Small Weed Licker

Recently i made a small weed licker that fits behind a machine and is narrow enough to fit in between the rows of trees, it is only 3' wide with a gravity fed water tank,, the roller is a 6" diameter plastic pipe which rolls on top of the grass and rotates freely, the covering is just an old piece of carpeting, the wheels on the sides are what keeps it up of the ground.

I may change it to a pump system yet and also change the white PVC pipe for copper, the pipe has a row of small holes in it, water just drips out constantly onto the roller i can regulate the flow by the stop lever on it.

My thinking is to try to suppress the grass/weed growth in between the rows of trees, even if i just do it once a year in the rows i can easily get down i am hoping this will go further to help control weeds, 

www.limerickchristmastrees.com

Transplants Planting August 2015

That time of year again, planting of transplants, I weed killed the area to be planted last month, and it is relatively weed free, I don't dig the ground prior to planting anymore as this only brings up new weed seeds from lower down, and it seems to cause more weed growth come the spring than if I don't dig it

Using the planting tool I made, I simply put a hole in the ground to drop the plant into and firmed in, the plants are plug cell grown which makes them easy to plant, there is a section on my website on planting How to Plant Transplants this year I have planted 5' between the rows and 4' between the plants the plants are still planted alternately,

P     P      P       P       P       P

P      P      P      P       P

P      P      P      P       P       P

My aim is to plant 500 Nordmann fir this autumn then another 500 in the spring, I wont weed kill around these one again until next autumn, I like to give them a good year to establish themselves first, I will pull any large weeds up if need be, they will be fed with agroblen in the spring, and the usual cutting of grass between the rows.

We have also started on seedling planting into plug trays these are 1½ years old and will be grown on till they are 3 years old and will be big enough for planting out

www.limerickchristmastrees.com 

Rust Problems on Nordmann Fir

Whilst on one of my general walking checks I noticed that there is a bit of needle rust on some trees, i did some research for treatments and came back with Amistar, I also emailed Colin Palmer of Rural Services and he suggested using a fungicide called Bellis or Signum as Amistar can cause some scorching, Two applications are advised first one at bud swelling and second one at mid flush,

Bellis Fungicide Teagasc Field Use Instructions

Here is some information from Colin's website on rust Disease Control in Firs grown as Christmas Trees in the UK

There is available on Colin's website an annual programme for Weed, Pest & Disease in Christmas Trees

Colin also suggested controlling Willow Herb with fluroxypyr, Willow Herb can be the alternate host of this disease. Eliminate this weed within at least 500m of the crop. I do have this weed in my field in places. It is a nice colourful native wild flower, but if it harbors rust it needs to be controlled, one of my tasks this year will be to control and try to eliminate Willow Herb as much as possible

www.limerickchristmastrees.com 

Ground Cover Weeds As Weed Control

Slowly but surely I am getting less tall weeds around my Christmas trees. My aim is that tall weeds that compete with Christmas trees are being controlled by managing low growing ground cover weeds.

Excerpt from Christmas Tree Production
What is a ground cover? In the landscape, people plant ground covers in shady places under trees. But in Christmas tree fields, growers manage the weeds around trees to create a biodiverse ground cover. These include low growing clovers, strawberries, violets, buttercups, and many other woodland perennials making a green carpet.

Ground covers in Christmas tree fields have many benefits including:

• Reducing erosion so the tree farm is sustainable year after year and streams stay clean.
• Reducing soil temperatures so tree roots take up soil nutrients better.
• Providing habitat for insect predators so fewer pesticides are used and there is less pest damage.
• Providing a habitat for wildlife.
• Reducing problems with difficult to control weeds since there is no bare ground for weed seeds to germinate.

These fields aren’t just let go. It takes a shrewd manager to keep the right kind of ground covers thriving while keeping problem weeds under control. With these current production practices, mowers and weedeaters which can damage trees are seldom used.

Ground covers make sense. And they help make a good tree!

How have I managed to achieve this, I still spray roundup twice a year, November and February time but i only use 2% dilution rate, at this rate it suppresses the weeds, and i mow maybe once a month between the rows these 2 combined tasks encourage the lower down ground cover weeds such as clover, buttercups and keep the taller ones at bay and encourages beneficial insects such as ladybirds, the grass rows in-between the trees is only cut down to about 4 - 5 inches using a powered scythe mower, this is enough to keep it from growing too tall and still encourage ground cover weeds.

