Question:
I have a young nectarine and cherry tree planted about ten feet apart. I realize I’ve planted them in the wrong spot. And to make matters worse, they’re getting too much water as I’ve planted flowers under them. When can they be moved?Answer:
- I’m glad you recognized the problem with the watering before it was too late to correct things.
- Cherries and nectarines along with apricots, peaches, and plums do not like regular summer water; hence, they don’t tolerate having herbaceous and ornamental plants planted under their canopy. Apples, pears, Asian pears and all types of citrus are your best choice as they thrive with lots of summer water.
- Young fruit trees can be transplanted starting in late November, after leaf drop, through February or mid-March; however, with citrus, you should wait until early spring when the danger of frost has passed.
- Cherries and nectarines have a branching root system, so the root ball needs to be rectangular in shape, not necessarily a square box. I’d prune the trees first to reduce the canopy to make the move easier.
- The planting holes should be twice as large and eight-inch deeper than the root ball, and they can be dug ahead of time. The backfill is amended at a fifty-fifty ratio of soil conditioner or homemade compost and the native soil.
- The next and most critical step in transplanting is not to bury the root ball. I’d remove any excess soil to expose the first root and plant it, so this root is at or above the soil surface. If your concerned about the exposed root you can apply a layer of mulch next year to insulate it.
- Also, remember, the root ball will sink in the amended soil. In April or May, I’d apply an organic fruit tree fertilizer to encourage the new growth.
- Starting in June unless the rainy season concludes early, watered the trees once every two to three weeks through mid-September depending on the temperatures. Each tree should have a six-inch high watering basin that extends from the trunk to the drip line. This basin should be filled to the brim several times every time you water. Since these trees are not showing any stress, the transition to a new location should have a high degree of success.
Question:
This is spring, we planted a bank with purple rockroses, Cistus purpureus. Shortly after they were planted, the gophers attacked them. The rockroses are still alive with some of the plants looking good while others are sad. What do we need to do to revive these plants?Answer:
- Saving damaged plants from gophers is always iffy. It all depends on how extensive the roots were damaged. There is a direct relationship between the sources and the top growth they support.
- Unfortunately, the growing season is concluding shortly, so you’re not going to see much more this year. I’d cut off any of the damaged portions of the plants, and wait to see what happens next spring when the new flush of growth occurs. There is an excellent chance the remaining plants will recover.