I need advise from those here who know trees and their fertilization needs. A second opinion if you will.
I have a Purple Orchid Tree that seems to have declined in the last couple of years. In previous years it was loaded with beautiful green leaves. The last two years it's leaves have become fewer and fewer, yet the branches are pliable, and green. I give the tree good deep soakings once a month, so I do not think watering is the issue. When I deep water it, I leave the water on at a slow soaking pace for 3 -4 hours at a time.
I was told that it needed deep fertilization with probes to restore it back to a green lush tree. The price for doing this was $125. For one tree! Is there any other way that I myself can fertilize this tree and get it back on it's feet. My lawn is fertilized frequently, but the person who looked at the tree said the fertilizer never goes down to where the roots are. The Purple Orchid tree is a stunning tree, and if it takes $125 to get it back on its feet, that is what I'll do, but if there is a less expensive way, I'm all ears. Any suggestions?
--
Chat with you later...
-----
Alan Chandler, Arizona Sunset Zone: 13
http://www.GardenersCorner.com
Over 250 roses and over 160 Different varieties! Never a dull moment!!
***** In Memory of those who died on September 11, 2001 *****
What do you call a fly without wings ? A walk !
Actually, he told me he has a machine that costs $10,000 that he uses to deep root fertilize. It apparently pumps water with fertilizer down around the roots of the tree. Thanks for the idea...this might work.
--
Chat with you later...
-----
Alan Chandler, Arizona Sunset Zone: 13
http://www.GardenersCorner.com
Over 250 roses and over 160 Different varieties! Never a dull moment!!
***** In Memory of those who died on September 11, 2001 *****
I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
Alan,
Why not take a crow bar , or drill with a long bit and make deep holes
6 or 7 places around the tree and add fertilizer that way, couple of feet
down shoukd do it, they say the roots of a tree reach out as far as the tree
branches are wide, so would stay out wide from the tree.
I've seen those long bulb augers advertised on tv , like 30 inches
long, should work , probably what your yard man was going to do.
mrmac
needs. A second opinion if you will.
> I have a Purple Orchid Tree that seems to have declined in the last couple
of years. In previous years it was loaded with beautiful green leaves. The
last two years it's leaves have become fewer and fewer, yet the branches are
pliable, and green. I give the tree good deep soakings once a month, so I do
not think watering is the issue. When I deep water it, I leave the water on
at a slow soaking pace for 3 -4 hours at a time.
> I was told that it needed deep fertilization with probes to restore it
back to a green lush tree. The price for doing this was $125. For one
tree! Is there any other way that I myself can fertilize this tree and get
it back on it's feet. My lawn is fertilized frequently, but the person who
looked at the tree said the fertilizer never goes down to where the roots
are. The Purple Orchid tree is a stunning tree, and if it takes $125 to get
it back on its feet, that is what I'll do, but if there is a less expensive
way, I'm all ears. Any suggestions?
Hi Lee Ann and Mac
I have been doing so more web search on how to fertilize trees, and found the following website quite interesting, from the Virginia Cooperative Extension. I'm going to go check the Arizona Extension next:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-715/426-715.html#L2
It says the following...don't you just love conflicting information *sigh*:
Apply Fertilizer Properly
The easiest and most effective method of supplying nutrients to the entire root system of the plant is broadcasting -- spreading granular fertilizer evenly over the entire root zone. Be sure to keep fertilizer away from driveways and other paved surfaces, as it can wash into storm drains and lower the water quality of our streams and bays.
Digging or drilling holes throughout the root zone and partially filling them with fertilizer is not effective, as most of the feeder roots of a tree or shrub are in the upper layer of soil, and drilling puts the fertilizer below the level of the feeder roots.
If I fertilize the lawn around my trees and shrubs regularly, do I have to apply extra fertilizer for my trees and shrubs, too? Probably not '' a good lawn fertilization program will usually provide enough nutrients for landscape plantings in the lawn as well. Monitor the vigor and color of the landscape plantings and apply extra nutrients only if needed.
-----
R. Alan Zelhart
Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector
Comprehensive Software Asset Management
Web site: http://csam.mot.com
2100 East Elliot Road; Mail Drop EL714
Tempe, Arizona 85284
Work Phone: (480) 413-3470
Pager: (888) 996-9501
Fax: (480) 413-5723
I think Richard has the right idea. I'd go out at least to the canopy line,
if not further. The feeder roots will be out there rather than close to the
trunk. You might also want to get your soil tested to see if there is a
nitrogen deficiency.
