OBJECTIVES The student will be able to Draw

OBJECTIVES The student will be able to… • Draw a diagram of what can be done to prevent tree roots from invading and damaging paved areas. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

OBJECTIVES The student will be able to… • Compare and contrast the planting procedures for balled & burlapped versus container-grown plants. • Diagram how to stake a newly planted tree. • Relate the features of a low-maintenance landscape. • Assemble a list of pruning tools necessary for landscape maintenance. • Explain the purposes of pruning. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

OBJECTIVES The student will be able to… • Recognize crossing branches, improper pruning cuts, suckers & girdling roots on landscape plants. • Demonstrate the hand removal of candles for pruning evergreens. • Draw three outline shapes that are acceptable for pruning of formal hedges to ensure the health of the lower portions. • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of sprinkler versus drip irrigation. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

OBJECTIVES The student will be able to… • List three techniques for water conservation in a landscape. • Identify and describe four mulches suitable for use in a landscape. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE • Practices for landscaping vary significantly depending on the region of North America. – Landscapes are planted in spring in temperate zones. • Plants will be dormant or just starting active growing, and transplant with minimal shock. • The ground will be thawed (far North), the temperature relatively cool, slowing transpiration, preventing wilting. – Fall is the second-best time for transplanting. • Again because of the cool temperatures. – Summer is the least preferable time for planting as sun & hot temperatures make the wilting problems more acute. • If container-grown plants are used exclusively, roots will be undisturbed and will grow even in summer. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Bare Root • Shrubs and trees are sold bare root, balled and burlapped, or container grown. – Selling condition determines price, chances of surviving transplanting, and the seasons for transplanting. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Bare Root • Only deciduous plants are sold bare root. – Always dug and sold while dormant. • Most bare-root plants are sold only in spring. – Occasionally available in fall or throughout winter. • Bare root is an inexpensive way to buy plants, as they are grown in fields with minimal maintenance. – And simply dug up when the selling season arrives. • Most mail-order nurseries utilize this selling. – To minimize shipping weight. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Bare Root • A bare-root plant is more likely to die during transplant than a container-grown one. – Many roots are lost when they are dug from the ground. • When selecting a bare-root plant, pick the sturdiest plant with the largest root system. – Roots should be covered with or bagged in wood shavings. – They be damp to the touch—if they have dried, the plant may be dead. – If the plant is alive, a green layer will be visible under the surface if you scratch a tiny area of bark. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Bare Root • If planting cannot take place for several days, the plant should be left in a shady area with the roots covered with moist soil. – This heeling in prevents drying and the death of the roots. • At planting time, the roots should be placed in a bucket of water & the tree taken to the planting site. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Bare Root • A hole should be dug large enough to accommodate the roots easily without crowding. – Topsoil should be piled on a piece of canvas or plastic next to the hole and not mixed with the subsoil. Organic amendment can be mixed with the soil to make a mixture to refill the hole. Figure 13 -1 A bare root tree after transplanting. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Bare Root • Part of the mixture should be shoveled back into the hole, so when the plant is placed in the hole, it will be sitting at or slightly above its original growing level. • Any badly broken roots should be clipped off with hand pruners, and remaining roots spread outward in the hole, and covered with soil to ground level. • A small ridge of soil should be mounded around the planting hole as a basin for water. – The plant should be watered in well, by filling the basin three or four times. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Balled-and-Burlapped Trees & Shrubs - • Balled and burlapped refers to trees and shrubs grown in a field but dug to keep a ball of soil around the roots. – Both evergreens & deciduous plants are balled and burlapped. Because the process involves considerable labor, plants sold this way are expensive. Figure 13 -2 A balled-and-burlapped tree after transplanting. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Balled-and-Burlapped Trees & Shrubs - • Because the digging disturbs only part of the roots, balled-and-burlapped plants usually transplant successfully. – Provided the ball remains moist, and proper planting procedures are used. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Balled-and-Burlapped Trees & Shrubs - • Hole and soil preparation is basically the same as for bare-root plants. – However, the hole should be twice as wide as the ball, and one to one and one-half times as deep. – Care must be taken when transplanting to prevent the soil ball from breaking. – Once the plant is in position in the hole, the strings can be cut & removed and the burlap peeled back from the trunk. – Plastic burlap should be removed completely, and even ordinary burlap, which may have been treated to prevent rotting, is best removed. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Container-Grown Plants Trees & Shrubs - • Because the root system develops within the container, the plant is disturbed only slightly at transplanting, and moved when the soil is workable. – With a plastic container, the plant can be turned upside down and will slide out easily with little shaking. • A planting hole should be at least twice as big as the container. • If the plant is root-bound—with roots grown on the outside of the soil ball, encircling it—the roots should be loosened by hand, or cut so they will brace out into the new soil. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Trees & Shrubs - Boxed Trees & Shrubs - • Occasionally, you will see large trees for sale with their roots in boxes. – These may have been container grown, or field grown. • Boxing is in lieu of balling and burlapping. • Planting-hole preparation should be the same as for balled-and-burlapped plants. • Carefully remove box to avoid breaking the soil ball. – The tree should be turned on its side and the bottom of the box removed. – Using a board as an inclined plane, the box should then be slid onto the planting hole. – Once in place, the sides of the box can be removed and the hole filled with soil. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Pruning Newly Transplanted Trees and Shrubs • Pruning new transplants encourages them to develop proper form. – Many times, bare-root plants are sold prepruned, and need no further pruning until the following season. • About one-third of the top should be removed at transplant, by removing weaker branches & clipping remaining branches back to one-half to two-thirds of their original length. – Branches low on the trunk should not be removed, as the branches strengthen the trunk. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Staking and Wrapping Trees • Staking may be needed either to anchor the root system of the tree until it becomes established, or support the trunk in an upright position. – Usually for a maximum of 1 year. • Unless it can be determined that staking is fulfilling one of these functions, it is not necessary. – And will cause weakening of the trunk. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Staking Trees For root anchorage of bare-root trees, two short stakes (about 1 to 1 -1/2 ft) should be inserted on opposite sides of the trunk. Figure 13 -2 A balled-and-burlapped tree after transplanting. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Staking Trees • The tree should be secured to each stake with strips of rubber, cloth, or wire, covered with a section of garden hose. – Uncovered wire, rope, or twine is not recommended, as friction will cause it to rub off the tender bark. • Trees that require trunk support should be staked as low as will allow them to stand upright under calm conditions. – Stakes should be positioned on opposite sides of the tree and the trunk tied to the stakes at a single point near the top. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Wrapping Trees • Wrapping involves twining tree-wrapping paper, vinyl, or burlap secured with twine around a tree trunk from the base to the lowest branches. – Wrapping should be left in place for about 1 year after which it should be removed. Figure 13 -3 Wrapping a tree trunk with vinyl tape. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Wrapping Trees Wrapping protects the trunk from sun damage, a problem on trees grown in rows with their trunks shaded by neighboring trees. It also protects against bark damage from string trimmers used too close to the trunk. A semi-permanent plastic/metal collar is better in the long run to protect the trunk for many years. Figure 13 -3 Wrapping a tree trunk with vinyl tape. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Transplanting Groundcovers • Groundcovers, herbaceous perennials or woody shrubs, are transplanted with a trowel throughout a prepared bed, and watered thoroughly. • Many herbaceous groundcovers spread by trailing along the surface of the soil, so it is important that soil in a groundcover area be conditioned. – Spaded to at least 12”, with amendment throughout. • Spacing is determined by economics and how quickly coverage is desired. – Spacing plants 2 ft. apart costs less than spacing 8” apart, but takes up to a year longer to cover the area. – 1 ft. spacing gives coverage at a moderate/expense. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Transplanting Groundcovers • When landscaping with groundcover, using landscape fabric to cover the area is a wise investment. It is a water permeable, woven or felted synthetic material that is laid over the area to be planted. Then holes are cut for each groundcover plant; the plants are inserted through the fabric for planting. Figure 13 -4 Planting a groundcover through a landscape fabric will make subsequent maintenance much easier. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. The advantages of landscape fabric are permanent, total weed control while still allowing water to penetrate. In this regard, it is different from black plastic mulch. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Postplanting Care of the Landscape - Watering • During the first growing season, plant roots occupy only a small volume of soil, and need constant moisture to become established in the new location. • Slow soaking with a hose is preferred for shrubs and trees, every 7 to 10 days. – Allows all the moisture to be absorbed into the soil and provides sufficient water to moisten the entire root area. • Groundcover watering is done by hand or sprinkler. – As frequently as required to keep the soil moist. • It is advisable to check depth of water penetration with a trowel after watering, digging to the depth of the roots and examining the soil moisture. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PLANTING THE LANDSCAPE Postplanting Care of the Landscape • Mulching keeps in soil moisture and prevents weed growth, a problem in newly planted groundcover areas. • Regular maintenance by pruning, fertilizing, watering, and weed control is a necessity if home grounds are to remain attractive and plants healthy. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Features of a Low-Maintenance Landscape • Landscapes designed to remain attractive with minimal maintenance may include: – Large paved or decked areas that require only occasional sweeping. – Raised planters that require less bending for maintenance. – Groundcover areas in lieu of lawns to eliminate mowing. – Mulches or groundcovers around all trees & shrubs to eliminate hand trimming, and suppress weed growth. – An automatic irrigation system where rainfall is insufficient. – A limited number of carefully placed plants, rather than large numbers of plants scattered through the landscape. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Features of a Low-Maintenance Landscape • Landscapes designed to remain attractive with minimal maintenance may include: – Plants that do not require frequent pruning and do not drop leaves, fruits, or dead flowers. – Plants that, when mature, will not require extensive pruning to keep them the proper size. – Flowering shrubs rather than maintenance-requiring annual and perennial flowers. – Plants that naturally are disease- and insect-resistant and have been proven to grow well in the locale. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Soil-Working Tools - Trowel • A trowel is used for digging small holes for planting bulbs, setting out transplants, and similar tasks. When purchasing a trowel, check to make sure the handle attaches firmly to the blade & does not bend. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Soil-Working Tools - Round-Point Shovel Soil-Working Tools - • A round-point shovel is used for digging larger holes such as for planting trees and shrubs, and for other, general garden digging. When tip is pointed to make it easy to push into the soil. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Soil-Working Tools - Hoe Soil-Working Tools - • A hoe is used for shallow cultivation of a previously prepared area and will penetrate the soil up to 4” deep. Frequently used in vegetable gardening to prepare rows for seeding. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. Hoes are also used for weeding. For this purpose, they should be used with a scraping motion that severs the weeds at the soil line. If used in a cultivating manner, additional weed seeds will be exposed, germinate, and intensify the weed problem. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Soil-Working Tools - Spading Fork Soil-Working Tools - • A spading fork is used to move piles of leaves or refuse, turn compost, and break up large clods in the soil. • A spading fork is more efficient than a shovel for these purposes, and moves a greater volume of leaves or compost with each bite. A spading fork is distinguished from a pitchfork in that it has stronger, flat tines. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Watering Equipment - Hose • Many grades of garden hoses are available. – Inexpensive plastic ones are stiff and develop permanent kinks that restrict water flow. – Reinforced plastic hoses remain pliable, do not kink, and are lightweight. – Rubber hoses are the most durable, but are heavy, and expensive. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Watering Equipment - Pistol Nozzle • A pistol nozzle provides on-off control and can be adjusted to give water in varying intensities, from a strong forceful stream to a gentle mist. Unfortunately, the directed stream is too forceful for most watering, and when emitted at a lower volume, it sprays in a circle and cannot be directed accurately. Some gardeners find the forceful stream useful for washing off insects and the mist ideal for watering seedlings. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Watering Equipment - Flaring Rose (Fan) Nozzle Watering Equipment - • The flaring rose nozzle applies a large volume of water without force and is good for general overhead watering. It often does not provide an ON-OFF control. