Q: I had a local nursery plant Trident maples in my landscape. They planted them with the heavy wire cages around the root ball. Is that OK? — Cindy Rowe, Fannin County
A: I think it's more important to remove the burlap when planting balled-and-burlapped trees. If that was done completely, the wire cage should pose no problem for tree growth.
Q: A lady told me about being at her mother's home in South Georgia and seeing tangerines on a tree. Her mother claims that it had previously yielded 250 limes. Can you explain? — Todd Miller, email
A: I can think of two (no, three!) possible explanations. No. 1: The tree was originally a lime tree that was grafted onto a common tangerine rootstock. Over time the rootstock might have sprouted and outgrown the lime-producing part of the tree. No. 2: The tree is a satsuma or a citrangequat. Both fruit trees are reasonably cold-tolerant and might grow well in South Georgia, but the fruit could have different colors depending on weather. No. 3: It's a trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) tree-bush. Fruit on this plant can range in color from green to bright yellow. Run these answers past your friend and see what fits.
Q: I could use some quick advice. I'm about to plant some mature trees on my property line to provide a buffer from my neighbors. We need the trees to be about 15 feet tall, so I've decided to invest thousands of dollars for some big tree-form Savannah hollies. Now I'm worried sick that I'm not making the right choice. — Therese May, Decatur
A: 'Savannah' holly is not a bad choice at all. The trees are relatively columnar so they won't take up too much room at the bottom. Other slender evergreens to consider include Emerald Isle and 'Greenspire' Leyland cypress.
Q: I do landscape work and I understand that planting perennials in the fall is best due to soil temperatures and water requirements. What are your thoughts about planting shrubs in winter? It seems to me that, as long as the ground is not frozen, planting can be done. — Ben Ross, Hall County
A: You are correct that it's fine to plant shrubs and trees now. The drawback to planting in cold soil is that not as much root growth will occur as compared with fall planting. Thoroughly loosen the soil in a five-foot wide, saucer-shaped area around each planting spot and untangle plant roots as much as you can. Water thoroughly and add mulch. Be sure to check soil moisture in January: A windy day can dry out evergreen leaves and lead to death by spring.
Q: It was 49 degrees outside last week and I swatted a mosquito buzzing me in my living room. Isn't it a little late for mosquitoes around here? — Ken Whitley, email
A: Mosquitoes take 10-15 days of warm temperatures to grow from egg to adult. My guess is that the one you swatted had hatched but was cooled to dormancy by outdoor temperatures. It might have come inside through an open door or on a holiday plant.
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