Saturday, August 25, 2007

Modesto ash tree

The Modesto Ash Tree.
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Friday, August 24, 2007

Watering Your Trees

After purchasing trees or shrubs at our retail nursery store a few customers will come and ask why did it die? My usual response is: Jeez... did you water it? Nine time out of ten times they did not water according to our instructions.

I will ask them how many times did you water? The average customers will say.. oh about once or twice per week. Once or twice per week is insufficient watering for a newly planted tree or shrub. You will need to water everyday day for at least 30 days....Do not skip a day! This inclues spring, summer and fall seasons. During winter you can water the first 2 weeks everyday then once or twice during the months of December, January, February then up the water usage about every other day.

Make sure the water drains well. In mid summer you should water twice a day no matter where you live. Here are some responses I get from folks who did NOT water
"I thought you said once per week for 30 days."
"We went on vacation and when we came back it died."
"I thought the watering system 2-3 times per week would suffice."
"I did water everyday for 30 days. (then why are the leaves wilted and root ball dry?)

Drought tolerant trees and shrubs need water those first 30 days. The one exception are the cactus family type of plants. They need water once or twice after planting, then leave them alone.

Their could be other reasons but these are usually the exception and not the rule.Fungus - Usually from over watering, will rarely kill the tree.Disease - Most retail nurseries will not sell diseased trees, plants or shrubs.Insects - Possible but their would be evidence of insect damage.Below are some suggestions to ensure survival of your tree of shrub.

More Tree Shrub Care at: http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/whats-wrong-with-trees.htm

1. Check your drip system make sure water is actually dripping out of the drip line. If it is make surethe dripper is directly over the top of the root ball.

2. If possible up the drip watering system everyday for 30 days about 20 minutes per day.

3. If the system is too complicated get a landscaping professional to adjust the timers.

4. Do it by hand...Yes get out there and water your plants everyday for the...first 30 days. If you can't do it yourself pay someone to do it.

5. If you do not have a hose available use a bucket about 4-5 gallons per day.Water is essential for root growth, once they start growing the tree or shrub will have an almost 100%chance of survival. After all we all wanta happy customer, nursery manager and above all great looking trees and shrubs so you can enjoy your outdoor landscaping home.

Use a good root stimulator for root growth. You do not need to fertilze at this time wait until the 30 day period is over.

Remember to join our southwestern gardening newsletter for more free gardening information at: http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/newsletter.htm

Got Questions ask us at: http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/contact.htm

Thanks from Paul and Gary Guzman

Monday, August 20, 2007

Shade trees to lower electrical costs

The heat in southwestern New Mexico has been relentless. Folks are looking for good ways to cool down. Laying down underneath the refrigerated air conditioner sipping on a cold drink is one way to do it. However with the recent electric rate hike many people are re-thinking their "Cool Down Methods".

One good long term method to keep cooler is to provide shade to that portion of your home that needs it. Shade trees are inexpensive and with proper positioning of the tree can actually lower that electrical bill way down.

Following are some excellent trees that can do the job.

Chinese Pistache: Does extremely well in the southwest it is usually pest free and very drought tolerant. This shade tree is a great choice for many southwestern landscapers. It turns a rich red color during the fall and provides great shade. it has an umbrella-like canopy and can grow up to 50ft tall. The young Chinese Pistache looks somewhat gangly and out of place, but when it reaches maturity it is beautiful shade tree.

Weeping Willow Tree(Salix babylonica) Extremely fast growing tree. This is the tree to purchase if you need fast now. Long narrow type leaves that droop down which gives it that "weeping effect". It is deciduous and will turn a goldish yellow in the fall.

Live Oak Tree Does extremely well in the southwest it provides plenty of shade and can be trimmed to almost any shape. This shade tree is a great choice for many southwestern landscapers. It is a evergreen tree and sheds old foliage falls during the fall and provides great shade. it has an umbrella-like canopy and is one of the fastest growing oak trees in the world. Oh by the way this tree is evergreen. There are many more great shade trees for the southwest.

Modesto Ash Tree(Fraxinus velutina) Moderate to fast growing tree. It is deciduous and the leaves turn a bright golden yellow in the fall. They can grow about 50ft tall and 50-60ft wide. Excellent shade tree for medium sized backyard.
Visit http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/shade-trees.htm for more information.

Thanks from Paul Guzman