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Watering Equipment - Oscillating Sprinkler Watering Equipment - • The oscillating sprinkler is the most adaptable to general yard use and can be adjusted to cover any size area by altering the water pressure and the oscillation mechanism. Because the head moves back and forth, water is applied over the area at a slow rate, and runoff is less likely than with a non-oscillating type. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Watering Equipment - Watering Can Watering Equipment - • Either plastic or galvanized metal watering cans are acceptable. – Although metal cans last longer, they are heavier and more expensive than plastic cans. • The can should contain a removable sprinkler head so that either a fast volume or a slow sprinkling of water can be applied. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Leaf Rakes • A leaf rake can be made of lightweight metal or bamboo, and has long flexible teeth. Used for raking leaves, grass, and other lightweight materials. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Garden (Bow) Rakes • A garden rake is generally metal, with short, rigid, widely spaced teeth. Used for smoothing the soil surface in preparation for seeding a lawn or vegetable garden, removing thatch from the lawn, and other purposes. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Fertilizing Equipment - Hose-End Sprayer Fertilizing Equipment - • The hose-end sprayer attaches to a hose and automatically mixes any liquid concentrate into the water at dilute strength. It is used for fertilizing lawns, flowers & other shallow-rooted plants, and for applying certain insecticides. It is not accurate enough for most pesticide applications. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Fertilizing Equipment - Root Feeder Fertilizing Equipment - • A root feeder works like a hose-end sprayer, proportioning liquid fertilizer into irrigation water. – It is equipped with a long, needlelike tube for injecting the fertilizer into the root zone of shrubs and trees. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Pruning Tools - Hand Pruners are the most frequently used pruning tool. They will cut branches up to 3/4” in diameter. It is important to never twist hand pruners when cutting, in an attempt to cut a large branch. This will pull the cutting blades out of alignment and ruin the pruners. Figure 13 -10 Pruning tools. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Pruning Tools - Lopping Shears Pruning Tools - Hand Lopping Shears, also called loppers, will remove branches up to about 1 -1/2” diameter, cleanly, in a single cut. Loppers are used on larger shrubs and trees. Although simple lopping shears are pictured, lever-type shears, and ratcheting shears require less strength to use Figure 13 -10 Pruning tools. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Pruning Tools - Pruning Saw Pruning Tools - A small, curved pruning saw can remove larger branches & is specially designed specially to fit in tight places. It can substitute for lopping shears, but will require more labor. Figure 13 -10 Pruning tools. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Pruning Tools - Hedge Shears Pruning Tools - Hedge Shears are needed only if formal hedges are to be maintained Figure 13 -10 Pruning tools. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Power Equipment - Hedge Trimmer Power Equipment - • An electric hedge trimmer is essential to the maintenance of long sections of formal hedges. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Power Equipment - String Trimmer Power Equipment - • A string trimmer (gas or electric) is used to trim grass around trees & beside paved areas. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Power Equipment - Power Blower Power Equipment - • A power blower is a mainstay for the maintenance of walkways & other paved areas. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Power Equipment - Edger Power Equipment - • An edger is used to maintain the clean line between turf and nonturf areas. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Power Equipment - Chain Saw Power Equipment - • A chain saw may be necessary to remove large shrubs and trees. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Power Equipment - Power Pruner Power Equipment - • The Power-Pruner, a gaspowered miniaturized chain saw, allows one to reach & remove larger branches without climbing. A much safer way to remove high branches than using a chain saw. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Safe Use of Power Equipment - General Safe Use of Power Equipmen • Wear approved eye protection such as safety glasses, goggles, or a facemask. – Objects struck by a lawn edger or string trimmer fly great distances at great speeds and may cause injury. • Survey the area and remove sticks, stones, etc. – Keep people and pets at least 50 ft. away. • Hearing protection may be necessary. – Especially for equipment with a gas (two-stroke) engine. • Wear protective clothing when using a string trimmer to protect against flying debris. – Long pants, gloves, dust mask & safety footwear. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Safe Use of Power Equipment - Edgers/Trimmers Safe Use of Power Equipmen • Lawn edgers should not be used in graveled areas. • Use a string trimmer only for weeds and grass. – It is not designed to trim shrubbery, climbing ivy, or other greenery not at ground level. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Safe Use of Power Equipment - 2 -cycle motors Safe Use of Power Equipmen • For 2 -cycle gas/oil engine string trimmers, inspect for loose fasteners, fuel leaks, or a cracked or chipped string head before each use. • Never start or run an engine inside a closed area. – Fumes can cause asphyxiation and death. • Follow fueling and premixing instructions carefully. – Wipe up spilled fuel quickly and immediately replace the fuel cap to prevent the possibility of fire. • In some states, string trimmers have spark arrestors to prevent accidental brush fires. – If you are in a climate where seasonal fires are common, be aware of this problem. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Safe Use of Power Equipment - Blowers Safe Use of Power Equipmen • A dust mask may be necessary, in addition to eye and hearing protection, when using a blower. – Point the blower away from people and pets, & reduce blower speed temporarily for passing pedestrians. • Before storing, let the blower engine cool until it is only warm to the touch. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Safe Use of Power Equipment - Hedge Trimmers Safe Use of Power Equipmen • Always hold the hedge trimmers with both hands. – Do not trim hedges higher than your shoulders, and keep both feet on the ground. – Do not overreach or cut from a ladder, as you may lose your balance. – Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry, and keep long hair pulled back when using a hedge trimmer. – Keep your fingers away from the hedge trimmer blades. – Never try to clean out trimmings from the blade while the trimmer is running. • Before removing something caught or jammed in the blades of the trimmer, turn the off-on switch to the “off” position and remove the spark plug wire. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Safe Use of Power Equipment - Chainsaws Safe Use of Power Equipmen • The most dangerous hazard when operating a chain saw is kickback, which can make the user temporarily lose control of the saw. • Kickback is caused by the unexpected forceful pushing backward of the saw while running, due to the chain hitting an obstacle, and stopping abruptly. – Some chain saws have an antikickback device on the tip of the guide bar. