Home » Trees
Trees
Gray scaly bark on Crape Myrtle
Question from Jonnie: My crepe myrtle was purchased with a gray scaly bark = it looks like fungus. What organic spray can I use to rid the plant of this fungus. What kind of soil would you use to put in ground for the crepes? Answer from Pat: Without...
Tree for in front of our house
Question from Heather: thank you for your very detailed answer to my husband’s question about planting trees in a parkway. While he and I agree on many aspects of our garden, we differ in opinion about what type of tree to plant in front...
Small, Drought-Tolerant, Evergreen, Flowering Trees for a Parkway
Question from Josh: I have about 60-feet of parkway that I want to plant trees in. It’s right outside of downtown Los Angeles, on a bit of a slope, and is surrounded by Craftsman and Victorian homes (in case this helps). The trees will not get...
Torrey Pine Trees
Question: Can I legally prune or cut back Torrey Pine Trees. I have three native Torrey Pines in my yard. They were growing here when my family bought property next door in 1946. My neighbors are complaining that their view is being blocked. I...
Planting Macadamias
From Dave: Pat, quick report – planted 2 Beaumont Macadamias from 10 gallon containers into ground 2 weeks ago. Each was planted in clay soil amended with 1 cubic foot of chicken manure mix from Armstrong. Tress are very happy and have new growth...
Sick Bay Tree
Question from Tony: Thank you for your advice on the atlas cedar. I’ve replanted a nice specimen in a raised planter over soil that has been treated with gypsum for better drainage. I hope to get your help with a new problem. For many years...
Fertilizing Deciduous Fruit Trees
Question from Jane: When do I fertilize my fruit trees and what do you recommend? Thank you I live in Fallbrook Answer from Pat: No, I do no suggest bloodmeal as the best fertilizer for deciduous fruit trees. It is strong nitrogen and can burn. Not...
California Pepper tree
Question from Linda: Hi, Am helping my cousin landscape her yard in San Diego and she says that nothing she’s tried will grow in the ground under the dripline. Any suggestions? Answer from Pat: I am one of those people who happen to love the California...
Trees for new home
From Paul: As usual, thanks for your help. Here is my latest plan: Swan Hill Fruitless Olives anchoring the house on both sides and middle in the front. (full sun with sea breeze) Acacia baileyana near street on both sides of driveway. (full sun with...
Planting or Transplanting a Fig Tree
Question from Margaret: I am being offered a fig tree. I live close to the coast in in Southern California, probably Zone 24, and am not sure of the variety. That being said, can you tell me what is the best month to move it from my friend’s home...
When to Prune a CAMPHOR TREE (Cinnamomum camphora)
Question from Barbie: We have a very large Camphor tree about 45 years old. W have had it trimmed/laced several times. We want to be sure we have this done at the right time (or season) of the year. We live in So. CA about 20 miles North of San Diego....
Pruning a Camphor tree
Question from John: I have a Camphor tree that was planed in August of 2010. It has since grown about 4 ft and has filled out. filled out so much that tow main branches almost snapped from the weight of rain. We have since tied them to large stakes. When...
Silver Tree (Leucadendron)
Question from Randy: Can you tell me when, what and if you are supposed to feed leucadendrons. Seems that I heard somethin’ about NOT feeding them. Thanks. I have some that are doing great since I got the water situation dialed in. Answer from Pat: Among...
