Small intro, lots of questions

[lilpix33]

Hi everyone. I've been watching this community for a long time now, although I just recently realized I never joined. I'm in Zone 5 for your reference

Comments

That looks like a rhododendron

[the_vampkitty]

In fact it looks just like one of my mothers (I miss Rhodies)

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=F8m&pwst=1&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=rhododendron&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=IYeGTa7BLZPmsQOki93_AQ&ved=0CF8QsAQ&biw=1280&bih=839

Re: That looks like a rhododendron

[lilpix33]

Thank you! Someone else suggested this to me as well. We've lived here since September, with us viewing the house in late June. I haven't seen it bloom yet, which is where the confusion came in.

Re: That looks like a rhododendron

[the_vampkitty]

Depending on the color they can start blooming in April. Odd that it wasn't blooming in June when you moved in since you're zone 5. I betcha its a light pink/pink white.

Re: That looks like a rhododendron

[lilpix33]

Looking back at pics from early June (I took pics on the viewing) I did notice pink flowers on the ground underneath. I'll post pics when they bloom!

[dark_phoenix54]

Rhodie leaves droop and curl in response to cold temps. I've heard tell some people can tell what the temperature is by looking at their rhodies!

[lilpix33]

Thanks! This is exactly what happens. It's quite awesome actually- they seem so resiliant because it would be -10F and they'd be all shriveled and droopy, but then next day when it was above 20 degrees, they'd be so lush and full.

Your apple tree damage

[angelchrome]

My first instinct is to say deer did it. They're just like that. You can check this site to try and identify the animal that did it: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-6K4KAF

Some of those animals are UK-specific, but your main problems are usually rabbits and deer, which this covers.

But this person's advice for helping a damaged young tree bounce back is pretty much spot on:
http://www.donnan.com/deer_rubs.htm

If it's damaged all the way around you're probably looking at a dead tree by this time next year. If there's undamaged parts you can technically trip away rough bits but the best thing you can do is let the tree try to heal itself. They're survivors and if there's any chance they can make it they will work it out for themselves.

Hope this helps!

Re: Your apple tree damage

[lilpix33]

Thanks, that did help. The damage is not severe at all, thankfully. Looking at the various pics there, I don't think it's deer. The damage is in the lower 2 feet of the tree. I looked up some animal poop pics, and found the exact poop I found in the vicinity. I'm almost positive that it is rabbits. Now I'm annoyed because I'm going to have to figure out how to protect my veggie garden before I get started (which I guess is better than getting stuff in and losing it to hungry rabbits.)

Re: Your apple tree damage

[angelchrome]

Then you should be all good to go. A nice young tree should bounce back without any interference. If it were a very old tree it would have trouble adjusting but this should be just fine.

[liminalia]

Don't put anything on the tree wounds. Despite old wives' tales, trees heal best naked.

Yes, prune the hydrangea back strongly. You can do it now throw the first stages of full leaf-out. It's just that the later you do it you'll delay flowering a little.

[lilpix33]

Thank you. With pruning, is it ok to just trim down all the little stems that the previous blooms were on? I've never done this before.

[liminalia]

Yes, it's ok, but you'll have a nicer, bushier plant if you trim it back a good bit more than that. My old boss even used to trim hers to the ground. That's not necessary, but it's up to you.

[leliel]

No advice, but I have to say your icon made me smile. CAT IS SO HAPPY! :P