Frank McDonough is the Arboretum’s Botanical Information Consultant. His topic was “Seven Things that Gardeners Do that Should be Banned.”
1. The use of Pre Plant Fertilizer: fertilizers are basically salts and if they are put into the hole prior to planting they dry out the roots and harm the plant or tree.
2. Using Blowers: they blow fungal spores up into the trees and on to the leaves where they can infest your plant.
3. Buying Impulse Items: people have a tendency to buy plants or trees without knowing how tall it will grow. Research before you buy. Frank, at the Arboretum, is there to answer any questions you have about any new plant, hedge or tree you are considering.
4. Topping Trees: trees should only be pruned if they absolutely need it. Nature prunes trees by the wind. The only pruning that should be necessary is to remove dead branches. Buy the proper tree and it will grow to a size that will not require pruning. Do not use “Tree Seal.” It damages the tree. Trees don’t need bandages.
5. Hardscaping up to he base of a tree: putting stones, gravel or cement up to the trunk of the tree is bad. Trees need 2/3 of the area under the canopy free from hardscaping.
6. Installing irrigation systems and leaving them on default: sprinkler systems should be reprogramed as necessary to supply moisture as needed through out the year.
7. Using Weed Block Cloth: it is not biodegradable and it is a perfect “Ant Farm.” Huge colonies of ants can live and breed under this cloth.
Frank can be contacted to answer your questions at {626) 821-3236 or at Frank.Mcdonough@arboretum.org.