John continues to talk about caring for the root system during the winter months.

• Fertilizing and treating the soil.
• Preparing the root system for a big push in the spring.
• Soil “ammendments” versus “fertilizers”
• How leaving “Leaf Litter” in your yard can help improve soil conditions.
• We discuss what goes into a good composting pile at your home.

Text From a Listener:

• Mary – How often do I water a china berry and african sumac tree during the winter months?

Recommendation – They will need more than just winter rains because those 2 types need more than usual waters. Water deeply about once a month.  On these varieties, that is about 3 to 4 feet deep. John likes using a soaker hose.

• When is the best time to trim trees?

Recommendation – John would wait until the winter has mostly gone, so February or early March.

Caller:

• John – His valencia orange tree blossoms wildly, but they don’t mature into actual fruit. Is he doing anything wrong?

Recommendation – He should improve the soil conditions and make sure he’s watering deeply enough to encourage the root system to grow. Fertilize 3 or 4 times a year.

• John talks about weather conditions that can prevent the blossoms from maturing and frost protection methods too.
• John’s compost recipe and the proper application.

Text From a Listener:

• When is the best time to prune desert trees?

Recommendation – Now is NOT the time to do most of them, but deciduous trees are fine to trim this time of year.

*If you’d like to learn more, sign up for a class at the Desert Botanical Garden.

• Tiana – Can she put in a raised bed over her yard without ruining the grass?

Recommendation – No. It will definitely ruin the ground below, but she could start with a container garden instead.

If you need work done at your home or have questions about your trees, contact John at Integrity Tree Service.