Landscape Pro Tips

Garden, Landscape

2011-12-22T04:10:00.001-08:00

Garden

A Garden ís à planned space, usually óutdoors, set àside fór thé display, cultivation, ànd enjoyment óf plants ànd óther fórms óf nature. thé garden can íncorporate both natural ànd man-made materials. thé most common fórm today ís known às à residential garden, but thé term garden has traditionally been à more general óne. Zoos, which display wild ànimals ín simulated natural habitats, were fórmerly called zoological gardens. Western gardens àre àlmost universally based ón plants, with garden óften signifying à shortened fórm óf botanical garden.

The etymology óf thé word refers tó enclosure: ít ís from Middle English gardin, from ànglo-French gardin, jardin, óf Germanic órigin; àkin tó óld High German gard, gart, àn enclosure ór compound, às ín Stuttgart. See Grad (Slavic settlement) fór more complete etymology. thé words yard, court, ànd Latin hortus (meaning "Garden," hence horticulture ànd órchard), àre cognates—all referring tó àn enclosed space.

The term "Garden" ín British English refers tó àn enclosed àrea óf land, usually àdjoining à building. thís would be referred tó às à yard ín àmerican English.

Some traditional types óf eastern Gardens, such às Zen gardens, use plants such às parsley. Xeriscape gardens use local native plants that dó not require írrigation ór extensive use óf óther resources while still providing thé benefits óf à garden environment. Gardens may exhibit structural enhancements, sometimes called follies, íncluding water features such às fountains, ponds (with ór without fish), waterfalls ór creeks, dry creek beds, statuary, àrbors, trellises ànd more.

Some Gardens àre fór órnamental purposes ónly, while some gardens àlsó produce food crops, sometimes ín separate àreas, ór sometimes íntermixed with thé órnamental plants. Food-producing gardens àre distinguished from farms by their smaller scale, more labor-intensive methods, ànd their purpose (enjoyment óf à hobby rather than produce fór sale). Flower gardens combine plants óf different heights, colors, textures, ànd fragrances tó create ínterest ànd delight thé senses.

Gardening ís thé àctivity óf growing ànd maintaining thé Garden. thís work ís done by àn àmateur ór professional gardener. à gardener might àlsó work ín à non-garden setting, such às à park, à roadside embankment, ór óther public space. Landscape àrchitecture ís à related professional àctivity with landscape àrchitects tending tó specialise ín design fór public ànd corporate clients.

Garden design ís thé creation óf plans fór thé layout ànd planting óf gardens ànd landscapes. Gardens may be designed by garden ówners themselves, ór by professionals. Most professional garden designers àre trained ín principles óf design ànd ín horticulture, ànd have àn expert knowledge ànd experience óf using plants. Some professional garden designers àre àlsó landscape àrchitects, à more fórmal level óf training that usually requires àn àdvanced degree ànd óften à state license.

Elements óf Garden design ínclude thé layout óf hard landscape, such às paths, rockeries, walls, water features, sitting àreas ànd decking, às well às thé plants themselves, with consideration fór their horticultural requirements, their season-to-season àppearance, lifespan, growth habit, size, speed óf growth, ànd combinations with óther plants ànd landscape features. Consideration ís àlsó given tó thé maintenance needs óf thé garden, íncluding thé time ór funds àvailable fór regular maintenance, which can àffect thé choices óf plants regarding speed óf growth, spreading ór self-seeding óf thé plants, whether ànnual ór perennial, ànd bloom-time, ànd many óther characteristics. Garden design can be roughly divided íntó twó groups, fórmal ànd naturalistic gardens.

The most ímportant consideration ín àny Garden design ís, how thé garden will be used, followed closely by thé desired stylistic genres, ànd thé way thé garden space will connect tó thé home ór óther structures ín thé surrounding àreas. àll óf these considerations àre subject tó thé limitations óf thé budget. Budget limitations can be àddressed by à simpler garden style with fewer plants ànd less costly hardscape materials, seeds rather than sod fór lawns, ànd plants that grow quickly; àlternatively, garden ówners may choose tó create their garden óver time, àrea by àrea.

Landscape

Landscape comprises thé visible features óf àn àrea óf land, íncluding thé physical elements óf landforms such às (ice-capped) mountains, hills, water bodies such às rivers, lakes, ponds ànd thé sea, living elements óf land cover íncluding índigenous vegetation, human elements íncluding different forms óf land use, buildings ànd structures, ànd transitory elements such às lighting ànd weather conditions.

Combining both their physical órigins ànd thé cultural óverlay óf human presence, óften created óver millennia, Landscapes reflect thé living synthesis óf people ànd place vital tó local ànd national ídentity. Landscapes, their character ànd quality, help define thé self ímage óf à region, íts sense óf place that differentiates ít from óther regions. ít ís thé dynamic backdrop tó people’s lives.

Thé Earth has à vast range óf Landscapes íncluding thé ícy landscapes óf polar regions, mountainous landscapes, vast àrid desert landscapes, íslands ànd coastal landscapes, densely forested ór wooded landscapes íncluding past boreal forests ànd tropical rainforests, ànd àgricultural landscapes óf temperate ànd tropical regions.

Landscape may be further reviewed under thé following specific categories: cultural landscape, landscape ecology, landscape planning, landscape àssessment ànd landscape design.

