Latest news with #JapaneseAcer
Daily Record
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
How to get rid of ivy and keep it away for good, according to experts
Ivy is an evergreen climber that clings to walls, fences and trees, forming dense mats of growth and can block sunlight and smother plants Most gardeners in the UK will have encountered common or English ivy at some point, but few would have deliberately planted it. This evergreen climber is ubiquitous, clinging to walls, fences, and trees, and forming dense mats of growth. While it has some benefits, such as providing shelter for birds and pollinators, its tendency to smother plants, damage mortar in older walls, and block sunlight makes it a common problem for gardeners. Rapid-growing weeds are often tackled with harsh chemicals, which many might assume would be the solution for ivy. However, irrigation experts at Drip Works claim that a natural mixture of three household ingredients is all that's needed to eradicate "serious and invasive" ivy for good, reports the Express. There are several methods for tackling unwanted ivy in the garden, depending on where the leafy plant is growing. One effective solution for climbing ivy is a vinegar-based spray. "If you want an ivy-free garden wall, this is an effective and natural way to achieve it," said the Drip Works team. The formula involves combining apple cider vinegar, salt, and dish soap, which has been "proven to be the best solution to kill ivy". Preparing it is straightforward: simply combine one gallon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and one ounce of dish soap (approximately two tablespoons) in a spray bottle. When it comes to killing ivy, both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can be effective, but the former may have an edge due to its additional compounds beyond acetic acid. The key to success lies in the concentration of acetic acid, which varies among vinegar types. Before application, ensure you're well-protected with gardening gloves, long sleeves, and boots. Combine the solution in a secure container, shaking it vigorously to mix. How to kill ivy plants Irrigation experts recommend leaving the vinegar solution on the plants for at least five days before assessing its impact. This natural herbicide works by dehydrating ivy leaves and breaking down their protective waxy coating. As the Drip Works team advises, "After five to six days, use garden shears and a pruning saw to remove dead ivy that is clinging firmly to the building." Be thorough, as surviving leaves may require repeat treatment until the English ivy is completely dead. Once the foliage has died back, it's crucial to physically remove the roots to prevent regrowth, as ivy can reappear from even a small remaining root segment. While ivy can provide a habitat for wildlife, allowing it to grow unchecked can weaken trees by adding weight and competing for essential resources like light and moisture. It comes after garden experts shared tips on how to ensure your Japanese Acer retains its striking colour throughout the year.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Japanese Acers will only turn vibrant red if you add one thing to soil now
The Japanese Acer, also known as the Japanese Maple, is a popular addition to any garden - and one way to keep it looking its best is to add a particular ingredient to the soil Japanese Acers, also known as Japanese Maples, are highly treasured for their resplendent hues and unique silhouette, making them a garden favourite. To maintain its splendour, proper nurturing is essential - and garden expert suggest there are techniques to preserve the Acer's vivid, striking colours throughout the year. The iconic crimson shade of many Japanese Acers, resembling a rich red wine burgundy tone, is widely admired. However, when an Acer tree begins to weaken or perish, its signature hue can diminish and fade. According to insights from UrbanGardensWeb, these elegant maples may encounter myriad issues ranging from aphid and insect invasions to damage from intense direct sunlight, or excessive moisture resulting in waterlogged roots that could suffocate the plant. Yet, continued vibrancy and health of an Acer can be ensured by the application of 'good quality fertiliser'. It advises: "Japanese maples benefit from good quality granular fertiliser. Mulch and apply fertiliser in spring to help the tree during its growth period. Avoid feeding in autumn, as this can encourage it to grow at the wrong time of year and adversely affect its course." Another influence on your Japanese Acer's colour intensity may be its position in the garden, plus the levels of sunshine or shade it receives during different times of the day, reports the Express. According to the experts at "A Japanese Maple may not be showing red colour, even if it's known to be a red cultivar. "Japanese Maples that are still in their sapling stage may not show prominent red colours, or may even be more green than red. "Environmental factors also play a huge part in the colour of the leaves of your Japanese Maple. If your tree is in full sun, you may see a spike of green colour in late summer due to the excess chlorophyll being stored in the plant. "Optimal conditions to promote vivid colours is early morning sun and late day shade. Cultivar selection is also key if you're looking for a certain colour. Red Dragon & Emperor 1 are known to hold their red colour much better than other cultivars."
Daily Record
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Japanese Acer will have vibrant red leaves all year round if 1 thing added to the soil
Japanese Acers are a popular addition to any garden due to their rich colours and distinctive shape - but they need some care and attention to keep them looking their best Japanese Acers, also referred to as Japanese Maples, are a favourite addition to many gardens due to their vibrant hues and unique shape. However, like all living things, they require care and attention to maintain their beauty. Garden experts have shared tips on how to ensure your Japanese Acer retains its striking colour throughout the year. The most prevalent shade of Japanese Acer is red, particularly a deep burgundy akin to red wine. But if your Acer tree begins to wilt or die, it can lose its distinctive hue as it fades. UrbanGardensWeb highlights several issues these Acers can encounter, including aphid and other insect infestations, scorching from excessive direct sunlight, or overwatering which can result in waterlogged soil and potentially drown the tree. One method to keep an Acer healthy and rich in red colour is to regularly nourish it with 'good quality fertiliser '. The advice given is: "Japanese maples benefit from good quality granular fertiliser. Mulch and apply fertiliser in spring to help the tree during its growth period. "Avoid feeding in autumn, as this can encourage it to grow at the wrong time of year and adversely affect its course." Another factor that can alter the colour of your Japanese Acer is its planting location, and the amount of sunlight or shade it receives, and at what time of day, reports the Express. According to "A Japanese Maple may not be showing red colour, even if it's known to be a red cultivar. "Japanese Maples that are still in their sapling stage may not show prominent red colours, or may even be more green than red. "Environmental factors also play a huge part in the colour of the leaves of your Japanese Maple. If your tree is in full sun, you may see a spike of green colour in late summer due to the excess chlorophyll being stored in the plant. "Optimal conditions to promote vivid colours is early morning sun and late day shade. Cultivar selection is also key if you're looking for a certain colour. "Red Dragon & Emperor 1 are known to hold their red colour much better than other cultivars." Gardeners have also been warned not to cut their grass too early or risk being slapped with a £5,000 fine. From early morning lawn mowing to loud parties and DIY renovations, experts have revealed the legal complications of springtime activities. While most people assume they are free to mow their lawn whenever they want, the legal reality is more nuanced. Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive said: "There is no nationwide restriction on when individuals may cut their grass; however, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with powers to address noise that constitutes a statutory nuisance."