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Safe Use of Power Equipment - Chainsaws Safe Use of Power Equipmen • General cutting procedures: – Never cut with the tip of the guide bar. – Always keep your body away from the line of cut. – Always cut with the left arm straight. • If you are right-handed. – Always cut with a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers around the handle. straight. • Wear nonslip rubber or leather gloves for better grip. – Bring the saw to full speed before letting the chain touch the wood, to partially prevent “bucking” or kickback. – Once the cut is started, cut at a steady speed & pressure. • To avoid being pulled off-balance, do not speed up or slow down the chain while cutting. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Safe Use of Power Equipment - Chainsaws Safe Use of Power Equipmen • General cutting procedures: – When felling a tree, plan a retreat from the path of fall before you start cutting. – When cutting a tree limb under tension, be alert that the limb may spring back when the tension is released. – Do not cut from a ladder; it is extremely dangerous. • Use a pole pruner instead. – Keep the saw regularly serviced. • Professional personnel should perform all service work other than that specified in the owner’s manual. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Purposes of Pruning • Most people use pruning for size control—to keep plants from growing over windows or walkways, etc. – Not much pruning should be necessary plants are selected with mature size in mind, and positioned with forethought as to obstructions they might later create. • Plant health is maintained or improved by removing dead branches and diseased limbs. – Pruning trees when young encourages strong branch structure, decreasing chances of them storm breakage. • Removing scraggly branches, clipping off dead flowers, and encouraging bushy, compact growth all improve plant appearance. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees Pruning trees at transplant, and the first few years greatly affects strength & health in later life. In this early period, the tree develops main branches that form the support structure for the foliage. Most trees have a central leader, a main upright shoot (leader). Side branches are called scaffold branches. Figure 13 -17 A well-shaped tree with a central leader form. Note the even spacing of the scaffold branches down the trunk & wide branch angles. Drawing by Bethany Layport. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees Occasionally two leaders develop, causing a fork. The angle between the two leaders is a potential weak point of the tree. As each leader increases in diameter, it exerts pressure against the other at the base. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees Conditions conducive to splitting of the trunk will eventually develop, and in a wind storm, the weight of the leaders can pull the trunk apart. On a double-leader, the weaker of the two leaders is removed while the tree is young. The remaining one will develop normally. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees Removal of a double leader is usually done at the nursery, but removal of excess scaffold branches is usually necessary. A young tree should ideally have only a few branches, which are spaced widely & evenly along the trunk. Numerous small branches are undesirable, as they enlarge and crowd each other as the tree grows. Scaffold branches should be selected so that they are evenly spaced up the trunk, not growing directly above one another. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees Branches growing from the trunk at an angle approaching 90° are preferred, as they are stronger, though many trees have narrowangled branches when young. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees When a double leader or extra branch is removed, the branch always should be cut just beyond the bark ridge or collar, also called the shoulder ring. This ridge is an area of raised bark or a ring that surrounds the point at which the branch grows from the trunk. It contains cells that are a barrier to infection of the cut and proliferate rapidly to close the wound. Figure 13 -18 Bark ridges where healing will occur. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees • Topping is a practice used by some gardeners in hopes of forming a tree that is full-headed & dense. – The central leader is removed. – Side branches below the cut grow rapidly, and the ultimate effect is a unnatural-looking, flat-headed tree, with weak branch crotches. • Topping is not recommended except for modifiedcentral-leader-trained fruit trees. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees • When a tree is lion tailed, leaves & smaller branches in the center are pruned off, leaving the inner parts of the tree stripped bare. – This gives an unnatural form, with tufts of leaves at the branch tips, like the brush at the tip of a lion’s tail. • Lion Tailing is also not recommended, because it: – Weakens the larger branches. – Stimulates excess new growth in the inner portion of the tree – Allow sunlight into the center, which can sunscald bark. – Alters the foliage balance, which can compromise energy reserves, needed for future growth. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees • Limbing up is the removal of branches positioned too low on the trunk, causing hazard/inconvenience. – Necessary, as the height at which a branch originates is the height at which it remains, permanently. • The trunk does not lengthen & elevate branches. • Limbing up should be delayed for 3 to 4 years after planting, as removal of foliage from a young tree will slow its growth and weaken the trunk. – Once the tree is established, one or two branches can be removed tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Young Trees • Desuckering is the removal of shoots that grow from the base or lower trunk of trees. – If a tree is grafted, they often grow from vigorous rootstock. – Some buds are located too far from auxin-manufacturing buds to be reached by the dormancy hormone. • Such branches, called suckers, or watersprouts, should be removed by hand pruners as they appear. – If left in place, they give an unkempt appearance, and use up energy that should be diverted to top growth. • They are easy to locate because of their vigorous vertical growth, for, if left, they grow until they cross & rub against scaffold branches. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Mature Trees • A tree pruned properly when young should need little pruning when mature. – Desuckering may be necessary, along with removal of branches broken by wind or growing toward the center of the tree. Figure 13 -19 Branches that begin to grow inward toward the center of the tree should be cut out, as shown. Drawing by Bethany Layport. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Mature Trees Small branches growing close together may rub one another Smaller or more poorly positioned ones should be cut back to their parent branches to avoid injury to the bark and grafting together of the limbs. Figure 13 -20 The vertical branch on the right side of the photo should be removed. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • Wood and bark are made of living, dying, and dead cells with different functions. • The living parts of wood and bark are connected in a network called the symplast. – Symplast tissue allows the tree to actively defend itself against microorganisms. – When it dies in the natural course of growth of the tree, it becomes protective wood, such as heartwood that has a static protective function. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • Discolored wood is frequently infected by nondecay-causing fungi. – In the early stages, discolored wood is protective, but later, as more organisms infect it, the wood may lose its protective ability. • It can develop soft rot and the secondary layer of wood can become infected. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • Previous pruning concepts involved the principle that tree wounds “heal. ” • To heal most quickly, it was believed necessary to expose as little heartwood as possible to invasion via air by microorganisms. – Wound paints were recommended to seal the wood and theoretically prevent entry of these organisms. • Such paints are ineffective as sealants, & may inhibit healing. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • It is now known that trees react by strengthening old barriers to decay, or forming new barriers. – These barriers enable the tree to resist decay microorganisms for a longer time, but not indefinitely. – A tree survives as long as it can compartmentalize an infection, or restrict spread to a limited volume. • The tree wound cannot be considered “healing, ” but rather the tree is compartmentalizing the infection and growing new tissues to counteract detrimental effects of decay microorganisms. • This is conceptualized in a model called CODIT – An acronym for Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal - CODIT • Decay is defined as the process where ordered wood becomes disordered and no longer functions. – It becomes so depleted of essential elements that few microorganisms will grow in it—a protective function. • As microorganisms invade the trunk via branch openings, the tree may compartmentalize the infecting microorganisms. – Over time the trunk wood walls off more symplast, and space for storage of energy reserve is also walled off. • Root-rotting fungi slowly kills a tree by this method. – Carbohydrate storage space is continually lost, energy storage capacity decreases, as does a tree’s ability to defend itself. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • Occasionally, large branches may need to be removed because of disease, incorrect pruning when young, or other reasons. – Such branches, frequently heavy, can break & rip down the trunk while being sawed off. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • The three-cut pruning method is recommended for removing branches more than 2” in diameter. – The first cut is made under the branch about 1 ft. from the trunk, and goes halfway through the branch. Figure 13 -21 The three-cut pruning method for removing large branches, which prevents the branch from tearing down the trunk. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • The three-cut pruning method is recommended for removing branches more than 2” in diameter. – The second cut is made farther out on the branch and cuts completely through and removes the branch. Figure 13 -21 The three-cut pruning method for removing large branches, which prevents the branch from tearing down the trunk. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • The three-cut pruning method is recommended for removing branches more than 2” in diameter. – The third cut removes the stub down to the bark ridge, leaving it intact. Figure 13 -21 The three-cut pruning method for removing large branches, which prevents the branch from tearing down the trunk. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • If necessary to remove a stub left due to improper pruning in past years, leave the branch collar. Only remove the part of the stub extending beyond the branch collar, even though this may leave a considerable amount of stub. The collar is like the bark ridge, in that it prevents entrance of infection. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • A girdling root results from incorrect initial planting. – If roots are not spread out in the hole, they can enlarge & press against the trunk at, or just below, ground level. – The resulting pressure halts the flow of water & nutrients in the trunk, and eventually can kill that side of the tree. Signs of damage include flattening of the trunk on one side & dropping of the leaves on the affected side earlier in fall, by deciduous species. The only cure for a girdling root is to cut it away with a chisel or hatchet. Figure 13 -22 A girdling root on a young tree. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • Many patio trees, weeping trees & some larger shade trees like elm do not have a central leader naturally. – Such trees may split into two leaders, forming a vase shape, or have all branches arising at one point on the trunk. Pruning should include only desuckering and removal of crossing & inward-growing branches. Figure 13 -23 Vase-shaped tree. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • Crown Reduction (Drop-Crotch Pruning)—when a tree is mistakenly planted where it will not have adequate growing room, it may be necessary to lower or drop the crown height. – Especially trees under power lines. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • The tallest terminal (vertical) branches are cut back to a large lateral (sideways-growing) branch. – This encourages the tree to grow outward rather than upward. Figure 13 -24 Branches shown in gray will be removed to lateral branches to reduce height. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. Diameter of the lateral branch to which the terminal branch is removed must be at least onethird the diameter of the terminal branch being cut back. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • Pollarding is a technique for pruning deciduous trees, a common practice in certain areas of the country. – It restricts the height of the tree, and usually creates a denser head of foliage than the species normally would have. – Not be confused with topping, which is cutting main branches off a tree, to restrict its height, or make the crown fuller. Topping is never an approved practice. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. Figure 13 -25 A row of pollarded trees in early spring as growth is just starting. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • Pollarded trees have been a part of history for over 1500 years. – To encourage production of large numbers of whiplike limbs used for animal food, fencing, or firewood. – It is currently used for a specialized decorative effect in a formal setting or to help keep a tree in a compact and in manageable form. • Pollarding must be done annually, only on certain species & requires a tree maintenance person. – Most people feel the tree is unattractive when dormant. – In modern practice, pollarding is usually started after the owner notices the tree is beginning to be too large for the area where it was planted. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • The ultimate objective of pollarding is to develop swollen limb ends of multiple branch collars. – This maintains structure & health while limiting size. • When the tree is dormant, the main branches are cut back to a side branch at least one-third the diameter of the main branch. – The initial cut should be slanting, and protect the side branch’s collar and not cross the bark ridge. – Heads should be positioned not more than one-third the length along an original branch. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • When the tree begins to grow in spring, buds will sprout below each cut, producing vigorous watersprouts and creating a dense foliage mass. – After 1 or 2 years, the smaller branch can be removed, as new sprouts should have formed at the wound. • Sprouts & branches should be cut back to the basal branch collar, not into the branch wood. – Stubs should not be left when sprouts are removed. – Sprouts should be pruned back to just beyond the branch collar. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal • Pines are the most familiar needle evergreens. – All characterized by a pyramidal, or “Christmas tree, ” form with a central leader. • Evergreens generally do not require pruning, except to remove broken or dead branches and occasionally eliminate a double leader. – They may be limbed up above eye level if necessary. • Evergreens do not branch if cut back to old wood— pruning into woody portions has permanent effects. – The only pruning that can be used to limit size or make the foliage thicker is the removal of some of the new growth, or candles while the tree still is immature. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Responses of Trees to Branch Removal Breaking out a portion of the center candle and/or side candles will cause the growth to become shorter and fuller. Figure 13 -26 Pruning a needle evergreen by breaking out the unexpanded candles. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Shrubs • To preserve their natural appearance, most shrubs are pruned by either of two pruning methods. – Thinning or heading back. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Shrubs - Thinning • Shrubs are composed clumps of woody stems, or one or more short trunks coming out of the ground. – As oldest stems age & lengthen, they tend to shade out bottom foliage, and the shrub becomes bare at the base. – Thinning consists of removing the oldest stems at ground level, shortening the shrub, encouraging new shoots to grow and refoliate the bottom. Thinning can be done with hand pruners, if stems are small, or with loppers, if the shrub is heavily overgrown with large stems. Figure 13 -27 Pruning a shrub by thinning. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Shrubs - Heading Back Pruning Shrubs - • Heading back is done with hand pruners to remove straggly growth or to limit size. – It consists of cutting twigs or small branches back to a point where the cut is hidden by the remaining foliage. Figure 13 -28 Pruning a shrub to increase its density by heading back. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Shrubs - Heading Back Pruning Shrubs - If possible, stems should be cut back to just above an outward-pointing bud or branch. This will encourage new growth to develop outward and eliminate crossing branches. Figure 13 -29 Pruning to an outward-pointing bud. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Shrubs - Renewal Pruning Shrubs - • Renewal pruning, to rejuvenate/shorten overgrown shrubs, is done in early spring, before new growth. – Consists of cutting back all branches to stubs 2 - 3” long. • This forces new growth from dormant buds on the stubs, which can be pruned as needed. – By heading back and thinning to maintain proper size. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Shrubs - Renewal Pruning Shrubs - • Renewal pruning is a drastic measure and will make the plant unsightly for at least one season. – As an alternative, half the branches can be removed the first year and the remainder the second year. Figure 13 -30 Renewal pruning. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Shrubs - Hedges Pruning Shrubs - • Natural hedges are lines of shrubs planted close together, to create a thick mass of unpruned foliage. – Basically the same as for other shrubs. • Formal hedges are pruned to a specific shape and require frequent cutting to keep a neat appearance. – Shearing bi-weekly during the growing season is typical. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Shrubs - Hedges Pruning Shrubs - • Selection of correct hedge shape is very important. – Pruning the top narrower than, or at the same width as, the bottom allows plants to remain full & leafy to the base. – Pruning narrow at the base & wide at the top is incorrect, as it shades the lower portions, which drop their leaves. Figure 13 -31 Shapes formal hedges. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Groundcovers • Most groundcovers do not require regular pruning to improve their appearance or health. – Occasionally an older bed of groundcover will develop long, leafless stems, improved by renewal pruning. • If the area is small, it can be clipped back severely with hand pruners, and hedge shears can be used on woody groundcovers. • A lawnmower set to cut as far from the ground as possible can be used for large areas during the period of active growth. – While unsightly at first, the area will usually refoliate in 2 to 3 months. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Pruning Groundcovers - Junipers Shrub types such as junipers may require heading back to control spread. Figure 13 -32 Heading back a groundcover juniper to control its spread. (a) Before pruning. (above) (b) After pruning. (right) Note how the branches are layered with longer branches on the bottom to prevent shading out & death of the base of the plant. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Timing Pruning • The time of year at which maintenance pruning takes place will not affect the health of a plant, but early spring is traditional for several reasons. – It is easier to determine which parts of deciduous plants to remove if the branch structure is not obscured by leaves. – By pruning before new growth starts, the growing direction of new shoots can be controlled. • Summer/fall pruning removes poorly placed shoots produced that season. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Timing Pruning • Exceptions to the early spring recommendation: – If spring-blooming shrubs are pruned early in the year, some of flower buds already formed will be cut off. – Pruning deciduous trees that have sap flow in early spring will cause wounds to will exude sap liberally. • This will not injure the tree seriously, but it is unsightly and can be avoided by pruning later in the year. • Light pruning two or three times annually is preferable to severe pruning once a year in order to maintain an attractive landscape. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Special Shrub-Pruning Techniques - Espalier Special Shrub-Pruning Techniques - • Espalier is stylized training of a shrub or tree, flat against a wall or trellis. – Usually in a symmetrical branching pattern. • Not all plants can be adapted to this type of pruning. – Consult references or a nursery worker before espaliering. • Espalier must be started when a plant is small. – The trunk is tied to the trellis & sites where future branches are desired are selected. – Buds or branches closest to these points are tied to the trellis & all others are removed to achieves desired shape. – Annual pruning is required to remove stray growth, and keep the plant from outgrowing the trellis. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Special Shrub-Pruning Techniques - Topiary Special Shrub-Pruning Techniques - • Shrubs & small trees trained in pompoms or animal shapes are examples of topiary pruning. – A novelty pruning style, originated in formal European gardens. Topiary can be thought of as a combination of a formal hedge and an espalier. Figure 13 -33 Topiary pruned shrub used as an accent. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

PRUNING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Special Shrub-Pruning Techniques - Topiary Special Shrub-Pruning Techniques - Branches are left at selected locations on the trunk, and sheared repeatedly to encourage fullness. A topiary should be started while a plant is young, shaping it gradually to its final form over several years. One or two topiary plants are sufficient to enhance any landscape. They can be used effectively in Oriental or modern landscapes and can be purchased pretrained at garden centers. Figure 13 -33 Topiary pruned shrub used as an accent. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Frequency • The goal of watering is to replenish the moisture in the soil surrounding plant roots. – Correct watering of shrubs should give a slow flow of water at the base of the plant for 20 to 30 minutes. • Trees should be watered deeply over the entire area covered by the branches. – Roots will be growing throughout the area. • Established plants, accustomed to sprinkler irrigation are an exception to the deep soaking rule. – The root system of these plants will be shallow, and the plants will need to be maintained with sprinkler irrigation. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Frequency • Frequency with which a plant should be watered depends on age, drought tolerance, and ability of the soil to retain moisture. • More newly transplanted trees and shrubs die from lack of water than from any other cause. – Watering every 7 to 10 days for the first year and every 2 weeks the second year is advisable. – After that, irrigation will be needed only during periods of drought lasting more than 3 or 4 weeks. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Frequency • Drought tolerance varies greatly among species. – Some extract minute quantities of water in the soil, where others in identical conditions would wilt, to the point of death. • Cacti and succulents are the best-known examples of drought-tolerant plants. – Trees with taproots and shrubs native to arid climates are similarly drought-tolerant. – They can be used to create a low-maintenance and ecologically sound landscape where natural rainfall is scarce. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Frequency • Proportions of sand & clay in a soil greatly affect its ability to retain moisture, and consequently affect the watering frequency. – Soils containing a large percentage of clay will be the most water-retaining. – Loams are intermediate, and sandy soils least able to hold water. • A sandy soil may need watering twice as frequently as a clay, and its moisture-holding capacity can be improved greatly by adding organic matter. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Techniques - Sprinklers Watering Techniques - • Sprinklers were the main method of irrigation used for many years in areas lacking regular rainfall. – Their main disadvantage is that they wet all the soil instead of only that which contains plant roots. – They also waste water by evaporation from the droplets as they pass through the air. • Watering by sprinkler can be recommended only for groundcover, lawns, and densely planted areas. • Sprinkler irrigation should not be discontinued on landscapes established by this watering method. – The plant root systems will have spread throughout the sprinkler pattern area. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Techniques - Hand Watering Techniques - • In landscapes where supplemental watering seldom is required, hand watering with a hose is practical. – The hose can be adjusted to low pressure & moved from plant to plant every half-hour, or the watering basin made at planting can be filled several times. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Techniques - Leaching Watering Techniques - • Leaching is application of a large volume of water to the soil for the purpose of flushing accumulated minerals or fertilizer from the soil. – Sometimes necessary because of an excess mineral concentration in the soil. • One way of leaching is to water a plant deeply, wait a few hours, and repeat several more times. – Another method is to leave a hose trickling at the base of the plant for half a day or so, which uses more water. • General symptoms calling for leaching are slowed growth, yellowing of foliage, and sometimes wilting. – Even when the soil is moist. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Techniques - Drip or Trickle Watering Techniques - • Drip or trickle irrigation advantages include low cost, ease of installation & conservation of water. – Since it applies water only at one spot, germination and growth of weeds are inhibited—an indirect advantage. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Techniques - Drip or Trickle Watering Techniques - • A typical drip system consists of five major parts: – A filter, a pressure regulator, 1/2” to 3/4” diameter flexible tubing, and 3/8” diameter microtubing and emitters. • Water, filtered of particulates, passes through the regulator to lower pressure to about 10% of normal. – Short lengths of the microtubing inserted into the main lines carry water to emitters at each plant. – The “drip” & “trickle” names come from the slow flow of water from each microtube—about 1 gal/hour. • Unlike a sprinkler system, no digging is needed to install a drip irrigation system. – Main lines are laid on top of the ground, covered by mulch. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Techniques - Drip or Trickle Watering Techniques - • Easy to install, trickle irrigation needs no threaded or glued connections, as it operates at low pressure. – Splices are held by self-sealing plastic connectors. Microtubes are inserted into the main line by simply making a hole and pushing in the microtube until it fits snugly. Figure 13 -34 Putting together a trickle irrigation system. Note the small microtubes that will carry water to each plant. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Watering Techniques - Drip or Trickle Watering Techniques - • A main disadvantage of drip watering is a tendency of microtubes to clog with mineral deposits from the water, soil, or algae. – Usually remedied by flushing periodically at high pressure. Drip systems are used most often on tree & shrub plantings, because each individual plant can have its own microtube. The system can be adapted to water groundcover & grass areas by using microsprinkler heads that spray over a limited radius. Figure 13 -35 A microsprinkler head as seen from above. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Water Conservation • Even when water is abundant, conserving water for irrigating landscape plants should be considered. – There never is enough of this valuable natural resource to justify thoughtless use. • Be cautious when using automatic timing devices. – They do not take weather conditions into account, and may apply water in a rainstorm. • Frequent checks for water runoff will prevent one of the most common means of wasting water. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WATERING Water Conservation • Improvement of Water-Holding Capacity. – If natural soil in an area has poor water-holding capacity, it may be improved with the addition of organic matter. • Prevention of Evaporation. – Much water loss from plantings is by evaporation from the soil, which can be slowed by use of mulch, and watering in the early morning when the temperature is lowest. • Use of Proper Irrigation Techniques/Equipment. – Trickle for trees and shrubs. – Sprinkler for lawns & groundcover. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

FERTILIZING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Organic Fertilizers • When buying fertilizer, find products that contain “natural, ” organic, or slow-release ingredients. – Improperly applied traditional fertilizers will damage soil life essential for healthy soils & root systems. • Natural source fertilizer feeds plants slowly & evenly, resulting in healthier plants. – Strong root systems, without excessive growth. • Slow-release fertilizers often reduce concentration of nutrient run-off into ground and surface waters. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

FERTILIZING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Organic Fertilizers • Many homeowners never fertilize trees and shrubs. – Assuming fertilizers are mainly for vegetables & lawns. • A newly installed landscape, fertilized regularly will grow much faster than an unfertilized one. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

FERTILIZING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Timing of Fertilizer Applications • The time of year when fertilizer should be applied varies with climate, but generally restricted to just before, or while a plant is actively growing. – In most parts of the country, fertilizer is applied annually in spring, so nutrients will be available for the new growth. • For faster growth, fertilizer could be applied two or three times during the growing season. – For example, on April 1, May 15, and July 1. • In mild climates such as those found in Florida and parts of California, plants grow continuously. – Fertilizer needs to be applied every 2 to 3 months through the year to replenish the nutrients absorbed by the plants. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

