Branches, secondary. Never directly from the trunk but from other branches.
image source: glennharper
Montezuma Pine, is a species of conifer that is native to Mexico and Central America, where it is commonly known as Ocote. The tree grows about 100 feet high and its canopy can reach 35-40 feet wide; occasionally it may reach a height of 130 feet.
Its rounded crown is complimented by the slightly drooping needles. The needles are born in fascicles of 5 with occasionally 4-6 and are quite irregular in thickness with some rather thick and others thin. The bark is dark brown-grayish, deeply fissured. Bark on young trees is a reddish brown rough and scaly.
The cones on this pine are also quite variable in size , usually slightly curved 4-6inches long and 3-4 inches wide when they have fully opened.
The specimen pictured in these photos is located at the Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle. (GPS: +47° 38′ 16.84″, -122° 17′ 37.19″)
[nggallery id=12]
Learn More
A corymb is similar to a panicle with the same branching structure, but with the lower flowers having longer stems, thus creating a flatter top.
Learn More
‘Satomi’ Dogwood is a pink-flowered variety of the Korean Dogwood.
This slow growing deciduous tree has a rounded form with beautiful horizontal branching. Deep pink bracts surround inconspicuous flowers and emerge in late spring, often later than other dogwood varieties and are followed by large red fruit. Fall color is orange-red. The deep green leaves often have a purplish tinge and are resistant to anthracnose.
Comments Off
A soil sample can help you best determine if your soils are deficient or in excess of several essential nutrients. With that knowledge you can determine if any fertilization is necessary and exactly what you need to apply. This helps over fertilizing, one of the largest causes of water pollution. Soil samples can be used to tell if the soil is unfit for planting, due to the presence of contaminants.
Representative Sample
A soil sample must represent the area being sampled. Using a soil probe, spade or trowel, collect 10-12 samples in a random or zigzag pattern. If soil texture or sites have been treated differently (i.e. on area has been fertilized) collect a separate sample.
Sampling Depth
Depth varies according to the crop. Turfgrass samples should be taken to a depth of 3 inches; others to a depth of 6-8 inches. Discard plant material, thatch and stones. Do not sample areas that have been treated with fertilizer or lime within the last 4 weeks.
Collection
Collect Cores or slices in a clean plastic bucket and mix well. (Do not use a metal bucket) Transfer 1 to 2 cups of soil to labeled soil bags. Two cups of soil is required for nutrient and texture analysis.
Bag & Label
An approved soil sample bag must be used, most labs provide pre-printed bags. Be sure to completely fill out the entire label including city and state. Be sure to label plant and turf species on the label as well. Place soil bag in a zippered plastic bag to prevent soil spillage in transport.
Frequency of Sampling
A soil nutrient analysis should be performed on sites every 3 to 4 years or more frequently where plants are in poor health.
Shipping
Soil samples do not degrade and can be sent via mail. No need to overnight the sample.
Soil Tests Vary
Sample analysis can vary from one lab to another. Here are a few examples
- Basic soil nutrients: pH, organic matter, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC
- Basic + Micronutrients: Basic information plus Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu
- Complete: Basic and micronutrients plus Nitrate N, Na, S, B, and soluble salts
- Soluble salts (conductivity)
- Soil Texture – % sand, silt, and clay
Special Tests
Most agriculture soil testing facilities do not routinely test for heavy metals, herbicides or other soil contaminants. Those test are specialized and can be expensive. If you suspect there could be contamination issues I would recommend asking for the special testing to be done.
Learn MoreWhen to Prune Hibiscus
Hibiscus pruning generally occurs during spring. Hibiscus plants can be lightly pruned in late summer or early fall, take caution to not prune hibiscus in late fall or winter. Late season pruning will affect the amount of new growth, hibiscus bloom on new wood this late pruning will limit blossoms the following spring. Spring should be the only time for complete rejuvenation pruning. Pruning hibiscus plants entirely in the growing season helps promote summer blooming. Branch tips can be pinched, or tip pruned, throughout the season to encourage a more dense growth habit.
Hibiscus Pruning, How To:
Before pruning hibiscus, make sure your pruning shears are sharp and clean. When pruning hibiscus plants, they should be pruned to about a third of their size, leaving at least two to three nodes on the branches for emergence f new growth and subsequent flower blossoms. These cuts should be made just above the nodes, leaving about a quarter inch. Remove any weak, diseased, or dead growth, as well as crossing or leggy branches. To improve overall airflow with in the canopy, branches that are growing toward the center of the plant should also be removed.
