Hey Stan,

Luv your show every Sunday morning, great advice.

Is there anything I can do before the spring thaw to prepare my spruce trees from dropping off like flies? I live on an acreage west of Beach Corner (Stony Plain) and lost approx 60% of my trees last spring due to lack of moisture or lack of who knows what. I've replenished the trees, they are 4-6 feet high in good sandy-clay soil, I froze them in last fall. Basically I'm scared stiff to loose them again, the ground is already bear around the trees and winter has only just begun. Is there anything I can do to be proactive and prepare them for during the spring thaw? Last spring we had some mild weather +20 C late March for a few weeks, then it dropped off to -20 C for a spell. I'm sure this transition of temperature was the cause of my loss. Can you water, or root booster, fertilizer during these transitions, or just leave them alone and hope for the best? Any suggestions, could you discuss this on one of your next shows?, "How to be proactive with spring thaw".

Thanks, An avid fan
Rick

Rick - Thanks for your kind comments, and would suggest that if doable, re-soak the trees and then mulch them in with discard shavings or sawdust from a local mill. In most cases, this product is given away to deplete the mills pile that makes room for more. This procedure will retain much needed moisture until spring runoff.

An alternative to the millings, would be to mulch with straw, it would be to a depth of 4 or 5 inches, but may harbour the odd mouse or so. I really doubt that much damage from mice chewing is a major concern at this late date.

Also, water down the trees foliage with a pressure pump or sump pump attached to the garden hose in a 45 gal. drum.

Best of the season,