Deciduous Trees - Day 12: 21 Days of Garden Fatigue

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Deciduous trees are a landscaper's delight because they have so many inherent characteristics that can benefit any garden such as;

Autumn leaf colour

Summer shade/ Winter Openess

and, their frame structure during the winter months to name a few

We planted a couple of Silver Birches in front of our west-facing bedroom to allow the sun to warm the room in the winter months but shade it during the heat of summer. I know a few people who dislike deciduous trees because they appear dead in winter whereas I like them better than evergreens because they can change the look of your garden with each season.

If you want to know how to care for them read on....

Pruning there may come a time when you decide to prune your deciduous tree either because it's shape is becoming disfigured, broken branches or some of the limbs are interferring with other structures or trees. If it's not performed correctly your pruning efforts may affect the health of your tree and in extreme cases even kill it.

Taken from Powerhousetv.com

Start with a halfway cut under the limb and away from trunk. Then perform a second cut further away from the limb but on top of it until the branch gives way and breaks. The remove the stub back at the trunk. Don't apply any paint or chemical to seal the wound and leave it to naturally heal itself.

Lack of water if you live in an area where the annual rainfall is not enough to sustain your tree, supplemtary waterings will be needed. Make sure a well is made around the base of the trunk and keep the area watered without allowing it to become too moist. Deciduous trees require more water when they've awaken from their dormant period and beginning to grow their new leaves.

Root Disturbance deciduous trees dislike any major root disturbance. If you plan to dig through the roots for the purposes of laying footings or conduit for electrical work, try another way first. Root disturbance is the main reason for deciduous tree deaths as it hinders the tree's ability to receive nutrients that it previously could.

Posted by Stuart on January 16, 2006 5:05 AM | Permalink | Check to Subscribe to this Comment:

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