Berwyn Talk Forum

Community Chat => The Green Thumb => Topic started by: buzz on July 11, 2012, 08:45:41 PM

Title: 2012 Drought
Post by: buzz on July 11, 2012, 08:45:41 PM
This sucks, my birches are losing leaves !
I've been watering all along but today I had a soaker hose going for 3 hrs. around the drip line.  Hope it helps.
My lawn is brown and I don't care.
Title: Re: 2012 Drought
Post by: Bonster on July 11, 2012, 09:39:46 PM
Bugs, similar to Ash borers?


Check out that tree and shrub (liquid) from Bayer; it does a great job.  The sooner you treat, the better. 
It might not be lost.  If it helps stem the tide, treat again early in the season next year.
Title: Re: 2012 Drought
Post by: buzz on July 11, 2012, 11:34:17 PM
No bugs thankfully.  This is a combo of drought, heat, and wind.  The wind on those 100 degree days just seemed to desicate the tree leaves.
I've watered all along, 1 in. or more per week, using the tuna can method of course.  And most of my plantings are kinda' drought resistant, it's just the thirsty birch.
Title: Re: 2012 Drought
Post by: Mrs.Pete on July 12, 2012, 09:49:27 AM
Buzz, your birches (river birches?) need iron. An old granny recipe is to put an old iron bench or any rusty old thing next to or buried with the tree. They are having a hard time absorbing the iron they need to grow. The leaves will come back later, and they are probably not dying. Give them a long soft soaking with the hose once a week.
Title: Re: 2012 Drought
Post by: buzz on July 12, 2012, 05:46:45 PM
I used the soaker hose yesterday.  Early today I set up the oscillating sprinkler thing.  PPPFFFFTTT !
No water pressure.  The thing barely moved.
So tomorrow morning, will everyone please refrain from flushing or showering so I can save my tree !   
Title: Re: 2012 Drought
Post by: Bonster on July 12, 2012, 06:27:10 PM

It must only be affecting one part of town - our pressure has been fine all day.
Title: Re: 2012 Drought
Post by: PamF on July 13, 2012, 10:35:35 AM
I have an inground root feeder for my trees.  You put it in the ground (at drip line) and keep it running for a while, then move it.  Has a capsule where you can add food for the tree as well.  Comes in handy in these types of summers!

I noticed the soil around my house foundation on the south side is pulling away.  Never have I seen that happen!
Title: Re: 2012 Drought
Post by: Mrs.Pete on July 13, 2012, 11:17:56 AM
It's not too late to mulch around your trees and shrubs. Don't let the mulch touch the trunk, and don't use that red stuff that leeches the nutrients out of the soil. You won't need to water as much.
Title: Re: 2012 Drought
Post by: ~LL~ on July 13, 2012, 12:23:58 PM
Quote from: buzz on July 12, 2012, 05:46:45 PM
I used the soaker hose yesterday.  Early today I set up the oscillating sprinkler thing.  PPPFFFFTTT !
No water pressure.  The thing barely moved.
So tomorrow morning, will everyone please refrain from flushing or showering so I can save my tree !

Ah - er -- did you check for a kink in your hose?  Happend to me - threw a fit - felt foolish when I discovered kink.
Title: Re: 2012 Drought
Post by: buzz on July 26, 2012, 02:37:44 PM
Quote from: PamF on July 13, 2012, 10:35:35 AM
I have an inground root feeder for my trees.
I forgot, I have one !  Dragged it out and used it, along with watering.  Tree seems to have stopped dropping leaves.
Thanks to all for the suggestions.