Landscaping in Montana is tough enough. There are long, cold winters, lots of snow, droughts, and other issues make tree planting a challenge.
Our new home in Belgrade has a wonderful back yard but needed some more trees. I know that means more tactical mowing but heck, I am retired and have the time. Gardening is a passion and I enjoy the work. I selected a couple Colorado Blue Spruces and purchased them from the Cashman’s Nursery, the BEST greenhouse in the valley. Evergreens are green all year and I could also decorate them at Christmas.
My instructions were excellent. The staff of Cashman’s is always the supportive and knowledgeable. I did everything they said and planted both Spruce as directed. Heck I also have degrees in Biology, Horticulture, and have been a Naturalist, Teacher, and Landscaper. Both trees were beautiful, and I gave them equal love. Plenty of mulch, water, and even a fertilizer stake.
The trees seemed fine at first. Then I noticed that one of the trees was struggling. The needles turned reddish brown and no new growth was happening. The other tree was thriving, but one was on a wing and a prayer.
What did I do wrong or different? I noticed that my Wife placed a Whirly Gig Fan in front of it. How would that make a difference? Finally, my AhHa moment came when I let out Magnum, my German Shorthaired hunting dog. He is the best hunting dog I have owned and has never lifted his leg to pee. When he pees, he spreads his legs and pees on all fours. We have never seen him lift a leg on a car tire, bush, or anything. He is a perfect boy!
Magnum pees on the new bush! There I said it! No one is more surprised than me. He Peed the beautiful Colorado Spruce to death! How many gallons of dog pee went onto the spruce I will never know? It was certainly enough to kill it. Mission accomplished!
The reason Magnum did not pee on the other pine tree was obvious. Any Man would understand. A spinning fan is not something that you want to place your Dinger near. Magnum may not lift his leg, but he still understands how a spinning fan could be of concern.
So, today I dug up the Pee Tree and stuck it into an old pot. The tree came with a year warranty and I bought it last August. I have the receipt and plan to exchange the Pee Tree for a new one. I hope that they accept and exchange the tree. I did not read anything about Pee Damage as a cause of tree death.
Honestly, it was unforeseen and sad. I apologize for not noticing sooner. My responsibility to keeping trees healthy is strong. Hopefully any tree hugger neighbors will not read this story and sue. Magnum does not have a huge bank account but is a damn fine hunter!
The new tree will have a whirligig nice and close for protection.
Montana Grant
For more Montana Grant, find him rooted at www.monatanagrantfishing.com.
