Q: Last August, we bought and had planted a large dwarf Japanese maple. We were told to water it regularly for the first year. Do we continue to water after the tree drops its leaves? — Lee Handley, Forsyth County
A: I think your instincts are correct: The tree doesn't need much water when it has no leaves. If we had a windy winter drought, the bark could crack and dry, but that's usually not the case. I'd give it 10 gallons of water every couple of weeks this winter in the absence of rain. Next year will be the true test. Mark your calendar to give it 10 gallons of water per week in spring, beginning when leaves appear. As temperatures go into the 80s, increase to 15 gallons per week. If things get above 90 degrees, give the tree 20 gallons per week. Decrease as temperatures decline. These guidelines should keep you in the ballpark, but use your judgment if the soil seems too wet or dry around the base of the tree.
Q: I planted 10 'Acoma' crape myrtle sprouts four years ago. I'm not sure how they should be pruned or if they should be pruned at all. — Tom Larsen, Buford
A: 'Acoma' is a small-statured, white-blooming crape myrtle. It grows to approximately 10 feet tall, in contrast to the 30-foot tall, white-flowered 'Natchez' variety. I know they don't have distinct forms now, but they should grow into a nice tree form in a couple more years. To promote growth, fertilize with a controlled-release landscape fertilizer (Osmocote, Dynamite, etc.) in early April, following label directions. I don't think you need to prune. It will grow fine until it gets to the 10-foot level.
Q: While visiting San Antonio this summer, we saw beautiful Pride of Barbados bushes with lovely flame orange flowers. My husband had to have one and we planted it in a very large pot. When the temperature dropped into the low 20s, we brought it into the garage. How do we keep it alive in winter? — Hope Sorrells, Cherokee County
A: If you can keep it away from temperatures lower than 45 degrees, you may be able to keep it leafed out in the container. You'll have to wheel it in and out of your garage on warm, sunny winter days. Consider placing a couple of 150-watt equivalent CFL bulbs in clamp light fixtures a foot away from the plant if you can't take it outdoors. If the leaves fall off, keep the plant from freezing and water it occasionally to keep the soil barely moist in winter. Gradually expose it to warm sunshine in April and see if it leafs out again. Honestly, it might be easier to find seed online and plant each spring. Lightly sand each seed before planting outdoors in late April.
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