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Tree planting recommendationsBy Scott Chapman KSU Post Rock Extension agent, agricultural Kansas Question: If I plant a tree I want it to survive. What are your tree planting recommendations? Recently the question was about planting fruit trees, this column covers guidelines for correctly planting an ornamental or shade tree. First, select the right tree for the location. Consider soil type, pH, and depth, the size and shape of the mature tree in relation to power lines, buildings, etc. Then after purchasing the tree, never carry it by the trunk, and keep the pot or root-ball moist and in a shady location until planting. Remove all labels, wires, cords or anything else attached to the plant, that can later girdle a branch or root. Dig a proper hole. To determine the correct planting depth dig into the root-ball, find the root flare (where the roots come out from the trunk), the flare is the correct planting depth. Place the bottom of the tree on the solid ground at the bottom of the hole to avoid it sinking deeper after planting. The hole should be three times the diameter of the root ball. Remove all containers from the root-ball, cutting away plastic or peat pots and rolling away and cutting as much excess as possible on burlap or wire baskets. This will help develop a healthy root system. Backfill the hole with the soil that was removed. Amendments such as peat moss do more harm than good. Don't cut back branches, (note this is different than the recommendation for fruit trees), only remove those that are damaged. Leaf buds release a hormone that encourages root growth. If the tree is cut back, less leaf buds result in less hormone so fewer roots are formed. Water thoroughly at planting then once a week the first season when it doesn't rain. Mulch the tree 2- to 4-inches deep to a distance 2 to 3 times the diameter of the root ball. This conserves moisture and encourages root development. Keep mulch away from the trunk of the trunk. Finally stake only when necessary. Trees establish more quickly and grow faster unstaked. Staking should limit root-ball movement rather than immobilize the trunk. Question: Overall I've been satisfied with the results from glyphosate (Roundup) applications, but occasionally it doesn't work as well. Any suggestions on improving my results? Each year I get calls because a herbicide application was not as effective as the producer would like. Glyphosate herbicide is no exception. Certain weeds and grasses are inherently less susceptible to glyphosate; some weed populations have developed resistance, and as is true with almost all herbicides, mature weeds are harder to control. Weeds control is also more difficult when the weeds are not actively growing due to temperature extremes or dry conditions. According to Dallas Peterson, Weed Management Specialist for K-State Research and Extension, application methods also can impact effectiveness. The addition of ammonium sulfate or AMS replacement products is widely recognized as being important to success. Application time of day and spray volume can also affect glyphosate efficacy. These factors are sometimes overlooked. K-State Research has shown glyphosate is less effective when applied just before dawn or shortly after sundown, especially with late postemerge applications when weeds are a little taller than optimal. This may be due to the presence of dew, the influence of light on physiological interactions, or plant leaf orientation. Some plants, such as velvetleaf, tend to fold their leaves after sundown and extending them fully again after sunrise. Spray volume also affects weed control with glyphosate. K-State research compared spray volumes of 5, 10, and 15 gallons per acre with glyphosate on control of oats. The most effective spray volume for glyphosate performance was 5 gallons per acre, while the least control was achieved with 15 gallons per acre. This may run counter to traditional thinking. Why would lower spray volumes be more effective? The most likely explanation is that there is more glyphosate absorption into the plant from a concentrated solution. This may also help explain why heavy dew may have an adverse effect on weed control with glyphosate. It is important to remember spray volume has to be high enough to achieve adequate spray coverage of plants within the canopy for effective weed control. Each year I get calls because a herbicide application was not as effective as the producer would like. Glyphosate herbicide is no exception. Certain weeds and grasses are inherently less susceptible to glyphosate; some weed populations have developed resistance, and as is true with almost all herbicides, mature weeds are harder to control. Weeds control is also more difficult when the weeds are not actively growing due to temperature extremes or dry conditions. According to Dallas Peterson, Weed Management Specialist for K-State Research and Extension, application methods also can impact effectiveness. The addition of ammonium sulfate or AMS replacement products is widely recognized as being important to success. Application time of day and spray volume can also affect glyphosate efficacy. These factors are sometimes overlooked. K-State Research has shown glyphosate is less effective when applied just before dawn or shortly after sundown, especially with late postemerge applications when weeds are a little taller than optimal. This may be due to the presence of dew, the influence of light on physiological interactions, or plant leaf orientation. Some plants, such as velvetleaf, tend to fold their leaves after sundown and extending them fully again after sunrise. Spray volume also affects weed control with glyphosate. K-State research compared spray volumes of 5, 10, and 15 gallons per acre with glyphosate on control of oats. The most effective spray volume for glyphosate performance was 5 gallons per acre, while the least control was achieved with 15 gallons per acre. This may run counter to traditional thinking. Why would lower spray volumes be more effective? The most likely explanation is that there is more glyphosate absorption into the plant from a concentrated solution. This may also help explain why heavy dew may have an adverse effect on weed control with glyphosate. It is important to remember spray volume has to be high enough to achieve adequate spray coverage of plants within the canopy for effective weed control.
Date: 8/8/08 Advertisement
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