Down to Earth

It is very important to make the right selection of trees for a specific location

It is very important to make the right selection of trees for a specific location. I am not referring to the aspect where we see the sunny or shade location. Its all about the suitability of a site depending on the nature of the tree (see the accompanying picture). The Royal Palm has been planted along the drive. The tree sheds leaves during summer months. Shedding leaves in trees is not uncommon but when it comes to heavy fronds of the likes of Royal Palm,it could be injurious or even fatal. Most of the time,such trees are planted along paths which is wrong.

One of my trees has bent on one side. It is six years old. Should I support it with a mound of mud on the opposite side?

Raghbir Singh,Chandigarh

A mound of earth cannot support to such an old tree. Try to give it support with a rope tied on the other side. You can also give support with stout tree limb. Also,prune the branches on the side on which it is bending so as to reduce the load. Let the branches on the opposite side grow.

The leaves of lemon tree in my garden have white spots. What are these due to and
whats the cure?

Satinder Kaur,Mohali

The white spots are due to sun burning. You do not have to do anything as the plant will put forth healthy leaves on its own when the rains start.

I have seen an esclepias shrub in the garden of my friend. How can I multiply it? What is the best time to do so?

Ranjeet,Panchkula

Look carefully near the base of the shrub and you will see a few plants growing on their own. Wait for the rains and then transplant. You could also collect the seed from the ‘balloon and sow in the rainy season.

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I have a mango tree in my garden,which has not shown any progress for the last three years. What should I do? I had bought this plant from a local nursery.

Manju Lata,Chandigarh

The plant you have bought is from Uttar Pradesh and grown in clay soil. Such plants do not show growth as they do not grow roots due to clay medium. Always buy plants from some known source like Punjab Agricultural University or government-run nurseries. It would be better for you to change the plant even now.

For gardening queries,ask Dr Green at

satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

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