I am considering using a pre-emergence herbicide such as kerb flo in February, this will be mixed in with the Roundup to be applied in one go, It should help to prevent weeds from germinating, kerb granules are also available

Previous years i have tried controlling weeds around the young trees with black plastic, this is fine to start with but i found it made feeding of plants difficult, it stopped moisture getting down directly to the roots, i have even gone around hand weeding the taller weeds around the trees, i think the method i have now is about the easiest for controlling tall weeds

I am not too concerned about the boundary's of the fields i tend to leave a boundary strip to overgrow this again encourages beneficial insect and wildlife

Couple of useful resources i have come across
 Weed, Pest, Disease in Christmas Trees

weedkiller Quick Reference Chart For Tree & Ornamental Weed Killers here

www.limerickchristmastrees.com

Planting Christmas Trees

I have been playing with a couple of different planting methods,

1, Post hole borer, Simply makes a hole in the ground and plant in the hole, nice and quick but after a while the machine gets a bit heavy so i made a trolley for it, the post hole borer sits in the cradle push down which forces borer into the ground, the spring is under tension which when you let go raises the borer off the ground just push along to next hole space, still need to work on this alter the design a bit more, this is ideal for any plants that have been pot grown and a bigger hole is needed.

2, Long handled bulb planter, i also tried one of these, it was ok but difficult to push in the ground if you caught a stone or anything else hard under the surface, i took a core of soil out then just put the plug cell grown transplant in and firm around, not the easiest of tools on stony ground

3, A planting bar, the easiest way yet, box section made in to a wedge shape with a handle on it, height approx 40" and currently my preferred method of nice quick easy planting of transplants

www.limerickchristmastrees.com 

March Newsletter

March Christmas Tree Transplants Newsletter

Transplants Sold Out

Due to exceptional demand Noble fir and Nordmann fir sold out early this spring, We are now taking orders for 2015 autumn Nordmann and Noble fir, We are now able to offer delivery on transplants in Ireland on a next day basis (minimum order for delivered plants

We still have some of our own transplants in plug trays available Here

Limerick Christmas Trees

How To Plant A Plugcell Grown Transplant

When choosing the perfect trees for your location - Take into consideration the following things:

Type of soil - wet, moist, dry, sandy, sandy-loam, clay.

Sun requirements - does your site provide full sun, partial sun, shade?

Know what you want?  Now it's time to preparing the planting site - Survival rates for plugcell tree transplants are good on all sites including rough sites. However, weed control can help them off to a good start. This can be accomplished by herbicides and/or mowing and of course using weed control. 

Now that you have your location and the transplants you must care of your transplants before planting -Plugcell grown transplants give you flexibility of planting when it's convenient for you. Place the trees where they will get direct sun for part of the day. Avoid continuous hot sun. Water thoroughly as needed, generally every 1-3 days depending on weather conditions. If holding for an extended period of time (more than 3-6 weeks), elevate a few inches on blocks to keep roots from growing into the ground. The night before planting, water the seedlings well. This gives time for excess water to drain out.

Planting your Plugcell Tree Transplants - The transplants root plug should be placed 1/4 to 1/2 inch below the ground surface, and the native soil firmed over the root plug. The soil around the plug should be firmed up, but be careful not to step on the seedling! plugcell seedlings may be planted with all types of planting tools and equipment including mechanical tree planters.

 

10 Commandments for Tree Seedling Survival

Dr. William Carey, Auburn University Professor, outlines a ten point system to help improve forest tree seedling survival. At a meeting, sponsored by International Forest Company, Dr. Carey explains his planting techniques and insists you give seedlings "tender loving care" from the time they leave the nursery until planted in the field.

Commandment Number One -

Do not allow seedlings to dry out. - Ample moisture is the key factor in seedling survival; seedlings must never be allowed to dry out from the nursery to planting. Plant immediately in the field. Remember "if they dry, they die".

Commandment Number Two - 

Transport seedlings carefully. - Rough handling can damage root systems and predispose seedlings to stress.

Commandment Number Three - 

Avoid temperature extremes. - Fluctuations in temperature, especially excessive heat, during storage and transport can result in seedling trauma during outplanting.

Commandment Number Four. -

Plant promptly. - Once seedlings are lifted, minimize storage time, especially early in the season and avoid extended transport time.

Commandment Number Five. -

Do not trim or prune seedling roots. - Seedlings need every single tiny root to absorb moisture and nutrients from the ground. The more root surface, the better the growth.

Commandment Number Six. - 

Do not wash or shake gel from seedling roots. - Gel applied to roots at the nursery prevents drying out during transport, decreases planting shock, and improves acclimation to the planting site.

