Hi JD,
Sounds like you did well with your planting! Pity about the
water-saving membrane. Before the trees really establish, is there any
chance of opening up the gap by the wall to insert some? Once the trees
start cladding the wall, such an operation will be almost impossible.
Another idea to aid watering is to sink a length of pipe (or a deep
clematis-type pot)in the ground next to each tree, so that water can
penetrate to the root zone. This obliges the roots to grow downwards to
obtain water, instead of rising to the surface to search for every
dribble and shower they are offered.
Your mulch is a good idea, especially if it was laid after a thorough
soaking of the ground. (This is a hint: please soak it thoroughly now if
you didn't at the time!) It is important, however, not to let mulch sit
close around the base of the trees (or the neck of lesser plants) as it
can cause rotting. If you've done this, just drag the bark mulch away
from the trunk so there's a circle of about 5-6" of clear soil. Check
this periodically because birds and visiting animals can scratch the
mulch back to the trunk.
I will reply to your email address, JD, but I've got to dash out just
now. Catch you later.
--
Spider
On high ground in SE London
Gardening on heavy clay
Hi Spider,
Looking forward to your email and will reply as mentioned. Your new tip about inserting pipes into the soil prior to back-filling really appeals to me. I have some lengths of 2" plastic pipe and will probably insert thee or four of them around each tree. I am in the process of planting a new cherry tree where this idea will be especially good, because the substrate seems to be very dry and powdery (consisting largely pulverized limestone, I think). I will cover the tops of the pipes with some kind of gauze to prevent snails from clogging the pipes. I also appreciate the tip about pulling the bark mulch back from the trunks. I've never heard that tip before, and I will definitely do it! When dormant season sets in, I will dig up the two espalier pears and insert membrane against the wall. That will also be an opportunity to insert the plastic pipes.
JD
Hi JD,
Well, I emailed you on the 24th (Saturday)and am wondering if you
received my email? I'm not being impatient, honestly, just hoping
nothing went wrong. I clicked on your email address rather than type it
out, so it should be right ....?
--
Spider
On high ground in SE London
Gardening on heavy clay