by Matt Lollar | Nov 13, 2024
A planted tree with water retention berm. Photo Credit: Matt Lollar, University of Florida/IFAS Extension – Santa Rosa County
Extension agents are frequently tasked with evaluation of unhealthy plants in the landscape. They diagnose all sorts of plant problems including those caused by disease infection, insect infiltration, or improper culture.
When evaluating trees, one problem that often comes to the surface is improper tree installation. Although poorly installed trees may survive for 10 or 15 years after planting, they rarely thrive and often experience a slow death.
Fall is an excellent time to plant a tree in Florida. A couple of weeks ago beautiful Nuttall Oak was planted at Bagdad Mill Site Park in Santa Rosa County, FL. Here are 11 easy steps to follow for proper tree installation:
- Look around and up for wire, light poles, and buildings that may interfere with growth;
- Dig a shallow planting hole as wide as possible;
- Find the point where the top-most root emerges from the trunk;
- Slide the tree carefully into the planting hole;
- Position the point where the top-most root emerges from the trunk slightly above the landscape soil surface;
- Straighten the tree in the hole;
- Remove synthetic materials from around trunk and root ball;
- Slice a shovel down in to the back fill;
- Cover the exposed sides of the root ball with mulch and create water retention berm;
- Stake the tree if necessary;
- Come back to remove hardware after establishment.
Digging a properly sized hole for planting a tree. Photo Credit: Matt Lollar, University of Florida/IFAS Extension – Santa Rosa County
Removing synthetic material from the root ball. Photo Credit: Matt Lollar, University of Florida/IFAS Extension – Santa Rosa County
Straightening a tree and adjusting planting height. Photo Credit: Matt Lollar, University of Florida – Santa Rosa County
For more detailed information on planting trees and shrubs visit this UF/IFAS Website – “Steps to Planting a Tree”.
For more information Nuttall Oaks visit this University of Arkansas Website.
by Sheila Dunning | Nov 6, 2024
Red Maple structure IFAS Photo: Hassing, G.
Though the calendar says November, the weather in Northwest Florida is still producing summer or at least spring-like temperatures. The nice days are wonderful opportunities to accomplish many of those outside landscape chores. But, it is also a good time to start planning for next month’s colder temperatures. Since we don’t experience frozen soil, winter is the best time to transplant hardy trees and shrubs. Deciduous trees establish root systems more quickly while dormant; versus installing them in the spring with all their tender new leaves.
Remove an inch or more for extremely rootbound trees.
Here are a few suggestions for tasks that can be performed this month:
- Plant shade trees, fruit trees, and evergreen shrubs.
- Do major re-shaping of shade trees, if needed, during the winter dormancy.
- Check houseplants for insect pests such as scale, mealy bugs, fungus gnats, whitefly and spider mites.
- Continue to mulch leaves from the lawn. Shred excess leaves and add to planting beds or compost pile.
- Replenish finished compost and mulch in planting beds, preferably before the first freeze.
- Switch sprinkler systems to ‘Manual’ mode for the balance of winter.
- Water thoroughly before a hard freeze to reduce plants’ chances of damage.
- Water lawn and all other plants once every three weeks or so, if supplemental rainfall is less than one inch in a three week period.
- Fertilize pansies and other winter annuals as needed.
- Build protective coverings or moving devices for tender plants before the freeze warming.
- Be sure to clean, sharpen and repair all your garden and lawn tools. Now is also the best time to clean and have your power mower, edger and trimmer serviced.
- Be sure the mower blade is sharpened and balanced as well.
- Provide food and water to the area’s wintering birds.
Mowing a lawn. Photo Credit: University of Florida/IFAS
by Abbey Payne | Oct 24, 2024
Pecan trees are a southern staple in the states of Alabama, Georgia, and North Florida, prized for their delicious nuts and gorgeous additions they make to the landscape. During October and November, we start to see the mature pecan nuts fall to the ground and these can be dried and stored for many months, making them a long-lasting and rewarding crop. Here is what you need to know to install pecan trees of your own at home.
