Episode: #2 09/09/2006
Presenter: Kim Syrus

1. If you have had a tree removed from your yard and it has begun to re-shoot then you will most probably find that the root system is still active and encouraging the plant to regenerate. To stop this happening, we need to get to the root of the problem.

A sharp pair of loppers will be needed. Begin to cut all the new growth back; you may be surprised at how much growth you have to remove. Pile this up to cart away later. Stop when you get to ground level.

You need to poison off the stump and finally kill off that root system. Glyphosate is no use in this case, you need a Tree or Blackberry killer, mixed with Kerosene. Make sure you are wearing gloves, carefully paint this mixture onto the fresh cuts. The stump will absorb the poison and take it down to the roots. Finally stopping any more growth and fixing the problem for good.

2. The best time to prune any plant is after flowering, so wait until the blooms are finished, and then take to it with the shears. Remove about one third of the growth. This light trim is so important for keeping your plant in great shape but also important in encouraging new growth and new flowers for the next season.

Spring is just the best time to give your native plants a feed. Just be really careful with what you are giving them. Many Australian Natives like Banksia's, Leucodendrons & Melaeuca's have evolved on very poor sandy soils which do not have a high nutrient content and are particularly low in Phosphorus.

Using a dedicated fertilizer like Australian native Plant Feed for those sensitive varieties will guarantee best results. Sprinkle the granules around the base of the plant and water in.

For all your other Australian natives trust good old Blood and Bone to give them a great feed.

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