We are approaching the best time to plant trees in our area.
Fall is ideal because it allows the plant to establish a root system in the
new soil long before shoot growth is initiated the next spring.
Root activity takes place in relatively cool soil even though the tops (shoot)
is not actively growing. Also, usually less supplementary water will be required in
late fall and early winter.
Trees and Hurricanes
We were really lucky in regards to Hurricane Katrina and spared the
devastation that our neighbors to the east of us sustained. One point I would like
to bring out now is about what trees did well and what trees failed.
The first point and key fact to remember is never plant trees that can
reach a tall height and large crown within 20-30 feet of a home or structure.
Preferably they should be at least 30 feet away.
Another key point to remember is that most fast growing trees are short
lived trees. I say this because I get calls all the time where the person will say I
want to plant a fast growing tree. That’s fine, but keep in mind that fast growing
trees are short lived or problem trees. Two good examples are water oak and
Arizona ash.
Trees that had problems for Katrina and other storms in the past are often
called victim or weak wood trees.
These trees either had a lot of limb and stem breakage or were up-rooted.
They include:
● Water Oaks
● Pecans
● Red Cedar
● Pines
● Ash
● Elms
Another point to remember is that there is no perfect tree. There are
many factors involved as to when, how, and why some trees perform better
than others. Survivor trees are the ones that are compact, have a major tap root
and well-developed secondary roots and a low center of gravity. One of the best
survivor trees is the Live Oak. Others include Baldcypress, Palms, Cow Oak and
American Holly. These are just a few. They are good examples of trees that
once they are established, will survive a storm.
Remember what was said earlier though.
● There is no perfect tree.
● Plant trees that have the potential to be tall and a large canopy at
least 30 feet from a home or structure.
● Fast growing trees are usually short lived and weak structural trees.
If you would like to discuss your tree species and placement give me a call
at 873-6495.
Garlic Planting
Now is the time to begin planting Garlic in your garden. Planting a true
clove in October should provide a plant that produces a cloving bulb in late
spring. Tahiti or elephant garlic is the largest and mildest. The Italian and
Creole varieties are smaller and stronger. Most require between 200 – 215 days
from plant to harvest.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
There are two very popular fall vegetables that small gardeners can plant
and enjoy and can be planted now.
Broccoli should be spaced 6-12 inches apart and cauliflower about 12-18
inches apart. Both of these shallow-rooted plants respond to fairly high rates of
fertilizer. Apply 4-6 pounds of 8-8-8 per 100 feet of row. Sidedress with about a
pint of ammonium nitrate per 100 feet of row about two to four weeks after
transplanting. Two to three added sidedressings at two week intervals will
increase yields.
For those of you that like to try new things there is a yellow head variety
cauliflower called 51J Cheddar from Stokes Seed Company and a purple head
variety cauliflower called “Graffiti” F1 from Johnsons Seed Company. They will
grow well here and give you those LSU colors to enjoy and eat.
Question: My grass continues to turn brown and die in large circular areas. What
is causing this?
Answer: I have looked at several yards like this in the past few weeks mainly in
St. Augustine lawns. The culprits have been two insects. Most of the have been
chinch bugs and also sod webworms. They have been feasting on the lawns for
awhile. You need to treat as I have seen some yards almost completely gone.
Products to use are Talstar 10 WP or 50% Seven.
Information provided by Barton Joffrion, County Agent LSU AgCenter. If you have any questions or need more information please call 985-873-6495 or email at bjoffrion@agcenter.lsu.edu or Terrebonne@agcenter.lsu.edu.