Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 14, 1991 TAG: 9104150344
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: E-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN ARBOGAST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Ginkgoes don't need much attention, except for weekly waterings during dry spells their first couple of growing seasons. Ginkgoes grow slowly, and applying fertilizer to speed their growth likely will not work. Unless the leaves show a light green color, I would not worry about applying extra nutrients.
Their slow growth usually causes ginkgoes to develop a nice shape without pruning, although it is all right to remove lower limbs to allow more working room underneath the branches.
Q: I'd like your advice on a concern. The lawn weed killer 2,4-D was recently being used by a lawn service during windy conditions. A neighbor about 200 feet away from the lawn being sprayed smelled the 2,4-D. Is there anything that can be done? Salem
A: It is up to the lawn service to train its workers to make spraying decisions that avoid the potential problem you describe. As you may know, herbicide 2,4-D will twist and curl the green parts of plants it touches. The reaction in humans exposed to a small amount of this herbicide can vary. In Virginia, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for chemical issues and can be contacted about concerns like yours. The office for our region is in the State Office Building, 210 Church Avenue, Roanoke, telephone 857-7353.
Q: What will get rid of moles? I have tried a lot of things, even Juicy Fruit chewing gum, bleach and mole beans. My back yard is torn up and there are piles of soil 6 inches high. The moles eat my potatoes. Mrs. E.B.L., Covington
A: Moles tunnel looking for grubs and other pests to eat. They normally do not eat vegetables. Because of their tunneling, moles cause slightly raised paths on the surface. If your pest is making 6-inch-high piles of soil and is eating your vegetables, I would guess that you have something other than a mole.
Contact your Virginia Cooperative Extension Service at 330 Court Ave., Covington, telephone 962-0276. Someone there may be able to help you solve the problem.
Q: I have a pink dogwood in my yard that is dying. The trunk and limbs have rotten places on them and some limbs have already died. Is there anything that I can do to save it? J.S.B., Roanoke
A: The rot probably started from an injury or bump. There may not be much that can be done since flowering dogwoods don't heal the way other injured trees.
Injured dogwoods are susceptible to disease organisms that enter wounds. They also are prone to dogwood borers, which are drawn to the injured areas by a scent from the wound. You can prune the dead parts and enjoy what's left for a short time.
Got a question about your plants, lawn, garden, or insects? Write to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010. Gardener's checklist Jobs for third week of April:
In pruning forsythia after the blooms have faded, cut some of the old branches as close to the ground as possible. Forsythia is a multistemmed shrub and should continue to produce new shoots from the base. The newer shoots should bloom better than the old.
To ensure that the dahlia tubers have survived winter storage, bring them into a warm, lit spot to sprout. For early flowers, start dahlias growing in pots.
Circle your calendar for April 30, which is the AVERAGE date of the last frost here in Roanoke. Tender garden plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and many annual flowers, can be safely planted outdoors, although protection may still be needed from unexpected late frost.
by CNB