WE ALL LOVE SITTING IN THE SHADE OF A BIG OLD TREE, ENJOYING CHRISTMAS AND THE SUMMER.
Discover expert tips for nurturing shade-giving trees and creating a cooler summer oasis, as we consult the Campaspe Shire Council Parks and Gardens team on tree care, pruning and managing garden issues.
TREES
Mulching: Spread an even ring of mulch around the base of your tree to the dripline if possible. But not against the trunk. Mulching offers many benefits. It retains moisture, suppresses weed growth, protects the roots from extreme temperatures and helps feed the tree nutrients as the mulch breaks down.
Pruning: With our street trees we prune to the 1/3 and 2/3 theory. Trim off the bottom 1/3 of branches leaving the tree to send its energy to the top 2/3 of its canopy. This will help you achieve a fuller healthier tree.
Remove any damaged or diseased branches.
Watering: Give a light water regularly or a heavy water less often. This can be tricky depending on your soil. Most of our soil is a heavy clay that retains water, so you can easily over water your plants. Lighter soil or free draining soil will need a more regular water.
To check if your tree requires water, you can buy a moisture metre from a garden centre, but the easy way is just scrape away the mulch around the drip line of the tree. If it is dry it needs water.
PRUNING
Roses: Prune spent blooms and dead wood to encourage a second flush of flowers. Cut back to an outward-facing bud to promote an open structure.
Lavender: Trim back the flower spikes once they have faded, but avoid cutting into old wood as it may not regrow.
Hydrangeas: Remove spent flowers and thin out old stems to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
Fuchsias: Cut back leggy growth to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushier growth.
Citrus trees: Lightly prune to remove any dead or crossing branches, which helps improve sunlight penetration and air circulation.
Best techniques:
Use sharp tools: Ensure your pruning shears and loppers are sharp to make clean cuts, reducing the risk of disease.
Cut at an angle: Make cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from sitting on the cut surface, which can lead to rot.
Disinfect tools: Clean your tools between plants to prevent the spread of disease.
Prune early in the day: Pruning in the cooler part of the day helps reduce stress on the plants.
INFESTATIONS
Gardening presents challenges, especially when it comes to dealing with bug and mould infestations.
Here are some tips to help you keep your garden healthy and productive.
Identify pests and moulds: Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Moulds such as powdery mildew and downy mildew are also prevalent due to the region’s climate.
Natural remedies: Eco Oil is a versatile solution that works well against many pests and can help control mould. A homemade spray of water and dish soap can effectively deter aphids and whiteflies. For mould, a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied to affected plants.
Attract beneficial insects: Encourage natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory beetles by planting flowers such as marigolds, daisies, and alyssum. These insects help keep pest populations in check.
Maintain garden hygiene: Regularly remove dead leaves and plant debris to prevent mould growth. Ensure proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation, which helps reduce mould.
Use organic pesticides: If natural remedies are insufficient, opt for organic pesticides that are safe for the environment and non-toxic to humans and pets. Products containing pyrethrin can be effective against a range of pests.