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Coconut coir comes from the fibrous interior of the coconut husk. The coir provides a sterile medium especially well-suited to starting seeds because it doesn't retain fertilizer salts, which can damage tender young roots. It's usually used as an environmentally friendly peat alternative in a potting medium. Its fine texture provides soil aeration, which helps seedlings root well.
A compact, globe-shaped shrub, dwarf golden arborvitae (Thuja orientalis "Aurea Nana") displays golden foliage that turns an attractive shade of bronze in the winter. Problems caused by pests, diseases, weather and improper care sometimes affect this hardy shrub. Dwarf golden arborvitae is suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9.
Fast-growing trees offer many of the benefits of a mature tree -- such as shade, screening, wind blocks and sound barriers -- in less time. The Arbor Day Foundation classifies fast-growing trees as those that gain more than 25 inches per year. When choosing fast-growing trees, select species that thrive in the soil conditions in your landscape. If your planting site's soil contains more than 50 percent sand, choose species that tolerate sandy soil.
Multiplying jungle saplings in Minecraft is actually something you do with jungle trees. Multiple jungle saplings in Minecraft with help from a video game expert in this free video clip.
There’s nothing like a pop of red in a shady corner of the yard and “Artctic Rose” camellia (Camellia x “Arctic Rose”) is just the plant to do the trick. Not only are the blooms red, they’re double. “Arctic Rose” is an evergreen shrub, growing to 6 feet in height with a 4-foot spread. One of the more cold hardy camellia hybrids, “Arctic Rose” grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. Care for it as you would most cultivated camellias.
Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a large shrub or small tree that grows up to 25 feet tall, producing large, bright green leaves, velvety branchlets and clusters of furry, red, berry-like drupes that darken to burgundy in the winter. A native of North America, Staghorn sumac occurs naturally in temperate climates from Quebec south to Georgia.
If you'd like to add some soft spring color to your Wisconsin home's landscape, consider planting pink flowering trees. Many species not only bloom with profuse, showy blossoms, but also attract beneficial wildlife such as birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. Wisconsin lies within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3b to 5b, which means that trees must be able to withstand average annual minimum temperatures between minus 35 and minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whether you grow plum trees (Prunus spp.) for their ornamental or culinary value, these trees make attractive landscape plants. Plum trees are fairly small trees, and usually suffer fewer disease and pest problems than other fruit trees. Not only do they grow best in full sun, but they also need a protected area away from frost pockets. Plums bloom early and are sometimes nipped by late spring frosts.
You're digging in the soil in your California landscape, preparing to plant new trees, when your shovel clanks against rock. Further exploration reveals... yet more rock. Fortunately, you don't have to abandon your tree-planting plans; several species of trees can grow -- or even thrive -- in rocky soil. As the state encompasses U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10, choose trees that grow in your region's specific hardiness zone.
Maple-leaf oak (Quercus acerifolia) trees are easily identified by their maple-shaped leaves, which are much broader than other oak tree leaves. These trees are rarely cultivated and may be hard for the home gardener to find in commerce, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. They are almost as rare in the wild.
The American chestnut (Castanea dentata) once dominated the woodlands across the eastern half of the United States. Formerly reaching heights of 100 feet or more, the tree is now threatened with extinction from an aggressive disease called chestnut blight. Fortunately, programs exist in many states with the goal to renew the American chestnut's existence in the landscape and to raise the majestic tree to the status it once enjoyed.
Silver spots on magnolia trees could be caused by either an insect or a fungus. A fungus known as powdery mildew causes silver-powdery spots on the top of leaves early during infection, and even larger growths that spread on the surfaces of the leaves later on. Scale insects appear as silvery white spots on the branches of magnolia during the spring and early summer, which change color later in the summer. There are control methods that work for both problems.
Growing to an average height of 12 inches tall, daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are spring-flowering bulbs that need to be planted between September and November. As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, the bulbs produce stems that burst from the ground with cheery flowers soon to follow. Although you may have created a moist and well-draining soil for your bulbs, your local climate and the planting spot also dictate the daffodil's success.
Also known as karee, African sumac (Rhus lancea) is a stout evergreen native to South Africa that grows about 24 inches annually to reach a mature height and spread of about 25 feet. The tree is notable for its long, dark green leaves, arching branches and attractive dark gray bark, which cracks when the tree is older to reveal contrasting shades of reddish brown. The tree may grow to be 50 to 150 years old if given the proper cultural conditions and care. It is particularly well-utilized as a shade tree, specimen tree or wind break.