FERTILIZING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Rates of Fertilizer Application - Trees • Generally speaking, established trees do not need to be fertilized with phosphorous or potassium. – Unless determined that soil is deficient in these nutrients. • Their main requirement is nitrogen, applied on a yearly basis by drill-hole or surface application. – Yearly amount of fertilizer recommended for trees is about 6 lb actual nitrogen per 1, 000 sq. ft under the branches. – Not critical, provided it falls within a reasonable range. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

FERTILIZING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Rates of Fertilizer Application - Shrubs • Shrubs, evergreen or deciduous, are fertilized in most circumstances at 2 to 4 lb nitrogen annually per 100 square feet of bed area per year. – Using the surface application method. • The fertilizer can be the same as is used for trees, and can be split into two applications if desired. – The fertilizer should be watered in after it is applied. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

FERTILIZING LANDSCAPE PLANTS Rates of Fertilizer Application - Groundcover • Groundcover plants will benefit from yearly fertilization in spring using a surface application. – 2 -4 lb per 1, 000 square feet, watered thoroughly afterward is advisable – Either a balanced or a high-nitrogen fertilizer is acceptable. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL • Weed control is essential, whether chemical or cultural. – Weeds growing in a landscape planting can detract seriously from its appearance. – They also compete for available light, water, and nutrition, and will thrive at the expense of the desirable plants. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Cultural Weed Control • Cultural weed control consists of hand pulling, cultivating with a hoe, using ornamental plants competitively, barriers, mulching, and solarization. • Hand pulling and cultivation are only effective for controlling annual weeds. – Perennial weeds often break off at the soil line, and grow back from the roots. • Cultivation exposes fresh soil & additional weed seeds to favorable germination conditions. – Necessitates repeating cultivation several times a season. • Mulching is more practical & labor-saving over a long period. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Cultural Weed Control • Using ornamental plants competitively can also reduce weed problems. – Planting ornamentals thickly, and using groundcovers on bare soil areas, deny weeds an opportunity to establish. • They will be crowded out by the desirable plants. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Cultural Weed Control • A barrier of plastic, metal, or concrete can prevent grass from spreading into flower beds and other landscaped areas. – It can also prevent grass from reaching the trunk of a tree & eliminate nicking the trunk with a mower while cutting the lawn. Figure 13 -36 Plastic edging keeping grass from invading groundcover bed. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Mulching • Mulching is the third cultural weed control. – A layer of mulch excludes light from the soil, checking the growth of both seeds and existing small weeds. – A mulch can be any material used to cover the soil surface. • Mulch is a layer of material such as shredded fall leaves, bark chips, compost, or grass clippings, spread around your plants. • Mulching plants provides a decorative background for plants, conserves soil moisture, and maintains the soil at an even temperature. – Since it decays in place—it recycles itself! tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Mulching • You can “grasscycle” a lawn by leaving the clippings on the lawn when mowing. – The clippings rot and release fertility into the soil to feed the grass, reducing fertilizer needs by 25 - 50 percent. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Mulching • Solarization consists of covering well-prepared soil with a thin layer of clear plastic that is left in place for several weeks during warm weather. – Useful technique for nematode, weed & soil pest control, and may favor development of heat-tolerant beneficial organisms. • For solarization to be successful, the soil must be prepared as for a fine seedbed. – Clods must be broken up, soil thoroughly moistened, and tightly covered with thin, clear plastic for several weeks. – The moist-heating process kills many soil pests and can give excellent weed control, though large-seeded weeds may not be controlled completely. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Mulching - Organic Mulches • The most popular organic (plant-derived) mulches used in landscape plantings are bark or wood, shredded or in chunks, and pine straw. Applied 2 to 3” thick throughout shrub beds & under trees, they give these areas a neat, rustic appearance. Being organic, they decompose slowly over a number of years & need renewal occasionally by adding a fresh layer to the existing mulch. Figures 13 -38 & 39 Shredded wood (top) and chunk wood (bottom) mulches. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Mulching - Organic Mulches • Organic mulches useful for the landscape are not limited to bark. – Rice & cocoa bean hulls, pine needles, and oak leaves are attractive, but available in only a few areas of the country. • Corncobs, compost, and grass clippings are also effective, but generally considered unattractive tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Mulching - Rock Mulches Mulching - • Rock mulches can be considered permanent because they do not decompose. – Included are stone materials such as lava rock, marble chips, smooth stones, and coarse or smooth pebbles Because rock mulches gradually sink into soil, they should be applied over plastic or landscape fabric. Figure 13 -39 Lava rock mulch. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Mulching - Rock Mulches Mulching - • The disadvantage of rock mulches is that they must be removed & replaced if bed replanting is required. Figure 13 -40 Marble chip mulch. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. Figure 13 -41 Flat stone river rock mulch. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Mulching - Synthetic Mulches Mulching - • Plastic sheet mulch and landscape fabric are most effective, as they are impervious to weed growth. – Unattractive for use in landscape plantings, they can be covered with a decorative layer of bark or stone. – They will also be concealed when used with groundcover shrubs, which spread & hide the material after planting. • Plastic and landscape fabric generally come in rolls of varying widths and are rolled onto the area to be planted with edges overlapping. – Plants are transplanted into slits cut through the material, and edges are covered with soil to hold them firmly in place in case of wind. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

WEED CONTROL Mulching - Synthetic Mulches Mulching - • Water will run off plastic during rainfall and be diverted through the holes to the plants. – If plastic wider than 3 ft. is used, additional holes should be made for water penetration into the soil. • There is no such problem of water penetration with a landscape fabric, which is an advantage. – The fabric is also much less likely to tear, which would permit weed growth through the cut. – For these reasons landscape fabrics are becoming more popular than plastic, in spite of higher cost. tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

END OF CHAPTER tab Practical Horticulture 7 th edition By Laura Williams Rice and Robert P. Rice, Jr. © 2011, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997 Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458