GARDENING: THE ROOT OF PROBLEMS
Q. I have planted Alstonia scholaris about five feet away from the main wall that has a strong base, including iron. Is it okay to let the tree grow or should I change its place, although that would be difficult now?
A. You omitted to mention the age/size of the tree. But, difficult as it may be, if at all possible the tree should be relocated. Alstonia scholaris can eventually reach a height of as much as 40 metres and develop an extensive root system to support its height and width. These attractive trees, especially when in flower, are well-known for breaking up footpaths and road surfaces. Even a strong wall with a reinforced base will not stand up to the determined tree roots for an endless length of time. Please transfer it to a location where it has the space it needs both above and below the ground, ensuring that it will not interfere with any underground pipes/cables either. To minimise transplantation shock, it is best not to move it until the weather cools down towards the end of the year.
Q. My son planted a mango seed in a small bed outside our house a few years ago. It is now about eight feet tall. I am being told that it should be cut down otherwise its root system will destroy the wall and the drawing room floor. Please advise on what can be done.
All your gardening queries answered here
A. It would be preferable to move the tree to a different location where it has plenty of space to grow to maturity and, hopefully, provide a seasonal bounty of delicious fruit in time. Please read the answer to the preceding question and follow the same advice.
Q. I work at Jhimpir site in Sindh and want to grow indigenous varieties of trees there. We have already planted about 150 trees, including neem, gulmohar and neel gum but they grow very slowly. Please recommend some fast-growing species.
A. Peepal, jamun, Alstonia scholaris immediately spring to mind. You may also like to consider the following: Albizzia lebbek (siris), Melia azadirachta (neem), Cassia siamea, Thespesia populnea (tulip tree), Acacia varieties, Cassia marginata (red cassia), Bombax malabaricum (silk cotton tree), madre, ashok and Cassia grandis (horse cassia), plus, check with the closest forest nursery to see what they have available.
Q. I bought an umbrella plant (Schefflera arbricola) last year. Despite being watered three times a month, it didn’t grow any new leaves for six months. When I began watering it once a week, the leaves rotted and the plant died. The same thing happened to the one I bought to replace it. How can I grow this plant indoors in a pot?