Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - April 30, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Trees
Title: Repairing damage to Anacacho Orchid Tree in Austin
Answered by:
QUESTION:
Hi You Guys!! We have an understory Anacacho Orchid Tree in the front and my sweetie was trimming the big oak and dropped a branch down, splitting one of the large branches off the Anacacho. The wound is about 4 inches long by an inch wide. What should I do, if anything, to protect it from pathogens? Is this a concern? Or should I let it callus on its own? Thanks!!!ANSWER:
First, check out this article from our How-to articles on How to Prune a Tree. We could find no indication that the Bauhinia lunarioides (Texasplume) was susceptible to any pathogens, including any that might infect the tree with an open wound. However, since you're obviously concerned about it, why don't you trim off any ragged stub from the break, following the pictures in our How-To article. Then, when you have a nice clean cut, you can use a spray-on sealer designed for this purpose. It is a valuable tree, rather rare in the wild, and kept in existence by gardeners like you. It's probably worth the extra trouble.
More Pruning Questions
Tidying up Copper Canyon Daisies in San Antonio
March 30, 2010 - We have a small bed with 4 copper canyon daisies. We cut them back in the fall but have not pruned them during growing season; as a result they become a big tangle by September. Should they be pruned ...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen privacy screen 8 feet or less
January 29, 2016 - In needing to plant an evergreen privacy screen, what is the tallest Ceniza variety? I'm having great difficulty finding an evergreen hedge material 8' or less.
After having taken a class in pla...
view the full question and answer
Need to control Turk's cap in front yard in Austin, TX
February 28, 2015 - I have several turks cap in my front yard- they grow well, but they grown huge-high and spread out. My neighbors' are much more compact! how can I keep them in control?
view the full question and answer
Dealing with live oak suckers in Central Texas
March 05, 2015 - Hi, I have a couple huge Live Oak trees in my back yard. Trunks are 4' in diameter. These Live Oaks produce a lot of root sprouts/suckers. I had always head that a tree's roots feed on water/oxyg...
view the full question and answer
Pruning a non-native Hinoki cypress from Denver NC
July 08, 2011 - Hi! Our painters have asked that we trim the Golden Hinoki Cypress back from the house. The tree is about 20' tall, beautiful and healthy. Since it is July and therefore, HOT! I'm wondering how t...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |