. Piling mulch around the trunks is not recommended. Unfortunately, the burn leaves are not going to turn green.
- You'll have to wait for the next flush of new growth in the fall to improve their appearance.
- So, fertilizing monthly with an organic Azalea, Camellias, and Rhododendron food will encourage new growth.
Question:
Why can't I get rid of moles? I have tried so many things, but they do not work. Could you offer a solution?Answer:
- Your lack of success could be due to a gopher problem, not moles.
- Moles produce surface tunnels, while gophers dot the landscape with holes. Also, mole controls are not effective on gophers. With moles, there are no easy answers to controlling them.
- The most effective solution is to remove the food source. Moles do not eat plants. Their diet comprises soil insects. The moles relocate elsewhere by eliminating the food source.
- Beneficial Nematodes are small microscopic critters that are an organic solution for controlling grubs and other soil insects.
- They are sprayed over the area in the evening as the sun sets.
- They move through the soil, seeking out the soil insects and destroying them, but they do not harm earthworms. Moles love earthworms, so Beneficial Nematodes may not be the answer.
- Bonide MoleMax is a granular, organic control that repellent moles, with Castor Oil as the active ingredient. It can be used anytime you notice activity, from burrowing animals in your lawn or garden.
- BioAdvanced Season Long Grub control is a granular material that can be applied anytime. It kills grubs and other insects, creating a barrier for season-long. This is especially important when raccoons are a problem, as it can be applied before the grubs arrive.