Trees

One of the treasures Pilgrims found adorning the New England wilderness was Kalmia Latifolia the pink charm mountain laurel. The Indians called it a “spoonwood plant,” To later colonists, it was “calico bush.” But early settlers were reminded of old-world laurel, and their name for it holds to this day. Kalmia Latifolia “Mountain Laurel” As … Read more

In the generosity of spring, the delicate white flowers of fringetrees are unique and command admiration even among the most colorful garden planting. White or American fringetree is one of our most attractive native plants. Although largely neglected for many years, it is again becoming popular and many other natives. As the scientific name has, … Read more

Magnolias are among the most interesting and best-known trees in the southern states.  About a dozen species and varieties are native to the South. Several others have been introduced, principally from Asia. All varieties have relatively large flowers. The simple flower structure indicates they are among the most ancient trees. Possibly, as old as the … Read more

If the tree expert is the doctor, you are the nurse. This is your busy season because your shade trees need the most help between now and mid-July. This is the time of year when trees face the most ravaging effects of insects and diseases. It is when trees must be at their peak efficiency … Read more

He’s just like a doctor, says George M. Codding. “That’s the best way I can describe what a tree expert is.” “His job, is mainly preventive medicine—to keep your trees as healthy and beautiful as possible. He takes care of shade and evergreen trees after they are planted. He does no landscaping or planting himself.” … Read more

The Crab Apple is one of the best small ornamental trees for planting on the home grounds. It is suggested here as only one example of crab apples grown throughout the entire country wherever apples prove hardy. Although many a majestic elm may have admirers, the flowering crabs seldom grow over 30’ feet tall, making … Read more

The convexed-leaved variety of the Japanese holly is one of the best low evergreens for ornamental planting. In fact, over vast areas of the northern United States, it can be considered the best substitute for the less hardy boxwood. The leaves are about the size of boxwood leaves but slightly curved convexly, hence its name. … Read more

Those familiar with the out-of-doors in the eastern and central United States know the native witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), the last shrub to bloom in the fall. But they may be entirely unfamiliar with another excellent native witch-hazel—the first shrub of the year to bloom—the vernal witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis). Native in the Lower Mississippi Valley, this … Read more