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Q: |
I just planted a new lawn with
seeds in the middle of March and it is now growing, but where the grass is
is elm trees. Every year we get those pesky weeds that grow under elm trees.
How can I get rid of these weeds now before they choke out my new grass?
S., Pueblo, 4/21/08 |
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A: |
It is too soon to apply weed
killer to a recently seeded new lawn. You should not apply a weed
killer until the lawn has been mowed 4 or 5 times. At that time you can
use a weed killer for broadleaf weeds in turf. Once the lawn is
established you can use pre-emergent weed killers that prevent weeds
from growing.
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Q: |
My husband and I bought our
house in Denver last August and the house came with about 20 rose bushes. We
pruned them back quite a bit last fall as our thinking was they have been
neglected and overgrown. I'm afraid we went prune happy but we have
fertilized them with rose food already and new growth is showing so it looks
like there is hope. What is the rule of thumb in terms of cutting back roses
for the winter? Did we do the right thing by cutting them back to encourage
new and healthy growth? R. B., Denver, 4/21/08 |
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A: |
Roses in this area are only lightly
pruned in fall. Major pruning is done in late April or early May. You
should apply fertilizer right after you prune in late April or early May.
You do not want to encourage new growth too early. Late spring frosts will
kill new growth. Fertilize every 4 - 6 weeks. Stop fertilization in
mid-August to allow the plants to harden off for winter weather. |
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Q:: |
I have a 30 ft. ash tree that
has had beautiful leaves until this past year. The leaves became curly.
What's wrong and how do I treat it?
Also, I read on your Q&A not to trim maple trees until after it has
leaves because of the sap. I already trimmed it and it did leak sap. What
now? J. T., Colorado Springs, 4/20/08 |
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A: |
The ash tree's leaves probably
curled due to aphids. You should hose off the leaves with a strong jet
of water this spring on a regular basis. If that doesn't control the
aphids spray the tree with an insecticidal soap solution. Use a
stronger pesticide only as a last resort.
The maple's pruning cuts will eventually
heal over and the leaking sap will stop. The tree hasn't been harmed.
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Q:: |
Hi! I was wondering if you
have any suggestions on how to protect my raised vegetable beds from
deer. I live in Buena Vista, CO, and can't seem to find an effective and
affordable solution. S. S., Buena Vista, 4/10/08 |
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A: |
Fabric row covers or mesh netting
supported by hoops may protect the vegetable beds from deer. |
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Q:: |
We have a large Quaking Aspen
tree in our yard that is in full bud and looks very healthy. However,
there is, what looks like, about an inch long cut on the trunk that runs
horizontal to the tree and has quite a bit of sap running out of the
cut. What would cause this and is this a threat to the tree's health?
S. R., Bayfield, 4/8/08 |
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A: |
The cut in the aspen tree may
have been caused by a rapid drop in temperature (frost crack), sunscald,
mechanical injury or other cause. The wound should gradually heal. Any
wound makes a tree more susceptible to an attack by disease organisms or
pests. Keep an eye on it and treat with a pesticide or fungicide if
necessary. |
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Q:: |
I have a couple rose bushes
still in containers that have already started blooming in our solarium.
When should we take them out of the containers and plant them safely.
Mid-May seems to be the general consensus. Thanks in advance! B. T.,
Thornton, 4/8/08 |
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A: |
The advice you have received on
planting the roses is correct. They can be planted after May 15th.
Because the roses have been in the solarium you should harden them off
by putting them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing
the amount of time they are outdoors, during the week prior to planting
them. If we get a weather forecast of a late spring frost after you've
planted them, cover them with a sheet in the evening and remove it the
next morning.
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