Q. At the end of your column in late March, you talked about pruning of crape myrtles just before new growth starts in the spring. I hope this does not give people the idea they can butcher their crape myrtles like a lot of people in this area do. I wish you had given more explanation on how to trim these beautiful trees.
- Jimmy Jones, Virginia Beach
A. I agree with your comments. Crape myrtles need little trimming except to control size or the shoots that come out of the ground next to the tree. They should not be cut back severely. Local so-called landscapers are along the worst at butchering crape myrtles. Let's all stop it. You'll find an excellent guide if you Google Virginia Tech Pruning Crape Myrtles.
Will tree cause problem?
Q. I have a huge yoshino cherry tree in my front yard. When it blooms, it is a showstopper. Since we moved here in 1999, the tree has grown until it is 40 feet tall with a branch span of 40 feet. It is 18 feet from the foundation of our house. The problem is that a large root is lifting the sidewalk across the front of the house and is headed straight for the foundation. My husband wants to cut the tree down and grind out the stump. I am sick over the thought of cutting down such a beautiful tree, but I do understand the problem. Is there any way to save the tree and still take care of the tree root lifting the sidewalk and eventually tearing up the foundation? Another problem is that the water and sewer lines come from the house and are near this tree.
- June Keating, Chesapeake
A. The lady who knows the answers to these kinds of problems is Bonnie Appleton, Virginia Tech tree authority. She says that the roots cannot tear up the foundation unless there are cracks in it. Roots don't make holes in things. It's the same with water pipes. Roots cannot get in unless there are cracks, loose seals, etc. The root could be cut at the sidewalk and a deflection barrier installed vertically. A solid plastic or copper sheet at least two feet deep should work. I had a similar problem and cutting the root at the sidewalk is your best bet. In my case, the root lifted the sidewalk slightly, but I could live with it.
Marauding squirrels
Q. I have a variety of roses being attacked by squirrels - especially my American Beauty climbing rose. As the new young shoots emerge, squirrels are eating them to the point where my climbing rose has canes that are completely bare. I fear I will not have flowers this year because of the damage that has already been done. What is the best method for keeping squirrels from decimating my roses? Also, is there a local rose society in the Tidewater area?
- Elizabeth Mangino, Virginia Beach
A. When you prevent squirrels from eating your roses, you are probably going to make them less desirable for yourself. There are several sprays that will deter the squirrels, but they also have an odor you probably won't like. One available in garden centers is Hot Pepper wax spray. It will deter the squirrels because of its hot pepper taste. Others include Squirrel Away, used to deter squirrels from bird feeders. You can trap the squirrels in a Havahart Trap - but neighboring squirrels move right in to replace them. If a reader has a suggestion, please share it. There is an excellent Rose Society in South Hampton Roads. For details, call George Wilson at (757) 853-0621 for details.
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