Four more tree problems
Squirrels
Squirrels can be a major headache for gardeners, gnawing at branches and girdling trees.
Conifer aphid
A common problem in many conifer species. Aphids cause sooty mould growth and in severe cases, branch dieback.
Honey fungus
One of the most devastating diseases for gardeners, honey fungus will eventually kill infected trees and shrubs.
Coral spot
Coral spot is a fungal disease of a wide range woody plants, causing raised pink pustules and branches to die back.
Q When’s the best time to plant trees?
Louisa White, by email
A
Evergreens are best planted in autumn or spring into a soil warm from the summer or warming up in the spring. Avoid planting in mid-winter as evergreens just sit in cold soil and make little root growth, but still lose moisture through the foliage.
Deciduous trees are best planted when out of leaf over the winter but, again, getting them in the ground in late autumn while the soil is still warm is ideal. Trees planted when coming into leaf in spring require careful watering to remain healthy.
You can, in theory, plant container-grown trees in the middle of summer, but bear in mind that they will need much more attention and regular watering than they do the rest of the year to get them through hot and dry spells.