Ditch the Bradford Pear. Here's What We Are Planting This Arbor Day.
Hello, again!
What does one look for when considering a new tree for their property? Ideally, something that grows at a medium growth rate, with strong wood and branch structure to withstand our Kansas winds, as well as disease and insect resistance. Spring blooms, fruit or no fruit, glossy green foliage, and nice fall color are also considerations.
Introduced in 1960, the ‘Bradford’ Callery pear tree fit the bill. Originally from China, the infertile tree wasn’t able to set fruit, and had a mass of white flowers and fall red foliage that not only gardeners but also nursery professionals, landscape architects, and botanical gardens loved. It was planted from coast to coast and border to border. ‘Bradford’ pears were everywhere.
Soon after, other ornamental pears were introduced with differing habits. At this point, cross-pollination occurred. The trees started producing fruit, and the floodgates were open with hybrid pears overtaking native areas. Thus, we no longer offer ornamental pear trees for obvious reasons.
With Arbor Day next week, it is an ideal time to plant a tree on your property. With pears no longer a good option, we have a great selection of other trees well-adapted to our region that can be enjoyed for decades to come. Our nursery professionals are eager to help you select a tree to fulfill your landscape needs.
Flowering, fruiting, shade, or ornamental, here are a few trees that I have selected for my own yard...
Oaks, from Swamp White Oak, Red Oak, and Bur Oak, all have done well where I have planted them. Pin Oaks tend to suffer from Iron Chlorosis, which can be dealt with, but there are more desirable options. I vividly recall planting Bur Oaks in the area in the mid 1970’s that are now healthy, happy, mature shade trees.
Crabapples are another great option, and are available in a wide range of bloom colors and growth habits. Some have fruit to attract and feed birds during the winter.
Magnolias bloom in the spring with tulip-shaped flowers. My favorite is ‘Black Tulip’ with its dark burgundy flowers.
Red Buds are always a favorite, with their spring flowers. New varieties now have bright yellow or burgundy foliage, giving color all growing season.
Proper planting is important for trees as well as all landscape plants. Start by digging a generous hole twice as wide as the root ball is a good general rule. Adding organic compost to the hole helps develop a healthy root system.
When you're gardening in heavy clay or sandy soil, you want to lower the pH of the soil. Work in Back to Nature Cotton Burr Compost. This soil amendment contains sulfur, a powerhouse micronutrient that helps lower soil pH. Properly composted cotton burrs are also an excellent food source for beneficial soil organisms that help to make nutrients available to plants.
Using ferti-lome Root Stimulator on your new trees and plants will help get them off to a great start. I always use this to start and fertilize any new annuals, perennials, trees, bushes, and roses to reduce transplanting shock and encourage healthier root development. Doing this will ensure your new plants become established more quickly and grow vigorously. I use it at least 3 times at 2-week intervals.
To ensure proper moisture retention and root protection, maintain a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of your trees. Our Grade A All Bark Cedar Mulch is perfect for this job. Remember to keep the mulch away from the trunk and do not exceed a depth of 4 inches, as excessive mulch can harm the roots.
We still have plenty of pansies on sale, as well as new perennials, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and tons of other new spring plants. We can hardly keep up with the deliveries. And don't forget our Fill-A-Flat sale begins Wednesday, April 22 - Monday, April 26.
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
