First planting of an Eldarica Pine Tree

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Dutchman09 3Pts., AZ(Zone 9a) Dec 30, 2013

I live southwest of Tucson, Az. and just planted a 5 foot Afghan (Eldarica) Pine Tree. The hole is twice the size of the root ball all around. I loosened the soil all around the inside of the hole. I loosened some surface soil from the root ball with a strong stream of water from a hose after taking it out of the 10 gallon plastic pot. I back filled with a mixture of 1/3 Cactus soil, 1/3 Potting soil and 1/3 of the excavated soil. I am deep soaking the roots by slowly letting the water cover the bottom of the 4 foot wide Moat for about two hours every other day instead of using a soaker hose. I think this soaking is more beneficial to the roots.

My question is for how many days should I deep soak the roots since it is acclimated to the desert environment and is it necessary to fertilize once in the spring and once in the fall?

Thumbnail by Dutchman09 Thumbnail by Dutchman09
Post #9737044
Quote
WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Dec 30, 2013

Hi Dutchman, you have done a good job, most folks never make the planting holes wide or deep enough when planting tree's or shrubs,
I have no idea of your temps but, as you say the tree has been acclimatised, I would not be watering every second / third day but maybe once a week instead. Maybe fill the indent around the tree 2 times per week, that is fill up once, then allow that water to drain, then refill again, for the first few weeks you can stick your fingers into the soil close to the roots, IF soil is bone dry, then water as I gave instructions for, if a few inches down the soil is still damp, don't water.
things that show as stress to the tree is needle drop, yellowing of the foliage, needles or tips of branches looking soft or drooping, these are all signs that the tree is under stress and either needs water (Check soil before you flood as too much water can stress the tree also) or th need shade from blazing hot sun, or feed is required, insect or aphids show as sticky deposit on foliage, or see flying insects being stuck to foliage, best remove sticky deposit by misting with the hose, infact that misting would be good IF the weather gets too hot, and you need to mist the underside of the branches.
Maybe others in your area can help you better than me but I feel if no one else come in then my care instructions are fine also.
Best of luck. WeeNel.

Post #9737077
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP