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1.
Improper planting hole size. The hole for a
plant or a tree should be 2 to 3 times wider
than the root ball, and no deeper than the root ball. The "old"
way of planting a tree deep
is longer recommended.
2.
Over "kill" with soil amendments in the planting hole. Do not add additional soil into
the hole of a tree. Let the tree get use to our your soil.
3.
Shallow watering. It is better to
water deep and infrequent than water shallow and every
day. One inch of water goes down about 6 inches into the soil.
4.
Not making water holding reservoir. Build
up a donut of soil around a tree to help keep
the water near the root ball. You do not want the water running past the
roots of the tree,
and onto your lawn. Water the tree roots, and not the lawn.
5.
Not investing in micro or drip irrigation. Drip
irrigation is inexpensive and easy to install.
It waters the plants directly and deeply. There is no water waste, and
your plants get watered evenly. Many plants do not like to have their
leaves watered, and this method of watering is
very effective.
6. Plants
too close to structures and to each other. Plant
your landscaping as if the plant is
at its mature size.
7. Poor
plant varieties used. Use plants which
will do well in our area. Example: crape
myrtles that are mildew resistant.
8.
Lack of weed control. For light
germinating seeds use mulch, and take Bermuda grass seriously. Use mulch,
mulch, and more mulch, and Roundup for the Bermuda grass.
9.
Improper pruning practices. Never
butcher large trees, and do not remove the lower
branches on trees that are less than 3 years old.
10.
Expecting perfection and instant success.
Gardening
takes times, and gardeners learn
from their mistakes. Do not be discouraged if your plants do not look like
the magazines.
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