Question:
My Van Cherry tree is acting strangely. I bought it last spring, but we haven't planted it. The leaves are drying up and falling off. Yet, new leaves are forming, and it is flowering again. Is this common with cherry trees?Answer:
- Yes, this occurs periodically in the landscape, but it is a more frequent occurrence with container fruit and flowering trees.
- Water Stress from irregular watering is the primary cause of the leaves drying up and falling off. They should be watered every other day or daily to avoid having problems.
- The rate at which a plant loses water is affected by the temperature and wind along with the container, which heats up in the afternoon sun.
- These factors contribute to a plant suffering from water stress throughout the growing season.
- It starts in the leaves along the outer edges and top of the plant, where they turn brown and get very crinkly. If the tree dehydrates completely, it dies.
- The cherry tree starts to go dormant naturally in the early fall. Water stress increases the leaf drop, forcing an earlier-than-normal dormancy.
- With mild temperatures, shorter days, and moisture, the tree awakens from dormancy and flowers and begins a new growth cycle.
- However, all of this is short-lived. The tree will return to dormancy with cooler days and nights, stopping the growth.
- The tree drops any of the new leaves and the rest of the older leaves. There is no permanent damage done to the tree.
- Next spring, it will awaken again.
- Fruit trees should not be carried over into a second growing season in the same container. So, I'd plant it in the ground or a larger container by the end of February. There isn't enough room for all their roots. Q. Our Broccoli and Red Cabbag
Question:
Our Broccoli and Red Cabbage leaves have holes in them, along with my lettuce. I've noticed several green worms on the backs of the leaves and applied something called Caterpillar Killer. Will they die soon,Answer:
- Cabbage Loopers are causing the holes in the leaves of the cool season vegetables.
- The Cabbage Looper is the larva stage of a moth. Its only purpose is to eat; it will hibernate in the pupae stage and change into the adult moth.
- Caterpillar Killer is the right product for vegetables as it contains Bt. It is specific to killing worms. It is non-toxic when sprayed on edibles and is safe for kids, pets, and wildlife.
- You will continue to see holes and worms for about a week after the first application. The worms have to ingest the insecticide before it can work. Bt. Gives the worms a fatal case of the stomach flu. The worms stop feeding and turn black when dead.
- You will need to reapply, as there are several generations of worms in a growing season. So, I monitor the plants for new holes and reapply as necessary.