We Are Replacing A 30-year-old Windbreak Of Various Evergreens. At…
Mark Asked
We are replacing a 30-year-old windbreak of various evergreens. At the intial planting, a product was available to spray on new trees to help retain moisture in needles and increase the odds of survival. Is there something like this available now?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Mark in Iowa: There are products out there that are made specifically to help plants retain moisture through their foliage. Wilt Pruf is probably the most common and available to the home gardener. Wilt Pruf is an organic foliar spray that forms a film and works as an anti-transpirant. It is a polymer made of carbon and hydrogen that helps prevent water loss during stressful times of the year. That being said, sufficient moisture is really the best way to ensure that the new additions to the garden remain healthy. 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 it is no more than 2 inches thick. Otherwise it can encourage insect and disease issues.
