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don’t want their inner canopy “cleaned out.” Hopefully you’re drinking plenty of water in the summer heat. It might surprise you that trees can run short of water. While we tend to think tree roots dive deep in search of a cool drink, 90% of tree roots are in the top 25 cm. of soil, and 98% are in the top 46 centimetres. Species such as birch, ironwood and hemlock are especially prone to water stress, but others are renowned for their drought-tolerance. Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a stately, long-lived (800+ years) native tree which oddly enough tolerates intermittent flooding as well. Black maple (Acer nigrum) is very similar to sugar maple, but with slightly fuzzy leaves that are better at conserving water. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is another native tree that can withstand prolonged water shortages. However, even these tough species have their limits. Lawns recover from severe water shortage in a matter of weeks. Trees, however, take years. Drought stress weakens a tree, making it more vulnerable to diseases and insects. While many shady characters don’t take well to a good soaking, your tree will appreciate a thorough weekly drench. Actually, its survival may depend on it. Wishing a healthy, hydrated summer on the shady side of town for you and your associates.
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10. Work together to establish a spending plan and make a commitment to keep your spending in line with your plan. With mutual respect and commitment, you and your partner can do wonders. Adapted for use by Marilyn M. Furry, Ph.D., associate professor of agricultural and extension education, from “Spending Decisions," Extension Service, Iowa State University; and revised by Jane Landis, county extension director, Dauphin County, Penn State Extension.
Warren County Connection
August Gardening Tips Deadhead perennials to extend the blooming season and encourage plants to direct more energy to their root and shoot systems. In some special cases, deadheading can even encourage a second bloom later in the season. How to do it properly is determined by a plant’s growth habit and your own preferences. Deadheading perennials isn’t difficult, only time consuming. Although deadheading is specific to each type of plant, all you really need to learn is to cut spent flowers back to a lateral bud or leaf. Only some plants will rebloom after deadheading, but most will be better for it regardless. Also, from an aesthetic perspective, deadheading perennials gives the garden a cleaner, more polished look. Perennials that typically benefit from deadheading include daylily, iris, hosta, peony, Shasta daisy, coreopsis and dianthus. Stop fertilizing trees and shrubs with high nitrogen sources by the end of the month. Fertilizing in late summer can cause some plants to put out new growth that is susceptible to frost damage. The best times to fertilize trees and shrubs are in spring before growth starts, or mid-summer after shoot growth ceases, because root growth and maximum nutrient uptake happen at these times. Additionally, put away the pruning tools for now. Late summer pruning may make plants push new growth that is not winter hardy. Roses are particularly susceptible to damage from late season fertilization and pruning. The ideal time to prune most species is in late winter or early spring while plants are still dormant.
Make sure the mower deck is set high, to a height of three inches or more. Taller grass is more resilient against insect feeding, weed invasion and drought. Mowing high promotes the establishment of a larger and deeper root system, which is more drought tolerant. A larger root mass also makes grass more tolerant of grub feeding, reducing the need for insecticide applications. Taller grass also helps provide broadleaf weed and crabgrass control by shading and cooling the soil surface, equating to less herbicide use. Source: University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
