I predict this week's tip sheet will be the most passed-around, linked-to edition we've done in years, because it will cover every aspect of tree care you could possibly hope for. From deep-root feeding, tree removal, and planting new trees to do-it-yourself advice and tips on hiring the experts - all things trees.
First, let's talk about weed-and-feed fertilizers. (This is still about trees ... just bear with me for a moment.)
I got an email two days ago from a guy who rather harshly accused me of killing his tree because he used only weed-and-feed fertilizer with atrazine, and he had been using it for years. How does he know that his tree was killed by the weed-and-feed? Because a certified arborist gave him the diagnosis.
When he eventually admitted he doesn't actually listen to GardenLine, or receive these email tips, or read any of my books, he promptly threw his neighbor under the bus. He said he was following his neighbor's advice and that the neighbor said he got the advice from me. Well, obviously the neighbor doesn't listen either. For the record, I've always advised against the use of weed-and-feed fertilizers with atrazine. And, as anyone who actually listens to GardenLine can attest, I have for over 15 years.
Anyway, that got me thinking about trees in general and how there are so many tree topics to cover at this time of year. I had emailed my accuser a couple links for educational purposes (and to prove my point), and it made me think about all the sources I could provide for everyone on the topic of trees.
So, first, here are the two links I sent to the nasty emailer. This one is to a story that Jeff Ehling, Channel 13's consumer reporter, did about the effect of atrazine-based weed-and-feeds on trees. And here is an email tip I did last summer warning about how bad weed-and-feeds are on tree roots during a drought.
Then, the cascade of possible tree links just poured into my mind. Here is Affordable Tree Service, the company I recommend for all tree work, especially for removing all the dead trees that came courtesy of last summer's drought. If you are a do-it-yourselfer who wants to cut down your own trees, check with the experts at SawHouse for the best chain saws in the business.
H2O Conservation Technology can guarantee the health of your still-living trees with "permanent deep-root watering technology." Call them if you are having trouble figuring out if a tree is still alive, and/or if your want to know if one is worth saving.
If you want to deep-root water/feed your own trees, check this DIY tip sheet. And if you want to replace a dead tree, read my Planting Trees tip sheet and the Top Dozen Trees I've recommended for years.
And where would you get such trees? Here are four of the bigger tree farms I know of that can provide the right trees and even do the professional planting if you'd like.
RCW Nursery
Shades of Texas
U.S. Trees of Texas
Verdant Tree Farm
So, there you have it - a compilation of everything you could ever need that's tree-related. So, I should never again have to take a phone call on the air about tree care, right?! Yeah, I know! Who am I kidding? And I'll probably still have people accusing me of recommending weed-and-feeds. I'll just consider it a bit of job security.
Randy Lemmon's GardenLine is heard 6-10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays,
exclusively on NewsRadio 740 KTRH.
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