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Saturday Webinars | Trees: Spring Maintenance & Choosing a Suitable Tree

Saturday Webinars | Trees: Spring Maintenance & Choosing a Suitable Tree

More than likely, you’ve made memories with trees.

As a kid, you may have climbed a large deciduous tree, camped among the evergreens, or spent time at an orchard to pick apples. These giants provide privacy, shade, and produce some of the tastiest fruit. Trees are plants that you grow up with and that stand strong for generations.

 

Choices, Choices, Choices

  • Our Trees & Shrubs are now available online!
  • When you come to Golden Acre, it’s always a good idea to have an idea of what you’re looking for in a tree or shrub.
    • Aesthetic – Do you want year round beauty? Lots of colour? A nice scent?
      • Types of Trees:
        • Coniferous: “cone-bearing”. needle foliage. Evergreens.
        • Deciduous: Broad leaf. Loses leaves in the fall. Flower and fruit bearing.
      • An interesting tree that fits loosely into both of these categories is the Larch tree. They’re suited for our Alberta climate, are soft, and showcase gorgeous yellow foliage in the fall.
    • Purpose – Do you want things like privacy? Fruit? To block the wind? To fill in a major empty space in your yard?
    • Space – What is the height and spread requirements of your space? As a plant grows, you want it to fit into those measurements. Beware of structures and pathways. Keep in mind the effect a tree will have on other elements in your yard like plants.
    • Weather Exposure – How much sun does the area get? Will the tree be subject to elements like rain, wind, or snow?
    • Outdoor Living – Do you mind having to pick up fruit? Will it have a large canopy and provide lots of shade? Is it beside other plants that may suffer from a shady exposure?
    • Seasonality – Do you want year round colour? Striking foliage in the fall? Flowers in the spring?
    • Long Term – Is this a tree you can live with long term? Once it’s in, that’s pretty much where it’ll stay.

Planting Trees

We have a simple How-to Guide now available on our website.

  1. Measure the pot of your tree to get an idea for how big the hole should be. Dig the hole slightly bigger than the root ball.
  2. Loosen soil at the bottom of the hole.
  3. Gently remove tree from pot
  4. Use Myke Tree & Shrub – A natural root booster product (Optional)
    1. Tip: All regular priced trees purchased with Myke product receive a 5 year guarantee with receipt.
  5. Place tree in hole and ensure it’s straight.
  6. Backfill with a 50/50 blend of existing soil and amendment like compost.
  7. Firm soil as you go – DO NOT stamp down as you risk damage to the vulnerable root system.
  8. Water – Every day for the first couple of weeks and then observe the tree to learn when it needs watering. This will create a strong and anchored root system.

Spring Wake Up Call

There are natural processes happening when a tree wakes up in the spring. Some of the ways you can assist in those processes are:

  • Pruning
    • The 5 D’s
      • Dead: prune visibility dead branches that aren’t undergoing active growth.
      • Diseased: prune diseased branches and ensure the effected branches are disposed of and tools are cleaned to avoid spread.
      • Damaged: prune bent branches and those that may have sustained damage over the winter.
      • Dangerous: prune any branches that are blocking pathways, damaging property, etc.
      • Desireable: prune to a desirable shape.
    • How to Prune? There is a helpful diagram on Colin’s PowerPoint presentation found at the bottom of this blog.
    • Tools: Ensure you have the correct tool for the job. No injuries here! Remember, gardening should be fun. We have a large selection of Pruning Tools. Big or small, whatever you need.
  • Control Products
    • Use early to avoid major infestations and damage. Problems do not go away on their own.
    • Prevention is better than treatment.
    • Choose a proper control product based on your tree, especially fruit trees. Check out our selection of Control Products to find the one most suited to your needs.
    • Always follow the instructions as control products vary. Do no apply control products to flowers.
  • Weeding
    • Weeds can be things like grass! Weeds will take moisture and nutrients away from the tree.
    • Remove unwanted eyesores around trees by hand. Trimmers may impact the tree. Damage to the base of the tree could create an open wound perfect for pests and disease.
      • In today’s webinar, Colin showcased his fav tool if you want to check it out: Comfort Grip Weeder
    • A better solution: Replace grass around the base of the tree with mulch on top of landscape fabric. This will prevent weeds and provide insulation and moisture for the tree.
  • Amending Soil
    • Gently cultivate the soil to avoid harming roots. This is Colin’s fav tool to use in his gardening: Rake Hoe Cultivator
    • Amend the soil at the same time with organic material and minerals such as Sea Soil
      • This is especially important for high production trees like fruit bearing varieties.
      • We have a large selection of Soil Additives that you could add to your garden. You don’t need to use all, but it would helpful to include some. Some of the examples Colin gave we:
        • Compost, manure, peat moss, coir, worm castings, rock dust, charcoal, natural mulch.
  • Fertilizing
  • Watering
    • Moisture is important for buds. Conditions vary among trees so observe each one to determine if it needs water.
    • Slow saturation is better than rapid flooding.
    • Don’t just water the base, water to the “Drip Line”. Check the diagram on Colin’s PowerPoint located below.

