Did you know that the human desire for personal space also occurs in the tree world? Some trees deliberately don’t touch each other. We know tree trunks don’t touch since it is evident when you get stump removal service. But tree tops not touching? Seriously? What we call “touchy-feely” is called crown shyness in trees. Keep reading to find out more about crown shyness and its causes. The Origin of Crown Shyness Crown shyness, a sensation first seen in the ’20s, is when the crowns of trees don’t touch. The crown is the upper section of the tree where limbs sprout out from the main trunk. If you were strolling in the woods and looked up, you are looking at the canopy which a group of crowns is. Usually, when you look into the canopy, you see an intermixing of branches between the trees and the crowns. Not with crown shyness. The tops of the trees don’t touch. It is a peculiar phenomenon to see, and if you were to look at pics on the web, you might question: “Is this photoshopped or is crown shyness for real?” Straight up, crown shyness is for real. When you peek into the canopy, it seems like every tree has a halo of never-ending sky around its crown. Others have likened the look to a backlit jigsaw puzzle. Regardless of which description entices you, you get the idea. There is an exact boundary and separation (“no touch zone) around every tree crown. Crown Shyness Causes No one knows what causes crown shyness, but there are many theories, some of which are more believable than others: Disease and Insects – If one tree has an infection, then the spread of dangerous insects is a little harder to get to the next tree with crown shyness. Another hypothesis is that crown shyness stops the spread of some bacterial or fungal diseases. Photosynthesis – Photosynthesis is assisted by letting optimal light levels enter the canopy via the empty spaces around every crown. Trees grow in the path of light, and when they detect the shade from nearby tree limbs, their growth is stopped in that direction. Tree Damage – Trees sway in the wind and smack into each other. Twigs and limbs break during the impacts, damaging or disrupting growth nodules, making the gaps around every crown. Another theory is that crown shyness is a preventive measure. It lets trees play down or avoid this injury. 6/22/2019 Tips On Growing Prune TreesWant to grow some prune trees? Italian prune trees are a great option to grow. Italian prunes can develop as dwarf trees (10-12 feet) with meticulous pruning. They're wintering hardy and self-fertile. Also, the fruit can be dried, canned, or eaten fresh. Five years after planting prune trees will still produce. In early September, Italian prune trees are ready for harvest. Tips on Growing Prune Trees When growing prune trees, pick a one or two-year-old from the nursery with a healthy root system and at least four well-spaced branches. The basic rule for an Italian prune tree is to plant early in the springtime, although if the soil is moist and the autumn conditions are mild, planting can happen in the fall. When picking a place for planting, keep away from any low-lying areas that could be vulnerable to freeing and pooling water. Dig the hole a bit wider and deeper than the trees root ball and put some bone meal in the bottom. Remove the plant from the pot. Examine the roots for any spoil parts that have to be trimmed off. Next, put the new tree in the hole, so it is equal from all sides. Put peat moss or mulch (found at many stump grinding businesses) mixed with soil and water around the plant. If you are planting more than one prune tree, make sure they are at least 12 feet from each other. Prune Tree Maintenance Once your prune tree is planted, tree care includes keeping four feet of space around the tree weed-free. A great idea is to use organic mulch around the tree. Organic mulch is excellent for suppressing weed growth. You don’t have to fertilize for up to three years. Once they start to fruit, fertilize per 1 square yard around the tree in the springtime. Be sure not to feed the tree too much. You can prune Italian prune trees at planting time. To keep their shape, trim shoots from the ground in the springtime and summertime, keeping the middle of the tree open for air circulation and letting the sun in. Your yard is the ideal place to spend time with friends and loved ones on nice summer days. Though it's fantastic spending time basking in the sun, each yard must have space where loved ones and friends can chill in the shade. Here’s a look at some appealing ways to increase shade in your backyard. Pergola with Plants A pergola covered with plants can jazzy up any outdoor space. A vine-covered pergola offers shade and can be the ideal getaway on a hot summer day. There are lots of vibrant plants that look good on a pergola. A well-known favorite is morning glories. Other plants that are perfect for a pergola are yellow variegated ivy, lilac solanum, and clematis. A Distinct Canopy For years, folks have been putting up canopies in their outdoor spaces to have an area with shade. Though, you might want to expand on this standard option. For example, you can buy a canopy crafted with woven basket material. You’ll have shade for your patio table, a group of lawn chairs, or hammock. Another option is a triangular sail shade that’s simple to attach to three strong trees or poles. They are available in numerous colors and designs, offering a stylish cover for a chaise lounge or hammock. A retractable fabric canopy is the one to have if you want to regulate the amount of shade in your outdoor area. Retractable canopies are similar to curtains or drapes. Floating Screen A floating screen looks fabulous while giving you and your guest some shade. Floating screens are ideal since they don't block your view of the stars and sky. Overhead Patio Lattice Installing an overhead patio lattice is the perfect way to make a shady area while enhancing the overall appeal of your outdoor space. A lattice with a square, olive branch, or diamond design makes a charming pattern of shade and sunlight. Moreover, you can further enhance your lattice by planting wisteria, English ivy, or climbing hydrangea close by. These plants will coil around your lattice, creating a more captivating look. Keep your yard look captivating and clean by getting rid of any useless stump with professional stump removal service. Examine your grass the next time you mow it. Are the grass blades evenly cut or are they frayed? If they're raggedy, it might be time to sharpen your mower blades. This blog article is all about tips on sharpening lawn mower blades. Why Should I Do This? Sharp mower blades cut your grass most effectively, providing you with a healthy and neat lawn that is beautiful. Additionally, a sharp blade can reduce the amount of time you use mowing your lawn. This is a positive especially for those who would instead be doing something fun. Take care of your blade and mow your lawn the right way! When to Sharpen The amount of times you sharpen your mower blades is contingent on how frequently you mow your grass. If you mow your lawn every day, then you will want to hone your blades more frequent than someone who mows their grass every two weeks. As a general rule, sharpening your blade twice during the mowing season is ideal if you use your lawnmower to trim your lawn regularly. Various Sharpening Methods You can sharpen your lawn mower blade by hand. This is a solid option if you have a blade that's used gently for occasional trims. The first thing is to unfasten the spark plug and power source on your mower. This has to be done so that the mower can't come on while you're working. Undo the nut that links the blade to your mower, then take out the blade. You might want to use a vice to hold your blade so remains steady as you sharpen it using a metal file. Another method is to sharpen your mower blade by using a bench grinder. This is particularly useful if your blade has little dents in it due to hitting a stump. Hold the blade steady as you glide it back and forth on the bench grinder. Make sure to go along the angle of the blade's bevel. Just a suggestion: if you aren’t going to create something with your stump, get stump removal service. This vastly reduces the chance of your blades hitting it by accident. You can also use a belt sander to sharpen your lawnmower blade. Again, go back and forth against the belt sander while going against the angle of the blade's bevel. 6/1/2019 Planting Dwarf Trees In A Small YardDo you believe trees have to grow as tall and as big as those in the forests? Wrong! Plenty of trees can bring splendor to your landscape, regardless of the size. And this isn’t about little bonsai trees! Keep reading for information on planting dwarf trees. Trees for Small Yards Dwarf trees are ideal for small back or front yards, tiny gardens, or patio spaces. But don’t forget to leave plenty of room for the tree’s canopy to grow. To accomplish this, research the expected mature crown width and divide it by 2 — plan to plant your tree that distance from your home. For instance, a tree with an expected 40-foot crown spread has to be planted at least 20 feet away. Also, have mulch on hand to add a nice touch around your tree. You can pick some up at any Rochester stump grinding business. Landscape Trees
Dwarf Flower Trees
Trees Under 10 Ft.
5/25/2019 Some Outdoor Ideas For Leftover WoodImprove the Appearance of Your Patio, Gazebo, or Deck with Wood Furniture When you think of outdoor furniture, you might envision a plastic patio table and plastic chairs and a couple of straw chaise lounges. This is a nice setup for friends and loved ones. But, how about something different? Wooden outdoor furniture can make your outdoor space appear more inviting. Moreover, you can build wooden outdoor furniture pieces using leftover wood found around your property. This is a creative and fun way to put to use that old wood. Check out below some ideas for leftover wood. If you need more wood, contact a stump grinding business. Patio Table If you have empty pallets, you have the materials for a stylish patio or deck table. This table can be built with two pallets of any size. The assembly involves fastening two pallets together with little blocks of wood and applying sealant to safeguard it from moisture. The top pallet has to have a level, flat surface that will support tableware. You can even attach casters to move it around quickly. Table from Old Wine Crates Old wooden wine crates can be used to make a small deck table. If your outdoor space isn’t that big, this might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you desire a full-size table, you could use four big wine crates. You might want to apply a coat of sealant to shield it from the rain. A Pallet Loveseat A pallet loveseat is a great idea if you don't want a standard sofa on your patio or deck. The seat, arms, and legs are built out of wood scraps. The loveseat’s back is made out of a pallet. You could leave the seat bare or put some vibrant cushions on it to give it a welcoming feel. Be sure to apply sealant to protect the wood from the rain. An Easy Chair This job is ideal if you want a simple chair for your deck or patio. This chair design is similar to the one you see at a campsite. You can attach a cushion to the seat to make it comfortable. Again, you want to use sealant to safeguard the wood. Planting on slopes usually creates problems when it comes to regular upkeep. Also, you might not get the desired results from watering your trees that you might wish. You could do plenty more to increase your odds of success by picking specific trees that are a good fit for hills. Another positive when it comes to planting trees and hills is that you can reduce erosion by planting trees on slopes. Hills and Trees Some might ask themselves if it’s worth the energy to seek out a slope-friendly tree and there are lots of reasons why it is. Number one, some folks could live on a hill or in a hilly area. In this case, there’s no choice but to seek out trees that work. Besides, there are visual appeal reasons. A tree-covered slope is something to see. Erosion could be the main reason why folks want to plant trees on a hill. When rain falls on a slope, it usually washes soil towards the bottom. Another name for this is soil erosion. Over time, this can affect your yard by making gullies and unearthing plants. One of the most significant ways you can combat soil erosion is via smart landscaping. Planting trees is a solid choice. These trees will absorb the water on the slope instead of letting it drip to the bottom. Best Trees Not all trees are created equal. Coniferous trees may be the prize winner because of their possible size. Most big trees aren’t right for slopes, but these are the exception. The top evergreen options are pine, juniper, and fir. If your goal is to get more shade in your yard, you might want to look for trees that deliver some shade. You might want to go for the red alder or the sugar maple. Remember, you want to choose reasonably-sized trees that are innately hardy. Flourishing on a hill can be more difficult than on flat ground because sensitive trees usually don’t grow well. Hedging Your Bets You may want to link your trees with other plants and landscaping techniques to avoid erosion and enhance the apace. Based on how steep the hill is, you may need multiple choices. One is a retaining wall. Usually retaining walls are added to an outdoor space after you get stump removal service. If you are on a budget, an affordable option is mulch which works on moderate hills. 4/13/2019 Using Ground Cover Plants Under TreesTrees make lovely focal points in any outdoor space, but the area around their trunks can sometimes be an issue. Grass can have a difficult time thriving around roots, and the shade a tree provides can deter even the hardiest of flowers. Don’t leave the area around your tree bare! Instead, put a gorgeous ground cover under your trees! Border your trees with ground cover circles, and you’ll have a landscape that looks polished and professional. Ground Cover Plants Select your ground cover plants based on the tree type. Some trees, such as maple, have full coverage and give no sunlight beneath. Some have tiny leaves and thin branches, providing you with more choices to pick from. Find out how big each plant type will ultimately expand to decide how many you’ll need to cover the whole area surrounding the tree. Some top picks for ground cover plants under trees are violets, periwinkles, and junipers. Planting Ground Covers Tips Like any other project, planting ground covers under a tree begins with prep work. You can plant ground coverage any time, any day of the year. However, it is recommended that you do it in late fall or early spring for the best results. Put a circle around the grass at the tree trunk to denote the size of your planned bed. Put the garden hose on the ground to show the dimensions of the bed or stain the area with paint. Dig in the circle and remove all weeds and grass. With a trowel, dig holes for the ground cover plants. Vary digging the holes for the best coverage. Put some all-purpose fertilizer in every hole before putting the plants in place. Put plenty of room between each plant to let them grow in the space freely. You also want to put mulch between every plant to cover emerging roots and help retain moisture. Every week you want to water your plants until they start growing and taking root. At this point, the rain will provide all the water your plants require. If you want more information on plant ground covers, call a Rochester stump removal business. When you finish planting new flowers, shrubs, and trees, you need to bring a final touch - this is where mulch comes in. Mulch makes your outdoor space appear polished and clean. Is it essential what type of mulch you use? Should you perhaps use stones instead? Below are the pros and cons of having a landscape with rocks or mulch. Pros and Cons of Mulch (the organic kind) Pros
Cons
Pros and Cons of Using Rocks in Your Landscape Pros
Cons
The answer to whether mulch or stone is a better choice for your landscape? Mulch is a better option than stone, however rock is better than no mulch at all. Trees and shrubs have moisture requirements, contact a local arborist if you want to find out the needs of the trees in your landscaping. 3/30/2019 Mulching Helps Your Plants Retain WaterThere are various sorts of mulch for your garden. Each one has its qualities and characteristics. Mulching help plants retain water as well as control ground temps and the growth of weeds. Mulch aids in enhancing the look of your outdoor space. Knowing the qualities of the various mulch types helps you pick the perfect one for your yard. Wood or Bark Mulch Sliced wood chips are enduring mulches that gardeners don’t have to replace regularly. Like the other types, wood chips lessen the need to weed your garden by letting moisture enter the soil. You can get wood or bark mulch from Rochester, NY tree care business that offers stump grinding services. Peat Moss Mulch made from peat moss is excellent for weed control but necessitate a two to three-inch layer to restrain vigorous grasses. A thick layer is dense enough to create a hard crust that decreases the amount of water that gets to the unwanted weeds. The high price of peat moss, linked with its failure to survive wind damage, makes it unacceptable for some gardens. Compost Compost is usually found in flowerbeds and veggie gardens since it is valuable when it comes to staying moisturized, stopping weed growth, and controlling soil temperatures. Besides correcting drainage, compost is crucial in preserving nutrients and dispersing them recurrently. Grass and Leaves Clippings Grass and leaves clippings are economical mulching choices for a wide selection of gardens. Shredded leaves provide earthworms in your yard, delivering nutrients to the soil. The finely chopped leaves create a mat, stopping the absorption of moisture from the dirt. If weeds are spreading swiftly, you should eliminate grass clippings until you fix the issue. Straw During cold weather, straw mulch is critical in shielding plants from the elements thanks to its high insulating quality. Straw breaks down fast, putting nutrients back to the soil at a degree higher than all other mulching choices and is particularly valuable in vegetable gardens and around fruit trees. Also, straw is simple to use, although you must replace it often. |
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December 2020
CategoriesAll Insects & Diseases Questions & Answers Tools & Safety Trees & Landscaping Tree Stump Basics |