Lee Ann
Alan,
Why not take a crow bar , or drill with a long bit and make deep holes
6 or 7 places around the tree and add fertilizer that way, couple of feet
down shoukd do it, they say the roots of a tree reach out as far as the tree
branches are wide, so would stay out wide from the tree.
I've seen those long bulb augers advertised on tv , like 30 inches
long, should work , probably what your yard man was going to do.
mrmac
Margaret,
I have already started the process on all the things you recommended below. I have sent an email out to our local extension, and done searches on Purple Orchid trees. The only thing I found on Purple Orchid trees is that they are fussy about lack of Potassium...so will look for a fertilizer with Potassium in it. I like the Ross Root Feeder. You were speaking about the cap blowing...did you know their was a recall for this very thing? Check out the link below:
http://www.rosscap.com/
--
Chat with you later...
-----
Alan Chandler, Arizona Sunset Zone: 13
http://www.GardenersCorner.com
Over 250 roses and over 160 Different varieties! Never a dull moment!!
***** In Memory of those who died on September 11, 2001 *****
Unable to locate Coffee -- Operator Halted !
Alan, i don't know whether your tree needs fertilizer, but the best way to
fertilize it is with a root feeder. They sell a tool called "Ross Root
Feeder" at garden stores, and you buy pellets that fertilize whatever kind
of tree you're fertilizing -- evergreen, fruit, deciduous, etc. It has a
jar-like thing into which you put the correct pellet, and below the jar
(attached) is a hollow spike, about 18 inches long.
We've used one for years. The last time I noticed one, I think the cost was
about $50. I suspect your tree is lawn-planted since the people say the
fertilizer doesn't go down to where the tree roots are. You only have to
get below the lawn roots, and unless your lawn is something like Bonsai,
the roots probably don't feed much below 12 inches. lawn grasses are very
greedy, and will suck up water and nutrients intended for "someone"
else. See if you can get your hands on a Ross Root Feeder, and for gosh
sakes, follow directions. We had a cheapo version and turned on the water
at the wrong time, and blew the jar across the yard. Fortunately nobody was
injured. Meanwhile, if I were you, I'd run a search on orchid trees to see
what kinds of fertilizer and how much they require, and ask your county
agent if this is a good time to fertilize that tree. Margaret L
The heading says Virgina
Hmmm....Was that the Virginia or the Vermont Extension? I see it has VT in
the url.
Lee Ann
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-715/426-715.html#L2
So is that in Virginia or Vermont ;) Teasing you of course =)
--
Chat with you later...
-----
Alan Chandler, Arizona Sunset Zone: 13
http://www.GardenersCorner.com
Over 250 roses and over 160 Different varieties! Never a dull moment!!
***** In Memory of those who died on September 11, 2001 *****
Who is General Failure and why is he reading my disk ?
Oh--I just checked the website and VT means Virginia Tech. I should have
known that because one of my best friends got his doctorate there!
Lee Ann
The heading says Virgina
Alan, i don't know whether your tree needs fertilizer, but the best way to
fertilize it is with a root feeder. They sell a tool called "Ross Root
Feeder" at garden stores, and you buy pellets that fertilize whatever kind
of tree you're fertilizing -- evergreen, fruit, deciduous, etc. It has a
jar-like thing into which you put the correct pellet, and below the jar
(attached) is a hollow spike, about 18 inches long.
We've used one for years. The last time I noticed one, I think the cost was
about $50. I suspect your tree is lawn-planted since the people say the
fertilizer doesn't go down to where the tree roots are. You only have to
get below the lawn roots, and unless your lawn is something like Bonsai,
the roots probably don't feed much below 12 inches. lawn grasses are very
greedy, and will suck up water and nutrients intended for "someone"
else. See if you can get your hands on a Ross Root Feeder, and for gosh
sakes, follow directions. We had a cheapo version and turned on the water
at the wrong time, and blew the jar across the yard. Fortunately nobody was
injured. Meanwhile, if I were you, I'd run a search on orchid trees to see
what kinds of fertilizer and how much they require, and ask your county
agent if this is a good time to fertilize that tree. Margaret L
I think Richard has the right idea. I'd go out at least to the canopy line,
if not further. The feeder roots will be out there rather than close to the
trunk. You might also want to get your soil tested to see if there is a
nitrogen deficiency.
Lee Ann
Alan,
Why not take a crow bar , or drill with a long bit and make deep holes
6 or 7 places around the tree and add fertilizer that way, couple of feet
down shoukd do it, they say the roots of a tree reach out as far as the tree
branches are wide, so would stay out wide from the tree.
