Sapsuckers: The Troublesome Woodpeckers
- Sapsuckers drill holes in tree trunks and main branches, allowing the holes to fill with sap, and then drink the accumulated liquid.
- The holes are often in rows, which can damage trees, especially when the holes extend all the way around the trunk.
- Multiple holes can lead to the death of trees.
While sapsuckers are typically a nuisance, they can be prevented from causing damage to trees by employing a few simple methods. If sapsuckers are noticed early enough, the tree is usually fine. Several methods can be used to persuade the birds to locate elsewhere. Wrapping the area of activity with burlap, aluminum foil, or cardboard can be effective, if the area is within reach. A sticky material created by the Tanglefoot company can also be used to repel birds. The gooey substance doesn’t harm trees, but will quickly dissuade birds when applied to the area of activity.
Scare tactics can sometimes work, at least short term, such as Mylar balloons and aluminum pie tins suspended from the branches. However, these methods may need to be repeated regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Rhubarb: A Plant to Divide with Care
Rhubarb is a popular perennial vegetable, and its divisions are often shared among friends and family. However, dividing a rhubarb plant can be a delicate process. The preferred time to acquire a division is in early spring, just as new growth is emerging from the ground, or in September around Labor Day.
Dividing a rhubarb plant when it’s in full leaf is more stressful than doing the operation in spring or fall. If you and your neighbor would like to try digging and moving an “offset” of his rhubarb plant this time of year, prepare the new location ahead of time, dig and move the division rapidly without letting roots dry out, and plant quickly, followed by thorough watering.
Digging and replanting a rhubarb division this time of year carries greater risk of something going wrong, but it can be done. If you opt to move it now, provide some wind and sun protection for a week or two to help the plant adjust to its new home.
Apple Trees: A Matter of Patience
Haralson apple trees, like many other apple varieties, can take several years to begin producing fruit. Some varieties, such as Haralson, can require nine years of growth before fruiting. This means that patience is often required.
One thing that can be done to promote healthy growth and fruiting is to limit lawn fertilizer in the proximity of apple trees. Lawn fertilizer is high in nitrogen, which stimulates leafy growth, often at the expense of flowering and fruiting. By avoiding fertilizers over the apple’s root zone, you can encourage the tree to focus its energy on developing strong branches and vigorous roots.
Commercial apple orchards will often remove apples that form prematurely on trees younger than the expected fruiting age. This practice helps to prevent the tree from being sap-sucked, which can take its energy away from the formation of strong branches and roots.
