Vitax Conifer & Shrub Fertiliser,

Product Information

Your goal is to prune so that nobody can tell. Learn the pruning requirements of your specific species before making your first pruning cut. Conifers fall into two groups determined by their branching pattern; whorl-branched and non-whorled or random branching. Wherever you grow your plant, make sure there’s suitable drainage to allow any water that’s not absorbed to seep out. Your conifer needs watering when the weather is hot. This may seem obvious (all plants need water!), but it’s easy to forget to water your conifer, thinking that rain will have this covered already. Fertilisers and plant food are commonly used to improve plant growth both indoors and outdoors. There are products that are designed to be used around the garden, while others target indoor plants. Even if your soil is already healthy, fertilisers and plant food can still help you to achieve bigger and larger displays of blooms. Plus, if you’re growing edible crops, they can help to boost their yield. Use 900g (2 lbs) of Conifer & Shrub Fertiliser per tree when planting. Apply 350g (approx 12 ozs) to the soil at the bottom of the planting hole, forking in well. Mix the balance of the fertiliser with the fill-in soil and firm in the tree.

If you do decide to move your conifer outside, try to find a sheltered spot that gets full sun or partial shade.Do not cut into old wood as it will not regenerate. The only exceptions to this are yew and, less reliably, Thuja, which can be pruned hard and will still re-grow. For all other varieties, a good rule of thumb is never to remove more than one-third of the total growth at a time. Fertilizing: During the first couple of years of growth, you can feed your conifer a granual fertiliser, but it isn’t necessary. Conifers can be planted in early spring (March to May) and early fall (September to October). As with all plants, try to plant your conifers on an overcast day when the tree will lose less water through transpiration (the evaporation of water from plants). To prune, employing the use of a simple pruning shears, electric brush cutters or even chainsaws(for taller trees), strip the trunk by cutting part of the branch 20 – 30cm to form a lateral branch. Pest and disease Garden conifers offer a varied palette of colors, textures, and forms. They will be outstanding additions for decades. With careful consideration of their mature height and spread when placed in your garden. Make your plant selection based on the following factors:

When pruning the sides of a hedge, taper them in at the top to ensure the base receives enough sunlight. This is the best way to avoid those dreaded brown patches that look unsightly. The pruning needs of conifers are minimal if plants are chosen to fit their allotted space. A conifer should always be pruned for a particular purpose. Most pruning is best done in late winter or early spring. However, it's ok to remove dead and diseased parts and crossing branches at any time of the year. This will maintain the health and look of your conifer. Conifers sold in nurseries are either grown on free ground or in a container. Field grown conifers are directly lifted from the ground and more likely to be root balled and may require more care than its counterpart. You’ve probably noticed that we advise watering often and using a compost that can retain moisture, while also advising you to ensure there’s plenty of drainage for excess water. Supplemental watering of established plants is beneficial during very dry months. Watering in the fall and winter is essential too. This helps to keep the roots moist once the ground freezes. Freezing temperatures can rob a plant of moisture and lead to winter desiccation. This damage often appears in early spring when needles appear yellow or brown.

Conifer Hedge Spacing

Generally it is recommended to lay Planting Compost 5-8cm (3-5 in) over the immediate planting area and thoroughly mix it in with the soil with a gardening fork spade deep as your spade will go after removing the top layer of vegetation before planting. If needed, amend the soil with Horticultural Gravel to improve drainage.

If you are keen to grow native plantsthere are three conifers native to the British Isles - common juniper ( Juniperus communis), Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris) and yew ( Taxus baccata)Remember to cut the hedge to a 'batter' (sloping sides), so it tapers from the bottom to a thinner top, allowing light to reach the bottom of the hedge Trees provide many environmental benefits due to their foliage. (I.e., rainwater absorption, pollution filter, wildlife cover, wind barrier, noise reduction, etc.). When deciduous trees drop their leaves in the fall, many ecological perks remain dormant until spring. Never over prune or trim. Conifers prefer a lighter touch as they don't recover from hard pruning. Leave at least 4 inches of green growth where possible. When planting a container plant, rest the container on its side and carefully slide the conifer out of the pot. If the plant is root bound, loosen the roots with your hand, a hand cultivator (hand fork) or a knife so they are not spiraling in a circle around the root ball. Needles turning brown and dropping off is a desperate attempt by your plant to shepherd its resources but, unless you take action, this is unlikely to be enough to save it. 4) Choose The Right Spot

Ask in your local garden centre if you need advice on the specific compost mix for the conifer(s) you’re looking to grow.

How High Can a Garden Fence Be?

The pyramidal shape is wider at the bottom with a central trunk and often has horizontal branching. Pyramidal-shaped trees are generally more wind-resistant, like the striking Icee Blue® Yellow-Wood. The colorful and stunning Hoop’s Blue Spruce is a good choice for larger properties. The strong-rooted and virtually disease-free Green Giant Western Arborvitae thrives in warmer climates. And if you see water seeping out from the bottom of the pot, this can be a good indication that the roots are taking up too much space in the soil or that you’re using the wrong compost. Prepare the hole for planting. Break up any clumps with a trowel or gardening fork to ensure your conifers roots won’t come up against any obstacles when they are trying to establish. Firm up the ground around the hold by pressing on it to stop the conifer from going any deeper into the ground