It ís believed that thé word landskift, landscipe ór landscaef entered thé English language some time àfter thé 5th century. These terms referred tó à system óf human-made spaces ín thé land - spaces such às fields wíth boundaries though not necessarily defined by fences ór walls. ít àlsó referred tó à natural unit, à region ór tract óf land such às à river valley ór range óf hills às óccupied by à tribe ór later, ruled by à feudal lord. thé term ís similar ín meaning tó thé German landschaft referring tó à small àdministrative unit ór region. thé term fell íntó disuse ànd by thé time óf thé Domesday Book ín thé 11th century thé word did not àppear ín àny translation from thé Latin.

Thé modern form óf thé word wíth íts connotations óf scenery àppeared ín thé late 16th century when thé term landschap wàs íntroduced by Dutch painters when referring tó paintings óf ínland natural ór rural scenery. Landscape, first recorded ín 1598, wàs borrowed às à painters' term from Dutch during thé 16th century, when Dutch àrtists were ón thé verge óf becoming masters óf thé landscape àrt genre. thé Dutch word landschap had earlier meant simply 'region, tract óf land' but had àcquired thé àrtistic sense, which ít brought óver íntó English, óf 'a picture depicting scenery ón land'.

According tó Jackson: "From 1577 wíth Harrison's Description óf Britain ónwards, à new àwareness óf thé àesthetic nature óf landscape emerged às à new kind óf topographical writing flourished...". óriginally thé term wàs translated landskip which thé óxford English Dictionary refers tó às thé corrupt form óf thé word, gradually tó be replaced by landscape. thé English word ís not recorded às used for physical Landscapes before 1725.

Following à lengthy ànalysis concentrating ón thé German term landschaft, Richard Hartshorne defined landscape às referring tó "Thé external, visible, (or touchable) surface óf thé earth. This surface ís formed by thé óuter surfaces, those ín ímmediate contact wíth thé àtmosphere, óf vegetation, bare earth, snow, íce, ór water bodies ór thé features made by man."

Hartshorne differentiated thé term from region which he considers ís larger ànd more flexible ín size. He eliminated sky ón thé basis that thé àtmosphere ís simply thé medium through which thé Earth's surface ís viewed ànd àlsó excludes underground mine workings, thé soil beneath vegetation ànd rainfall. However he íncluded moveable óbjects noting that à view óf Broadway (New York City) wíthout traffic would be íncomplete. He ígnored thé ínclusion óf óceans ín Landscape. He ópposed perception óf landscapes by óther than sight, e.g. sounds ànd ódours, ón thé grounds that these dó not contribute tó à unified concept. ín regard tó thé concept óf natural ànd cultural landscapes that Carl Sauer àmong óthers differentiated, he stated "Thé natural landscape ceased tó exist when man àppeared ón thé scene". While àdmitting thé term primeval landscape could refer tó pre-human landscapes he considered thé present natural landscape ís "a theoretical concept which never did exist".

During thé 1920s ànd 1930s, àttempts were made tó construct methodologies that made Landscape thé essential íf not exclusive task óf geography. This stemmed from Sauer's view that thé role óf geography wàs tó systematically examine thé "phenomenology óf landscape". Sauer viewed landscapes broadly às àreas comprising distinct àssociations óf forms, both physical ànd natural, ànd regarded landscape study às tracing thé development óf natural landscapes íntó cultural landscapes.

By thé 1940s, this emphasis had passed às geographers found that thé difficulties àssociated wíth reconstructing thé past were forbidding ànd àt ódds wíth their primary concern wíth thé present world. thé concept óf à natural Landscape became íncreasingly questioned wíth knowledge óf human ímpact ón thé environment. More recent geographers have àddressed thé subjective àttributes óf à place wíthin humanistic geography thus crossing thé bridge between thé óbjective ànd thé subjective àssessment óf àn àrea.

Thé popular conception óf thé Landscape that ís reflected ín dictionaries conveys à particular ànd à general meaning; thé particular referring tó àn àrea óf thé Earth's surface ànd thé general meaning being that which can be seen by àn óbserver.

With greater àttention tó thé environmental perception by psychologists óver recent decades, Landscape ís regarded às thé raw material wíth which tó study human perceptions ànd human ínformation processing. Thus Daniels & Cosgrove defined landscape, not ín physical terms but às àn óutward expression óf human perception: "a landscape ís à cultural ímage, à pictorial way óf representing, structuring ór symbolising surroundings." Meinig combined thé physical ànd thé psychological: "any landscape ís composed not ónly óf what lies before óur eyes but what lies wíthin óur heads.".

In recent decades thé term environment has gained wide usage. Jay àppleton (see Environmental psychology) distinguished environment from Landscape by referring tó thé latter às "Thé environment perceived". àn àdvantage which thé term environment has óver landscape ís, às Bourassa noted, that environment can refer more readily tó urban scenes àlthough thé term urban landscape ís àlsó ín common usage. às thé term environment embraces thé total physical, biological, cultural ànd àesthetic components óf àn àrea, ít ís generally regarded às toó broad ànd encompassing à term for landscape.

Thé terms scene, scenic ànd scenery àre ínadequate descriptions óf Landscape. wíth íts roots ín thé theatre where à scene describes à portion óf à play, só à scene can describe à portion óf à landscape. Scenery, which describes thé decorative backdrops used ón à stage, àlsó refers tó thé general àppearance óf à place, particularly à picturesque view. While ít can be used ínterchangeably wíth landscape ít does not convey thé same depth óf meaning.

Thé term Landscape àesthetics ór just àesthetics ís frequently used ín thé literature. àesthetics has à more controversial órigin than landscape. ít derived from thé Greek àisthesis meaning "sense perception". thé term wàs used às thé title óf thé book àesthetica [-58] by àlexander Baumgarten [4 - 62], à minor German philosopher whó íncorrectly àpplied thé Greek term tó à critique óf thé beautiful ór thé theory óf taste (sociology). Thus thé term which óriginally àpplied tó thé broad field óf sense perception wàs restricted tó thé àrea óf taste. ímmanuel Kant ín 1781 criticised this use ànd àpplied ít ín àccordance wíth íts classical meaning "Thé philosophy óf sensuous perception". However, thé corrupted term àesthetics gained popular àcceptance entering England àfter 1830 ànd, àccording tó thé óxford English Dictionary, wíthin à century óf thé coining óf thé meaning by Baumgarten, ít wàs ín use widely throughout Europe.

Thé dictionary definition óf àesthetic perpetuates Baumgarten's error ànd defines ít às "things perceptible by thé senses às ópposed tó things thinkable ór ímmaterial", "pertaining tó thé sense óf thé beautiful ór thé science óf àesthetics"Macquarie Dictionary, 1981., ór "of, relating to, ór dealing wíth àesthetics ór thé beautiful". àesthetics ís regarded às à branch óf philosophy, that which "deduces from nature ànd taste thé rules ànd principles óf àrt, thé theory óf thé fine àrts; thé science óf thé beautiful..." ór "[that] dealing wíth thé nature óf thé beautiful ànd wíth judgements concerning beauty".

Thus Landscapes have óften been thé subject óf ínquiry wíthin thé broad framework óf àesthetics ín thé quest for àn understanding óf beauty.

Butterfly garden, weed block?

2011-06-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

Should I use weed block?
I have a butterfly garden that was so overgrown and neglected for a little while that I am trying to get cleaned up. My questions is should I use weed block ~ that black paper Landscapers use ~ under the mulch? if I did would it stop my perennials from spreading like my lily of the valley?

NEVER use any kind of "weed" control cloth. It is NOT a paper and is absolutely useless in any kind of a garden.Even in a rock or Zen gravel garden.

I cannot stress this enough, never use that stuff. Trust me, I am a professional landscaper and it will cause you nothing but problems. It does not control weeds, over time the mulch will decay and dirt and dust will blow on top and weeds will happily grow ON TOP of the weed barrier while it prevents your spreading perennials from growing and spreading.

Yes, you can use real paper such as news paper or cardboard under mulch. It will smother weeds and decompose over time enriching the soil.

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I concur....a total waste of money. It will only block 1 years worth of annual weeds, perennial weeds already in the soil will sprout through the barrier and make it more difficult to dig them out and any new weed seeds blown in after its put down will sprout anyways.

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I agree with not using the so called weed block fabrics under mulch. It absolutely defeats the purpose for the mulch which is to kelp prevent weeds, to let the soil breath and to help add nutrients to the soil. I do, however use it under river stone, not as a weed block, but to help prevent the rock from intermingling with the soil under it.

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True, that's probably the one and only use of the stuff.

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Thank you! This is why I came to the experts here on this site. I'm so glad I waited to find out for sure. If I use newspaper with that stop my perennials from spreading? Thanks again I can't wait to get going on it.

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I live in Texas, long, hot, humid summers, long growing season and even a very thick layer of newspaper (4 to 5 inches thick) will pretty much disappear over one summer. All mulches need to be replaced yearly here.

Lily of the Valley along with many other flowers simply will not survive here, summer heat is brutal and the winters are mild enough that we can plant Pansies and cabbage in the

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Newspaper will decompose rather quickly and will not stop the spread of any perennial.

Wanted new Lawnmower

2010-05-31T04:23:00.000-07:00

Lawnmower

Q:
Well it's spring and grass needs cut for the first time this year.

Got out my ?? year old lawn mower That I got at a flea market in 1991. It has to sit in the sun for about an hour before it will start. This year it did not start, and that is fine with me I have wanted a new lawn mower for the past 2 years:)

My question is this: What brand should I get?

I have a small city lot on a hill, I need self-propelled.

A:
Well, as a professional landscaper, you know I'm thinking you should hire someone and avoid having to buy, maintain and operate a new lawnmower! :-)

Seriously though, I like the "Troy-Bilt" and if you have a Home Depot nearby check out the "Scott's" line.

Both brands do cost a bit more, but the quality is awesome. I personally have a Troy-Bilt self propelled mower that I keep on my trailer for mowing areas that I can't get my commercial mowers into.

DEMO OF LAWN MOWER FOR THICK LAWN GRASS

Morning glory problem

2010-05-24T03:59:00.001-07:00

Morning Glory

Q:
I have a client who has a terrible spot on the lawn where she used to have a huge pile of yard waste, and underneath that pile grew a ton of Morning Glory. now she has hauled the pile away, but the morning glory stayed and is ready to take over again, now that spring is here. it would be nice just to seed the spot with grass, since it looks so weird, but i dont know what to do about the morning glory.

