We’re well into winter, but gardening questions never end. Get answers from Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University’s Extension Service. OSU Extension faculty and Master Gardeners reply to queries within two business days, usually less. To ask a question, simply go to the OSU Extension website and type in a question and the county where you live. Here are some questions asked by other gardeners. What’s yours?
Q: We lost about 20 feet off the top of a Ponderosa pine when the ice storm hit Eugene last month. There are still about 30 to 40 feet of needles left on the tree. The wood that is left on the top is about 8 to 10 inches in diameter. Can we expect the tree to survive, or is it time to cut it down? – Lane County
A: If the tree was healthy before the top broke off then the tree would likely respond well and choose a branch to become the new top and live on. Since the tree now has a wound a fungus could and likely has been introduced that could weaken the tree and potentially increase its vulnerability to other health problems. Trees can live a long time with health problems, but with increasing drought cycles and insect blooms that time is slowly being shortened. If we have another ice storm there is potential for the tree to break again because it now has a weak spot. Additionally, spring is when beetles emerge and start to look for new hosts. A weakened tree would be a preferred home for bark beetles. If you live in town then this chance is lower, but still possible.
Long story short, if the tree isn’t in danger of hitting your house, wait and see. Trees with broken tops can live long into the future and bring scenery with great character. Plus, woodpeckers like to eat the beetles. However, if it is in striking distance of your home, I would think about having it removed because now that there is a weak spot there is a higher probability of that tree being able to break again. – Lauren Grand, OSU Extension forester
Q: About three years ago we received a daylily plant from back East. After planting, it grew nicely but did not flower. I was told the since the plant was planted close to a maple tree that that was the reason. So, last year we relocated the plant but still no flowers this past spring. Did we just get a plant that doesn’t flower? Or does it take more than one or two years before it will flower? – Deschutes County
A: One of the main reasons that prevent daylilies from blooming is if the crowns are planted too deeply. The crown should be planted about 1 inch below soil level. Additionally, daylilies need at least six hours of sunlight to bloom. A full-sun and well-drained site is best. I am guessing it likely did not bloom under the maple because of the shade factor, not anything related specifically to maple species. – Amy Jo Detweiler, OSU Extension horticulturist
Q: We lost our lovely drooping pine tree in the snow and ice storm this year. We would like to replace it with an evergreen tree that is a local species and will fill out our lawn. Any suggestions? – North Portland
A: It’s great to consider native trees when landscaping, but a lot of our native conifers (evergreens) get quite large when mature – perhaps too large for home landscapes. You might want to consider a false cedar, a category that includes western red cedar, incense cedar, or Port Orford cedar. All are native to Oregon and seem to do well in Portland. They tend to grow more slowly than pines and firs. There are also numerous horticultural varieties of these and other conifers that have been selected for dwarf, weeping, or other forms.
Search for possible tree selections on OSU’s Landscape Plants website. The Extension publication and app Selecting, Planting and Caring for a New Tree also has some suggestions. – Amy Grotta, OSU Extension forester
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