Landscaping
Crapemyrtle Pruning – Shannon Pable’s Comments
“Here’s how I look at it: “For pollarding, you cut above the last pollarded cut; i.e. cut the newer wood and avoid cutting into the older wood…leaving some existing lateral branching. By cutting into the older wood you would increase...
Crapemyrtle Cultivars
Crape myrtles are one of the most beautiful and carefree flowering plants of the Southern landscape. There are many different cultivars, with different flower colors and growing heights. This publication from the University of Georgia gives information on crape myrtle...
Crapemyrtle – Pruned Poorly – Pictures
A poorly-pruned crapemyrtle is one where the top has been thoughtlessly hacked back to a...
Crapemyrtle – Pruned Correctly – Pictures
In my view, a well-pruned crapemyrtle has architectural form and a graceful...
Boxwood – Warts on Stem
Not long ago I discussed the symptoms of boxwood leaf miners. If your boxwood leaves do not have the characteristic reddish-yellow mottling caused by the miner, what else could cause a thinning, unhealthy shrub? Taft Eaker runs the homeowner landscape...
Boxwood – Varieties
In the nursery trade there are basically two species of Boxwood available, English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) and Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla). English Boxwood is native to southern Europe, northern Africa and western Asia and sometimes is referred to as Common...
Bamboo – Clumping
A reader recently asked me “Is there a recommended clumping bamboo for Atlanta? I need one that grows to sixteen feet or more.” Though it grows tall like a tree, bamboo is actually a giant grass. It spreads by means...
Azaleas – Late Spring/Summer Pruning
If your azalea has been growing in a spot for a few years, it has likely reached the size you want. But the size an azalea would like to achieve might not agree with the size you’d like. If your...
Azalea – Planting Properly
In high dudgeon, Dave Hudak wrote me recently: “Last year I planted twenty one azaleas. They were inexpensive one gallon plants. Eight died within seven months. I’ve noticed that the others are struggling but still trying to grow. When I...
Azalea Pruning and Lace Bugs
Azalea blooms are only a memory in June but there are still things to do for their care. If the shrubs are threatening to grow too tall, now is the perfect time to remove some of the taller branches. Use...
Azalea and Rhododendron – Difference
According to David C. Zlesak at the University of Minnesota: “Rhododendrons and azaleas are spectacular flowering shrubs that add splashes of bright color to the landscape. What are commonly known as rhododendrons and azaleas are genetically distinct, but are both...
Azalea – Growing, Pests and Propagating
Few plants are as beautiful and as varied as the azalea. These shrubs are emblematic of spring in Georgia. A recent University of Georgia publication provides all you need to know to have success with this great plant. Selecting and...
UGA Tree Publications
The following publications are available online from the University of Georgia: Fast Growing Shade Trees Trees for Georgia Watering Trees Pruning Shade Trees Wetland Trees and Shrubs Treehouse Construction Nature Trail Construction Construction Allelopathy in Trees Assessing Construction Damage: Tree...
Trees – Straightening When Bent
Younger and smaller trees in landscape settings that are bent or leaning can be gently straightened by staking with a guy rope. Do not wrap wire padded by a water hose around the trunk. Nylon strap or cotton cloth more...
Trees – Recovering from Storm Damage
Trees are well adapted to survive for long periods of time in spite of numerous and severe injuries. The great majority of damaged trees will survive, recover, and continue to provide the shade and screen we ask of them. First,...
Trees – Planting Correctly
It is said that when you plant a tree you give a gift to future generations. Fall is an excellent time to plant trees in your landscape. The soil is warm, so roots are encouraged to rapidly elongate. Days are...
Trees – Dealing With Storm Damage
Ice, snow and wind storms can cause extensive damage to trees. Snow and ice add tons of extra weight to individual trees. Stems and branches break, while some trees may be completely bent over. Here’s what you can do after...
Tree Planting – Use Phosphorus Fertilizer
One of the great gifts of gardening in the South is the fact that our soil rarely freezes. That means we can plant shrubs and trees during months our Northern neighbors are shoveling their sidewalks. If you decide to plant...
