What is the best time of year to buy a Blue Atlas Cedar? I can't seem to find them anywhere (online/stores).
Question:Planting trees
Answers:
2Starz
I almost fell over when I heard of your choice of tree. In 1987 I fell in love with this tree. As a Landscape Designer for a University in Phila I used it as a center plant in a block long and wide design. It took me two months to find and secure the tree. In my case I was looking for a thirty plus foot tree so you may be saved such a search.
This is a tremendous Specimen Tree. While it grows more upright than horizontal (fastigate in nature) it needs to be far removed from any home or structure. The size of the transplant will dictate the bed prep. Regardless of size, the bed will need a mixture of Sphagnum Moss, Granular garden Iron (fe) and a bed that extends at least three foot from the dripline of the tree.
Prepare the soil by mixing in the Moss and Iron. Mix this with the backfill you are going to use. Make the transplant hole twice the depth and twice the width of the tree. In the bottom of the hole place 2" of Sphagnum Moss an a inch of the topsoil. If you can, get three-five year fertilzer tablets (acidic or otherwise) and place them in the hole before planting.
Backfill the hole with the remaining materials. Make a trench in the soil at about three foot from the base in the soil at a level of four inches. This will be the collection point of the watering and promote root growth. Mulch the entire bed with
a Shreeded Hardwood Pine Mulch or Hardwood at a level of two inches.
Water that Baby at one inch of water per week for the first month. Water into the trench!! Since you already have the fert in the hole, add a granular acidic agent/fert, at the trench area, in both spring and fall.
People thought I was insane bringing in such a beautiful tree. When it is transplanted it will not be blue, it will look a bit ugly, and will be in need of maintenance. Watch for any signs of Webworm or Bagworm. This is easily taken care of with an application of Sevin. Do not Spray a Dormant Oil on a Blue tree. In three years the tree became the centerpiece of the Universitiy's Christmas and Spring celebrations.
Let me forewarn you. Transplanting a tree or shrub of a color needs patience. The Blue's in particular. Both the red and blue will tend to be green for two or three years. Once the roots are established they respond with their true colors. That is why I suggest feeding base, watering the exterior, and then feeding the exterior. Making the roots grow will make your fine investment.
In 1987 I purchased my fine Blue Atlas Cedar for over $1,000. I can not imagine what it would cost today. I did buy it from a bankrupt Nursery. As for you, contact Imperial Nurseries (via the internet) for a far-far-far cheaper price on such a unit. You can also contact your local County Extension Agent for help in finding this unique tree.
When planting this tree I found myself wondering about its true potential. I ran underground wiring to the tree and had it set to hold X-mas lights. Just a thought.
Good Luck. I am at gjgjobs@yahoo.com.
Beautiful tree!!
If you go to this site:
http://www.distinctivelybetter.biz/plant...
... you can locate a possible retailer according to your zip code.
*~ Good luck! ~*
More Related Questions & Answers...