This is a zone 5 plant and we’re a zone 3 so it would not survive our winters.

Try watering a little more to leach it out. Likely mineral deposit from fertilizer or the natural minerals in the soil. If it persists then perhaps you may want to remove the top layer of soil and till in new soil.

Yes, now would be an OK time to do it early May would be best. They’re tough plants so can take the beating.

Twice the width of the root ball and the same depth of the root ball. Make certain you use new fresh soil and if it’s a 4 way mix you wouldn’t need to do much by way of fertilizer. If not then try using something with a higher phosphorus number 10-52-10 would be great but anything close will do.

yes

You don’t have too however over time the mud will work it’s way to the ground level. If you put down a good quality fabric or geotech you will have a far stronger base and you won’t get mud bleed up. For the money and time it takes to do it you’ll thank me years form now.

Autumn Red Maiden Grass, Miscanthus sinensis features bold plumes of coral-pink flowers rising above the foliage in late summer. The silver seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from early fall to late winter. Grows to 3ft Zone 3a.

Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’ has stunning green foliage gradually developing shades of brilliant red-orange with creamy white plumes. 5ft Zone 3

Maiden Hair Red Grass, also of the Miscanthus sinensis/Maiden Grass family; similar to the Autumn Red noted above.

Flame Grass, also Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’ – really synonymous with line 2 definition.

Apple, apricot, cherry & plum,

Can you please let us know what smooth “deed” stone is? We’ve never heard of this product.

Perhaps send a photo to info@rpgc.ca

Use any fertilizer that has high nitrogen like a 30-10-10.

Hi Murray,

Best bet is to use an end cut product to close off the wound and then wrap with burlap to prevent further damage to that area. We carry both.

A maple tree leaking black sap could indicate several issues, including fungal cankers, bacterial wetwood, or insect infestations. Black sap is often associated with diseases or conditions that damage the tree’s tissues, such as slime flux (bacterial wetwood) or bleeding canker, which are visible as dark sap or slime oozing from the bark.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of possible causes and what to do:
Possible Causes:
· Bacterial Wetwood (Slime Flux):
This condition is caused by bacteria entering the tree through wounds, producing a slimy, blackish ooze and potentially fermenting into alcohol.
· Fungal Cankers:
Cankers are lesions on the bark caused by fungi or bacteria, and can ooze dark sap.
· Insect Infestations:
Certain insects, like aphids, can feed on the tree’s sap, causing a sticky, sugary substance that can attract ants and other insects.
· Bleeding Canker:
This is a disease that causes cankers on the tree’s trunk, often accompanied by dark brown or black sap.
What to do:
· Identify the Cause:
Observe the tree closely for signs like dark spots, cankers, or insect activity.
· Remove Cankers:
If the tree has cankers, carefully remove them and treat the wound with a 10% bleach and water solution and then use an ‘end cut’ product to cover the wound.
· Address Insect Infestations:
If insects are the problem, try organic solutions like soap and water or dormant oil. If you want to use dormant oil the window closing quickly and you would need to do it now.
· Manage Stress Factors:
Ensure the tree has adequate water and sunlight, and consider fertilizing if needed. Trees under stress are more vulnerable to disease and insect infestations.

Try a barberry.

Send a photo to info@rpgc.ca and we’ll look at it. While your description is very helpful a photo is worth a thousand words.