Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, December 11, 1994 TAG: 9412220012
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN ARBOGAST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: The spacing you select likely will depend on how many years you are willing to wait until the objectionable view is fully blocked. A spacing of 8 feet from center of hole to center of the next hole should allow these fast growing, narrow trees to just barely touch in about 20 years, which might be the length of usefulness in the landscape of this tree.
However, a slightly closer spacing of 6 feet on center will let the trees touch at an earlier age and yet allow enough space for proper growth. This quick growth assumes that the soil is reasonably fertile, moist and well drained, even though the Leyland cypress is advertised to grow on poor sites.
Plant the cypresses at least 4 feet back from the property line.
Q: This spring I was visited with a plague of carpenter ants that strolled through my house, scampered along my deck and climbed my locust trees. What's the recommended way to deal with these unwelcome visitors? P.T.
A: If the ants were actually the carpenter ant species, they were a signal that there is wet or decayed wood somewhere in the vicinity; wet wood is a requirement for their nest. So, if this occurs again, find the source of the ants by investigating all the nesting possibilities, which would include decaying tree stumps, outbuildings, garden structures, etc.
Not all large black ants are carpenter ants. Ants in general need some moisture or dampness, so the absence of rotting wood means that one should look for ant nests in spots known to hold humidity, such as the rough bark of locust trees, or anywhere in the ground where plants or moss grows. I don't have the '95 pesticide recommendations from Virginia Tech yet, so I can't say what should be used on ant nests you'll find next year.
Q: About six years ago I ordered a lemon tree and an orange tree. The advertisement showed beautiful trees filled with luscious-looking fruit. When they arrived, both were about 3 inches tall with maybe four tiny leaves each. One died almost immediately, but the other is now about 61/2 feet tall and thriving. It lives in a big pot in my solarium in the winter and outside from spring to fall. I have no idea if it's the orange or lemon. For the last three years it has produced lots of pink blossoms which wither and die after about two weeks. Will it ever produce fruit? Although it is tall and seemingly healthy, its trunk is only about an inch in diameter; I doubt if it could bear the weight of much fruit. Please give your suggestions. P.B., Roanoke
A: The death of the citrus flowers without the start of any fruit on a vigorous plant is likely due to failure to meet one of the following growing needs required for pollination and fruit development: cool location with nights under 60 degrees; at least 50 percent humidity; bright light (that tall but skinny trunk could be a sign of inadequate light); even moisture; clean foliage washed with warm water; repotting as necessary to avoid pot-bound condition using standard well-drained mix with peat added; and diluted fertilizing every two weeks when new growth is being made.
Q: Please suggest what tree should be planted to produce a timber crop in 20 or 25 years on nine acres of gently rolling land. How far apart, etc.? R.E.C., Vinton
A: Contact the Virginia Department of Forestry under state government listings to locate a timber management specialist. It might be necessary for a person to visit this site before a recommendation can be made for tree species.
Send short questions about your lawn, garden, plants, or insects to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. We need your mail, but this column can't reply to all letters. Those of wide appeal will be answered each week. Personal replies cannot be given. PLEASE DON'T SEND STAMPS, STAMPED ENVELOPES, SAMPLES OR PICTURES.
by CNB