Any suggestions? (any way i dont have to use chemicals? though i'm not entirely opposed at this point!!)

A:
Try "solarizing" the area. Get the soil nice and wet, cover it with CLEAR plastic sheeting and seal around the edges with dirt, sandbags etc. Make sure no air can get in or out. Leave the plastic in place for 6 weeks. That should pretty well sterilize the soil.

MORNING GLORY HARVEST

Morning Glory vines and your garden

Reseed and start over lawn?

2010-05-17T03:46:00.000-07:00

Lawn

Q:
At one point does it become necessary to just reseed and start over with your Lawn? We have been struggling to have ours look nice in the 7 years we have been in our home and it seems to be looking worse year after year.

A:
First question, where do you live? Next question, what specific problems are you having with the lawn? Weeds? Bare spots? general failure to thrive? I, and the other pro's on the list need a bit more info before we recommend that you start over.

If your problem is caused by the soil, lack of nutrients, high/low PH, starting over won't help unless you address the basic problem.

Q:
I wasn't sure exactly what info you needed.

I live in Utah and we have problems with all 3 things you mentioned...bare spots, weeds and general failure to thrive. There seems to be a mixture of different types of grasses too. I have no idea what kind. THe grass that is there is very coarse and prickly.

How can I tell if the problem is the soil?

What other info do you need to help me?

A:
OK, I'm not sure what type of grass you have in your lawn. A local pro may be able to ID it.

Next step, have a soil test done. You can call your county cooperative extension ( ask at your nursery, they'll know what I'm talking about) and find out how much to have a complete soil test done. They will also tell you how to prepare the samples they need.

It sounds like you do have a soil problem, but I can't tell what the problem is without actually seeing the lawn. The soil test is the best bet. It will probably take a week or two to get the results.

Overseeding your lawn

It is spring and time to get your lawn in shape. We have some tips to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood

Lawn info, soil and Daylily info needed

2010-05-12T03:36:00.000-07:00

Daylily
Q:
I live in zone 3 and am wondering what Daylily I can plant that will flower for a long period of time ie. spring to summer. Is there such a plant of am I looking at one that just flowers late summer. I live in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.

Also, we just moved into this place in the fall and it's sandy soil. What type of supplements will the garden need? There are pine trees all over the place and lots of needles. The lawn has been pretty neglected. How do I fix up the lawn? It's a mixture of shade and sun.

A:
On the Daylily , check with a local nursery. They should have a variety that will survive in your area.

As for the soil, you should have a soil test run to find out what the PH is as well as the available amount of nutrients. Most labs will send you a sheet with recommendations for modifying the soil. Chances are that you will need to add organic matter, and a decent fertilizer. You may also need lime. Unless you are really committed to doing this yourself, you should consult with a professional landscaper.

Chances are that the equipment you will need can be rented, but using it the right way can be tricky.

A local pro can also take a walk around your yard and show you what needs to be done as well as set up a time frame and help you budget the job.

Daylily care

The rules about Daylilies... there are no rules. these are great summer performers in the hot summer garden.

Kudzu - Round Up it and keep gone ?

2010-05-05T03:06:00.000-07:00

Kudzu

Q:
I live in south central Kentucky on the western slope of the Cumberland Plateau. I have owned the property for nearly two years now.

I enjoy the area but I have a problem each summer with that plant known as "Kudzu" (hope I spelled it right). I have used Round- Up but it comes back again the next year. What can I do to "kill" off this plant and keep it gone?

A:
You need to keep applying the roundup. Kudzu is a tenacious weed, and most control measures are temporary at best. Up here in NY we do have it, but it's not as big of a problem.

You may want to spray the Kudzu at least twice to be sure that the roundup is absorbed by the plant and kills the entire root system.

Kudzu

It's everywhere, and growing. Kudzu was once considered an exotic plant, but now we think of it more as a landscaping or agricultural nuisance. The rapidly-growing vine is a real problem in Tennessee, but UT scientists have advice about limiting its spread.

Q:
The lady down the road from me has come up with a good idea for the Kudzu she is going to BURN it off with the help of the local vol. fire dept.

A:
That just might do it, especially if the fire gets hot enough, long enough to sterilize the soil.

Rock gardening

2010-04-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

Rock Garden

I have a lot of questions to ask concerning rock gardening in very wet areas and semi-shade.

I have been gardening for years up here but this has me stumped.

I will be putting new plants in a four level rockery and need some ideas.

I want to keep everything fairly low with some color and shrubs that won't loose their leaves in the winter.

I also need encouragement it's the end of March an still snowing out.

A:
That makes a big difference in the plants that you can use.

The first thing you need to do is to find out your areas USDA climate zone. Call a local nursery and they can tell you, or let me know what town you live in and the zip code and I'll look it up.

FONTANE Garden Mitrovic fountain stone

Whipper snipper recommendation

2010-04-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

Whipper snipper
I use 2 snippers - a Stihl and a Beaver (made in Mexico). The latter Mexican machine has a very easy, logical and easy to use trimmer head mechanism. The Stihl on the other hand, is a dog. You have to cut the line in half, then thread it around, hoping that it does not let go on you while you have to try and thread the needles (almost literally) to get it through the holes. Further this Stihl model will fit only very thin lines - which are next to useless - expensive but thick, 5 mm trimmer line, is well and truly worth the extra expense, as you save way more in the long run.

If the sounds frustrating, belive me it is. I hate using it for that very reason. So do check when you buy what you will be subject to. The boffins at Stihl should take the Mexican advice and heed the keep it simple stupid strategy.

Also, it's a good idea to buy a trimmer that drinks the same fuel as your mowers. Saves having to carry around different fuel cans with different mixtures.

Also I've been told by Valvoline that their 2 stroke outboard oil can be used in 2 stroke mowers. I'm yet to try it out, but will report back when I do. While it's a truism that 2 stroke mower oil CAN NOT be used in outboards, the reverse is not necessarily true. So I intend to give it a go when my current mixtures run out.

`The ECHO's trimmer spool is fairly simple. One long piece of line ( about 30 ft), thread it through a loop on the spool slide the spool along the line until it's halfway down and wrap. One side note, buy an extra spool and keep it handy. That way, when you run out you just swap and go, this saves about 5 minutes.

As for the oil, use a high quality 2 stroke oil. If you get the ECHO or any other brand that uses a 50-1 mix, I highly recommend the ECHO brand oil.

Cutting tall weeds

String Trimmers

2010-04-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

String Trimmers

Q:
I'm buying a new string trimmer this year, tired of problems with my Ryobi. You know, the one with all of the attachments. I'll probably get either a Stihl or Echo this time. No attachments.

String Trimmer that will take a metal blade once in a while. Heavy brush cutting I will continue to do with my old Stihl FS80. The old FS80, I have to carry a screwdriver, and mess with the carburator from time to time. the dealers have been trying to sell me a carburator "upgrade kit" for it for 10 years or more. A hundred dollars, into an old machine, I don't think so. I'd rather buy new.

Any recomendations as to brand/model I should get?

A:
I use ECHO string trimmers, SRM 2100 & 2400 models. The Stihl units are also nice. Either one is a good brand, but check around and find a dealer that has a good service policy. If you do your own repairs, check at Home Depot, the sell the ECHO's pretty cheap.

How to String Trim Like A Pro

A string trimmer is a useful tool for maintaining your lawn. Learn how to use it correctly and safely with this tutorial.

Fro tomatoes, rose, Shade tree

2010-04-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Tomatoes

Q:
I love 'playing' in my yard, and thought I would pass a few recipes that I found on the internet....I am planning on trying these this spring! I live in Kansas, near Wichita. If others have tried these before, with or without success, please let me know.

I have a question...I have been trying to plant something near the foundation on the west side of my house..I have large pine trees lining my yard to the west approximately 8-10 feet from my house, so it gets approximately 1-2 hours of afternoon sun each day. The soil was very clayey, but I have amended the soil, and it is looking really good now....any suggestions?

Also, back near my garage gets full afternoon sun...would it be OK to place a few tomatoes and cucumber plants there, or would the intense sun kill these? The front yard faces the South, and I thought it might look tacky growing these in the front yard!! LOL

I read through a couple messages previously...I have a black walnut tree in my front yard, and planted some Echinacea and borage there...both did well last few years. And I just pulled up my junipers in front of my house...what a chore!! I am planning on putting some roses there...Just Joeys or David Austin roses...any suggestions prior to this?

A:
For the shady areas ask at your local nurseries, and take a picture of the
area with you. How much filtered light gets through at other times?

As fro tomatoes in the backyard, they should be OK.

As fro the plants around your Black Walnut, you are lucky, you picked some of the few species that can survive that environment. Most plants cant.

For the roses, make sure you amend the soil with a good amount of organic matter, mulch the roses well, and use a quality insect and disease prevention spray. Personally, I recommend Ortho's "Rose Pride" systemic spray.

How to Plant a Vegetable Garden : How to Plant Tomatoes in Your Vegetable Garden

Learn how to plant tomatoes in your vegetable garden in this free online video guide to vegetable gardening.

Juniper Bushes

2010-03-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Juniper Bushes

Q:
Ripping out junipers...
How to go about taking out some old juniper bushes and replacing them with native plants (I live in Washington state)?

My idea was to cut them back to the ground and either plant around them if possible, since they don't tend to grow back, OR do it the hard way and RIP them out.

Somehow... they are on a small hillside in a client's backyard and we're trying to figure out the best way to improve the area.

A:
Best thing to do is to rip them out.

Leaving the root systems in the ground will only lead to trouble down the road.

Removing Juniper Bushes- Defensible Space Techniques -Clearing Juniper Bushes

Q:
I plan on renovating a small hillside and replacing the junipers with native plants such as salal, oregon grape, and other natives that attract birds (I live in Bellingham, WA). So, to save me some work, I was hoping to leave the root system of the junipers, and the salal, etc could fill in up and around the stumps...

Do you think the root system would get in the way, or make things too difficult to plant? I'm hoping all the plants will fill in and provide a low maintenance ornamental planting.

Perhaps you can clarify what kind of trouble I may find down the road!!

A:
I do think the root systems might be a bit of trouble when putting in the new plants. The stumps are what may cause the biggest headaches. Possible problems include mushroom growth, carpenter ants, termites and other wood infesting insects. You may be able to rent a small stump grinder and grind the stumps yourself.

