Question:
Our Fuyu Persimmon drops its fruit before they have a chance to ripen. We have tried deep root irrigation and feeding with tree spikes. What might we do to prevent this?Answer:
- It’s normal for Persimmons to drop some of their fruit during the year.
- Excessive fruit drop can be the results of irregular watering and or nutrient issues. Persimmons are a water-wise fruit tree, so frequent watering isn’t necessary. They’re not a good choice for many gardens, as they grow too big and the area under the canopy should be left unplanted. With mild summers, you may only have to water the tree once every six weeks after the rainy season concludes; however, inland where it’s hot, and dry, monthly applications are recommended. A deep root irrigator is one of several watering methods but you need to inject the water into the soil in multiple spots around and under the drip line. Another method is to construct a watering basin that is six-inches tall and extends from the trunk to beyond the canopy. You fill the basin a couple of times every time you water. Again, three applications of water once the rainy season concludes should be adequate.
- The best time to feed persimmons is in the late winter or October. Excess nitrogen will cause the young fruit to drop. This can some from a high nitrogen fertilizer or from frequent feedings. I’d fertilize with an organic fruit and shade or all purpose plant food but stakes are acceptable. With that being said, it’s hard to build a case of a nutrient problem using tree stakes, so my suggestion is to review your watering habits.
Question:
I had a new sod lawn laid in my backyard; however, as luck would have it my dog dug a huge hole in the middle of it. How would I go about repairing the damage?Answer:
- You could either resod or reseed the area. Personally, I would resod.
- Rolls of sod are widely available at many retailers and take a sample of the existing grass along for a match. First, you need to fill in the hole, pack it down solidly and then level it to within a half inch of the grade. This will allow for the thickness of the sod. Next, lay the new sod down so it covers the bare spot and the existing grass. With a serrated knife, cut out the old turf so the new turf fits in like a glove. This is a much easier method than trying to fit the sod into an irregular bare spot. The seams between the old and new sod need to be snug against each other. If you have several rows of sod, you should stagger the seams so it forms a brick pattern.Before laying the sod, sprinkle lawn food on the bare ground. After the installation roll or tamp down the area to remove any of the air pockets and water. The seams should disappear within a month as the days get longer.
- If your plan is to reseed then I’d wait until late March.