Spring is the time for pruning trees and shrubs, which must be done strictly according to the rules. Therefore, after pruning, many rush to cover the wounds with oil paint.
There is an opinion that this is not entirely correct.
Harm of oil paint
It clogs the tissues, preventing the tree from breathing. Use only garden pitch or natural compounds.
For example, mix beeswax, rosin and fat (1:1:1), melt in a water bath and apply warm.
Another mistake is to whitewash trees too early.
Wait until the daytime temperature rises to +5 degrees Celsius, otherwise the lime will be washed away by rain.
And do not whitewash young seedlings with smooth bark - this will slow down their growth. Instead of lime, use chalk or special paint for trees.
Do not feed trees with nitrogen before the buds open - this will stimulate the growth of shoots that will freeze during subsequent frosts.
It is better to add ash: it contains potassium, which strengthens the roots.
Sprinkle 2 cups of ash around the tree trunk and rake it in.
Never leave cut branches in the garden! Burn them or take them away - they are a breeding ground for pests and diseases. If there is no way to dispose of them, chop the branches and pour boiling water over them - this will kill the larvae.
Lastly, don't ignore small cracks in the bark.
Clean them down to healthy tissue, disinfect with copper sulfate (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water) and cover with pitch. Otherwise, bacteria will penetrate the wounds and the tree will die.
And if you notice gum on a cherry or plum, this is a sign of a fungal infection. Remove the discharge, treat the wound with 3% copper sulfate and cover with garden pitch.
Look after your garden and it will reward you with health and a bountiful harvest! And remember: even a small mistake can cost a lot.
Learn from the mistakes of others, experiment, and your trees will become the pride of the site.
Author: Igor Zur