Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 14, 1993 TAG: 9302150310
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: John Arbogast
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
FOR TREE PRUNING, CALL CERTIFIED ARBORIST
Mid- to late winter is an excellent time to prune deciduous shade trees.It should be done by a well-trained, experienced tree service; and now there is a way homeowners can tell who fits those qualifications.
Look for a tree worker who has earned the title of certified arborist. That person, who may use the designation in advertisements, should be able to show you a certificate or wallet card.
There are only a few certified arborists in this area. As homeowners rely more and more on these specialists, maybe additional tree workers will take the time to be certified.
Here's a brief look at why the title of certified arborist is a sign of competency:
Certification is a nongovernmental process and operates without the mandate of law. The certified arborist program is available through the International Society of Arboriculture. Tree professionals, however, do not have to be a member of that society to participate. The title is earned by a candidate's successfully passing an examination on all aspects of tree care. A study guide is used by candidates to prepare.
Tree experience counts, too. An applicant for certification must have at least three years of practical experience or two years of practical experience plus a college degree.
Q: I have two star fruit trees and I would like to know more about them. I planted the seed from a fruit I bought at a store in Virginia. Does this tree need to be grafted? Would it live outside or would I have to keep it in a greenhouse? What type of insects would hurt it most? How about humidity or fungi or too much water on the roots? M.K., Galax
A: Because this fruit tree won't grow in Virginia, I could find very little to help you. I did find from a book I had when I was a student in horticulture that the tree can be grown only in regions free from frost, so that means it can't live outside in our part of the country year-round. I don't know about its greenhouse culture. My book did say that the tree can be propagated from seeds, so I wouldn't think that grafting is needed. Budding, which is similar to grafting, also is mentioned for propagation, though.
Because this is not a native plant, I would have no idea what kind of pests or diseases might be a problem. My book did mention that these trees thrive in a moist climate. Try looking for information in a big library, especially one at a college or university with a good biology or botany program.
Q: I have two gardenia bushes. One is growing beautifully, but the other, which had lots of blooms last year, seems to be dying. Its leaves are curling and turning up. I fertilized both bushes last year. What's wrong? A.W., Boones Mill
A: Look at both the top and roots for clues. The leaf curling could be caused by aphids, which are small, usually-wingless insects that suck juices from leaves, stems and buds. Aphids are fairly easy to control by repeated washings and appropriate use of a pest-control product.
Because gardenias are not winter-hardy, I assume yours are inside. Pesticide use for aphids or any other pest you might find on an indoor plant would be limited to one of the house-plant insect-control products (including insecticide soaps), which would be mild enough and labeled for use indoors.
The curling leaves also could indicate some sort of stress on the plant, such as chilling or soil staying too wet for awhile. Take the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots. Dark, soft roots will indicate root rot. If your investigation does not produce an answer, call your local Extension Service office, which for Franklin County is in Rocky Mount, 483-5161.
READERS! This column is interesting when you write. So, got a question about your lawn, garden, plants, or insects? Write to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010-2491.
Gardener's checklist
Jobs for mid-February:
Vegetable transplants now being grown on a window sill - such as broccoli, cabbage or Brussels sprouts - should be provided with very bright sunlight, a temperature in the 60s, adequate watering and a weak diluted fertilizer solution that is applied every two weeks in order to prevent weak, spindly plants.
Check trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, for bagworm "bags." These look somewhat like a pine cone hanging from branches. Remove them now to reduce the number of eggs that will hatch this spring.
John Arbogast is the agricultural extension agent for Roanoke.