Commandment Number Seven. - 

Plant bareroot seedlings after October, preferably after December 15 and before April. - Cooler temperatures are more conducive to seedling survival and healthy growth.

Commandment Number Eight. - 

Plant seedlings deeply. - Greater exposure to the soil and its water content - even one-half inch of added depth of planting - significantly improves survival rates.

Commandment Number Nine. - 

Use mechanical planting, if possible. - Although slightly more expensive, planting mechanically yields better results and is an investment that pays off.

Commandment Number Ten - 

Do not attempt to plant seedlings that have frozen in the pack. - Freezing irreversibly damages the root system, leading to seedling death

Christmas Tree Transplants

Christmas Tree Growers, Land Owners Grow With Us For A Better Future

Christmas Tree Growers, Land Owners Grow With Us For A Better Future

Land Owners Grow With Us For A Better Future, Are you looking to diversify or start Christmas tree production, If you have the land you have the opportunity

Don't be fooled by other suppliers/websites claiming that Christmas tree production is easy and a get rich quick scheme, it is not, it can be a full time job at times, it took us approximately 4 years to gain the knowledge that we have on Christmas tree growing as any information i needed i had to find out by trials on my land and by research or by joining groups that you have to pay to join and when you are starting out that is one expense you don't really want, but if you purchase transplants from us we will help you with FREE advice as much as we can, you will also have FREE access to further information in our private section on the website which is just for growers that we supply plants too.

For further information and plant prices visit our website
http://limerickxmastreecentre.com/christmas-tree-growers.php

45 Discount Nordmann Fir Transplants In Root Trainers

45 Discount Nordmann Fir Transplants In Root Trainers

I have available a quantity of Nordmann Fir transplants already planted in root trainers to grow on The plants are approx 5 inches in height, there are 45 plants per root trainer, the idea of the root trainer is to allow the plants to grow and the roots simply grow straight down due to the design of the root trainer price is €27.00 per tray of 45 plants collected, delivery would be difficult on these

These are also available 60 plants per tray at €35.00

The root trainers are plug cell shape with special grooves in which encourages the root to grow downwards and not spiral around inside the cell, there is a drainage hole at the bottom, With the plants in the root trainers you can leave to grow on outside they wont need feeding, you can if you wish feed middle of the year and simply keep them watered and they should be big enough to plant out in your field approx August, a general picture is attached of them

Caring for and Planting a Live Christmas Tree

I am on a regular email list for growing and selling plants, the emails are by an American grower Mike McGroarty, the emails i get are not overwhelming every single day etc maybe 2 -3 times a month which is nice and they always contain excellent information,

The most recent one was called The Consumers Guide to Caring for and Planting a Live Balled in Burlap Christmas Tree, Mike has given me permission to share the link with you on my blog http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2013/11/the-consumers-guide-to-caring-for-and-planting-a-live-balled-in-burlap-christmas-tree/

There is a reference i like comparing ice cream to burlap balled Christmas trees compare this in relation to buying a pot grown tree, if the tree moves in the compost in the pot it is not pot grown the tree has been dug up from the field with roots and placed in the pot chances are these trees will not survive being replanted in your garden as you cannot tell how much root is left, with a properly grown pot tree you should see some roots coming out the bottom of the pot and the tree wont move in the compost

The article is American but you could still apply it to Pot Grown Christmas trees that you wish to plant out in your garden

We still have some Discount Nordmann Fir for sale in root trainers we have 60 plants at 35 euro per tray or 45 plants at 27 euro per tray the plants are approx 5 inches tall

Christmas Tree Growing Smallholder Magazine Article

Whilst i was looking through a load of old Smallholder magazines i came across a 1999 copy and in was this article titled Cash For Christmas From Your Spare Land, and a many thanks to Graham Smith of Smallholder Magazine who has allowed me to reproduce it on this blog, they are in pdf format simply click on the links below

Cash For Christmas From Your Spare Land Part 1

Cash For Christmas From Your Spare Land Part 2

If  you would like to have a look and are having trouble opening them please let me know PDFs

Discount Transplants In Root Trainers

I have available a quantity of Nordmann Fir transplants already planted in root trainers to grow on there are 60 plants per root trainer, the idea of the root trainer is to allow the plants to grow and the roots simply grow straight down due to the design of the root trainer price is €35.00 per tray of 60 plants collected, delivery would be difficult on these.

