These white/grey spots are also now on my cherry tree and appear like dust all over near by sweet peas. What can I do to get rid of this?
This link will take you to several articles on powdery mildew. PW is pictured in the first article, and you should find answers and recommendations in this or subsequent articles: http://www.google.com/cse?cx=012078378210706707791%3Af1h5n_k1r5e&ie=UTF-8&q=powdery+mildew&oq=powdery+mildew&gs_l=partner.3..0l10.185349.191243.0.192144.14.3.0.11.11.0.307.568.0j2j0j1.3.0.gsnos%2Cn%3D13.1.0.0.5952j2868304j14..1ac.1.lw0SNvcSmaI#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=powdery%20mildew&gsc.page=1
Some type of critter has chewed off the bark on the lower half of my dwarf weeping pussy willow this past winter. The tree has been established in that spot for the past 5 years and it means a great deal to me, as it was planted in honor of a family member who has passed. We have put wire around it to prevent further damage. I am wondering if the tree will survive or if there is anything further I should do? Any information you could give me would be much appreciated. Thanks!
If the tree has been girdled (where the bark is removed all the way around the trunk), it likely will not survive. You can try to do a bridge graft, but even those are not often successful. Here is more information about a bridge graft: http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2007/090807.html If there is bark remaining on any side of the trunk, the tree has a chance of surviving. Treat the damaged area with a fungicide periodically to help prevent rot from setting in but do not seal the damaged area as this can trap disease in the wound. As long as there is bark that runs from the base of the trunk up, the tree has a good chance of surviving.
I've had a weeping pussy willow for many years. Each year it has a very few catkins on the ends of a few of the branches. Otherwise, it seems healthy and leafs out well. Anything I can do to increase those soft, furry catkins on my 4 foot high plant?
Have you pruned it? If you need to prune the tree, prune it now and then it will bloom for you next year. It only blooms on new growth, and when you prune, you cut off the new growth. If you prune now, you should have new growth again this summer and it should bloom off that next year. This article will provide additional info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/pussy-willow/how-prune-pussy-willows.htm
How to start a pussy willow cutting to root - do you just put in some water to take root or what? How to replant a pussy willow cutting?
This article will help you with rooting pussywillow cuttings: http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000867_Rep913.pdf Once roots appear, they can be placed in pots or planted directly into the ground in spring.
I have a 5 yr old pussy willow that has never been pruned and has reached about 10 feet tall. The newer branches and catkins are starting to only appear at the top of the bush just out of reach. I would like to trim it down so that it starts to fill in newer growth at the lower part of the bush. I have read to trim it down to 6 or 12 inches from the ground, or is this too low for the height of my tree? I want the bush to come back and I am afraid this drastic of a pruning will kill it. The tree has about 4 thick main branches at the base. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/pussy-willow/how-prune-pussy-willows.htm
Have pussy willow 25 feet high with very little catkins, only at the top. How do I get more from it? How should I trim such a large one? And is it best to keep the other two I have smaller? They are about 5 or 6 feet now.
Yes, pruning will not only keep their size more manageable but will also help when it comes to catkin production. This article will help with pruning your pussy willows: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/pussy-willow/how-prune-pussy-willows.htm
Where is a good place to plant a pussy willow? I have very heavy clay dirt.
They prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade. While these plants like to be planted in areas with plenty of moisture, even poor draining, clay soil may pose problems with compaction. However, amending the soil can help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm