Trees require regular deep
watering at least once per month (I water one of my customers trees every week!). Trees do
not like to get their feet wet. That means don't allow trees to gettheir trunks wet from sprinklers on
a regular bases. These will lead to Fungal diseases as well as attracts bugs such as
ants, spider mites etc..
Using a drip system is one good
way of providing water to the trees roots system without wasting it above ground. Also
important is the use of a garden filter that takes out the chlorine and Sulphur out of the
water. These chemicals are not good for the soil and therefore not good for the tree! Try
using a garden filter for this. Ask me about this filter.
Make sure that the sick tree is
getting proerly fertilized. People think that you don't have to water or feed your trees. Mother
Nature doesn't feed them they say! But she does in many ways, we must therefore provide a
source food and water for them.
If you are watering correctly you
will not also be providing a water source for the ants, it is for this reason that a drip
or a soaker is more preferable then above ground sprinklers.
The trick here is to provide
enough water for your trees while not encouraging the ants. Use barriers such as DE
painted around the trunk of the tree. A good mixture is made from garden grade DE and
Cayenne pepper. Mix equal amounts, add a little water to make a paste then add more to
make into a thick paint like mixture. Paint around trunk of tree.
If you have a question or comment please subscribe to my Free radio shows, then enail me and I will answer on the air or if you are a member, please leave it in our Members Ask Andy garden forum.
