Hi all.
There are 2 spiral schrubs at the entrance of my new home and i have no idea how to water them. im not certain what breeed they are and recently they have been turning yellow from the inside out.

HOw do i revive them? is it a watering issue that is causing it to die? Please help. Any feedback is much appreciated.

Thanks

 

Without more info on how they've been watered and/or cared for over the winter, where you live and the amount of sun they get, it would be difficult to say. Generally when needled evergreens brown from the inside out they are shedding their older needles from the winter. Another possibility could be lack of water over the winter.

From this site with lots of other helpful info:
http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/displ...8869062&lang=e

Newt

 

Newt, thanks for this. here is a bit of info.
I purchased the house in the winter, and didnt water it the entire season.
I just put on the sprinklers in my house (2 weeks ago) and am watering every other day for 25 mins intervals each watering cycle.
It sits in front of the house and have ample sunlight everyday.

Thanks again.

 

Congratulations on your new home!! That sounds like alot of water. You must live in a desert area. I live in zone 7 in Maryland and winters here can get to 0*F. Hardiness zones are based on average low winter temps. Here's a zip code zone finder if you aren't sure of your zone. Your state would help too as zone 7 in Maryland has very different soil from zone 7 on Long Island, NY or in NW Texas. Here the soil is clay based and on Long Island, NY it's sandy. Clay soil doesn't drain as quickly as sandy soil.

Generally shrubs don't need water once they are established if an inch of rain falls once a week. Are your sprinklers watering these shrubs? Btw, I think they are called a spiral topiary. There are many different species of shrubs used for topiary from broad leafed evergreens such as boxwood to needled conifers such as juniper. Can you post a picture? Maybe that will help.

Newt

 

Thanks for the response Newt. I live in Long Island, NY.
So you think i am over watering? my sprinklers are watering the spirals since they also water my lawn. I can turn off the station that specifically waters the spirals.
I will try to get a pic up tonight.

 

I would think you might have sandy soil if you live on Long Island, but that still sounds like alot of water for these shrubs. I'd love to see pictures.

Btw, how long ago were these shrubs planted?

Newt

 

Newt, still havent taken the photos yet, but i will try to get them on today.

The spirals were planted there from the previous owners. they stand about 5' tall.

Im starting to suspect that its spider mites that are infesting it. What do you think? should i try some miticides?

Thanks again.

 

Spiral topiary is likely juniper if you have spider mites. To confirm that you have spider mites, hold a piece of white paper beneath branches and shake. If you see little moving dots on the paper, you have spider mites. Hose off the shrubs every two to three days to wash away mites and webs. If using a chemical spray, make sure the label identifies safe for junipers and apply according to label directions.

Spider mites on junipers: http://cahe.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/1998/030998.html

Established junipers are drought tolerant. You do not want to over water, as junipers can get root rot, especially if soil is clay.

If you are watering landscape every other day for 25 minutes, you are watering too frequently and not deep enough. Depending on soil type, it is usually recommended to water deep once a week at least 1" of water. This encourages roots to grow deep and strong in search of water.

To determine what type of soil you have and any required amendments, you can get a soil test done. Your local Cooperative Extension Agent can help you with this and make recommendations for amendments, provide you with a lawn maintenance schedule, and a wealth of info on many gardening topics.

 

Dsang, I just realized I never gave you the zip code zone finder.
http://www.gardenweb.com/zones/zip.cgi

Did you get a chance to try Twelvepole's suggestion to see if you have spider mites? If you do have them you can use the suggested water spray or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

I'd love to see the pictures.

Newt

 

Thanks NEWT. I havent uploaded the pics yet. Sorry, Ill do it ASAP.

I've been hosing the spriral with the jetstream of water for the past 4 days. I tried to hit all angles and underside. I have yet to see results.
Stay tuned.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

Dsang, whenever you get to the pics will be fine. The only way to tell if the hosing is helping would be to do the paper test again to see if there are still any mites. Of course you'll have to do this before you hose the next time. You won't see any postivie results immediately other then the spread of the browning stops. It will take a bit of time before you see new growth.

Newt