Digging Deeper
Let it cope with the damage itself at this stage. The tree will “self prune,” allowing some branches to die back to reach a proper balance so the volume of root system can support the top growth. Watch your tree carefully this year so it does not lack for water during dry spells. Marylanders expect at least one drought each summer, but we also can have droughts in spring or fall. An easy-to-see rain gauge is a huge help determining exactly how much water your plants are getting, since rainfall is often spotty or localized. Overfertilizing will stress your tree. A one-half- to one-inch layer of compost over the root system would fertilize it naturally. Prune out dead branches. Next year, in early spring, you can shape the tree somewhat. Normally holly can handle drastic pruning, but that would put tremendous stress on this tree until it has had a couple of years to adjust to its new root capacity.
You take the chance that seed may rot or be eaten by birds before the soil warms enough, usually March through April. To germinate, seed needs to stay consistently moist. Weed competition is fierce in spring. It’s not the ideal time to sow grass. (Aug. 15-Oct. 15 is best.) Tender seedlings also require watering through the summer and often don’t survive the heat. Expect to overseed in fall. Though more expensive, sod may be your best option. For seeding basics, read Lawn Establishment, Renovation and Overseeding on the HGIC website.
Lovely lavender and purple canes in winter mean juicy black raspberries ahead. Black raspberries are the earliest of the small fruits to ripen. But all brambles, including red raspberries and blackberries, along with blueberries, are great producers for home gardeners. They produce the most fruit in the least space with the least insect and disease problems. It’s the Year of the Small Fruits on the UMD Home and Garden Information website. The blog of the Grow It Eat It section will be loaded with firsthand experiences and tips. This is in addition to the website’s usual cultural information on each small fruit, including grapes. (Click on Fruit on the homepage.) Pruning, for instance, is crucial for smallfruit success. A black raspberry plant has a rooted crown which produces crazy-long canes. Canes need to be pruned to about one yard tall and side shoots pruned to one foot for the most berries. Details for each small fruit are on the website.