Evergreens, holly and mushrooms: The Plant Man answers your questions
It's time once again for me to try and answer some of the many questions sent to me via e-mail from readers of this column.
But first, I want to mention something I read recently about the health benefits of mushrooms, after being alerted by a reader. You might think that's an odd subject to address in a column that is mainly about trees, shrubs and all things landscaping. But bear with me... there IS a "woody" connection.
According to a report released by Cancer Research UK, many mushrooms can stimulate immune functions. Of these mushrooms, the most popular is the shiitake. Apparently, the shiitake contains an active chemical, lentinan, that can increase natural "killer" cells and lymphocytes that help fight infections and cancer. The lentinan also has direct antiviral properties. In fact, in Japan, lentinan is approved as a cancer treatment. It seems that eating "exotic" mushrooms, notably shiitake mushrooms, may help lower blood pressure, too.
You can find more about Cancer Research UK's mushroom findings here: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/press/pressreleases/29617 or you can go to my web site, www.landsteward.org and find this column under "The Plant Man" heading and click on a direct link.
Now here's the "woody" connection: Shiitake mushrooms grow on oak logs and it seems that this is one reason why shiitakes have been found to contain 72+ trace elements that are believed to provide these beneficial results. However, mushrooms grown with chemical fertilizers have been found to contain about 8 of those trace elements and don't appear to have the same healing qualities, according to a report you can find at the non-profit web site, http://www.truehealth.org/ahealn22.html
Of course, I'm not a doctor and I'm not making any health claims for shiitake mushrooms. I just happen to love the taste. Obviously there are potential dangers involved from picking wild mushrooms, so I grow my own using a kit that comes with a couple of logs already embedded with the shiitake spores. The logs keep producing mushrooms for about two years. If you want to know more about mushroom logs, feel free to contact me via e-mail. Which brings us to some of your questions!
QUESTION: "Would you mind answering a question for me? My neighbor threw away a beautiful cut-trunk Christmas tree. None of the needles have fallen off yet, and there are still some tiny buds on the needles remaining. It is in terrific shape. Is there anything I can do to replant it? If not, how may I best use it in my backyard habitat?" - name withheld
ANSWER: With no roots I am afraid it will not make it. But here is an unusual suggestion: If you have a pond you could put the end in a bucket of cement and sink it for a fish habitat. Fish like a place to hide when they reproduce.
QUESTION: "I have two holly trees in the front landscaped area of my house that have grown too large for the space. They are about 6' tall and 3-4 feet wide at the base and are somewhat pyramidal in shape. I want to move them to the back yard where they will have more room to grow and spread which will also provide me some privacy from the neighbors behind me. Is it okay to transplant them now or should I wait a little closer to spring? They will also be planted under some large hackberry trees in my back yard." – Michael Felts
ANSWER: You can move them now as long as you can get in the ground to dig. At this time they are in a dormant stage and can be moved. If you have someone in the area that has a tree spade or a mechanical digger, it would be better for the trees. Try to contact a local nurseryman or garden center to make this happen. Unless you have experience in doing this you could find you have a bigger job then you are used to! Before you move your holly trees, you may want to also consider if replanting them under the hackberry would be a good location, if they are likely to receive very little sunlight there.
QUESTION: "Steve, I am considering lining our driveway with some type of evergreen that will get no taller that 8 feet. I live in central Virginia. Is this a good time to put them in the ground. I was told that it is but I desire your advice." – Daryle Crump
ANSWER: Evergreens are always a good choice. The only thing that you really have to be concerned about is the plants getting too leggy at the base with age. I suggest a type of dark green arborvitae. You can keep these trimmed to about 8' in a few years. By planting them about four feet apart you will create a blocking hedge. You should be able to purchase these from a local garden center at a four to five foot size for under $15.00 each.
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org often.