When choosing trees to shade your Pueblo, Colorado, landscape, keep your planting site's conditions in mind. This city between the Front Range of the Rockies and Colorado's eastern plains is in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5, so trees must withstand average annual low temperatures of minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Pueblo also experiences hot, dry summers; strategically planted shade trees can help lower air conditioning costs in summer and heating bills in winter. Trees with round or V-shaped canopies provide the most shade, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.
Wild sweet William plants are part of the phlox family. Two species are commonly called wild sweet William: Phlox maculata and Phlox divaricata. Native to North America, the plants are found primarily in the eastern and central parts of the United States, growing in moist lowlands and along riverbanks. Both species grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8.
Flowering deciduous trees produce stunning blooms in the spring and summer, filling the warm air with a pleasant aroma. When choosing which flowering deciduous tree to plant, consider the tree's location. For example, if the area has compact soil, select a flowering tree that can tolerate wet sites.
Leptospermum scoparium "Snow White" is commonly called New Zealand tea tree "Snow White." "Snow White" is a white-flowering cultivar of the New Zealand tea tree plant. This drought-tolerant shrub grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 10.
Foxglove (Digitalis spp.), a member of the figwort family of plants, is also known as finger flower and fairy glove in reference to its large, bell-shaped flowers. This native to central and Western Europe is now naturalized and cultivated as an herb and ornamental in Asia, North Africa and North America, including the Pacific Northwest and northeastern U.S. Foxgloves behave as biennials or short-lived perennials, but will self-seed and multiply in the right environment.
Street trees can help clean the air, and provide relief from cement and glass cityscapes, and their shade lowers air and surface temperatures. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, temperatures beneath shade trees can be 20 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than unshaded areas. Suitable street trees usually have a small to medium size, withstand urban pollutants, soil compaction and limited growth space, and have strong branches to avoid wind damage.
Newly transplanted trees are vulnerable to stress and transplanting shock due to root loss prior to planting. The tree's natural balance of roots and foliage is disturbed, and the tree suffers until this balance is restored. For this reason, good tree transplant care encourages rapid root development. Younger trees and small varieties recover faster than larger and mature trees that have lost a higher percentage of the root system. Tree transplant care is most important during the first three years for small trees and up to 10 years for larger transplants.
For most gardeners, spring just can't come soon enough. Forcing deciduous trees such as cherry trees (Prunus spp.) is one way to trick mother nature, and bring the clusters of pink or white cherry blossoms inside for a bit of early spring. Start in late January or early February, as cherry buds need to chill for about eight weeks.
Instead of spending a lot of time and energy trying to keep tall trees confined to smaller spaces, use naturally smaller trees as focal points, specimen plants, shade for garden beds, to line a walkway or driveway or to attract birds and butterflies. Try grouping small native trees like dogwoods (Cornus spp.) and white fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) beneath taller deciduous trees to mimic the understory niche they occupy in nature.
With its hidden, underground interaction, it is difficult to visualize what your tree roots are doing near your home's foundation. Although tree roots are inhibited by a common concrete foundation, they are typically forced downward as they strike the barrier. If you have a shallow foundation, coupled with unusual, moist soil under the house, it is possible for the roots to grow down and under your structure.
Just because a plant has died doesn't mean that you can't still salvage the soil that it once lived in. Salvage soil after the plant has died with help from a resident expert in anything botanical in this free video clip.
When it comes to planting a fig tree, not all spots in your yard will be of equal efficiency. Learn about the best spot to plant a fig tree with help from a gardening professional in this free video clip.
Potted trees can make a great addition to any patio, whether its covered or not. Learn about potted trees for patios with help from a creative and committed designer in this free video clip.
The night-blooming cereus cactus, or Hylocereus undatus, is a climbing succulent that grows to heights of 10 feet or more. Each night from October to March, plants produce spectacular white fragrant blooms 7 inches across. Also known as the Dutchman’s Pipe or Queen of the Night, the plant grows fleshy, triangular, spineless segmented stems and side branches. Plants should be pruned when needed to maintain a tidy appearance or to keep the plant at a desired size.
