Tree Establishment: How to do it right

Have you noticed that an abundant amount of trees in our urban landscapes are on lock down?  They're staked and tied to prevent any movement! Look closer and you will also see that most of these trees are struggling?  Why is that?

Why do trees and shrubs fail?  Unfortunately proper plant selection and long term care seem to be near the bottom of the priority list after landscapes are designed and installed.  Here is a quick overview of what to look for when selecting a tree to plant, how to plant the tree, and only if necessary stake the tree for a maximum of 1 to 2 growing seasons.

Keys to Successful Tree Establishment

Plant Selection:
- Right plant for right place
- Healthy roots and shoots
- Minimal or no staking
- Locally grown or adapted to local climate

Planting:
- Planting hole should be no deeper than the root ball, 3-4 times as wide, with rough sides
- No organic amendments in back fill
- Cover root ball lightly with native soil
- Irrigate immediately after planting

Staking:
- Stake only if necessary
- Use correct staking technique and materials
- Inspect stakes and ties routinely
- Remove within two growing seasons

By following the guidelines for selecting, planting, and staking, trees are ready to successfully establish and thrive in the landscape.

U.K. Schuch and J.J. Kelly
Plant Sciences Department and
Pima County Cooperative Extension
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
az1402 - Revised March 2011

Full publication found here:
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1402.pdf

March of the Ants

Over the last couple weeks, I have seen an increase in the ant activity around my home.  Several ant species may be found in or around the home. They enter houses in search of food in the early spring through late fall when their normal food is not readily available outside.  Usually their presence is merely annoying, however there are certain species that are undeniably problematic.

Problematic Ants:

Southern fire ants (Solenopsis xyloni)
Thief ants (Solenopsis molesta)
Carpenter ants (C. modoc)
Pyramid ants (Conomyrma spp)

Preventing Ant Infestations

1. Practice good sanitation methods.
2. Store food in airtight containers.
3. All cracks and openings into buildings should be sealed as completely as possible. Check the seal or caulking around air conditioning units, windows, doors, pipes or other openings into the home. Repair cracks and holes in floors, walls and ceilings. Seal openings around plumbing fixtures, furnace flues, electrical outlets, windowsills and walls, and along baseboards and ceiling moldings. Thresholds on doors should be as tight as possible and cracks in porches and stoops should be sealed.
4. Remove moisture sources. Roof leaks and plumbing leaks must be repaired.
5. Tree limbs must be clipped back and vegetation touching the roof or siding of the house removed. Also, keep shrubbery away from air vents.
6. Wood-to-ground contact should be eliminated. Firewood must be stacked away from the foundation and elevated off the ground. Soil or mulch should not be placed up against the wood siding of a home.
7. Ant baits can be used as a deterrent, though it is important to note that many ants have different food preferences during the season. An ant bait high in protein in the spring, and one high in carbohydrates for summer and fall will be most effective. However, many baits are species specific so identification is critical.
8. General surveillance of the yard and house is important. Inside inspect the edge of carpets and along walls and baseboards. Also, examine areas near water sources since ants will move indoors in search of water. Outside look around vegetation, along lawn and sidewalk edges and under mulch. When foraging ants are found, try to trail them back to their colony location.
9. Instruct members of the family on identifying and avoiding fire ants.
10. The best way to control carpenter ants is to locate and directly destroy the nest. Otherwise, the colony can quickly infest your home.
11. Feed pets using pet tables.




For more information about these ants and other pests please go to: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/az1320/#Ants