Landscape Garden Maintenance ( Trees )
In continuation to our series of Landscape Maintenance we are giving some insights on tree maintenance:
Trees are an important part of any garden and the most important aspect of any urban landscape – be it a Layout, Gated Community or a Farm House. The role of trees is to reduce Air pollution, Sound Pollution, act as Wind Breaks, Curtains and give shade & improve the Aesthetic value by its Flower Colour, Foliage Colour and Shape.
Selection Criteria:
For reducing the pollution Levels and for Wind Breaks , we can use trees which have dense Foliage with or without Flowering. For enhancing the aesthetic value, we have to select trees with different colours which flower in various seasons or round the year. Trees can also be selected for different areas as per the colour scheme.
Training:
Depending on the type of effect needed, we can train the trees to grow in a particular fashion, i.e. if we have to use the trees for sound and air pollution and to act as screening, the trees have to be planted at closer distance of say 8 Ft. to 10 Ft. apart. If straight growing plants are selected pruning is not needed, and the screening effect comes at a higher level of about 10 Ft. If a wall effect is needed we can select plants which branch out and we can start pruning at early stages to get uniform effect like a curtain. For trees in Avenues and Gardens the spacing should be between 15Ft. to 30Ft. depending on the size of the plant. The trees require staking at the early stages and pruning of side branches if any to be the height of 8 Ft. to 10 Ft. and then branching can be allowed to get a perfect shape.
Pit Size & Compost:
For Small and Medium trees a pit size of 2’x2’x2’ is sufficient , with good soil media and for Big trees the size should be 3’x3’x3’. The media should consist of 50% Soft Red Soil and 50% Manure mixed well.
Fertilizers:
Generally trees require Fertilizers in the initial stages of planting (But not during Plantation). They thrive on their own after one or two years. But for a growth, it is always advisable to add manure once in six months, preferably on the onset of monsoons followed by good watering. Spraying can be done if there is any pest attack, especially when new leaves emerge. Mulching should be done periodically for holding of Moisture, Control Weeds and Aeration of Roots.