Advice on Apple and Pecan Trees - please

[sweetshoplady]

OK, I have land in East Texas, I asked my realtor if she knew anyone who would be willing to 1) plant 6 fruit trees and 2) go water them every day for the first week. There is a running stream on the property and there is lots of room. (84 acres),

So she says yes be happy to do this. The trees (I called a nursery and paid for them) were planted today. She told me that she planted the apple trees (2 of them) 8' (eight) feet apart - since her parents had trees. The pecan trees are planted 15 feet apart. I said to please plant the apple trees 15 - 20 feet apart and the pecan trees 30-35 feet apart.

Oh, and rather than go out every day this week, they put lots of water, 20 gallons per tree so that they wouldn't have to go out every day and water.

I am really upset as I am paying them to do this, far more than I think they should be paid.

As I have animals that I milk, it is not easy for me to just up and go across the country to plant trees. I was hoping to when I am able to move out there to have trees established. I am hoping to in the next couple years be able to go out there an spend time and take my animals with me, but that's not an option this year.

Should I fuss and tell them to move the trees farther apart? I don't know of anyone who would be willing to move them farther apart. Should I try to transpant the trees when I get there? Should I hope that some of the trees don't make it?

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

If you're paying them and they didn't follow your instructions I would demand that they do what you asked. Have them move your trees.

As far as watering. This may be a better solution. A deep watering once a week will help get a deep root system going and will be better for the plants in the long run.

 

[Rosalind]

Did you give her explicit instructions on how far apart the trees were to be planted and where, and exactly how you wanted them watered?

You can plant dwarfing rootstock trees that close. But for non-dwarfing rootstocks, you're outta luck and the trees will NEED to be moved ASAP while they are still kinda in their old rootballs and small enough to be moved easily.

Why couldn't a landscaping company do the trees? Many landscapers or tree surgeons (often both in the same company) will plant and water them for you, then all the realtor has to do is be aware that the landscapers will be working on your land. I don't think I would trust a realtor-type property manager to do that stuff. I know, you would certainly hope that any idiot could follow simple instructions and plant a tree, but unfortunately many people find the whole concept too technical. Having seen some of the antics that landlords and property managers have gotten up to in the past, I would say you're better off hiring a specialist or doing it yourself.

 

[Tutter]

I would insist they are moved, too. But even though she should do it, by rights, I'm a little afraid it won't be done right, and roots damaged. Is there anyone else you could get to help? Regardless, they need to be moved right now.

As for the watering, new trees do need water, but how often depends, in part, on your soil. Is it sandy? Clay?

I'm sorry you are having this problem, and I hope it can be worked out well for the trees, and your pocket book.

 

[sweetshoplady]

I called the nursery where I bought the trees and told them what happened and the man there (owner) said that I could move the trees any time in the next 12 months and gave me some instructions on how to make the move easier on the trees, like to dig a hole and fill it with water then put the tree in there.

THey have been having rain once to twice a week. I think the soil is sandy. Its in East Texas.

The only reason I didn't do it my self was because I am here and not easy to just go out there. Had they told me what they were going to charge, I would have had other options available (they had said they were going to get a day laborer for about $10 per hour ($40), instead she got her boyfriend for $200). For $200 I could have gotten anyone, even someone who would go out every day for a week and water the plants.

At least I now know that the realtor is not going to look out for my best interests and other than keeping my building rented will not be asked for help of any kind in getting my place ready so that I can move out there. When I get a chance to go out there I am bringing home a phone book.

There is a "day trip" that I need to make that I haven't because I have animals that need to be milked. Hopefully one or two is pregnant and I may be able to get this lady that I just met to milk for me in my absence, so that I could take a couple days and go out there.

Thanks for all your support on this. From your responses, I can tell that if any of you had made this mistake you'd have been upset too, and that makes me feel better.

I just had my water pump and softener system repaired (with new parts) for less than what I paid to have 6 trees planted.

 

[ivan3]

Sorry to hear you're having this problem. I don't know how much you have invested, or what size trees you purchased. However, if you are interested in planting some yourself, when you arrive (and don't require older trees), then bookmark the following link.

http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=1165

The State of Texas sells many species of trees from their State Forest Nursery. They sell 50 Pecan seedlings for $25.00. They start taking orders in Sept.

We've gotten all of our Certified Pecans from the Missouri State Forest Nursery and, if it weren't for the deer, they'd have all survived (mothballs in sachet bags are more effective than welded wire, just a heads up, in preventing munching.

Have you checked online for silviculturists in the area? Or the local Audobon Society (might be able to give you the name of someone, or a scout troop looking to raise funds)? Local Arbor Society?

I'd be tempted to raise hades with the current `help', but then I'd worry that they'd cut the roots with a spade out of spite

Good Luck!