I've seen those long bulb augers advertised on tv , like 30 inches
long, should work , probably what your yard man was going to do.
mrmac
I agree that the feeder roots would be closer to the surface than the
support roots. And since you are fertilizing your lawn, that should cover
the tree, too, I'd think. That's why you should get an inexpensive soil
test before doing anything. Check with your local extension office for a
test kit.
Hmmm....Was that the Virginia or the Vermont Extension? I see it has VT in
the url.
Lee Ann
Hi Lee Ann and Mac
I have been doing so more web search on how to fertilize trees, and found
the following website quite interesting, from the Virginia Cooperative
Extension. I'm going to go check the Arizona Extension next:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-715/426-715.html#L2
It says the following...don't you just love conflicting information *sigh*:
Apply Fertilizer Properly
The easiest and most effective method of supplying nutrients to the entire
root system of the plant is broadcasting -- spreading granular fertilizer
evenly over the entire root zone. Be sure to keep fertilizer away from
driveways and other paved surfaces, as it can wash into storm drains and
lower the water quality of our streams and bays.
Digging or drilling holes throughout the root zone and partially filling
them with fertilizer is not effective, as most of the feeder roots of a tree
or shrub are in the upper layer of soil, and drilling puts the fertilizer
below the level of the feeder roots.
If I fertilize the lawn around my trees and shrubs regularly, do I have to
apply extra fertilizer for my trees and shrubs, too? Probably not '' a good
lawn fertilization program will usually provide enough nutrients for
landscape plantings in the lawn as well. Monitor the vigor and color of the
landscape plantings and apply extra nutrients only if needed.
-----
R. Alan Zelhart
Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector
Comprehensive Software Asset Management
Web site: http://csam.mot.com
2100 East Elliot Road; Mail Drop EL714
Tempe, Arizona 85284
Work Phone: (480) 413-3470
Pager: (888) 996-9501
Fax: (480) 413-5723
I think Richard has the right idea. I'd go out at least to the canopy line,
if not further. The feeder roots will be out there rather than close to the
trunk. You might also want to get your soil tested to see if there is a
nitrogen deficiency.
Lee Ann
Alan,
Why not take a crow bar , or drill with a long bit and make deep holes
6 or 7 places around the tree and add fertilizer that way, couple of feet
down shoukd do it, they say the roots of a tree reach out as far as the tree
branches are wide, so would stay out wide from the tree.
I've seen those long bulb augers advertised on tv , like 30 inches
long, should work , probably what your yard man was going to do.
mrmac
Oh--I just checked the website and VT means Virginia Tech. I should have
known that because one of my best friends got his doctorate there!
Lee Ann
The heading says Virgina
I think it's in North Carolina!
8-)
Lee Ann
So is that in Virginia or Vermont ;) Teasing you of course =)
--
Chat with you later...
-----
Alan Chandler, Arizona Sunset Zone: 13
http://www.GardenersCorner.com
Over 250 roses and over 160 Different varieties! Never a dull moment!!
***** In Memory of those who died on September 11, 2001 *****
Who is General Failure and why is he reading my disk ?
Actually South Carolina. I think it's another name for Clemson.
Sure!
Alan maybe your extension can do a foliage analysis and tell you what's up
with the tree if it's a nutrient problem. I don't know anything about those
trees or how they typically grow in your area or if they have any
peculiarities, but a slow decline usually has an underlying reason not just
general fertilizing. Most common "unobvious" one I know is bad planting
technique where the tree roots are encircling and literally strangling
itself slowly, it can take ten years or more to happen. But, maybe it's just
nitro starved.
Barbara M. Martin
"Red Hot & Pink Vinca" Mid-Atlantic Garden Report:
http://nationalgardening.com/regional/report13.html
Now at Cottage Garden: "The Duckeys' Swim Adventure"
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/253/93883
Co-Owner, Gardens List http://www.kiva.net/~dorsettm/notes.html
My Bonsai Potato Photos http://www.suite101.com/topic_page.cfm/253/3890
LeeAnn... it probably was Virginia Tech.. they give out lots of info here.
Thus vt... Marge Mac in Va.
Alan,
Why not take a crow bar , or drill with a long bit and make deep holes
6 or 7 places around the tree and add fertilizer that way, couple of feet
down shoukd do it, they say the roots of a tree reach out as far as the tree
branches are wide, so would stay out wide from the tree.
I've seen those long bulb augers advertised on tv , like 30 inches
long, should work , probably what your yard man was going to do.
mrmac
needs. A second opinion if you will.
> I have a Purple Orchid Tree that seems to have declined in the last couple
of years. In previous years it was loaded with beautiful green leaves. The
last two years it's leaves have become fewer and fewer, yet the branches are
pliable, and green. I give the tree good deep soakings once a month, so I do
not think watering is the issue. When I deep water it, I leave the water on
at a slow soaking pace for 3 -4 hours at a time.
