Tuesday 20 March 2007

CONIFER CONCERNS


Ian.
I have several displays of dwarf conifers set in a gravel bed, which were planted six months ago. All are thriving apart from two, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana `Golden Pot` and `Ellwood`s Gold`, which have both turned brown and have crumbling leaves. Is there anything I can do to revive them, or should I dig them up and start again? Thanks GV from Newtown.

Reply.
There could be several explanations for your damaged conifers. Browning desiccated foliage can be caused by windburn if the trees are on the windy side of your display. The ground could be too wet. Conifers like relatively dry soil as they get some of their moisture from absorbing it through their leaves, unlike most trees. After saying that the trees do not like the soil to be too dry either. After a year or two they can stand a drought but after six months they will still be very vulnerable. If only the two are affected and the others are fine this may not be the cause though. Spraying tomcats can damage foliage. They are particularly attracted to some conifers and box because of their odd scent. Unfortunately, whatever the cause, the damaged trees are unlikely to recover, as the regrowth rate for those conifers is poor. If the other trees in the vicinity are doing well we can assume that there is no virus or nasty fungi in the soil. I would dig out the damaged ones and replace them with new stock, perhaps of a different type. Some garden centres give a guarantee now with their plants. If you shopped from one of these places they will give you ones more suited to your plot. If they do not give an assurance then you will need to put your hands into your pocket and spend a bit more money!

Horticultural.


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