Weeds are nearly inevitable in flowerbeds. Luckily there are multiple ways to prevent and control the problem so that your flowers can grow without competition. The first line of defense is to make sure the area is completely clean of…
Tree roots on the surface of the soil can often be unsightly and make mowing and maintaining a uniform lawn difficult. Homeowners often want to know if they can cut them off without damaging the tree. Unfortunately, the answer is…
Little Barley is a grassy weed that can also be a concern for pet owners and anyone with socks on in early summer. This winter annual will produce seedheads and turn brown in early summer, even if it is mowed…
Fungus Gnats are tiny insects that live in the soil of houseplants. Their larva feed on plant roots and the adults can be a nuisance when they fly around the plants. However, they don't bite humans. They are fairly easy…
This devastating disease is a large factor in the mass die-off of pine trees in our area. Caused by a microscope worm in the vascular system of the tree, this disease is moved from pine to pine by the Pine…
There are lots of challenging conditions in landscaping and gardening. One of the most challenging is extreme heat. This condition can be created in areas surrounded sides by concrete and asphalt, or by buildings reflecting heat off their south or…
There are lots of challenging conditions in landscaping and gardening. One of the most challenging is dry shade. These areas are generally caused by large shade trees which can easily out-compete smaller plants for water and nutrients. They can also…
It's exciting to add new plants to the landscape, so it's especially disappointing when they fail to thrive or even die. These poor outcomes can often be avoided by reducing transplant shock. Transplant shock is often related to the disturbance…
While many homeowners are aware of the damage boring insects can do to trees, they may be less familiar with the uniform holes of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. This bird is a woodpecker that feeds primarily on the sap of trees…
In bird, butterfly, and organic vegetable gardens, chemicals are often not an option if a pest problem arises. One solution is to attract or buy beneficial or predatory insects. These insects can naturally reduce pest populations. The most common example…