How to Use Root Stimulator on Live Oaks
Whenever a live oak is transplanted, damaged physically or deprived of water for long periods of time, it is put under a considerable amount of stress. To compensate, many tree owners erroneously give their live oaks fertilizer. But fertilizers stimulate the live oak to produce lots of new growth when it may not be able to spare the energy. Root stimulators, on the other hand, encourage root healing instead of growth. This will help the tree access the water and vital nutrients that will help it get back on its feet.
Mark off an area that is 1.5 times the spread of your live oak's canopy. Use twigs, pebbles or string to demarcate the area.
- Whenever a live oak is transplanted, damaged physically or deprived of water for long periods of time, it is put under a considerable amount of stress.
- But fertilizers stimulate the live oak to produce lots of new growth when it may not be able to spare the energy.
Mix the root stimulator with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most commercial root stimulators, like QT Root Stimulator, are mixed at a rate of 4 to 5 tbsp. per gallon of water. Newly transplanted saplings generally require 1 gallon of root stimulant solution while adult trees will require around 5 gallons.
Pour the root stimulant over the area that you demarcated in step 1. Try your best to spread the solution evenly. It may help to divide the area and the stimulator solution into fourths and apply it section by section.
- Mix the root stimulator with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- It may help to divide the area and the stimulator solution into fourths and apply it section by section.
Apply root stimulator to newly transplanted live oaks in this manner once monthly for a year. Trees that are stressed by other factors should only require one application.
Root Stimulator When Planting
Root stimulators designed for plants, flowers and trees help promote strong root growth. Often debated by the gardening community, root stimulators claim to have essential nutrients that support the growth of existing plant roots, and stimulate the growth of new roots. Root stimulators are often used when plants, flowers or bare-root trees are transplanted. Always follow the instructions and guidelines for proper application. Pour the root stimulator into a watering can and mix it with water according to the package ratio instructions. Plant the young plants in the ground or container according to their included specifications.
- Apply root stimulator to newly transplanted live oaks in this manner once monthly for a year.
Tip
Do not apply nitrogen heavy fertilizer to newly transplanted trees that are receiving root stimulant for the first year.
References
Tips
- Do not apply nitrogen heavy fertilizer to newly transplanted trees that are receiving root stimulant for the first year.
Writer Bio
Based in Houston, Texas, Meg Butler is a professional farmer, house flipper and landscaper. When not busy learning about homes and appliances she's sharing that knowledge. Butler began blogging, editing and writing in 2000. Her work has appered in the "Houston Press" and several other publications. She has an A.A. in journalism and a B.A. in history from New York University.