The more detailed encore presentation hosted by Colin Hayles is now available to view on our YouTube channel.

If you’d like a copy of Colin’s PowerPoint, click here: Golden Acre Webinars 2022 – Trees

 

UPCOMING FREE WEBINARS/SEMINARS:

May 14, 2022Annuals Webinar – Designing annual planters, hanging baskets, and planting in the garden <<< Register Now

May 21, 2022May Long Weekend Gardening Webinar – Ready, Set, Grow!  <<< Register Now

Registration for all of our free Saturday Spring Webinars

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Calcium Nitrate:

Mix Ratio: Apply ¼ teaspoon per 2 litres once a week. I full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended preventing blossom end rot and calcium deficiency in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, and cannabis. It is also highly beneficial for all leafy greens and cruciferous plants (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli etc.).

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Iron Chelate

Mix Ratio: Soil drench – apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix ratio: Foliar spray - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 4 Litres of water once every 4 weeks. A full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended for correcting iron deficiency in a variety of plants grown in high pH soil. Iron deficiency is diagnosed by the yellowing or pale colour of the plant leaves, especially in young growth.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

High Drainage

Moisten Thoroughly before use: (optional) Peat moss can be water-repellent. Before use, thoroughly wet the soil.

Potting:

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Fill the pot with the moistened soil, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more soil.

Firm the soil gently.

Watering:

This is crucial! Water frequently, especially during hot weather.

Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil.

Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is low in nutrients, fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Consider Amendments:

For plants that prefer more moisture retention, you can add a small amount of coco coir or vermiculite to the mix.

Important Notes:

Overwatering: While frequent watering is necessary, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Plant Selection: This type of soil is well-suited for seed starting as well as plants that prefer well-drained conditions, such as cacti, cannabis, succulents, and some tropical plants.

Adjustments: You may need to adjust your watering frequency based on the specific plant and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight).

Alberta Blend

Moisten the Peat Moss before use: (optional) Peat moss can be hydrophobic (water-repellent) when dry. Before using it, thoroughly moisten it. You can do this by placing it in a container and adding water, then squeezing out any excess.

Mixing: (optional) Our Private Label Alberta Blend comes ready to use, expertly formulated for your plants, either indoors or outdoors.

If you're using this mix as your own base, combine it with worm castings, volcanic dust, vermiculite, etc. to improve nutrition, drainage and/or aeration.

Potting:

When potting your plants, ensure that the pot has drainage holes.

Fill the pot with the moistened potting mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more potting mix.

Lightly firm the soil around the plant leaving ½ inch to an inch of space at the top for watering.

Watering:

Because peat moss retains water, be careful not to overwater.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is nutrient-poor, you'll need to provide your plants with regular fertilization.

Use the correct fertilizer according to the plant's needs.

20-20-20 Houseplant Complete

Mix Ratio: For all houseplants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week once every week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

It is highly recommended to start your houseplants on a fertilizer regime, but only while they are actively growing. Houseplants tend to have a period of dormancy (normally winter, however poinsettias, Xmas cacti etc. are exceptions to this rule) and whilst dormant they should not be fertilized.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

22-6-15 Plus Herb and Leafy Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all herbaceous and leafy vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This fertilizer is ideal for all leafy vegetables and for herbs. This product can be used year-round if you grow herbs indoors.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

20-12-28 Tomato and Fruiting Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all fruiting vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Use this fertilizer on planting day and push right through until the plant either stops producing or reaches the end of season. In the case of transplanted seedlings this fertilizer should be used after the 2 feedings of Js - Jump-Start & Transplant.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

10-52-10 Jump-Start & Transplant

Mix Ratio: For outdoor summer plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Normally two applications, one at the time of transplanting, the second application can be done one week later from the initial fertilizing. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix Ratio: For seed starting - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Do not over water seedlings, feed every 2 weeks until transplanted outside. Feed them at the time of transplanting outdoors, then one more feeding a week later. After that start using the correct fertilizer for type of plant. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

 e.g. Vt Vegetable: Tomato and Fruiting for tomatoes, F3 Flower flower flower for bedding out/annual plants.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

4-5-28 Perennial Complete

Mix Ratio: All perennials (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks from spring to late summer. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your perennials. For existing perennials, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. new shoots etc.). For new perennials we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

28-14-14 Plus Trees and Shrubs - Fruit and Flower

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water per week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

14-7-21 Tree and Shrub Leaf & Needle

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your evergreen/coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

15-10-30 Flower, Flower, Flower

Mix Ratio: Outdoor plants (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water twice a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your annual plants. We recommend starting to fertilize at time of planting outdoors and go through to first frost.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.