Take this time to research and plan your yard. Consider the climate, exposure, drainage, plant characteristics, and yard size in selecting plants.

• What is Arbor Day and when is it celebrated?
• Do you have any recommendations about planting fruit trees in my yard?
• Summer preparation for fall planting.

What is Arbor Day and when is it celebrated?

Arbor Day is a celebration of trees. Arbor Day was founded in Nebraska in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, for whom one of the nation's most famous arboretums is named. Unlike other celebrations, which observe a historical event, Arbor Day is a gift to the future. The best way to honor Arbor Day is to plant a tree that future generations can enjoy.

National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April. In addition, each state has its own arbor observance scheduled according to the planting season. California's arbor week is March 7-14.

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Do you have any recommendations about planting fruit trees in my yard?

Fruit trees are a nice addition to any landscape. However, there are several things to remember when choosing the one for your yard.

First, most people select fruit trees for the potential fruit. Rather than being solely ornamentals, they are production crops incorporated into your yard. While you fantasize about the juicy fruit, remember that fruit trees require a commitment on your part in order to achieve successful production.

Therefore, it is important to know the treatments the tree requires such as pruning or dormant spraying. You cannot be lax about the spraying and pruning regimens if you want good production.

It is also important to select fruit trees that can handle our valley climate. Almost all fruit varieties perform well here but there are some considerations such as temperature extremes.

Certain varieties of apples may not tolerate our summer heat. Look for varieties such as some of the Japanese or Gala varieties that will stand the high summer temperature.

Chilling requirements for fruit production are also important. In order for certain fruit trees such as peaches to produce, they must be exposed to a certain amount of extreme cold temperature hours. Most local nurseries carry varieties of fruit trees that produce fruit given our cold season. However, if you purchase a tree from another area or through a catalog, the tree may bear little or no fruit.

Cherries are among the most rewarding and most difficult trees to grow here. A local professional should be consulted before selecting a variety.

Once the type of tree is selected, it is important to site it in the landscape with as much thought as you would any other tree. As with any tree, planting techniques are crucial. Give the tree enough room both above and below ground. Be careful about drainage. Fruit trees do not like standing water around their roots.

Lastly, know what and where the graft union is on the tree. Almost all fruit trees are made by grafting the desired variety to a different rootstock. The rootstock is selected for its tolerance to environmental conditions the desired species or variety may not handle. There will be an obvious crook in the lower part of the trunk where the two trees were joined. Some specialty trees such as combination fruit trees may have several grafts on one tree. Keep the graft union to the north when planting. It is a sensitive part of the tree and should not be exposed to our harsh southwestern sun.

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Summer preparation for fall planting.

Planting during the hot season is hard on us and new plants. While you wait for temperatures to drop, there are things you can do to prepare for your landscaping. Proper preparation now will prevent many problems later.

First of all, take this time to deal with the weed population. A weed is any plant growing where it is not wanted. In general weeds compete with desirable plants for water, space, sunlight, and nutrients. We spend lots of time and money trying to remove them. Better to do it before you plant.

In combating weeds, look for alternatives to reaching for the chemicals. Solarization, scraping, hand picking, and mulching are organic ways of reducing weeds. Tilling before controlling weeds may exacerbate problems by disbursing seeds throughout the yard.

Another thing to take care of before you plant is drainage. Learn how water enters and exits the yard so that you can appropriately plant and alleviate any problem areas. No plant can grow with either too much or too little water.

Take this time to research and plan your yard. Consider the climate, exposure, drainage, plant characteristics, and yard size in selecting plants. You should always know a plant's needs and potential size before it is planted!

As far as soil conditioning, adding topsoil is not the answer. Poor soil quality should not be confused with poor drainage. Often soil that is heavily compacted and does not allow drainage is considered "bad" soil. Such is not the case.

To improve soil, use mulches or other organic materials on TOP of the soil or incorporated in the top 6-8 inches. This encourages worms and microorganisms which help improve soil quality. They add nutrients, aerate the soils, and improve drainage.

When is comes time to plant, use the native soil without amendments. Otherwise, roots that should be expanding beyond the hole may confine themselves to the amended area creating other problems.

Rather, loosen up the ground around the rootball in an area at least two times the size of the rootball in width but not deeper in the center than the rootball. This gives the roots water and air gaps to follow and reduces some of the compaction around the plant.

Planting for tomorrow...today.

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