N. Doyle of Brooklyn, New York writes in:
”I used to see in Kentucky many pink and white dogwoods planted together and growing together as one tree–one side pink, on white. They didn\’t look grafted, but rather two tees growing as one. Can I just plant two trees and tie their trunks (loosely) together? Anything else […]
J. Fullerton of St. James, MO writes, “I would like to plant the seed of a Princess Tree. Where can I get information on ‘how deep, where, and other information to make this a success’?”
Well Jim, I’ll start by saying that I haven’t grown a Princess Tree myself. As well, keep in mind that seed-grown means […]
Just a quick note on properly planting a new tree. I’ve seen way too many poorly prepared tree root balls this spring to wait on putting out this post. So many installers (professionals and DIYers) believe that burlap sacks on rootballs should be left on the tree when it is planted. Just the opposite is […]
I always dreamed of having a peach tree in my garden. When I was a child growing up on a farm, we didn’t have peaches, but I always wanted them. So, just after we bought our first home, I visited a local nursery to buy a tree for the new garden. I bought the tree […]
Yesterday I spent most of the morning running to wholesale nurseries for clients. Yes, I hold a retail plant license. Many of my clients have limited time. Some are working moms. Others are world-travelling executives. Some just don’t drive. You get the picture. They might love trips to the retail nursery, but sometimes it just […]
Quite often my clients struggle with inherited gardens that include desirable plants that are just in the wrong location. What was once a small shrub near a foundation may have grown into a small tree that now encroaches on windows and building sidings becoming access paths for rats to rooftops. A random tree may be […]
February is a busy month for gardeners. We’re out evaluating what we plan to do in the next year. We’re digging up plants to move them. We’re pruning and cleaning. The days become noticeably lighter and lighter as February progresses. And, a few warm days remind us that spring is just around the corner. Winter […]
Through the end of January, The Arbor Day Foundation is offering Free Trees to new members. Depending on your location, you may be able to receive 5-10 Crepe Myrtles, Live Oaks, Red Buds, or other trees with your $10 membership donation. Ten dollars for 5-10 trees is amazing. And, your $10 goes to your membership […]
Over the last year I’ve noticed a significant number of Douglas Fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii) declining rapidly in my neighborhood. They are showing signs of apical dieback, which rapidly progresses from the tip of the tree downward. All of the trees that I am noticing are
On private property so I can’t easily access the roots, […]