Subject: Re: Shrubs under Pine tree
From: Anne Kilmer <viceroy@gate.net>
Organization: Frisky Enterprises
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 98 12:42:52
Message-ID: <MOD$981111.7345@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$981111.001@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Pete wrote:
>
> This is the first time that I have posted in this news group and I'm very
> new to gardening. I have planted two hydrangeas, two Japanese Rose (Keri)
> and two Azaleas under a big pine tree (28" dia). All the shrubs are about 3
> ft from the tree and each other. Is this OK or will they kill the big Pine?
>
> BP

You have not said where you are, nor what kind of pine you're working
with.
If you are in Florida, yes, you may have killed your tree.
If you want to plant under an established tree, especially a pine tree,
you must plant tiny seedlings of plants that want the same water and
soil.
Azaleas are perfectly happy to grow under pines, and vice versa,
because they enjoy acid soil. Large plants, newly planted, however, need
a lot of water as well as a large hole. Both will damage the pine's
roots and it may not recover.
Any sort of damage to a pine causes it to spread pheromones in the air
which signal to beetles that this tree is in trouble. Bark beetles,
boring beetles and woodpeckers tell you that the tree is on its way out.
This could all happen ten years from now ... we're not talking about
tomorrow.
You didn't know, and it's not your fault, but you might want to remove
the hydrangeas and Keris ... as for the azaleas, if they're not too
close to the trunk, they might be all right. Depends on what sort they
are, how big they are, and how much they still need to be watered.
Refill the holes with soil like the soil you took out, and explain to
the tree that you're sorry and had intended to do it honor.
This being winter, you might get away with it.
If not, the process of death is a worthy and honorable one, worth
watching and applauding, unless the tree is likely to fall on something
you value. You will have provided habitats for some neat beetles and
excellent birds, and that's all right, too.
If you're in Vermont or something, and I'm all wet, I hope someone
else will jump in and say so.
Anne Kilmer
South Florida