Question:
I planted a red leaf Japanese Maple two years ago on the northwest side of my home. The last two years it has suffered from leaf scorch and looks terrible. Should I move the tree to a new location or will the problem go away with more water and age?
Answer:
Leaf scorch or tip burn is a common problem with Japanese Maples in the Bay Area. It starts to show up in the late spring or early summer. This is right after the first heat spell as the warm and dry wind scorch the leaves. Irregular watering contributes to the problem as the plants maybe on the dry side as many irrigation systems haven’t been adjusted for the warmer temperatures; hence, the plants suffer. Unfortunately, this occurs after the annual growth cycle, so there is no new growth and the plant(s) look sad the rest of the year. So, it’s not going to go away by changing the location. To avoid this problem next year, mulch the area under the drip line of the maple with a three-inch layer of organic matter in early May. This will insulate the roots on those warm mornings or late afternoons, so you don’t get caught off guard by the rapid spike in temperatures. The mulch should extend from the trunk to a foot beyond the drip line. At the same time, you should apply Bonide Wilt Stop or Cloud Cover to the leaves to conserve on the rapid loss moisture by applying a protective barrier on the leaf surface. Think of it, as Chap Stick for plants and it’s reapplied in August.
Question:
When do you divide Rhubarb plants?
Answer:
Rhubarb should be divided every four years or when the stalks begin to thin out; otherwise, the product drops off significantly. In the late fall, before the rainy season begins, cut the foliage off at the ground and gently dig up the root tubers. The dirt is then washed off the clumps. Next, select the largest tubers with three to five eyes for transplanting and separate them from the clump with a sharp knife. The red eyes are much like those found on a potato. This is the area where new growth or shoots develop. You now have the option to replant them immediately or store them in a box in a cool location like the garage until next year. Rhubarb is transplanted anytime, January through April. You should pick a location that gets half a day of sun preferably protected from the mid to late afternoon sun. The new plants are planted in soil that has been generally amended with organic matter and spaced three feet apart and fed regularly with one of the many organic fertilizers. They also can be grown in containers. The first year after planting, allow the stalks to grow and do not harvest. You begin to harvest Rhubarb in the second growing season.
Note: It is planted as a root division as those started from
Note:
Rhubarb is planted from a root division as those started from seeds are disappointing. For the average family of four, three to four plants will be plenty.
