Training Wisteria, evergreen screens and more of your questions!
You must be devoting more time to thinking about your landscape and the trees and shrubs that grow – or WON'T grow – there, judging by the increase in the number of questions I've received recently!
You're welcome to ask my advice by sending e-mail to steve@landsteward.org and I'll try to answer your questions personally as well as in this column.
QUESTION: "Hi, I'm not sure if you will be able to help me. I am trying to make my wisteria in to a tree. I've read instructions that say you need to have a strong pole to support the bush. I'm not sure how to keep the bush on the pole. What should I tie it to the pole with so that it will not fall to the ground? Thanks for your help." – Trina
ANSWER: Yes, you can do this easily. You will need to put a strong pole, such as a piece of steel, next to the plant but about 3 inches away from the base. Use a stake that is a little taller then the height at which you will want to start your branching. Keep the tree trimmed from the base to the place you want it to start branching. It is that simple. Wisteria wants to stay a vine so at least for a few years you will have to keep trimming. The need to trim will be less each time until it is trained as a tree.
QUESTION: "We moved here in the fall. The previous owner erected this fence to hide the cars from view of the house. I understand the philosophy, but I can't see my children or the backyard from the downstairs windows! I would like to plant some kind of evergreen. I think arborvitae is too stiff and spiky and boxwood is too dense. Can you recommend some kind of evergreen shrub that won't get taller than 6 feet that would look nice as a "screen". It gets partial sun. I don't want to have to trim it. Thanks for any help!" – Suzannah Emmons
ANSWER: To use evergreens, and within the restrictions you are imposing for your landscape, there are only a few I can recommend. Since you feel the arborvitae is to stiff or spiky I would try to go with a shrub like Taxus.The one I like, and that has soft needles and branches is named the Densiformis yew. Try talking to a reputable local garden center. This plant is usually readily available.
QUESTION: "We would like to plant a small shade/ornamental tree in front of our window. However, that is where the pipe for the sprinkler system is located. Are there any trees whose roots grow down instead of outward (we also don't want something whose roots would destroy the driveway 6 feet away) or is there some other ideas you may have?" – Jeri Hazlett
ANSWER: I would look at some of the ornamental red buds, flowering cherries, or dogwoods. Look for trees like these that are smaller in height, do not have a spreading root system, are fun to look at... and a fine addition to any landscape! Write to me again if you're have difficulty locating the trees I've suggested.
QUESTION: "I need you help/suggestions. What can I buy, or better yet, are there any home remedies/solutions I could use around my shrubs and flowers to keep my dog away from urinating and destroying them?" – Diane Hintzman.
ANSWER: There are some sprays and tablets that you can purchase at local garden centers and maybe even Wal-Mart for that purpose. If all else fails go to a hunting store and pick up some coyote urine. This seems to repel most animals. I guess that's only a home remedy if you happen to own your own coyote.
QUESTION: "I will be planting some Poplar Hybrid Huskee bareroot trees. Can you give me an approximate size of hole I will need to dig? I would like to dig them prior to the trees being delivered. I have heard mixed reports on whether to amend the soils when planting the trees. Some say you should use the same soil you dug out and others say to mix with some peat or compost. What do you think?" – Rob Little
ANSWER: The size of the hole for the husky would be about 12 to 18 inches deep about six to eight inches across. Soil amendment additions would depend on your type of soil. If your soil is loose and pliable you would not need any additional. The main thing is that after they are planted you will have the roots sealed in from any air pockets.
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.