Pecan tree grove in North Florida. UF/IFAS Photo: Thomas Wright.
Choosing the Right Variety
Florida’s warm climate and extended growing season creates excellent conditions for pecan trees. But not all pecan tree varieties thrive in Florida’s climate. Because of the humid conditions that the state presents, some varieties are more susceptible to common diseases such as pecan scab. The recommended varieties for Florida include:
- ‘Elliot,’ ‘Excel,’ ‘Lakota,’ and ‘Sumner’ are typically the first varieties to be recommended because they have an excellent resistance to pecan scab.
- ‘Cape Fear,’ ‘Caddo,’ ‘Desirable,’ and ‘Kiowa’ are recommended on a case-by-case basis due to their high quality nut production but will require constant scouting due to their low disease resistance. These varieties are typically seen on a commercial production scale.
- The ‘Stuart’ pecan tree produces high quality pecans, but it can take up to 10 years to see any signs of production, so it is not commonly installed into the home landscape.
When planting your pecan trees, be sure to purchase trees from reputable and certified nurseries to ensure healthy, disease-resistant plants that produce high-quality nuts.
Planting and Soil Requirements
Pecan trees need well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 – 6.5. If you are unsure of your soil’s pH, it is wise to take a soil sample prior to installing your trees. Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office for more information. Here are a few things to consider when planting pecans:
- Site Requirement: It is important to remember that pecan trees require full sun and plenty of space to grow, as they can reach at least 70 feet in height with a wide canopy. They will need to be planted away from structures and power lines.
- Planting Depth: Pecan trees should be planted during the dormant season (November-February) and require a planting hole no bigger than 2 feet wide and 2 ½ feet deep to allow the taproot to extend directly into the ground.
- Tree Spacing: Older trees need to be spaced at least 60 to 80 feet apart. But younger trees or newly planted trees need to be spaced not as far as this. Pecan trees must cross-pollinate to produce nuts, so they must be close enough to share their pollen but far enough apart to not hinder the other trees’ root growth. Initial spacing can range from 30 to 40 feet apart.
Pecan tree grove in North Florida. UF/IFAS Photo: Thomas Wright.
Fertilization and Watering
Young pecan trees need consistent watering after recently being transplanted to help establish their root system efficiently. Once established, pecan trees be relatively drought tolerant, but still benefit from deep watering during the dry periods. Irrigation is the most critical during the establishment of the first year. For the first 2 years of the tree’s life, they may require up to 10 gallons of water per day based on the current weather conditions. For fertilizer, apply 10-10-10 in early March through June. Fertilizer should be applied in a circle around the trunk of the tree. Avoid placing fertilizer directly against the trunk of the tree.
Growing pecan trees in Florida requires some planning and maintenance, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With the right variety selection, planting care, and attention to irrigation, you can have a bountiful harvest of homegrown pecans for your family to enjoy Whether you’re planting a single tree or a establishing a small orchard, pecan trees are a valuable and delicious to any Florida landscape. For more information, please visit:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS229
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/pecan/
by Joshua Criss | Oct 4, 2024
Winter color is not always easy to find here in Florida. While staple annuals such as snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) require planning and extra effort in the autumn. Instead, envision a perennial powerhouse that will not only provide colorful berries when the temperature drops but is a pollinator magnet in the spring. The Holly tree (Ilex spp.) perfectly embodies this vision. These low-maintenance evergreens, with their waxy leaves and colorful berries, are a sight to behold in your landscape, whether as a hedge or an accent plant.
Where and How to Plant
Hollies generally prefer partial shade and well-drained soils. However, exceptions exist, such as the Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), adapted to wetter environments. Whatever cultivar you place in your landscape, following the planting and care instructions is crucial. Plant it in a hole approximately one foot wider than the root ball. Dig deep enough to cover most of the root ball but shallow enough so the uppermost root is slightly above the soil line. This may be counterintuitive, but roots need air to thrive, and shallow planting allows infiltration in the rhizosphere. To regulate soil temperature and soil moisture, add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. It is critical to leave some space between the tree trunk and mulch.
