Crape myrtle topping is so prolific that quite a few homeowners do it calendar year right after calendar year devoid of knowing why. Eliminating branches encourages more substantial, despite the fact that less a lot of, blooms it is a upkeep undertaking effortlessly attained by landscape corporations in the course of a sluggish season.
Scientific tests increasingly backlink crape myrtle topping, also acknowledged as crape murder, with crape myrtle bark scale. Crape murder outcomes in excessive new bark tissue that just takes place to be a nice, cozy dwelling for this invasive insect. It then produces a honeydew that gives foodstuff and problems for sooty mould. The fungus is obvious as a black layer on tree branches. While not every tree is infested yet, it is not really hard to obtain on a brief travel.
Much more ON GARDENING: Crape myrtles and murder
Distribute the term to cease this follow, not only simply because the outcome is hideous in some scenarios, but also for the reason that it is executing much more hurt than superior to the health of your crape myrtle tree.
Instead, prune useless, crossing or harmed limbs, as very well as suckers rising from the ground. Selectively prune the canopy if it wants to be thinned by taking away smaller twigs and branches that block air move from the centre of the plant. This is very best completed when dormant, a time that is soon to end.
Spring lawn care
Wait around to fertilize your garden right until it has developed adequate to be mowed at least 2 times. April is an best time. Turf grass grows new roots in the spring. Added nutrition motivate leaf progress, which will take away from what occurs down below the soil. All attempts really should be produced to inspire a potent root system right before summer season. In addition, fertilizing too early will mean much more leached vitamins.
To assistance lessen chemical runoff into our waterways, implement the suggested quantity of fertilizer when it is time, keep away from application near to bodies of water and prevent overwatering the lawn. In many instances, fertilizer might not be desired. Indication up at watermyyard.org for customized watering tips based on area, precipitation and your irrigation method.
In the yard
Decorative grasses like Pennisetum, miscanthus and muhly will be putting out new growth. If you have not trimmed them back, do as before long as attainable so the suggestions of new green leaves are not slash.
March 1 was the last normal freeze date for Interest Airport. You know what that means. It is time to plant! Sow snap and lima beans, Swiss chard, corn, cucumbers, mustard, radish, summertime and winter squash. Plant transplants of eggplant, pepper, sweet potato slips and tomatoes.
Plant revenue and gardening situations
HARRIS COUNTY Grasp GARDENER FRUIT TREE SALE: Obtain on the web now though March 16, or in particular person through the sale day. On line orders are encouraged for the best variety. Annual Learn Gardener income are the primary fundraisers for the 12 months that assist gardening outreach. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 18, Genoa Friendship Gardens, 1210 Genoa Red Bluff. To purchase on line, pay a visit to hcmga.tamu.edu/shop.
MARCH FOR MONARCHS: Master about the monarch northern migration to summer months breeding grounds even though using a back garden stroll. Contributors will uncover backyard monarch-welcoming ideas, then be handled to snacks, crafts and video games. Offered by Houston Botanic Garden. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 18. $15 for workshop and typical admission to the backyard garden. Free of charge for associates. 1 Botanic Lane. Sign up at hbg.org.
Open up Garden Day: All are welcome to the Harris County Grasp Gardener Demonstration Back garden, Genoa Friendship Gardens. Tour a selection of planting exhibits and fulfill AgriLife Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Fruit trees nevertheless available from the plant sale will be available for buy, in addition to plants in the greenhouse. 8:30-11 a.m. March 20, Genoa Friendship Gardens, 1210 Genoa Pink Bluff.
Brandi Keller is a Harris County Horticulture Agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
