Question:
I have a beautiful, mature Japanese Maple. It had a stunning canopy until we removed the tree next to it. Now it’s lopsided. Can I prune this tree to shape it, and how aggressive should I be?Answer:
- Unfortunately, this happens often because plants, especially trees, are planted too close together. By the time the problem is noticed, the remaining plant has a hole in its canopy, and the gap doesn’t close overnight.
- It will take several growing seasons to fill in, and it will look unattractive during that time. I’d trim the top and sides, but it will still be lopsided. How much you remove is up to your judgment.
- The next step is to promote new growth with nutrients. Japanese Maples are light feeders, requiring minimal Nitrogen, Phosphorus, or Potassium. Your goal is to keep a steady, low level of fertility. This moderate fertilization approach will help keep your Japanese Maple healthy. Avoid applying large amounts of nitrogen to the soil around your maples.
- Japanese Maples tend to look best when they grow slowly; therefore, the uneven appearance takes time to improve. Happy Frog Japanese Maple Fertilizer from Foxfarm is one of several organic fertilizers blended for Japanese Maples. One-half cup of fertilizer per two feet of growth is applied monthly through October.
- As new growth develops, remove any shoots growing in the wrong direction. This can be done throughout the year. And finally, I’d record the progress with a digital camera or smartphone.
Question:
My summer vegetable garden consists of tomatoes and peppers. To prevent the soil from drying out too quickly, I've been using straw as mulch. Unfortunately, it has two drawbacks: it's difficult to transport and contains weed seeds. Can I use redwood bark as mulch instead, or are there compatibility issues? If so, are the nuggets okay, or would you prefer the shredded type?Answer:
- Redwood or cedar bark can be used as mulch. It doesn't matter if it's 'nuggets,' chunks, or shredded — it's your choice. There are no compatibility issues to worry about.
- Weed seeds are always a problem with any bulk product stored outside in open bins, as they are constantly exposed to seeds blown in by the wind. Whatever bulk material you choose, you can reduce the risk of unwanted growth by applying a pre-emergent herbicide.
- Pre-emergent herbicides kill weed seeds before they germinate and become a problem. Concern Weed Prevention Plus is an organic pre-emergent herbicide made from corn gluten, which is safe to use around rooted vegetable plants.
- Pre-emergent herbicides create a chemical barrier that can be easily broken by cultivation. So, you’ll need to reapply it afterward. Lightly cultivating the area often by hand works just as well.