Question:
Should I be concerned about a Rhododendron bush that is approximately six feet by three feet growing near or on a sewer line? Could the roots possibly damage the old terracotta sewer pipes?Answer:
- Yes, you should be concerned with plant roots and a terracotta sewer line.
- How concerned? That is the big question.
- Replacing a waste line is not inexpensive. Having had a sewer problem, I speak from first-hand experience. It's expensive, well over ten thousand dollars. Today, many sewer repair companies use cameras to detect damage. I'd look for one that offers a free evaluation and use that to determine the next step.
- This is a great time to transplant Rhododendrons if that is needed.
Question:
There is a sorely neglected nectarine tree at our new home that we would like to salvage. The limbs are very long and bare except for clusters of small branches at the end. It's my understanding that nectarines can be severely pruned. I've already removed many of the water sprouts, but I'm unsure on how much to cut these long branches back?Answer:
- With neglected fruit trees, it's always a judgment call if it's salvageable or not.
- The overall health of the tree is critical to your final decision. I'd replace all trees with these characteristics. Dead, wounded, twisted, or gnarly main branches, sections of the trunk that are peeling, or numerous sap globules present along the trunk and main branches indicate trees under stress and in decline.
- A second consideration is the location. A mature nectarine is not watered often. A good soaking twice a month is sufficient unless there is a prolonged heat spell. From your description, your tree sounds like it's in good condition, so it's worth the effort.
- You'll sacrifice fruit production with neglected fruit trees to get the tree back in shape. A severe pruning removes a significant, if not all, of the fruiting spurs, so don't be surprised by a small or no crop this year. Your focus this year is to reestablish the scaffolding and other supporting branches. Thus, I'd prune the long, existing branches back as far as necessary to keep the tree balanced.
- Peaches and Nectarines produce fruit only on the second year wood. Each year you'd remove fifty percent of the new growth and eliminate all the deadwood, along with the rubbing and crossing branches. The water sprouts are removed to open up the center of the tree for additional light.
- All fruit trees should be fed after pruning to encourage new growth and again in May/June with a fruit tree fertilizer. You should follow the recommendation on the packaging for the application rate. It may take several growing seasons to return a neglected tree back to being productive again. This is why, starting over with a new tree has merit.