Bee bee trees

[judyv47954]

Well, I got several Evodia trees about seven years ago. I have three left. Every time they get close to some size, we get temps down to say, -14 or so, and they freeze back to the ground. They are supposed to be hardy in Zone five, but just surviving doesn't cut it for me. I sure wanted something to flower in the fall. Here, Locust is the main flow in the spring. After that, it's clover and soybeans. I planted several Basswood trees. Those are just getting big enough to bloom, but no bees as yet. It seems like every nursery cuts the taproot which really sets the tree back.

[Farmer Dave]

Well, I got several Evodia trees about seven years ago. I have three left. Every time they get close to some size, we get temps down to say, -14 or so, and they freeze back to the ground. They are supposed to be hardy in Zone five, but just surviving doesn't cut it for me. I sure wanted something to flower in the fall. Here, Locust is the main flow in the spring. After that, it's clover and soybeans. I planted several Basswood trees. Those are just getting big enough to bloom, but no bees as yet. It seems like every nursery cuts the taproot which really sets the tree back.

We don't cut the taproot. We use a root pruning container that encourages the tree to make feeder roots. A container full of non circling roots will out perform any bare root or smooth pot tree. Transplanting any tree will cause a delay in growth the year it is planted but, after that, ours generally grow well.

[scituatema]

When is the best time to take cuttings to grow it frok the cuttings?
How well do they grow roots by cutting method?

[Farmer Dave]

When is the best time to take cuttings to grow it frok the cuttings?
How well do they grow roots by cutting method?

Basswoods are difficult from cuttings. I am trying the first time this year. I will know more in a few months

[scituatema]

Basswoods are difficult from cuttings. I am trying the first time this year. I will know more in a few months

How about bee bee tree cuttings?

[judyv47954]

We don't cut the taproot. We use a root pruning container that encourages the tree to make feeder roots. A container full of non circling roots will out perform any bare root or smooth pot tree. Transplanting any tree will cause a delay in growth the year it is planted but, after that, ours generally grow well.

The Basswood had the central taproot cut, not the evodia. I got those as small starts. Even the nut tree that I got a couple of years ago had the taproot cut.
I can grow peach trees here, so why so much trouble with the evodia?

[Farmer Dave]

The Basswood had the central taproot cut, not the evodia. I got those as small starts. Even the nut tree that I got a couple of years ago had the taproot cut.
I can grow peach trees here, so why so much trouble with the evodia?

Evodia can be tough to grow. It is susceptible to several soil fungi and can get freeze damage especially when young. Field grown nursery stock usually has a severed taproot which is hard on the tree. That is why I like the root pruning containers. It solves the taproot problem without trauma to the tree.
Some people grow Evodia with no trouble, others struggle to keep it alive. Soil type, soil nutrition, competition with grass, disease, deer and rabbits, the reasons have no end.

[judyv47954]

Yes, I have tree collars on my evodias, as well as my fruit trees, because of the rabbits.
I might try to start cuttings this year and plant them as understory trees along the creek where they might get more shelter from the wind.