Frequently Asked Questions

Will my tree grow much this year?

There's an old saying in the nursery field, "The first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, and the third year it leaps." 

Aside from poor soil, planting in the wrong spot, too little sun or shade, drought... the list could go on, this is true for most plants.    When a plant/tree is first pt into the ground, it must establish a good root system and acclimate to its new surroundings.  Since this growth occurs underground, "behind the scenes", the plant may appear to do nothing more than survive. 

The second season in the ground you will see new growth, though not always as much as expected.  

The third season, providing conditions are good, you should see a jump in the growth rate to at least what is expected of the tree, if not more (conifers tend to grow more in GA).       We love to hear from our clients about what these special plants do for them, so call or write! 

 

Where do cultivars come from?

Published on April 10th, 2009

Many of the plants referred to as cultivars had humble beginnings as mutants.  Called "witch's brooms" or "sports", these are parts of the plants that appear spontaneously and do not grow if planted by the seed of the mother plant.  These "witch's brooms" are then grafted onto rootstock, usually of the same species, and reproduced.  Because even the best grafter will lose plants, the cost of these plants are high than those produced from seed or cuttings. 

 

What are conifers used for?

Conifers are incredibly versatile, they can be used as screens, hedges or even as specimen plant.  Use one as a centerpiece to a bed filled with companion plants.  Many conifer cultivars can also be trained in to arches, serpentine shapes, or espeliared. 
 

 

Are all conifers green?

Conifers come in blue, yellow, variegated (yellow /green, white/ green) and every shade of green and blue-green you can imagine. Some cultivars are green in the spring and summer and rust colored in the winter.  One color that is absent is red.  However, the cultivar Picea abies “Rubra Spicata” has flame red new growth for about 2 weeks in the spring.
 

 

Do conifers get big and outgrow their space?

  If space is limited, choosing the correct species and cultivar is critical . Some conifers grow one half an inch a year and others grow up to four feet per year. To circumvent having to know all many cultivars, simply know that almost all of them can be kept within a desired size range by selective pruning.  Most pruning only needs to be done once a year.   

 

Should a plant in a raised bed? Can I still plant in my yard?

Raised beds are an excellent option when the surrounding soil quality is poor.  Many of us have clay-rich soil or bad draining soils.  A raised bed allows you to amend the soil to fit he needs of the plant as well as keeping you from pounding the shovel into a block of clay.  You can plant trees and other plants in your yard, though you may want to add a soil conditioner and perhaps some fertilizer.  Remember, if you are compelled to do some digging, put no more than 50% of the rootball in the ground.

 

 

Do you need to amend the soil when planting Conifers and Japanese maples?

Yes, it is our recommendation to either amend the soil in the hole you dig or to start using raised beds. Georgia clay soil has claimed many a plant and tree, regardless of genus and species.  In some areas of our Metro area, even if you dig a hole and add amendments, you will have a clay cauldron that will not drain.  Thus, after a rain you will have a soupy organic mess that will drown the roots of the plant. Use soil conditioner (milled pine bark and sphagnum moss) and top soil , while mixing in the dirt from your garden, to help create a raised bed.  Raising the bed helps to facilitate good drainage and helps to create a finshed look. 
 

 

Are Conifers drought tolerant?

It has been our experience here at Just Add Water that most plants in the Southeast like at least a modicum of moisture.  Sometimes,  what drought tolerant means is that the plant suffers better than most.  Once established,many plants have the root system embedded in the ground to extract even the smallest amount of moisture. The key is to keep the newly planted conifer or Japanese maple sufficiently watered  for at least 2 seasons (summers), then you can abuse them a little by not watering them.  As Georgia has been in an extreme drought for severe years, this means you will need to water twice a week in the 90 degree heat. 
 

 

Are Japanese maples delicate?

Actually, most of them are extremely hardy.  Most prefer shade about forty percent of the day, about four and a half hours of a summer day.  Also, open soil structure with good aeration, and moderate moisture (not too wet, not too dry) will keep them happy.  They may seem more delicate because of the higher price and more intense colors than other tree.  As almost no Japanese maple cultivar can be reproduced by seed, and the plants must be grafted, it is the propagation cost that causes the increase in price.   
 

 

Can I bring my pet when I visit the nursery?

For the comfort and safety of all our guests we ask that you please leave your pets at home.  Though we are dog owners ourselves, even ours have broken branches off of our specimen trees.