Question:
Last year, our arborist suggested we begin watering our huge oak trees if we do not get a wet winter. Well, we did not get a wet winter. What type of soaker hose should we use, how long, and how much water do the trees need? These are mature Valley Oaks and Live Oaks.Answer:
- Normally, it is not necessary to water mature, established live oak trees; however, this year is the exception. So I agree with your arborist about watering your oaks this summer.
- I'd use a canvas or plastic flat soaker hose. They remain flat when not used and expand when the water is turned on. A soaker hose is placed not at the trunk but about a third of the way in from the drip line
- . The mature, basal root's function is to anchor the tree to the ground and prevent it from falling over. They don't absorb moisture. Moist soil near the tree's base during the warm summer months promotes crown and root rot. The moisture-absorbing roots are located further out around the dripline of the tree.
- The drip line is the circular pattern that the out libs form. It's here where the moisture and nutrient-absorbing roots are found.
- Shallow and frequent summer watering of oaks does more damage than good as the wet conditions damage the hair roots and hampers the tree's ability to absorb water. Hence, planting under the canopy of Oaks is discouraged.
- It's advisable to mulch around the canopy and those areas exposed to the hot afternoon sun to conserve moisture. The oak leaves debris is an excellent mulch, so don't remove it. A two to three-inch layer is advisable. You can reduce the layer when it gets too thick from November through April.
- I'd start your summer watering in late May when the temperatures are warm. The soaker hoses should run monthly until October for ten hours
Question:
I'm planning on planting a vegetable garden this month, but there are raccoons in my neighborhood. Is there something I could grow as a companion plant that will repel them?.Answer:
- Sorry, but I'm not aware of any companion plants that repel raccoons.
- You'll have to rely on conventional solutions, and while there are lots of them, there isn't one that is universally considered the 'Best.' Fencing off the area with a wire or vinyl material is the first option. As the crops mature, you enhance the effectiveness of the barrier by hanging strips of sheets dipped in ammonia around the fence. The raccoons are repelled as they don't care for the ammonia smell.
- Another alternative is a single electric wire barrier to protect fish ponds from the midnight marauders. If the population is small, you can relocate the raccoons by catching them in a live trap. Havahart makes different size live animal traps, and they are widely available.