> I was told that it needed deep fertilization with probes to restore it
back to a green lush tree. The price for doing this was $125. For one
tree! Is there any other way that I myself can fertilize this tree and get
it back on it's feet. My lawn is fertilized frequently, but the person who
looked at the tree said the fertilizer never goes down to where the roots
are. The Purple Orchid tree is a stunning tree, and if it takes $125 to get
it back on its feet, that is what I'll do, but if there is a less expensive
way, I'm all ears. Any suggestions?
Hey Alan,
Had another thought, you said that guy had the machine that used water
to put the fert in the ground, you can do the same thing with a hose if you
have good pressure , or a high pressure car washer, it will bore a hole in
the ground, add fert and cover, easier?
mrmac
needs. A second opinion if you will.
> I have a Purple Orchid Tree that seems to have declined in the last couple
of years. In previous years it was loaded with beautiful green leaves. The
last two years it's leaves have become fewer and fewer, yet the branches are
pliable, and green. I give the tree good deep soakings once a month, so I do
not think watering is the issue. When I deep water it, I leave the water on
at a slow soaking pace for 3 -4 hours at a time.
> I was told that it needed deep fertilization with probes to restore it
back to a green lush tree. The price for doing this was $125. For one
tree! Is there any other way that I myself can fertilize this tree and get
it back on it's feet. My lawn is fertilized frequently, but the person who
looked at the tree said the fertilizer never goes down to where the roots
are. The Purple Orchid tree is a stunning tree, and if it takes $125 to get
it back on its feet, that is what I'll do, but if there is a less expensive
way, I'm all ears. Any suggestions?
Alan, here is an interesting page about discolored foliage, nitro, zinc,
manganese or iron, maybe it would apply to your tree?
http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/cultural/chlorsis.htm
Barbara M. Martin
"Red Hot & Pink Vinca" Mid-Atlantic Garden Report:
http://nationalgardening.com/regional/report13.html
Now at Cottage Garden: "The Duckeys' Swim Adventure"
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/253/93883
Co-Owner, Gardens List http://www.kiva.net/~dorsettm/notes.html
My Bonsai Potato Photos http://www.suite101.com/topic_page.cfm/253/3890
the following website quite interesting, from the Virginia Cooperative
Extension. I'm going to go check the Arizona Extension next:
> http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-715/426-715.html#L2
> It says the following...don't you just love conflicting information
*sigh*:
> Apply Fertilizer Properly
> The easiest and most effective method of supplying nutrients to the entire
root system of the plant is broadcasting -- spreading granular fertilizer
evenly over the entire root zone. Be sure to keep fertilizer away from
driveways and other paved surfaces, as it can wash into storm drains and
lower the water quality of our streams and bays.
> Digging or drilling holes throughout the root zone and partially filling
them with fertilizer is not effective, as most of the feeder roots of a tree
or shrub are in the upper layer of soil, and drilling puts the fertilizer
below the level of the feeder roots.
> If I fertilize the lawn around my trees and shrubs regularly, do I have to
apply extra fertilizer for my trees and shrubs, too? Probably not '' a good
lawn fertilization program will usually provide enough nutrients for
landscape plantings in the lawn as well. Monitor the vigor and color of the
landscape plantings and apply extra nutrients only if needed.
line,
> if not further. The feeder roots will be out there rather than close to
the
holes
> 6 or 7 places around the tree and add fertilizer that way, couple of feet
> down shoukd do it, they say the roots of a tree reach out as far as the
tree
ok I am thinking iron chlorosis, as in this is a pH problem, sources
indicate this is fairly common with this tree -- Bauhinia. Needs slightly
acid soil, say 6 to 6.5 -- what is the pH in your yard?
Barbara M. Martin
"Red Hot & Pink Vinca" Mid-Atlantic Garden Report:
http://nationalgardening.com/regional/report13.html
Now at Cottage Garden: "The Duckeys' Swim Adventure"
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/253/93883
Co-Owner, Gardens List http://www.kiva.net/~dorsettm/notes.html
My Bonsai Potato Photos http://www.suite101.com/topic_page.cfm/253/3890
found
entire
tree
> or shrub are in the upper layer of soil, and drilling puts the fertilizer
> below the level of the feeder roots.
> If I fertilize the lawn around my trees and shrubs regularly, do I have
to
> apply extra fertilizer for my trees and shrubs, too? Probably not '' a
good
> lawn fertilization program will usually provide enough nutrients for
> landscape plantings in the lawn as well. Monitor the vigor and color of
the
feet
