An unusual tree with even more unusual fruit.
24.07.2023 - 12:35 / hgic.clemson.edu
December is the month we celebrate Arbor Day. So, consider planting a tree in honor of this day. Start by selecting the right plant for the site. First, analyze the chosen site by checking the soil drainage, number of sunlight hours, and amount of available space for a tree to reach its mature height and width. Once these factors are determined a tree species can be selected. CAUTION: Call 811, two to three working days before you dig. This service will mark underground utility lines.
Once the appropriate tree is selected plant it correctly. Proper planting depth is critical for long-term health of the tree. Start by locating the root flare of the tree. The root flare is where the first main root attaches to the trunk. You may need to remove excess soil from across the top of the root ball to expose the root flare. The root flare should be located at ground level and no deeper. To keep the root flare AT soil level, the planting hole should be dug exactly the same depth as the root ball and 2 to 3 times wider. Do not loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole; this will cause the root ball to settle deeper into the ground over time. After placing the tree in the hole, backfill with native soil and lightly tamp. Lastly, apply a two- to three- inch layer of organic mulch and then water slowly.
For more information, refer to HGIC 1001, Planting Trees Correctly and HGIC 1050, Choosing a Planting Location.
Consider Planting a Tree to Attract Pollinators
For more information on selecting a tree species for the landscape, refer to the following:
HGIC 1716, Plants for Shade
HGIC 1717, Plants that Tolerate Drought
HGIC 1718, Plants for Damp or Wet Areas
HGIC 1727, Pollinator Gardening
HGIC 1730, Salt Tolerant Plants for South Carolina
An unusual tree with even more unusual fruit.
Fascinating leaves are grown on this unique tree that has been around for over 200 million years. Last one of a kind the Ginkgo has no close relatives. Now famous for its extracts and herbal remedies it is also a revered tree in the Buddhist religion.
The ancient Chinese have cultivated Tree Peonies for over 1500 years. Prized specimens are and were grown for medicinal purposes as they contain glucocides and alkolides. The imperial palace gardens had many specimens that became quite valuable.
Liriodendron tulipifera or Tulip tree is a tall striking tree related to the magnolia with similar Tulip shaped flowers. It has been planted in Britain since 1688 as an ornamental parks and gardens tree.
Credits Quiver Tree by hibbijibbies CC BY-ND 2.0 “Midas tree by Paul WatsonCC BY-NC-SA 2.0
I used to think Beech trees grew on the beach but now I know a little better but not much. This is one of the UK’s most useful trees and deserves to be grown where ever space permits.
Yew are used in many contexts and can feature in natural or formal situations. In the 18th century species of Taxus were brought to the UK from America and Asia to add to our native Taxus baccata. There are now many cultivars of upright, pendulous and ground cover forms of Yew.
A very distinctive and primitive tree. Legend has it that the tree sprang up from the spot where a dragon and elephant spilled blood and battled to death.
2018 has been a remarkable year for tree books and the publishing trade has done a good job listing new and older titles. There is now a forest of books to acquire and collect and I hope they have been printed on paper from sustainable sources.
Giving trees what I call the ‘Royal Chop’ is not as drastic as it sounds. It is one way of controlling the low growing branches that restrict light, create unwanted shade and generally get in the way. The technical term may be to ‘Lift the Crown’ which has the result of leaving the lower trunk clear of branches and letting the growth starting at an acceptable height.
Lets get to the root of the problem, we seldom get to see roots in action but they are crucial to most plants and trees.
Tree of Knowledge