It is a very pretty time in Fallon, we’re blooming all over town. The white blossomed, ornamental pear trees (Pyrus species) are in gorgeous full display down Maine street and at Oats Park in front of the Churchill Arts Council. They are such an iconic part of the town and a current favorite social media post (keep posting everyone, love those beautiful pictures) I sure would like to see them cared for a little more.
Rant time, as new businesses pop up on Maine Street (hello No Filter Fitness) and the town continues to develop and beautify, we need to keep those trees looking their best. I know I have probably said already but at the very least removing and replacing the ones that need it. Not to mention, taking out the stakes and ties that are hindering growth and giving them much-needed fertilizer to keep these city sidewalk trees the trending post for years to come.
While doing some volunteer time at the Churchill County Cemetery last week (more on that in a future column), the flowering pears, sometimes called Callery or Bradford pears were practically vibrating, they were packed full of buzzing bees and other pollinators. Truly music to this beekeeper’s heart. While it might seem taboo, I highly encourage you to take a walk through our cemetery grounds. As the town grows and changes, I am grateful for the “old Fallon” acres of many species of gorgeous, historic trees that are well cared for by the hardworking men seen in the photo, Claude Parsley and Aaron de la Cruz. The last few years have been challenging for us all, these guys have stepped up for the town. Now is a great time to plant if you’re considering adding a tree to your landscape this year. If you want to see a mature example of a tree you’re thinking about, I bet you can find one out at the cemetery. A gentle reminder if you do visit, out of respect for the people resting there please leave your four-legged friends at home.
Flowering/ornamental pears or the red-leaved, pink-flowered ornamental plum Prunus species are super easy to find at our local nurseries. Both are relatively easy to grow, small to medium height trees that are tolerant of our challenging climate. I should note, they are sometimes described as fruitless trees, but the pears develop a small pea-like hard fruit and the plums often make a small plum. Interestingly many places on the east coast describe the flowering pear as invasive and are mounting large eradication efforts as the trees make their way into the native landscape. Here in our water-challenged climate, however, most of the trees stay where you have planted them.
If you have not started yet, you can start pruning back perennials and shrubs. Now is the time to prune grapevines as well if you haven’t already. There are many different styles and methods for pruning grapes. If you get overwhelmed remember, grapes bear fruit on the green stems of one-year-old canes and like your fruit trees, they need adequate sunlight and air circulation. For maximum fruit production, you can remove the canes that brought you fruit last year, they won’t produce grapes again. On fully established vines it might feel like you are removing a lot of plant material, but you will be rewarded with better fruit in the long run. Remove small and weak canes now as well. If your goal is to cover an arbor or pergola for shade, prune for shape as needed. I would recommend a light fertilizer right now; seaweed is my go-to or anything around the 10-10-10 range.
Comment
Comments