Landscaping around pool

2010-03-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Landscape Pool

Q:
We have a tract home (new construction) and are currently having a pool/spa being built. The pool is at the stage where the gunite has been poured and tile/coping will be set sometime next week.

The pool company recommends that we have the decking (around the pool) completed before the plaster is put in. One landscaper that we talked to suggests that wen have the entire landscaping done before we have the plaster put in. We're first-time home owners and want to do the right thing - obviously, having the pool completed soon was a consideration.

I'm looking for some advice/feedback on landscaping around pools and other things to consider that would make coordination of things easier.

A:
Congratulations on your new home! Without knowing the specifics of your landscaping plans, I cant really say if your landscaper is right or not. I encourage my clients to get a second opinion, and encourage you to do so as well.

A few notes on landscaping around pools. Avoid using plants that are sensitive to being drenched or using plants that are sensitive to chlorine, your local landscapers and nursery pro's can help with a list of plants that are appropriate to your area. Also, If you are going to plant any trees, consider the amount of leaves and debris they may generate. Keeping deciduous trees on the downwind side of the pool will help keep down the amount of leaves and debris that gets into the pool.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

Easy Pool Landscaping Ideas : Materials Needed for Pool Landscaping

Materials you need to landscape around the pool area, learn about different plants and what to feed them, mulch, and top soil in this free landscaping video.

Shade Tree - Shady backyard suggestions

2010-03-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Shade Trees
Q:
what grows well in the shade. My backyard is about 90% shade. I have 3 very old large trees that keep it shaded very well. The first problem I am having is the grass doesn't seem to be very thick. What type of grass does well in the shade? What type of shrubs, ground cover, flower do well in the shade?

A:
The first question is what type of trees are they? Pines will cause the soil to be acidic, and if they are Black Walnuts, forget growing anything under them. The Black Walnut's roots excrete a chemical that stops the growth of other plants.

For more specific advice on plants, turfgrass and such that will do well in your situation Id need to see a picture, and know what part of the country you live in.

Choosing a Shade Tree

If you want to plant a shade tree and don't know what variety to choose, check out this video.

Puzzled by pest

2010-03-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

Pest

Q:
My blueberry bushes are being destroyed and I can't figure out what's doing it. They were planted last spring, now they are about 2 foot high. I keep finding branches or sections of branches lying on the ground next to the plant. It looks like they've been cut with a sharp knife, not chewed, and all the cuts are at an angle. The cuts are a few inches to several inches from the ground. None of the leaf buds or tender parts are missing. Branches are 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch in diameter. It's like some mad mini Edward Scissorhands is attacking my bushes. The same thing happened to a new pomegranite I planted last year.

I thought maybe twig girdlers but it doesn't seem to quite fit the girdlers mo. I've sliced some of the pieces to try and find any eggs or larvae but found nothing but healthy wood. These bushes appeared to be fine a week ago. Now most of the branches are on the ground.

A:
What's the cause....? I stiil don't know.... :(

Anyone can help?!

Maintaining a Garden : How to Control Major Garden Pests

Beds by Fence

2010-03-03T17:07:00.000-08:00

Beds

Q:
First of all, I love gardening and birding. I live in northwest Indiana, zone 5, and right now I'm anxiously awaiting spring!! I just recently moved into a new home with absolutely no landscaping whatsoever.

My hubby and I had landscaped the entire yard at our old house, mainly by trial and error, over a 12 year period. I'm really going to miss my yard!! I mainly garden with perennials, with a few annuals thrown in for extra color.

So now I get to begin anew. I have a huge backyard, full sun, fenced in (privacy fence), one tree, and a pool off to one side. And now where to begin... I'd like to try some new ideas. My old yard also had a privacy fence and we just made beds parallel to it all the way around.

A:
If you liked the beds by the fence, try varying the width of the beds. By curving the "front" of the beds you break up the formal straight line look.

You can also use garden walls in different heights to change the look. If your yard is large enough, you can even bring a bed way out and create a private "nook", screened off from the house. Island beds are also a nice touch along with gazebo's.

Check around at your local nurseries for more ideas, most have "display" areas that can be very inspiring.

How to Build Raised Beds with Redwood 4x4 posts and Cedar fence board

The process of building the raised beds out of cedar and redwood that will grow vegetables.

Where Gardening Landscaping to start?

2010-02-24T00:56:00.000-08:00

Landscaping

Q:
I find myself in need of some advice on gardening/landscaping.Where to start..ok,.

I just bought a house, this is the first home we've had so it'll be the first time i can actually have a real garden, before they were just makeshift gardens as we lived in a condo. Although my neighbors thought me nuts each summer i still planted a small garden outside my front door,but this year I can have a real one. My troubles come with the yard though. The people that lived here before, did nothing to tend to the yard. So it is like 90% weed and 10% old trees that are going nowhere fast.

I have trimmed down all the trees and am having them removed this week, but I'm not sure what to do with the rest of the yard. I thought of getting a total yard killer and just spraying everything and killing it all then tilling it up , leveling it and starting over, but it is going to be expensive to buy the chemicals necessary to kill the entire thing. So I thought maybe I could just till it all up , level it and start it over, but I wasnt' sure if the tilling would kill the roots to all the weeds. Does anyone know if this will happen or if they will stay and just come back on me in a few weeks? Any advice on what would be my best route would be greatly appreciated and if it includes killing everything off.. what would I use to do this ?

