When choosing trees for small properties, the homeowner must consider what is desired of a tree. Is it to provide shade or be valued for mere embellishment, exotic foliage, or attractive flowers? Also significant is the cost and labor involved in future maintenance. Is it a species susceptible to insect pests, fungus blights, or virus … Read more
With one-story homes being built the country over, new homeowners are realizing more and more that it’s no longer necessary to plant trees that grow to the 150′ foot giants. Trees under 30′ feet are in ever-increasing demand, especially those with exciting spring flowers. The Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonica) meets both of these specifications, sometimes … Read more
Few lavishly flowering small trees possess so many pleasing qualities as Fuji cherries. There are so many kinds of ornamental cherries that it is difficult to learn to recognize more than the familiar types, but Fuji cherries can be recognized with surprising ease. Fuji Cherries Growth First of all, they develop into spreading small trees … Read more
The Burford holly has a very dense growth habit, develops rapidly from 18’ to 20′ feet, and is well proportioned. The large red berries are freely borne. The leaves are large, thick, rounded, dark green, and glossy, with a single spine at the apex. This variety is one of the finest, all-purpose, broad-leaf evergreens for … Read more
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