Photo: Edward Gilman, UF/IFAS.
Cultural Practices for Success
Irrigation is critical to establishing these plants, which should take between 3 and 6 months. Once established, cease irrigation except in drought conditions. Don’t apply too much water in either case, as hollies will suffer with wet feet. Fertilizers should be applied twice yearly in March and September. Have your soil tested before applying fertilizer to ensure a complete nutrient profile.
Pruning is not routinely required with holly trees. It is advisable to remove dead, diseased, and dysfunctional branches. Dysfunctional branches are those that grow back toward the main leader of the tree. These risk rubbing against one another, causing wounds that may become infiltration sites for pathogens. You should also remove sprouts coming from the root zone, commonly called suckers.
Potential Issues
Pests and pathogens are infrequent in hollies and are usually the product of improper growing practices. Occasionally, scale or spittlebug insects can infest the tree. Their presence will be punctuated by the appearance of blackened leaves, which is a symptom of sooty mold. Scouting these plants often will allow early detection and control of these pests. Some pathogens may also affect these trees. Most often, these are fungi caused by excessive moisture. Look for dieback or strange growth patterns in the plant’s foliage. When you see these, make sure the roots are not waterlogged.
Photo: UF/IFAS
Summing Things Up
Hollies are an excellent and low maintenance addition to any landscape. Their berries and flowering patterns provide multiple seasons of interest and are a resource for birds and pollinators alike. For more information on Florida wildflowers, see these Ask IFAS documents, or contact your local extension agent for additional information on this and any topic regarding your gardens and more.
by Ray Bodrey | Sep 4, 2024
Fall is a season that is synonymous for two great joys in life…..football games and the changing leaf colors! However, in Florida we just don’t have the incredible burst of vivid fall leaf color as our northern neighbors enjoy each year, but we do have enough temperate region plants that can give us some seasonal change in foliage.
So what makes this brilliant display of autumn leaf color anyway? This seasonal change is brought on by a few variables, such as lower temperatures, shorter photo period/shorter days and chemical pigments found in leaf tissues. Some of the pigments that give autumn leaves their bright colors are actually present in the leaves as soon as they unfold as flush in early spring. But, during spring and summer, when the plants are growing vigorously, a green-colored material called chlorophyll dominates and shades out the other leaf pigments.
Chlorophyll plays on important role in a process called photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants capture energy from sunlight and manufacture food. Chlorophyll can also be found in water bodies and is an indicator of water quality. As plants get ready for cool season dormancy, the production on new chlorophyll decreases to almost being nonexistent. That’s when the before mentioned pigments, also called carotenoids, take over and make the leaves turn brilliant orange, red, purple and yellow.
There are some plants in the Florida’s landscape that do provide good fall color. Unlike most of the flowering shrubs, which hold their blossoms for only a brief period, the trees and shrubs that turn color in the fall will usually retain their varied hues for a month or more, depending on the weather.
Red Maple. Credit. UF/IFAS Extension
What are some examples of trees that will lend fall color in your Panhandle landscape?
- Shumard Oak
- Turkey Oak
- Ginkgo
- Hickory
- Golden Rain Tree
- Red Swamp Myrtle
- Dogwood
- Red Maple (see photo)
- Sweet Gum
- Black Gum
- Crape Myrtle
- Tulip Tree
- Bradford Pear
- Cypress
What about annuals that provide color in the fall? Petunias, pansies and snapdragons will be in full bloom over the next few months.
Firespike. Credit. UF/IFAS Extension
What about blooming perennials for fall? Salvia, firespike (see photo), chrysanthemum, beautyberry and holly are great for color in the fall and attract wildlife to your landscape.
A mix of these plants will ensure fall color in your landscape. For more information contact your local county extension office.
Information for this article was provided by Patrick Minogue, Forestry Specialist with UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, as well as the UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/outdoor-living/gardening-for-fall-color/