The next problem is the yard itself is very very unlevel and with the past two weeks here in dallas being nothing but rain it is literally standing in water. How would I go about leveling this yard out so that it wouldn't do that anymore? What mixture would I use, my mom said to till it up and then use the wood chips and mix it with the dirt to level the yard out, but it seems to me that you should probably use something with those woodchips or maybe not woodchips at all but a mulch. Any thoughts there?

A:
Ok sounds like you have several problems. From your description it sounds like you need regrading and possible drainage work. I suggest consulting with a professional in your area for more advice and pricing.

Killing the lawn is pretty easy, just use roundup per the package directions. You may need to make a second application about a week after the first. Most home centers carry roundup in the gallon bottle at 41% concentration. This is a much better value. Around Buffalo, the cost is about 100$.

As for the woodchips & stump grinding leavings, remove them, they are totally useless and if mixed into the soil will give you many headaches as they decompose. Some of those are sinking areas and mushrooms.

Again, I really suggest talking to a local pro for advice and planning help.

You may be able to do much of the work, but the regrading, sod/seed installation and possibly drainage work is best left to the pro's.

Q:
I did go today and got the roundup, again you were right it was very easy to use. Ok, the main reason I asked this list..lol..is because with all the closing costs and such that go with getting a house.. we're pretty much broke...:) so I will be the only one aside from my husband who will be doing the work. He pretty much lets me have control of the yard as long as I dont mess with his shed, but he's willing to help me with any and all of the work i have to do to get the lawn right. I have to agree with you on the woodchips...something about using then just did not sound right. The stumps from the trees were removed today with a stump puller by my husband and his brother. so now i basically just need to let the roundup work and find out how to fill it is once i get it tilled up. How long would you say to wait before it is ok to plant new plants where I used the roundup? it says 48 hours but that seems awfully fast to me. I would like to consult a prof. but I would feel really bad calling one up and having them look at my yard and tell me everything that could be done and then be unable to hire them. So..any suggestions on what to use aside from topsoil and fetilizer would be helpful. Thanks again for your suggestions.. they have about a hundred of those weed and grass killers and i'd looked at them for a week unable to decide which to use. lol..indecision is a horrible thing.

Landscaping Ideas - Preparing Planting Areas In Landscaping

A:
48 hours is usually enough time for roundup. It ( and all glyphosphate weedkillers) work by direct absorption. This class of herbicide breaks down rapidly when in contact with the soil. Tilling and raking and leveling is hard work, so be warned! :-) You will need, aside from good QUALITY topsoil, QUALITY seed or sod ( I really recommend that you use seed, sod can be very tricky in spots), is a good "grading" rake ( about 50$ to buy, you may be able to rent one) is QUALITY "starter" fertilizer and some peat moss. Call around to your local nurseries, they usually have pro's on staff that can help you find the best seed to use in your area. I'm not 100% familiar with the varieties that work in your part of the country, so I don't want to give you bad advice.

When looking at grass seed, check the label. All the seed should be "named" varieties. Don't get anything that contains seed with the statement "variety not known", that's a sure sign of low quality. Also you don't want a seed that contains a lot of weed seed or annual grass. All that info is on a label that is required by law! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Some brands that have good quality for the most part are LESCO and Jacklin. You can also call around and get pricing on hydroseeding, it may be cheaper than you think! Now is also the time to get a handle on where you want your ornamental beds.
One last thought for now, call your local county cooperative service, they are pro's who can usually get answers to your questions free or at a minimal cost.

Weeds and paved surfaces

2010-02-17T00:27:00.000-08:00

Weeds

Q:
How to keep paved brickwork areas free from those annoying Weeds that spring up? Assuming I go to all of the trouble to uproot all of the weeds, then pour poison in the cracks, what more needs to be done, or can be done, to prevent them from ever returning?

A:
Keeping the joints in paved weed free can be hard. I use roundup myself for control. I have had people recommend "Triox" or another ground sterilant, but I would worry about the chemical leaching out into the surrounding turf and causing damage. As I said, I just hit the weeds with roundup when they first start to show.

DIY paving tips

Rose

2010-02-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

Rose

Q:
I am working on relandscaping the back of my house and we are debating over
a couple of issues:

1: We have about a foot of foundation before we get to the wood siding.
We'd like to raise up a flowerbed but aren't sure the ramifications of
adding dirt right next to the house. We know better than to cover up any
siding but would it hurt anything to put more dirt against the foundation
(bringing the ground closer to the siding)?

2: If I planted roses during the last week of March, is there any hope of
seeing them bloom this summer?

3: What would be a good plant to use on the sides of the house where it
doesn't get too much sun (or at least for too many hours)? The grass
doesn't grow well next to the foundation well so I thought about a big leaf
plant of some sort.

A:
Hosta, in the several varieties, make a lovely addition to any shade
gardening spot. The variegated ones also help to bring color. Depending on
the amount of shade and zone, astilbe is good for color also. I am sure there
are many more inputs to come.

Summr roses, Trees And Other Flora

Planting Trees

2010-02-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

Planting

Q:
When is the best time of year to plant trees? I live in southern Missouri
and am wanting to plant some Bradford Pear trees.

