Plant Troubleshooting

 

• Why doesn’t anything grow under my evergreen trees?

The key to growing plant material under mature trees is to make sure the plants receive enough moisture. The roots of the trees in addition to the dense overhead cover of the evergreen trees do not allow enough moisture for most plants and especially plants trying to get established. Installing a drip irrigation system under the trees would be recommended. To find a Certified Green Industry Professional with expertise in irrigation installation, click Find a Professional for assistance.

 

• I have a beautiful wisteria vine that is growing up my 35-year-old evergreen. The wisteria is about 10-years-old and has taken over the top of the tree over the last 2 years. Without damaging the tree or the wisteria, what do you recommend?

The wisteria will eventually choke the evergreen out. While the wisteria is beautiful, it is considered a weed in this case as it is the right plant in the wrong place. Removing the wisteria will save the evergreen. Planting a new wisteria on a trellis or arbor where it can be appreciated better would be the best compromise.

 

• Is Japanese white wisteria a plant that can be trimmed? What time of year would be best to do this?

You will want to prune wisteria in midwinter, and again in the summertime. In the summer, pruning your wisteria should be done about two months after it flowers.

 

• Three years ago, I bought a lilac bush and it bloomed the first year. During the last two years, the leaves have growth but flower buds have not developed. What can I do to have blossoms in the future?

The problem could be one of several things. First, be sure not to prune the lilac bush after June. Shrubs that flower early in the spring set buds during the previous summer. Pruning too late in the season will cut off potential buds for flowers. Second, consider the amount of sun the shrub is getting. Lilacs need full sun in order to thrive and put on a beautiful show of flowers. Third, do not fertilize the shrub with nitrogen. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth. Rather use a fertilizer with phosphorus, which promotes flowering. Finally, it usually takes a lilac bush a few years to become established. Sometimes patience is the best recipe for success.

 

• Something is eating my Crocus bulbs. What can I do to protect the bulbs without harming the critters or the environment?

There are many animal repellents on the market. Many of these will not harm the environment. Visit your local garden center as they can suggest a product to help deter these critters.

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