Knowledgebase

Potentilla Pruning #760956

Asked July 10, 2021, 9:16 AM EDT

Hello. I am wondering if I can prune a couple potentilla shrubs that have gotten a bit 'unruly', with what appears to be quite a bit of dead branches underneath the live branches. Can these be pruned all the way back to near the ground, similar to how ornamental grasses are pruned in late Fall/early Spring? Thanks....Frank

Douglas County Colorado

Expert Response

Potentilla are best pruned in late fall or early spring before they leaf out. Removing up to 30% of the shrub will encourage new growth for the next growing season. The thickest canes and any dead ones can be removed all the way to the ground. Later pruning may remove flower buds. The article below ‘Late Winter Pruning, Summer Flowering Shrubs and Ornamental Grasses’ will give more specifics.

https://tra.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2017/04/Feb-18-2017-Late-Winter-Pruning.pdf

Kind Regards, Replied July 12, 2021, 7:19 PM EDT

Thank you very much for the information and link.

I have a completely different question. Is there any risk to drilling a small hole (~ .25”) into a tree and then hammering a spike into that hole? We bought a “metal bird” (outline of a bald eagle) that is designed with a spike included to be driven into a fence post or tree. We have an autumn blaze maple, approximately 10” diameter a few feet above ground, where I would like to place the metal bird.

Thanks again.

Frank

On Jul 12, 2021, at 5:19 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 17, 2021, 5:26 PM EDT

There is a risk in hammering a spike into a tree. The spike can damage the tree's ability to move and store water and other nutrients. It could provide an opening for disease and insects to attack the tree. It would be better to put the eagle on a post.

Kind Regards, Replied July 19, 2021, 4:21 PM EDT

Hello. You have been particularly helpful in the past….thanks! I now have a question about Green Mormon Tea. Is this a plant that would grow well in the Roxborough Park area? We love the look of this “shrub” but aren’t sure if it will grow well here, where it might be available, and how best to take care of it (watering, fertilizing, etc.)

Your advice is much appreciated.

Thanks

Frank Toney

Kind Regards,
Douglas County Master Gardeners

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The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2023, 2:47 PM EDT

Hi Frank,

Yes, "Mormon Tea" or Ephedra would grow well in Roxborough. It's quite drought tolerant and tough!

Look for it at nurseries that specialize in native and drought-loving plants, or larger garden centers. You may be able to have one special-ordered from a garden center as well; some local wholesalers do grow them seasonally.

Care, once the plant is established, is quite simple. It can grow without any supplemental water; providing water and fertilizer will make the shrub grow quickly and may turn it a bit "gangly." I'd recommend completely dry conditions after the first year or two (once the shrub shows a marked increase in growth after planting it is likely established), and no fertilizer.

I hope this is helpful!

Cordially,

John

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 31, 2023, 3:39 PM EDT

Thanks John!! I forgot to ask….is the plant deer resistant?

On May 31, 2023, at 1:39 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2023, 4:18 PM EDT

Hey Frank,

The plant would not be deer resistant. There is a probability of grazing.

Kind Regards, Replied May 31, 2023, 4:30 PM EDT

Hello. I am hoping you can provide a few recommendations for replacements for a couple globe spruce trees that are dying and that I plan to replace. I live in Roxborough Park and the location where these replacement trees will go is on the north side of our house, up against a patio, with a deck above that shades the area for most of the year, except peak Summer when the sun is at its furthest north. I was told by Wilmore Nursery that the most likely cause of the 2 existing Globe Spruce trees dying is because the ground was too moist and the trees got too much water.

I would prefer a couple small (4’ - 5’ max height/width, round) evergreen/spruce trees to replace the existing if there is a variety that will survive/thrive in the conditions I described above. I have tried to reduce the amount of water this area receives, but am somewhat limited because the planting area is adjacent to a lawn, and is shaded most of the year.

Any suggestions/recommendations you can provide is much appreciated.

Thanks!

Frank Toney

The Question Asker Replied February 20, 2024, 1:17 PM EST

Hi Frank,

I would recommend a dwarf Alberta spruce as a good coniferous alternative; a boxwood could also perform well in the conditions you describe.

Good Luck!

John

An Ask Extension Expert Replied February 23, 2024, 1:37 PM EST

Thanks John.

Sent from me.

On Feb 23, 2024, at 11:37 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied February 23, 2024, 4:20 PM EST

Hello. I’m really hoping you can help. We live in Roxborough Park (Western Douglas County) and the wasps/yellow jackets (not sure how to tell them apart, and not sure if it matters) are taking over this summer. Can you please offer up some suggestions on how to get rid of them now, and how to prevent them in the future?? Note that we have a concrete tile roof and that is one area where they seem to spend a lot of time going in and out of the crevices/openings in the roofing tiles, so there are likely many “nests” in the roof/roofing tiles.

Thanks for your help!

Frank Toney

The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT

Hi Frank,

Exclusion, traps, and persistent insecticides are probably your three best options.

Long term, eliminating the nesting sites under your roofing tiles will help keep populations lower around your property. If you have yellow jackets, you can buy traps to put out in early spring--using them at this time of year, though, will not help. The traps also will not work on paper wasps, which based on your description of where they're nesting, seem more likely to me.

Lastly, a number of insecticide products designed for outdoor home use are available--using one with persistent action can help prevent wasps from establishing nests on your home.

This fact sheet covers some more information about how to tell the different nuisance wasps apart, as well as control measures: https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/ipm/Fact%20Sheet%20Template%20New--Stinging%20Insects.pdf

I hope this helps!

Cordially,

John

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2024, 12:26 PM EDT

Potentilla Pruning #760956

Expert Response

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