Yucca trees, with their thick, random, upturned branches, give the landscape a Southwestern appeal. New trees start easily from side-trunks cut from established trees, but it can take up to six months for the new tree to establish a strong root system and put on new growth. It grows very slowly as a single straight trunk until it reaches a height of 3 to 9 feet and begins putting on side branches. Established trees survive prolonged periods of very hot temperatures (in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit) with very little moisture.
Dendromecon, or tree poppies, are perennial members of the Papaveraceae family of plants. When discussing Dendromecon, two evergreen shrubs, Dendromecon rigida and Dendromecon harfordii, make up the group. Both plants produce stiff, blue-green foliage, which is dotted with bright-yellow flowers during blooming season. While the rigida variety tends to remain at a mature height of 6 feet, Dendromecon harfordii tends to grow taller, often reaching a height of 20 feet at maturity. Despite their height differences, care and growing preferences are the same.
Trees have developed characteristics that permit them to bear heavy loads, but the load-bearing capacity of a limb is compromised by decay and cracking throughout the tree. Professionals, such as arborists, rely on a visual inspection of the roots, stem and branches, looking for evidence of structural weakness, before applying the weight of a person and equipment to the tree. External defects signal that the tree may be damaged internally, and may fail under a load. Assessing the potential for failure is a matter of considering other factors as well, such as the overall structural condition of the tree.
Lichen and moss commonly grow on tree branches, creating a green, brown or silvery coating on their bark. While a lichen- or moss-coated tree branch can be an aesthetically appealing decoration, it will deteriorate over time if you do not use a preservation method. Glycerin preserves lichen and moss, leaving them pliable rather than stiff or crunchy. To preserve lichen and moss on a tree branch, about five minutes of hands-on work is required. The supplies required to preserve lichen and moss on a tree branch are available from most craft or hobby stores.
TechShield is a brand of insulation commonly used in the construction of new homes. This insulation can adversely effect the cellular reception in homes by reducing cellular signal strength. To increase the cellular signal in a house with TechShield, install a powered cellular signal amplification system. These amplifiers boost the strength of the cellular signal through the use of an exterior antenna mounted on the roof of the house and a powered amplifier.
During the early summer months, the Japanese lilac tree (Syringa reticulata) produces abundant white flower clusters. The eye-catching tree attains a height of up to 25 to 30 feet. It sports smooth, reddish-brown bark that exhibits horizontal lines. In the spring, you may notice that the tree's bark has split. The crack often reaches into the tree's inner cell layers. Despite looking severely damaged, a tree split in this manner can be salvaged.
Gardeners who desire a hardy and small-growing North American native tree should consider Sambucus mexicana. Its preferred growth range is throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7B though 10B. Growing quickly to 15 feet tall and 25 feet wide, the semi-evergreen is suitable as a shade or buffer tree. Clusters of small, yellowish-white flowers bloom in spring. Tiny blackish-blue berries follow the flowers and are a favorite of birds and wildlife. When grown in its desired conditions, the tree has a high resistance to pests and diseases, according to University of Florida IFAS Extension.
The teak tree (Tectona grandi) is a tropical hardwood tree that is highly valued for the quality of its wood, which has the ability to withstand weathering. Teak wood is stable and resilient, and it prevents rusting in metals used with it, making it useful for outdoor furniture, decks and boats. The tree thrives in climates with 60 to 100 inches of annual precipitation, and an average temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In dry climates, the teak tree may have difficulty thriving. But with plenty of moisture and ideal conditions, it can grow as high as 90 feet…
The tamarind tree, originating from tropical Africa, is typically known for its edible fruit used in recipes. The tree reaches heights up to 80 feet and grows best in warm climates. Temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the tree and cannot be endured often. Dry weather is needed to ensure proper development of the tree’s fruit pods. The tamarind tree does not grow well in containers, as its root system becomes too large. If you do not live in a suitable area, do not attempt to grow the tamarind tree.
Daybreak cherry, a variety of Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis), arrived in the United States in 1912 as a gift from the mayor of Tokyo, Japan. More than 900 were planted in Washington, D.C., where the Daybreak variety still dominates the landscape. The Daybreak cherry is a breathtaking herald of spring even in residential plantings. The trees thrive and bloom with little trouble if planted in carefully prepared soil.
