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Buying a New Home? Assess the Trees
In the market for a new home? Assess the condition of a property’s trees before you buy so that you have a realistic expectation of the maintenance cost they will require. Look for disease and damage, unstable trees, and trees in need of cleanup.
Top Landscaping To-Do’s to Prep a Home for Sale
Putting a house on the market? Increase its curb appeal with these landscaping boosts: mulch and weed the garden beds, tidy up the trees and shrubs, and keep the lawn neat and groomed. Hire out if necessary, but always consult with your realtor first.
What Are Specimen Trees, and Why Plant Them?
Adding a focal point will elevate your landscape’s appeal, and a specimen tree may fit the bill. A specimen tree is any tree planted as a stand-alone landscape feature. Choose a unique tree that will make a statement, like one with long-lasting blooms or an interesting shape.
Control Landscape Pests Naturally
Many homeowners and gardeners are interested in controlling plant pests without using chemicals that end up in landscape runoff. Green pest control methods include planting natural insect repellents, applying natural products, and implementing cultural controls.
Is it a Philodendron or a Rhododendron?
Philodendrons and rhododendrons share similar names but not much else. Philodendrons are tropical plants with stunning foliage that can be cultivated as large landscape plants or as hanging or potted houseplants. Rhododendrons are flowering, shade-loving shrubs that are generally grown outdoors, with a few exceptions.
Your Fall Landscaping To-Do List
September is the time to start preparing for the fall landscaping tasks of October and November. Plant cool-weather flowers, start a fall and winter vegetable garden, and care for your turfgrass as summer transitions into autumn.
Build a Butterfly Garden
Install a butterfly garden to create an environment that attracts and hosts a variety of butterflies, sustains their entire life cycle, and provides the nourishment they need. Install a diverse group of plants to provide shelter, sun, food, and water. Keep it native and organic.
Plant These to Attract Butterflies
Draw butterflies to your garden by growing specific plants. Create an environment that supports a butterfly’s entire life cycle by growing both host plants and nectar sources. Different plants will attract certain species, so plant strategically if you have a favorite!
A Mini Guide to Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes are growing in popularity due to their unique flavors, colors, and shapes. Seeds are passed down through generations to preserve these distinctive fruits. Consider planting Brandywines, Cherokee Purples, and Black Krims. Remember, all heirlooms need generous amounts of sunlight, fertilizer, water, and warmth.
Be Gone, Black Shrub Mold
Black sooty mold is a fungus that covers leaves, stems, and fruit. It grows on honeydew, a sugary substance produced by insects such as whiteflies and mealybugs. Manage these pests and prevent further infestations with insecticide applications and proper cultural practices.