Question:
My Van Cherry tree is acting strangely. It was bought last spring but we haven't gotten around to planting it. The leaves are drying up and falling off. Yet, there are new leaves 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 that a plant loses water is affected by the temperature and wind along with the container which heats up in the afternoon sun. All of 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.
- 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, flowers and begins a new growth cycle. Although, all of this is short lived. With cooler days and nights, the tree will go back into dormancy and that stops 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 just isn't enough room for all their roots.
Question:
The leaves of our Broccoli and Red Cabbage have holes in them along with the lettuce. I’ve noticed several green worms on the backs of the leaves and applied something called Caterpillar Killer. Will they die soon and how often do I re-spray?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. It only purpose is to eat, then it will hibernate in the pupae stage and change into the adult moth. Caterpillar Killer is the right product to use on vegetables as it contains Bt. Bt 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.