Could You Tell Me If You Know Of Anything That…
Bev Asked
Could you tell me if you know of anything that will keep feral cats from using my gardens for their waste? Also, could you tell me how to prevent maple trees from producing seeds?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Bev in Canada: Cats that are using your garden as a bathroom can certainly be frustrating. Once a cat marks its spot it can be difficult to deter other cats from doing the same. Over time, cat urine can actually alter the pH of the soil and damage plant material. Fortunately, there are options that do not include constructing a fence. There are many nontoxic products available that are made specifically for repelling cats. Liquid Fence makes one that is made of natural plant oils such as citronella and cinnamon oils. It is environmentally safe and is not harmful to the cats, they just do not like the smell. These kinds of products will have to be re-applied every few months. Otherwise, adding layers of pine cones around the shrubs or anything else that is not nice to walk on might also help deter these feral cats. As for the maples, this is a natural part of the tree’s life cycle, and short of removing the actual tree we have to deal with these pesky winged seeds sometimes referred to as helicopters. There are growth regulators that can be applied at time of bloom, but most certified arborists do not recommend using these products. I sympathize with your frustration, having just come in from the garden after spending a better part of the day picking up and pulling the ones that have already taken root. For the seedlings that have already sprouted, you have a couple of options. First, you can hand pull them if you are not dealing with a large space, but if this is not feasible you can spot spray with any product labeled with Triclopyr as its active ingredient. Triclopyr is a nonorganic, selective herbicide you can spray without harming your grass. It is effective on woody plants and herbaceous weeds. It is usually available in granular and liquid form. Spot spray the foliage and you will notice the decline of the seedling in a few days. As with any chemical, be sure to follow all application instructions.
