We have a hedge of conifers along the side wall of our back garden, but recently, our next door neighbour has begun heavy digging and construction work in his garden. We think that the conifers' roots may have been damaged by this - one has died completely and a couple of others have branches beginning to go brown, though some still look healthy. Is there any way we can compensate for the root damage and save the trees, for example, by applying fertilizer to the soil, or watering more frequently? If so, what's the best way to go about it?
2006-09-29 05:07:26 · 5 answers · asked by shootimus_maximus 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
If you're seeing any significant needle-drop, that probably means the roots have been damaged. Rather than fertilize, my advice is to begin mixing some bagged compost in with the soil where the roots have been damaged. You can also mix in a little chicken and steer manure as well.
The reason I suggest this is that the compost and manures contain beneficial bacteria and fungi that will help prevent diseases and root invading insects from becoming established into the roots of your conifers. These beneficial microbes will form a barrier around the roots and nuture them to health. Chicken and steer manures contribute their own beneficial microbes and the soil can utilize the diversity.
Keep the soil moist, not saturated (although I'm sure with the fall and winter rains approaching, this won't be a problem). It's also a good idea to scatter about 4 inches of mulch (wood chips or bark) around the treated area to help retain the moisture.
If you can, apply Phosphorous and Potassium to the soil and avoid any nitrogen at this time. Phosporous and Potassium will help aid in the recovery of the damaged trees by promoting root and plant growth. Applying a fertilizer containing a high amount of nitrogen, at this time, would probably do more harm than good. It's better if you wait about 6 to 9 months before making an application of a fertilizer....something like a 10-10-10.
Hope this information will help you save those conifers!
GOOD LUCK!
2006-09-29 20:48:11 · answer #1 · answered by jazzmaninca2003 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could ask the neighbor if they have insurance coverage for the damage to your conifers. Maybe it would pay to replace them.
2006-09-29 05:39:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
best to have tree trimmed back . roots are what supply trunk & limbs food. HOUCK TREE SERV. 9164415165
2006-09-29 07:25:51 · answer #3 · answered by tom8kimh@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In-ground surgery?
2006-09-29 05:08:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably not...they may die...ususally if you have root damage there is no way to fix it.
2006-09-29 05:15:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