I am in Wilmington NC and it is October. Just planted the 7 gallon container podocarpus, but not sure how often I should water. The plants are about 5 feet tall and 20 inches wide.
You will want to water as the soil dries, completely, down to about 2 or 3 inches. There will not be a set time frame, but a soil meter may help you to determine when water will be necessary.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm
Our 6 year old Podocarpus trees were leggy when we bought the house 3 years ago and remain leggy despite our pruning them for the last two years to encourage a more "shrubby" look. It's noted that we primarily pruned only the sides, back and front to avoid having to climb a ladder on a slope and we have seen some new growth but nothing significant. We live in USDA Zone 10A and the soil in our yard is mostly clay but that's true of the entire community in which we live and all the neighbor,s Podocarpus trees are spectacularly shrubby. Thank you in advance for any advise you may have.
Usually, compacted soils will produce a leggy appearance as the shrub struggles to maintain an appropriate balance of nutrients and moisture. Amending the soil may be difficult to impossible, but earthworms can be of assistance, here. This article will help with earth worm farming:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/creating-worm-beds-in-gardens.htm
Feeding can help, especially since they are prone to magnesium deficiencies. This article will offer information on the care of the shrub:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/creating-worm-beds-in-gardens.htm
I am very pleased to have gotten a same day reply to request for help regarding my leggy podocarpus but one of the links offered in the reply to find information on feeding was incorrect (it took me back to the page on worm farms). I’m hoping the person who replied sees this and can send me the link for feeding my podocarpus. Thank you!
This article discusses when to fertilize podocarpus.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/growing-plum-pine-trees.htm
A tree fell and broke the stem/trunk of the yew. If it won't grow taller now I will need to remove it and re plant a new one in the spot.
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the damage. In most cases, new leader branches will take over after damage. Likely, it will regrow just fine. It may take a few years, though.
Here is an article for more information on the plant:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm
These podos are 9 years old and about 6' tall and I just noticed these things on the outside of one of the 3 plants. Is this normal?
Podocarpus trees are conifers and those are the male seed cones.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm
Can you advise. All are on same drip line every 12". No signs of fungus or disease. Irrigation line professionally checked. Can it be soil problem? Who can check soil if needed. What's my problem? Thanks in advance.
Your local cooperative extension group can perform a soil test. Here is information about what the test will show and where to get one.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
f the boxes. It is drying up. They have all been watered the same and we have a drip system. What could be the cause of just this one drying up? We planted them in June.
If it looks dry and it is being watered, that could indicate a root issue. The water isn't getting up to the leaves. Have you checked the drip system to be sure it is working at the end of the line? Make sure the shrub is not rootbound, that can cause these issues. Also check for pests like scale or spider mites.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm