Feed and water trees now as a matter of emergency
TREES or shrubs planted during the past 12 to 18 months will be at risk from the drought.
Those showing stress should be watered copiously as soon as possible. Healthy-looking youngsters will also benefit from generous watering.
Sprinklers or irrigators could be less effective than watering the ground around the bases of the plants.
With small plants, a can or two will suffice. With larger ones, if hosepipes are permitted in your area, soak the ground around the shrub. The roots will radiate outwards, so water the ground below the branches, not just at the trunk.
If grass or vegetation grows up to the trunks of young plants, it’s best to remove that first. After watering, a mulch laid over the cleared ground will help to reduce evaporation.
Watering now could also initiate new growth. In early August, shrubs and trees often produce new shoots. This is known as ‘lammas growth’ and, with young trees the bonus growth helps hasten maturity.
Containerised shrubs or small trees could also benefit from feeding now. Use a general purpose plant-food with balanced nutrients, rather than the high-potash tomato feeds commonly used on floral containers.
Evergreens such as hollies and camellias can grow particularly well during August, so keep yours well-watered.
Never allow camellias to dry out during summer, or they’ll drop their buds next winter before the flowers have opened.