Tree and Shrub Tips
Our certified arborists know their trees and shrubs. RYAN recruits horticulturists, foresters and others with degrees in related fields so you can rely on us for expert answers to your tree and shrub questions.
Growing Hydrangeas
Sometimes it appears that many hydrangeas quit blooming. This is usually caused by hard, cold winters which can destroy flower buds that are set on old wood. Big leaf hydrangeas like 'Nikko Blue' and 'Forever Pink' fall into this category. To get the most out of your hydrangeas, plant them in a location protected from the harsh winter wind as well as the hot summer sun. Apply 5-6 inches of mulch to the base of the shrub in the fall. Leave the old blooms on to protect new buds. In addition, hydrangeas do best in acidic soil, so supplement your soil annually with an acidic fertilizer or aluminum sulfate.
Azalea Tip
Kansas is a little too far north to be a super environment for azaleas and rhododendrons (same family). Planting them on the north or east side of your home will help them survive. These plants do not like winter sun; they will dry out and die. The ideal location for these plants has no sun in winter and light shade during the rest of the year. Also, be sure to protect them from hot, summer winds.
When is Pruning Appropriate
Pruning can be done almost anytime of the year. However, if you prune maples, walnuts, or birch in the spring, they will bleed. This does not hurt the tree, but may look unpleasant. "Bleeding" is caused by sap movement within the pruned tree. Wait to prune flowering shrubs until after they flower for the greatest amount of blooming the next year.
Why Prune?
It is important to prune to maintain the plants in your landscape. Prune to raise low limbs, thin dense-canopy trees, remove broken and dead limbs, improve plant structure, maintain height in shrubs, or rejuvenate or thin shrubs.
Watering Trees Too Deeply
The water and nutrient absorbing roots of a tree are located in the upper 12 inches of the soil. A good soaking with a sprinkler is very adequate for watering your trees because it waters a large area at one time. Water beyond the drip line (outer edge of canopy); it is not uncommon for tree roots to extend well beyond this point.
Remove Weed Trees When Small
When volunteer or weed trees start to grow along a shared fenceline, cut them down while they are still small. Otherwise, they can grow through the fence, causing it to twist and break.