Mature trees, especially varieties such as silver maple, poplar and willow, often produce surface roots. Once this happens, there is no way to remove the roots without causing damage to the trees. If the roots are located on a walkway or other access route, the only options are removing the tree or finding a way around or over the roots. A raised section of decking makes a picturesque walkway over the roots that you can build easily and integrate into the landscape for maximum effect.
One of the most fragrant flowers you can grow, the Chinese narcissus plant is easy to care for both before and after blooming. Also known as the paperwhite narcissus, it belongs to the daffodil family and produces white and yellow flowers. The Chinese narcissus grows from a bulb that contains all of the nutrients it needs to grow. No soil is needed, which is why many people grow the plants indoors in vases filled with rocks and water. Once the flowers have bloomed, proper care will ensure the blooms last as long as possible.
Landscaping your property will not only improve its aesthetic value, but will also increase the monetary value. Planting trees, scrubs and flowers can enhance your yard, but only if they're maintained properly. This includes watering them regularly. An automatic watering system is a convenient way to upkeep your landscaping. The watering pipes deliver water directly to the areas where water is needed. However, unlike watering your plants or lawn manually with a hose, which you can hide it in a shed, the pipes of an automatic watering system will remain on the ground and can be very noticeable. Fortunately, you…
The mango is a warm-climate evergreen tree that grows with minimal care in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10b and 11. A graceful tree with an attractive, rounded shape, mango trees reach heights of 50 feet or more. Long, sword-shaped leaves emerge in colorful shades of pale green, gold or pink, turning shiny and dark green as they mature. Small, pinkish-white springtime blooms are followed by the flavorful mangoes, which are harvested between midsummer and early autumn.
A lawn or garden shed provides a place to keep lawnmowers, wheelbarrows and other garden supplies. It removes those items from a garage and keeps them secure and out of the weather. Sheds can be bought ready-made or in kits to be assembled. They can be made of metal, vinyl or wood. The key is to have a shed big enough to store everything, yet not so big as to take up valuable lawn space. Every shed needs a solid foundation and floor, sturdy walls and a good roof. A homeowner with some carpentry skill can make his own.
Cottonwood trees have a long history of usefulness. In the days of America's first settlers, they were taken as a sign that there was water nearby. Both settlers and Native Americans used them for a variety of purposes. Cottonwoods have been eaten, turned into medicine and used for building, craft making and wood carving.
Olives are trees with character, displaying gnarled and twisted branches and interesting trunk shapes. They are useful as both ornamental and fruit-bearing trees in regions that meet their climate requirements. Olive trees have twofold temperature requirements: They sustain damage when temperatures fall below their tolerance limits, but if temperatures aren’t low enough, they fail to set fruit. Frost injures olive trees by forming ice crystal within the plant cells and disrupting the flow of water. As a result, tender twigs and stems wither and turn brown.
One way of improving health, vigor and yields of orchard crop trees is to use a selected rootstock to graft desirable cultivars onto. The rootstock possesses desirable properties such as disease resistance, pest resistance, tolerance of poor growing conditions or dwarfing properties to improve growth and harvest of the crop plant. For stone fruits like peach, almond and plum, selected clones of Myrobalan plum trees have been used as rootstock.
Raspberries and blueberries are hardy and relatively easy to grow in the right climate and soil conditions. Although both have natural climate preferences in their native habitats, cultivation has allowed for both types of berries to be grown in a variety of regions. Visit your local nursery to find the best cultivars for your own gardening conditions.
Choosing the right materials for your home can prove difficult when you don’t really know anything about them. Local contractors or installation specialists can complicate matters by recommending one product over another, such as gutter materials. Various types exist, among them PVC and seamless gutters. There are many differences between these two types of gutters, including the materials, and a key fundamental division between the two.
Persimmons are especially well-suited to the home garden because they don’t require extensive pruning and routine spraying. They are also relatively free of pests and diseases. One exception is scale insects. Persimmon trees are vulnerable to scale infestations, which can leave the foliage looking yellow, wilted and curled. Dormant and horticultural oil sprays help control scale infestation with very little impact on the environment.
Twig trees are often used as centerpieces or decorations for special events. Inexpensive and simple to make, they can be customized in endless ways to enhance any occasion, from a Halloween party to a formal wedding. Create a neutral twig tree and change its decor as the seasons change, or permanently personalize your twig tree with a custom design that matches your living space. Twig trees also make great gifts and can be used as money trees at a wedding, graduation party or baby shower.
