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pH level. As a result, I recommend focuses on Cycads. “Do not remove diseases and it is important to
that a lime application be used the old leaves before the new crown look out for this. For example,
when planting trees,” Emile notes. is fully developed,” she warns. Aloes get scale, however this
can be treated with Oleum or
Shrubs tend to take up fertiliser Another feature that seems Cypermethrin. Should your plants
before it gets to the trees, Lizelle simple, but can underperform, is pick up any diseases, Lizelle suggests
warns. She provides some key tips grass. Emile explains that this is calling in the experts, as incorrect
for fertilising trees. “Make holes with due to thatch or insect activity. “I treatment can be damaging to
a spade, about 20cm deep and a would recommend that lawns are the plant and the environment.
spade-width wide, 2 - 3 metres apart scarified in spring, followed by a
around the circumference of the tree, top dress and fertiliser - and an In keeping with the development’s
not right by the trunk. Mix your slow insecticide application,” he says. emphasis on environmentally-
release fertiliser with some of the soil friendly living and awareness,
from the hole, place the mixture into Lizelle then went on to share some Waterfall’s indigenous landscaping
the bottom of the hole and then close advice for healthy garden beds. policy aims to promote bird life
the hole with the balance of the soil.” “Do not cultivate garden beds and reduced water requirements
too deeply, especially with forks, – by recommending the use of
She adds that pruning should be as this can damage the shallow indigenous plants and trees that
done sparingly – no more than 30% roots of shrubs. Focus rather on are hardy and have very little or no
of the tree should be cut, however, mulching, as this helps with water impact on our fragile water table.
do not leave tree crowns overfull. retention, reduces weed growth, and
Indigenous shrubs also need to be decreases heat on shallow roots.” We hope these tips will help residents
thinned out regularly, as they become manage their indigenous gardens
very dense. Her final trimming tip Occasionally, plants will pick up and see them flourish all year round!

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