fertilize new tree?
ricsin1 – posted 29 October 2009 13:52
Just planted a crepe mrytle (15 gallon size) on Oct 18th, 2009 I wanted to know if I could use a fertilizer [Bondie 4-10-3 Root & Grow Fertilizer] or should I just water and fertilize next spring 2010.
I wanted the root system get developed as soon as possible before winter comes. The leaves turned yellow/orange and fell off since I’ve planted on Oct 18th and today it just seems dry?
I’m in Atlanta, GA 30314
GSU Eagle – posted 29 October 2009 13:57
I have sold these trees for years in the ATL area…Once you plant it, mulch it well, keep it moist through the winter and spring, and in April, you can apply a general purpose fertilizer. Not before April, though, as applying any N will trick the plant into trying to produce new growth, which will not work out well for you…And prune it in late January to the size you want it to be.
ricsin1 – posted 29 October 2009 15:01
even if its a low N fertilizer? like “4-10-3” still no until spring?
saltcedar – posted 01 November 2009 06:51
No fert. til Spring because you don’t want to encourage late growth which would be killed by freezing weather soon to come.
Incidentally you should never HAVE TO prune a Crepe Myrtle. If you do (other than seed removal/dead branches)You’ve purchased the wrong variety or planted ittoo close to something else. There are types less thanknee high to 35ft. so choose the one to best suited to your site.
[This message has been edited by saltcedar (edited 01 November 2009).]
GSU Eagle – posted 03 November 2009 12:57
Crape myrtles need to be cleaned up to look their best. No “crape murder” as we call it in GA, which is done with a chain saw…Smooth trunk, umbrella shaped crepe myrtles (Natchez, Catawba, Miami, Dynamite, Tuskegee, Tuscarora) are very striking specimens in any landscape.Watch out for Japanese beetles and over-watering….
ricsin1 – posted 03 November 2009 13:28
I just brought one of those TREE GATOR water irrigation bags. I brought the tree in a 15 gallon container and planted on Oct 18, 2009.
The tree gator bag holds 15 gallons of water and slowly releases it over 5-8 hours. I tested it today -filled with water at 9:20am – its 3:27 right now and its still not fully empty ….
How often should I water this new tree?Is 15 gallons/ week enough to too much..
GSU Eagle – posted 04 November 2009 12:32
It just depends on how much rain you are receiving. 15 gallons a week for your tree is a good number, as long as the soil isn’t soggy or saturated.When the crape myrtle is established it is very drought tolerant and should not be over-watered.
I almost forgot Do Not over water. Floratan /Seville all strains of St. Augustine are suseptible to fungus from over…
I am from the north and it has taken me five yrs to learn and undertand seville lawns. No 1…
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