- Author: Chris M. Webb
Today is National Arbor Day. This special day encourages the care and planting of trees. A man by the name of J. Sterling Morton began the effort that led to Arbor Day in the 1850’s. Over the years his work and dedication led to the first national observance of Arbor Day in 1872. It is now celebrated nationally on the last Friday in April.
To learn more about the enthusiasm and community support of Mr. Morton’s ideas click here.
Suggestions on how to celebrate Arbor Day can be found here. It is important to note that state celebrations can differ from the national date. State Arbor Day celebrations are often observed to coincide with appropriate local planting times for trees.
Further information can be found on the Arbor Day Foundation website.
Information on tree selection, care and planting can be found on the UC ANR California Gardening – advice to grow by website.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
California’s oak trees are facing another challenge to their survival. The gold-spotted oak borer (GSOB) was identified in California in 2006; since that time, over 17,000 oaks have died from this pest.
The loss of oak trees, especially in the wild, brings many negative impacts: loss of wildlife habitat, greater risk of erosion and catastrophic fire, invasion of noxious weeds, as well as safety risks related to falling trees or branches.
The borer attacks the trunks and branches of mature oaks. While most pests attack trees that are stressed or weakened, the GSOB attacks large, healthy trees – including trees in yards. Thus far the damage has been contained to San Diego County.
Much work is being conducted in an effort to learn more about the GSOB. With more knowledge, researchers hope to be able to stop the destruction of these magnificent trees. At this time, all we can do is work together to slow the spread of the GSOB with the following steps:
- Do not transport oak firewood into or out of campgrounds or parks
- Chip infested oak wood to 1-inch pieces
- Cover stored oak firewood with 6 mm, UV-stabilized, durable plastic tarps in the spring. Secure all the edges of the tarp to the ground to prevent beetles from escaping
- Season oak firewood. Remove the bark and place the wood in direct sunlight
Pictures of the borer, the damage caused, and more information can be found here.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
This is the time of year for planting bare-root roses and pruning those already in the garden.
UC’s publication, “Roses in the Garden and Landscape: Cultural Practices & Weed Control", is a good source of information about rose care.
Topics include:
- Pests and other organisms
- Selection of plant varieties
- Cultural practices
- Planting site considerations
- Fertilizer and irrigation
- Pruning, including ways to influence bloom characteristics.
A related UC publication, “Roses in the Garden and Landscape: Insect and Mite Pests and Beneficials,” focuses on ways to use IPM (integrated pest management) and cultural practices to reduce pesticide use.
Austrian copper rose
Sweet Vivian
Vision
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Did you receive a beautiful holiday cacti as a gift but are not sure how to care for it? Or maybe you have had one for years, but can’t get it to bloom at the right time?
UC ANR has a great, free publication that explains how to best take care of these plants.
Other UC ANR free publications, covering many subjects are available.
Succulent, flat, segmented stems of Holiday cactus,
Schlumbergera 'Nicole'.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Have you been considering adding a tree to your landscape? If so, fall is a good time to plant trees. A recent post on UC’s The California Practical Gardener blog explains why now is a good time for tree planting. Links to information to help readers find a good tree for their location is also provided.
Ventura County UCCE Environmental Horticultural Advisor, Jim Downer has great tips on what to look for at the nursery and placing the tree in your landscape to achieve the best possible chance for the long-term health of the tree. These tips can be found in Jim’s July 2009 Landscape Notes Newsletter.
Topics include:
- Checking nursery container for circling roots
- Planting trees at the appropriate depth
- How best to anchor, protect or support the tree after planting
- Pruning considerations
- Water needs
- Nutrient needs
- Long-term growth considerations
Additional assistance with residential tree questions can be directed to our Master Gardener Helpline at 805.645.1455 or at mgventura@ucdavis.edu. Master Gardeners are at the helpline desk Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1:00 and 4:00. Commercial operation tree questions can be directed to Dr. Downer.
You may subscribe to Landscape Notes or other Ventura County UCCE newsletters on our website!