Native Plants
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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Sunday - February 07, 2016
From: Weatherford, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: Replanting a Desert Willow
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
My desert willow was damaged badly in a winter storm and had to be taken down. Do I need to remove the old root system below grade when I plant a new desert willow?ANSWER:
Yes, it is much better for the new desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) if you can dig/saw/chop out as much of the old desert willow root system as possible. This will give the new plant more room for the roots to grow.
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