I Just Planted A Vanderwolf’s Pyramid; How Much Should I…
Ron Asked
I just planted a Vanderwolf’s pyramid; how much should I water it now?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Ron in Connecticut: Proper planting and watering are the most important factors in the establishment of any new addition to the garden. Newly planted trees should receive 1.5-2 inches of water per week from April until late fall. If Mother Nature provides an inch of rain each week no additional watering will be needed. Otherwise, soaking the evergreen two to three times per week during the hottest, driest months will be necessary. You can let the hose trickle at the base of the evergreen for approximately 20-30 minutes. It is best to mimic a steady rain so deep, infrequent soakings are preferred to frequent, shallow watering. A thin layer of mulch will help retain the moisture. Avoid piling the mulch around the base of the trunk and make sure that it is no more than 2 inches thick. Otherwise it can encourage insect and disease issues. Vanderwolf’s pine is a cultivar of Pinus flexilis, commonly known as a limber pine. This upright evergreen will reach 20-25 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide at maturity. Unlike the species, this cultivar is a fast grower, putting on an average of 25 inches per year. The foliage is bluish-green with twisted needles. These pines will perform best when planted in a space where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. They are adaptable to soil conditions but prefer moist, well-drained sites. These evergreens are not susceptible to many insect or disease problems.
