Page 19 - Waterfall City Issue 6 June 2023

Best treatment practices include Correct pruning is a
insecticide applications on the top and landscape practice that can Cutting branches
bottom of the leaves as these insects enhance the health, vigour Two basic techniques are used when
are difficult to see. and aesthetics of your trees pruning most woody plants: thinning
and shrubs. and heading back. Both methods
Trunk base rot should be practised together when the
This usually occurs at the base of the Advantages to pruning in objective is to reduce or maintain the
trunk, which is associated with damp, winter: size of the plant.
humid conditions as it’s where the Most woody plants are dormant during
trunk is covered with soil. The best winter, as are the many diseases and Thinning means removing an entire
treatment is to let the area dry out insects that can invade pruned trees. branch back to the next branch or the
naturally and not apply any products Thus, the winter months are ideal main trunk. This technique promotes
or sealants. for pruning and shaping trees as the better health and form by removing
atmospheric temperatures are too low weak and diseased branches and
Fever tree canker to activate spores and fungus. Insects increasing light penetration and air
are also dormant as their eggs will only
hatch in spring. movement.

Heading back refers to larger branches
After leaves have fallen, it is much
easier to see the plant’s overall form being cut.
and structure. Damaged and diseased
branches are more readily apparent With both techniques, using sharp,
when not obscured by foliage. high-quality and well-maintained
pruning equipment will make the job
Pruning in late summer or early easier and you’ll be less likely to cause
autumn can stimulate new growth that damage to your plants.
may not harden off before the cold
weather. This is not a concern during Thoughtful pruning of your trees and
winter. shrubs during the dormant winter
season will allow you more time to
Winter pruning is also good for your enjoy the fruits and blooms of your
plants because during stressful times labours during the pleasant spring
like winter frost, the plant will start weather.
storing reserve nutrients for energy
This is a very common fungicide to assist in survival during high-stress
associated with fever trees. The situations. These help to heal wounds
pathogen will be active in summer quickly and support vigorous spring
and has a three-month cycle, but it growth.
can be easily dealt with. Effective
treatments are to keep shade away And, of course, winter pruning is good
from the bottom of the trunk and no for you – it gives you a reason to go
frequent watering. Deep watering outside on a mild winter’s day to enjoy
once a week and plenty of sun are your landscape.
key.
Coat hanger cuts
Aloe scale
This is a white scale caused by insects
that suck on the Aloe’s leaves. They
create a hard white coat to protect
themselves. To treat the problem, an
insecticide must be sprayed on the
scale to eliminate the cause (insects).
Seven to 10 days later, the insecticide
will have been effective, and you can
use a brush to scrub off the white
scale. Cut branches flush with the trunk

Waterfall City Issue 6 2023 17