Trees need water... but don’t overdo it!

The Plant Man
by Steve Jones
www.landsteward.org

Trees need water... but don’t overdo it!

Gardeners and landscapers have one thing in common with their “big
brother” the farmer: complaining about the weather. Ask any farmer
about rainfall and you’ll be told that it is nowhere near enough or it
is way too much. Unlike Goldilocks’ third bowl of porridge at the
three bears’ house, it is never “just right!”

At this time of year, we try to remind ourselves about the old adage
that April showers bring May flowers... not to mention shrubs, bushes
and trees. So with April finally behind us, we can assess whether or
not our landscapes are actually getting the “just right” amount of
water... for once.

Too much water can be as bad (or worse) than not enough water for your
trees and shrubs. After all, if your soil is turning dusty from a dry
spell, you can always turn to your trusty garden hose. But drying out
waterlogged soil is a whole lot harder!

Here are a few quick watering tips for you to bear in mind...

When you’re watering trees, remember that much of the water will be
absorbed by the roots at or beyond the drip line, not at the base of
the trunk. The root system of a mature tree can spread out 1 to 3
times the width of the canopy, so that’s the most efficient area to
give your trees a drink.

When it comes to newly planted or young trees that have yet to attain
much of a canopy, water needs to be applied closer to the trunk area.
New trees need more water than established trees. As the tree matures
and the canopy spreads, widen the watering area. Once a tree is
established, reduce the frequency of watering.

Best time to water: Early morning or evening, so that less of the water
will evaporate in the midday sunshine. If you’re watering in the
evening, avoid watering the foliage as this can promote the formation
of mildew and fungus.

Don’t flood ‘em! If you pour on too much water too fast, you’re only
adding to the problem. You can cause erosion and compact the soil, as
well as wasting valuable water. Never apply water faster than it can
be absorbed by the soil.

Allow the soil to dry somewhat between watering. This allows oxygen to
be absorbed more easily. Use a soil probe or your own version
consisting of a thin metal rod. If you can push the probe fairly easily
into the soil but meet resistance at a depth of about 4 to 6 inches,
it’s time to reapply the water. Bear in mind that this a rule of
(green) thumb. If your nursery gave you specific watering instructions,
be sure to follow those.

Applying a layer of mulch under the tree’s canopy will keep the soil
cool and help to avoid evaporation. It will also keep you from mowing
too close to the delicate roots and trunk where the whirling blades can
wreak serious havoc!

You can more comprehensive information about watering trees at
http://ag.arizona.edu/cochise/mg/wateringplants.htm and you can easily
click on a link to that site when you find this column archived under
the “Plant Man” heading at my Web site www.landsteward.org

Your specific needs can vary depending on your soil type, location and
weather conditions. I’ll be happy to provide some personal advice on
the kind of trees and shrubs that will work best for you and your
landscape. Send me a few details at steve@landsteward.org and I’ll
offer some ideas.

And now for a reader question...

QUESTION: “Last year I planted Red Sedum. What should I do this year to
prepare the plant for this growing season.” – Louise Kraybill

ANSWER: To prep your sedum for the new growing season, cut back to the
ground any old growth. Do not cut any new growth. At this time make a
light application of organic fertilizer and then put down fresh mulch
(up to 3 inches of organic compost is best) around, but not on the
plants. Water until the soil is totally moist and water weekly during
summer if there is little/no rainfall. This should get your plants off
to a great start.

The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs
and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and
additional information, or to subscribe to Steve’s free e-mailed
newsletter, visit www.landsteward.org

Are You Ready to Own and Operate a Business?

Are You Ready to Own and Operate a Business?
By Kathleen Gage

How often has someone thought of starting a business based solely on
the fact they think it will be easier than working for someone else.
Fact is, owning and operating a business can be one of the most
grueling experiences you will have. Granted, there are many
advantages, but unless someone has actually run a business there is
much to consider before you make that decision.

The following information will help you operate a business more
professionally. With today's technology there is no reason you
cannot
have the look of a large company even if you are working off your
kitchen table. If you have a home based business it is suggested you
have a room dedicated to your business. This helps you to stay
focused and there are some major tax benefits in doing this.

PROFESSIONALISM
-Choose voicemail rather than an answering machine. There is a major
difference in the perception to the caller.
-Toll free number. Check with your local telephone company to find
out if this is available to you if you will have a lot of
clients/customers from outside your calling area.
-Have a separate business phone line. You do not appear very
professional if your children answer the phone.
-Email. Avoid using free services due to limitations and perceptions.
-Dedicated fax line. A small business will appear as such if the fax
number and phone number are the same.

RUNNING AN OFFICE
-Stay organized. The more you can keep yourself organized the easier
it will be to respond to customer's requests in a timely fashion.
-Color file folders. A great way to organize your file system. Each
color indicates a category.
-Dedicated file cabinets. Separate personal papers from business.
-Form letters. Don't reinvent the wheel with every letter you
write.
Keep form letters on a disc or your hard drive.

FINANCIAL END of running the business. There will be many costs to
running a business. The following are some of the investments you
will need to consider.
-Medical insurance
-Separate phone lines
-Taxes
-Marketing material
-Office supplies
-Products
-Service fees
-Accountant
-Financial Planner
-Bookkeeper
-Keep excellent records
-Keep all receipts

-Advertising

THINGS YOU WILL NEED IF YOU WANT TO STAY COMPETATIVE
-Business license
-Incorporate
-Bookkeeper
-Financial planner
-Marketing material
-Business cards
-Letterhead
-Envelopes
-Folders
-Letters of referral
-Bio sheet
-Product or service sheet
-Web site


PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
-Which ones are most beneficial for you to join? To get the biggest
benefit from any organizations you need to get involved. Use the
monthly meetings to network.
-Dues and fees. How much are the annual dues and cost for monthly
meetings?. Figure that in your budget.
-Conventions. Are there any conventions you need to go to? What is
the time and cost investment? Talk to others who have gone to find
out if it will be worth the investment.
-Network. Most of your business will come from referrals.

QUALIFYING THE BUYER
-Who is my customer?
-Do they have a budget for my product or service their budget?
-Do I want to work with them?

PAPERWORK
-Invoices
-Contracts
-Service agreements
-Letters

MANAGE PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
-Responding to requests by providing what the customer needs. If you
are not the person for the job, who can you refer (that's why
networking is so important)
-Follow-up. Do your follow-up in a timely fashion
-Develop a good relationship with the client
-Return calls as soon as possible
-Send information in a timely fashion
-Priority mail is often less expensive than first class. And it can
be more impressive to your client.
-Keep in touch after the fact. A mistake a lot of people make in
doing business is they do a job for a client and then seem to forget
the client. It is easier to get repeat business than it is to find
new business, and yet, so often business owners and salespeople
(which is what you are if you own a business) will look for the new
customer and forget about their existing clientele

Kathleen Gage is a keynote speaker, author and business advisor
specializing in marketing and promotions. Access Gage's's
FREE eBook
Street Smarts Marketing On the Internet at
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm