June 2, 2011

Here's Randy's Weekly KTRH GardenLine Tip:

Issue #214

I had a first-time caller on GardenLine last weekend who I knew was also a never-time listener because of his reaction to my answers.

I basically told him that all his problems were caused by weed-and-feed products with atrazine.

And he didn't believe for a minute that manufacturers themselves warn that a weed-and-feed shouldn't be used around trees.

A warning is written right on the bag, but it's apparent, even after all the years and all the advice I've given, that some people do not read labels. It's an ominous warning, too. The manufacturer bluntly states its own product could kill trees!

Take a moment to read the warning. It says very clearly, "Do not apply on or under the branch spread (root zone) of trees, shrubs, bedding plants, flowers or garden plants." Remember the root zone reaches several feet beyond the drip-line of every tree.

Now, some homeowners may have been using such products for years, but right now things are different. They can actually see a tree die from the practice in a couple of weeks, thanks to the oppressive heat and lack of rain.

And that's the ultimate problem. The microscopic roots of trees and shrubs are attempting to absorb anything and everything in order to stay alive. So, those infant roots pick up the herbicide, the atrazine goes into overdrive, and it burns the roots and throws the tree into distress.

How many Houston lawns do you know of that don't have trees?

So, is there anything you can do if you've already made this mistake? Yes!

1. Stop using weed-and-feeds immediately.
2. Start watering the root systems thoroughly to dilute the chemical herbicide.
3. Start your tree(s) on a deep-root watering/feeding regimen immediately, using organic foods.
4. Talk to a certified arborist to see if a tree in distress is worth trying to save.

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