Recommendations for Mike  – John here’s this a lot and even had to go to court to be a witness after sissou trees ruined a neighbor’s yard. He talks about all of the work it can take to get rid of it. BEWARE OF SISSOU TREES!!!! They are not a good idea. Here’s John’s article on Treating Sissou Trees.

*John talks about some of his upcoming classes at the Desert Botanical Gardens.

Caller:

• Max – He has a 3 week old Privet Tree that’s about 10 feet tall and now the leaves are turning brown and looks like I’m dying. He thinks he might be overwatering. Do we have any ideas?

Recommendation – It sounds like it did get overwatered. The root zone should dry out between waterings and John describes what happens and why that is bad for trees. He can let it dry out and it might recover if it can get more oxygen.

Romey & John talk about Queen Palms and the pros and cons for them here in Arizona.

• Life expectancy and size.
• Why our AZ soils can cause them to struggle and how you can combat the issues.
• Alternative palm tree options for our area.

Caller:

• Bruce – He has a tangelo tree that’s about 4 years old and he hasn’t had any blooms or fruit in the last 3 seasons. What could be preventing the fruit from blooming.

Recommendation – There are several reasons trees doesn’t produce fruit. It could be using the energy to push out more growth and leaves so there is not enough resources to produce the fruit. John talks through all the causes that it could be. He could consult with Greenfield Citrus Nursery or Harper’s Nursery & Landscaping Company.

Text From Listeners:

• Does the Desert Gold Peach Tree do well in Arizona and is it too late to plant?

Recommendation – They do great in AZ! And no, it’s not too late. Don’t plant it in June or July, though.

• They’re looking for a vine to grow on a west facing wall? One that doesn’t flower or drop leaves.

Recommendation – No vines will have zero litter, but they’ll need a vine that can take full hot summer sun. John likes cat claw, or banks rose. He’d suggest talking to his local nursery for suggestions.

Caller:

• Rob – He just had is lot regraded and is an irrigated lot. He’s ready to put in trees and wants to know if he should plant them above grade so when he flood irriagates, it won’t damage the trees?

Recommendation – Good question! But, he should be fine with the standing water so don’t worry about it. We also give him suggestions on trees to put in.

*John talks about the whitefly infestation and what to do to control them before they destroy trees in your yard.

• Jennifer gives away tickets to the Arcadia’s Edible Garden Tour.

Caller:

• Gordon – He’s looking for a fast growing shrub, hedge or tree that would grow 8 to 10 feet tall and then how far away does he need to plant them from a pvc line and septic system? Plus, they need to be non-poisonus for horses.

Recommendation – With his elevation, citrus hedges might not be a good idea. He could consider an Arizona Rosewood. It has a durable leaf and make a great hedge, but it’s a little slow growing.  Stop in at Civano Nursery for suggestions.

• Brian – He wants to know how to kill off the root system for his cat claw vine?

Recommendation – It’s pretty difficult and he’ll need to get the root system out too. John walks through the applications and alternative products he can use.

Remember, you can always reach John during the week at Integrity Tree Service!