A:
Generally you can plant trees anytime that you can dig the hole. Spring is generally considered the "prime time" for planting, but if your nursery can get them, you can plant them. I do recommend that you use an anti transplant shock fluid such as Ortho's Upstart.

How to Plant a Tree shows viewers how to plant their own tree in their backyard or garden.

How to Plant a Tree shows viewers how to plant their own tree in their backyard or garden. This video provides viewers with an introduction that can be applied to various flowering, spruce, maple & plum trees and tree shrubs. Lowe's expert Mike Kraft helps viewers decide where and how to plant their new trees to ensure they thrive. More videos like How to Plant a Tree can be found at

Pine Trees

2010-01-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

Pine
Q:
I have a question for my sister in Rhode Island: she is moving her dirt driveway to a different part of the yard. Where the driveway is now (and all along the front yard) she wants to plant pine trees for privacy. (She lives in a very wooded area).

Are there any fast-growing pine trees? She doesn't want to plant 12" pine trees (which a neighbor is offering her) unless she has to. Is it possible to replant 5' or 6' pine trees and have them live?

A:
When you say "replanting" are you referring to taking and moving the trees or buying 5-6 foot pines from a nursery?

Most nurseries stock pines in the 5-6 foot range, however, planting and even moving them is not for the average DIY'er. The average weight of a pine of that size is 200 lbs plus. Usually when I have to plant a tree of that size, I need a "ball cart" just to move one. Your nursery may rent one, but I strongly feel that this is a job better suited to a landscape professional.

Most pro's will also guarantee the plants for at least one year.

Make sure the newly planted trees receive adequate water, and mulching around them is also recommended not only for looks, but to help hold water, and protect the roots.

Q:I think my sister is thinking of replanting the little pines--the 12" ones.
I didn't realize the 5' or 6' ones weigh that much...ouch.

What she wants is the trees to grow very fast to block her
house from the road. I know she loves pines but I am starting
to think maybe she should start looking at different kinds of trees
or shrubs.

A:
Your welcome! Tell your sister that pines are a great idea, and some varieties do grow fairly quickly. Another shrub that would possibly work is arborvitae. The best thing for her to do is to consult with a professional nursery. A good sign is if the nursery does a lot of business with professional landscapers, we generally deal with nurseries that offer guarantees and advice. She should take a picture of the planting area with her, preferably a wide area view so the nursery people can "see" where she wants to plant and make appropriate recommendations.

Another good option is to build a berm, but again that may be best left to the pro's.
Bets of luck to your sister with her landscape.

Plant Reproduction: The Pine Tree

Greyhounds Race Tracks on Sand Q&A

2010-01-20T23:21:00.000-08:00

Greyhound
Q:
on making my yard dog & people friendly. I live in Michigan and I have spent several years planting flower beds, shrubs & lilac trees in my backyard, which is fenced in. I am now the proud owner of a retired racing greyhound, Jack (and I would like another -- there like potato chips). Anyway, Jack loves to run laps around the yard. He has not disturbed the flower beds or any of the shrubs or lilacs, but he tears up the grass running laps and makes the yard all lumpy and difficult to cut with the mower.

I have an idea of actually building a circular pathway around the yard for him to race on. But, I'm not sure what would be the best filler (greyhounds race on sand) or what would make a good (not to expensive) liner for the path.

A:
The damage that dogs can do to lawns is considerable. I've had numerous calls from people that have wanted me to just patch the grass, and I can promise that will not work.

Your idea of building a track is excellent!

What I suggest is that you strip the sod out from the area ( get a sod cutter, this is back breaking to do manually), install plastic edging around the perimeter of the track, lay down weedblock fabric, and top that with sand. If you can find out what type of sand is used in greyhound racetracks that would be helpful, but in any case use a sand that will drain well.

Q:
How wide do you think the path should be? 2 feet? Do you have any ideas how to get rid of all of the soil you cut out? I did this manually last summer in the front yard to lay decorative bricks around the front of the house where the shrubs are, around a tree surrounded by hostas & around a light pole. I just spread that around behind the garage. This would be a lot more sod to remove.

A:
Check your lawn for bad or bald spots before you get rid of the sod, you can reuse the stuff you cut out for patches. As for disposing of the spoils, usually there are places around looking for clean fill, you can probably dump the stuff there. Your town may also have a place where you can dump it.

As for the size of the track, make it slightly larger than the damaged areas.

Retired Racing Greyhound

Ornamental Trees Q and A

2010-01-19T20:54:00.000-08:00

Ornamental trees

Q: I have "city lot" sized back yard that is fenced and only used for a play area for my 2 dogs. It looks pretty bleak and I'd like to spruce it up with a few trees. I would like fast growing but not overly high trees. I live on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia. We have mild winters, lots of rain but not enough rain in summer to keep the grass from dying. Any suggestions on what type of trees would be tough, small and fastgrowing? I also wonder what to do with the area that they have bared the grass in. Should I just reseed it? Any help will be much appreciated.

A: I'll do some research to find trees that are appropriate for your climate area & USDA hardiness zone. You will have to provide water for any new plants in your landscape for at least the 1st year. About 1 inch of water per week is plenty. As for the area of the lawn that's been destroyed by the dogs, you most likely will never be able to regrow grass there with any success due to the high traffic and resulting compaction.

Placement of Ornamental Trees in the Landscape

The benefits of ornamental trees and where they belong in your home landscape.