The plants are approx 5 inches in height

Simply Contact us to inquire further

Facebook Shop

You can now purchase Christmas tree transplants via our shop on Facebook we currently have listed bargain priced Nordmann Fir, prices include delivery or you can collect

Limerick Xmas Tree Centre

100 Christmas Tree Transplants

I have available a limited number of small Nordmann Fir transplants in plug cell form these are perfectly ok they are just below grade size for resale at the full price, they are approx 4 - 5 inches well branched just lacking in height, these are 60c each i can post 100 for 15.50 (within Ireland) total for 100 plants would be only 75.50 Euro, we do accept paypal or cheques simply contact us with your requirements, you can order more or less plants, collection is available

Please note price is 60 cents per plant

Options with these plants, you can pot up and grow on for planting out in your field later or plant into a transplant bed and grow on outside you will just need to be careful they don't get smothered in grass this way and you cant find them, a general picture is attached of them

http://smartmart.ie/adverts/for-sale/100-christmas-tree-transplants.990/

Hand Made Wreaths

Traditionally, placing Holly wreaths at the doors were the only decorations.
The concept of Christmas tree arrived much later. In the pre-Christian times finding Holly bushes with berries was quite easy and was considered fortunate for the families. Moreover, Holly bushes did not cost anything and even the poor could afford to have them in their houses. Thus, it became a tradition to put Holly rings at mantelpieces and doorways. Today, however the decorations have gone beyond Holly wreaths.

For hand made wreaths I would like to recommend Conor of noble foliage the wreaths are hand made in Co. Cork
10' remembrance wreaths €5, and decorated Christmas wreaths €6.75.
For the 12' size €6.00/7.50. also available are 24' wreaths/table centres & mantle piece etc..
Contact
0874182511
Noblefoliage@gmail.com

Planting Bare Root Plants Sept 2013

We purchased 200 bare root Nordmann fir from a company in the UK these are 2+2 4 years old the tap root has been cut in the second year to encourage more fibrous roots, we purchased these mainly as an experiment to compare with our normal plugcell grown ones which are 2 -3 years old, we have mainly done this to see which ones grow quicker, give a better shape, mortality rate etc, plus the bare root ones are meant to be ready for harvest within 4 years onwards

They are about the same height as our normal plugcell grown ones, the branches are possibly thicker on some, they do have more roots, not all of the bare root plants are the same as in the picture though some were smaller with a lot less roots

The ground was prepared the same way as we do for plugcell grown, After planting at 4ft spacings they were left to allow for some rain before plastic was put around the plants to keep the weeds down

Weed Wiper Part 4

After using the weed wiper I had mixed results I found it worked better on shorter weeds than taller ones plus you need to apply the same amount of weed killer as you would a sprayer so as the leaves are wet, it will more than likely work very well with neat weed killer as you should not have to totally cover the weeds with the solution to get it to work, below are some pictures of effects

The picture below shows longish weeds given a good coating of weed killer

 

This picture is longish grass given a good coating as if spraying

 

Short/Longish weeds given a light brush over smaller weeds dying off

 

Again short/longish grass strip given a quick wipe over no effect

 

The 2 jubilee clips worked to hold the rope wick better but  I intend to  replace those  with 1 15mm pipe clip to hold the rope wick in the centre and use neat weed killer in future, overall a very good product nice and light to use once you learn how to use it correctly and mixture strength

Last Few Potted Nordmann Fir For Sale

Ready Now only 200 left approx

We currently have for sale at wholesale prices pot grown Nordmann Fir these are 6 - 9 inches tall in 1.5L pots price is 0.90 cents each contact us with your requirements, these will be ideal for growing on and shaping then re-selling next year/year after as table top christmas decoration pieces, or planted out this year in your field for growing on, collection prefered on these minimum order 10 plants

Limerick Xmas Tree Centre

Weed Wiper Part 3

After using the weed wiper with the 2 cable ties on it did not go according to plan the rope wick still kept on moving around the end T Piece section the problem was the plastic cable ties on plastic T piece gets wet and still allows the rope wick to move around a bit so I changed the cable ties to 2 jubilee clips

2 picture dates 6/9/2013

 

I continued to do some more weed killing to test the jubilee clips out the rope wick did not move around as before, to see the weed killer effect using cm wide jubilee clips I have done a strip up the centre of this row, it did rain heavily for about half an hour not long after I finished so I shall have to wait and see

 

On a home use for small weed killing It does not really matter if the rope wick moves as you simply keep on turning the wiper over so as the rope is downwards, there will be more to follow on results of my weed killing once I can see the effects