Dying new trees and discoloured/discolouring granite slabs

[Setanta12]

Ok, so we got a new garden with granite slabs laid down as a patio and path to the shed.

Two problems;

1- We got in a new garden about 3-4 months ago - a mix of small tress, shrubs and flowers. However the new trees and some of the plants seem to be dying/have died despite much TLC. Others have stopped flowering - i.e. their buds remain half-open. I did use some weedkiller to spray some roots but not that much - just enough to spray a root - and certainly none in close proximity to some of the dying plants. Cannot understand it. We might have underwatered at the outset, but have made up for it since - as I was saying, others are now thriving.

Any ideas or opinions ?

2- Discolouring of granite slabs. No protective sheen was applied but surely they shouldn't discolour after 2-3 months? This discolouration dervies from soil from the adjoining flowerbed. I also sprinkled the teensiest drops of paint on one slab - you really really have to look close to see the paint - but white-spirit and scrubbing with a nail-brush seems to change the granite as well as remove the paint. Can this be right or am I imagining things ?

I do have a voucher for an electric shop but was thinking more re an ipad than a karcher power-washer. Any thoughts or opinions ?

 

[emeralds]

I would say the issue with the trees to do with lack of water. We planted trees a few years ago but on the advice of the nursery we did it in winter and also made sure that they had a good watering regularly for the first year.

No idea re the slabs.

 

[Setanta12]

Useful to know. Not growing up with gardens, for the first few weeks we took a watering-can to the garden - back-and-forth about ten times - until we realised too late that it was nowhere near sufficient.

We installed a hose and give them a good dose every day now. Everything came on, but then seemed to fall back - and we're at a loss.

From being clueless re everything green; we're avid gardeners now (or at least trying to be)

 

[Sandals]

I would say the issue with the trees to do with lack of water.

+1
new plants need to be well established before you can forget about watering, I still water anything that is up to a year old, after that they should manage themselves (unless like heat today).

"The initial seal is necessary because granite is porous and will stain easily without it". I know we'v granite countertops and am bit paranoid when I see curry or the likes dropped on it for fear of stain. equally i remember lemon juice etc being told it would stain if left.

 

[mathepac]

...We installed a hose and give them a good dose every day now. Everything came on, but then seemed to fall back - and we're at a loss. ...

If you literally water during daylight hours stop immediately, as you are scorching the plants and foliage as the water boils off in daytime sunlight.

Water only at night and for shrubs, trees, other plants, water the soil around the bases with gallons of water.

 

[Sandals]

agree with mathepac, less evaporation, however I water at v early morning. I save the bath water from the night before and then cold in the morning. (preparing for the water charges).

 

[salaried]

We have indian sandstone on our patio, They look great but were very hard to maintain, I used the karcher power washer at the start but eventually realised I was doing more harm than good then I did the job properly, I purchased two products, The first one was MOSS-GO, There are two types one is for moss the other is for algae and stains , The latter is the one I used, First sweep the area well then Mix 1 part MOSS-GO to 5 parts water and apply with a watering can when expecting 48 hours of dry weather, Then hose and brush away the grime, Once the area looks up to standard then give it a good dry sweep and apply a product called THOMPSONS patio sealer with a long pile roller and paint brush, Leave to dry for four hours and that should solve your problem, Moss go costs 28.00 euro and thompsons patio sealer costs 38.00 euro, Woodies stock both and instuctions are on the tins, Last bit of advice is only use patio sealer on a moderate day , No rain due and not too hot.

 

[Setanta12]

Since I last posted, some bad news ... at least one tree at rear of garden has given up the ghost with all its leaves turning crispy brittle brown and falling off. Definitely no weedkiller to blame and it seemed to happen in space of a few days.

Picture the scene/garden - small garden at rear of house with four trees to grow to 7/8 fioot tall lining rear wall and two trees about 15/20 foot on neighbours side. Local Homebase garden expert said the side-trees (adjoining neighbours garden) suffers/suffered from windburn and will not recover.