Baby redbud needs extra TLC in unseasonable heat
Changing your watering routine and applying a ‘starter fertilizer’ might help pep up a stressed tree
Q: I planted a young redbud tree earlier this year, made the “moat” to hold the water when it gets watered (still every day) and have never neglected it. It looks sad and a bit droopy, especially just after three o’clock each day. Am I doing anything wrong and is there anything I should do for this baby tree? — N.G., Albuquerque
A: Some of the trouble the redbud could be having is the heat. Since it’s been unseasonably hot so early this year, I think the tree is just having a more difficult time settling in.
First thing I’d suggest is about watering. Try splitting the water. What I mean is instead of filling the moat just once a day split it. Water about a third less in the morning and then again water after 7 p.m. well after the heat of the day has passed. That way the tree will have a more consistent water supply instead of having to woof up gobs of water and then not having any later to draw from.
Also I’d suggest an application of a “starter fertilizer.” Fertilizer isn’t the proper wood for this stuff as I liken it to a multi-vitamin for plants. There are usually chemicals within that help the roots of the newly planted re-group. Often roots get disturbed enough during the transplant that they sort of get stunted or stop doing their job — bringing water to the above ground growth.
I have used a product that comes from the Fertilome Co. called — amazingly — “Root Stimulator.” How’s that for simple labeling! There is another product I’ve used called “Superthrive” that I’ve seen work wonders when applied to truly stressed plants.
Now there are two secrets to the application of any root stimulator type of product. First, follow the manufacturer’s dilution “recipe” to the letter. More is certainly NOT better! Second, water the plant life just before applying the properly diluted product. Remember you never apply “fertilizer” on what is referred to as “dry root,” ever.
Know too that you can apply the root starter to any size piece of plant life. From the largest ball & burlap tree down to wee four-pack flowers and vegetables. And with challenges facing anything you plan on planting now they’ll appreciate the leg up to have an easier go of settling in.
One more thought is if you are going to do more planting it would be to plant in the late afternoon for the time being. It’s been getting so hot daily that given an extra couple of hours of less stress so to speak, you’d give them an added advantage that way.
Short of being able to change the weather, that’s all I can think of to help the redbud now. Split the watering schedule and get it some root stimulator. See if that helps. This young redbud just needs a bit more TLC for a while yet but with your consistent care and Mother Nature allowing, it’ll be OK.
Garden Tour
It’s almost time you guys! The 9th Annual Corrales Garden Tour is nearly here! Spend some time waltzing through six home gardens to see what you can see! Sunday, June 3, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with the purchase of a ticket, you are granted access to gardens that thrive here in the Village of Corrales. Tickets purchased in advance of the event are $12 and available at Plants of the Southwest on North Fourth St., Osuna Nursery, Alameda Greenhouse, Jericho Nursery on Alameda, also at Frontier Mart and Village Mercantile in Corrales until June 2. The day of the tour the ticket price increases to $15 and they are available only at the “tents” at either end of the Village. It’s a lovely way to spend a day seeing how several gardeners have worked their land into spaces to soothe the soul. Happy Diggin’ In!
Need tips on growing your garden? Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send your garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103, or to features@ abqjournal.com.