Q:Β I had an Eremophila racemosa for about three years until last week when it just dried up and died on me. I donβt know what happened. Is there some kind of insect that could have killed my bush?Β Also I would like to know about removing a stump from a tree that was cut down last year. I remember reading in your Sunday articles about how to remove a stump with some kind of natural items.
A:Β The emu shrub (Eremophila racemosa) is a desert-adapted plant from Australia. These plants are relatively free of insect pests, so I suspect that lack of water was the cause of its demise. In the summer, it is best to provide water every 7 to 14 days to a depth of 24 to 36 inches. In the spring and fall you can adjust your irrigation to water every 10 to 21 days and in the winter, every 14 to 21 days.
Stumps will naturally degrade in the soil. Depending on the size of the roots and the nature of your soil, it may take years to completely decompose. Fortunately for us, warmer soil temperatures are one factor that speeds up the process.
Other factors than can speed up the process include aerating the soil around the stump, irrigation of the stump as long as the water doesnβt accumulate, adding a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer and a layer of compost will help provide the microorganisms that break down the stump, and drilling holes in and/or scaring the stump and above ground roots provides access to fungi and bacteria that will aid in the process.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed toΒ tucsongardensage@gmail.com
