Weeping trees are mostly natural sports that must be propagated as cultivars. They are difficult to place on account of their arresting form, and must stand in isolation since much of their beauty lies in the manner in which their […]

If you have a backyard in your home, consider yourself lucky. An outdoor space, like a yard, can be designed to suit the activities that you and your family love to do. You can build a treehouse on it, add […]

Hardy trees are surprisingly tolerant of soil conditions provided drainage is good. Many come from mountains where soil is not deep, except in the river valleys. Where the soil is well drained, the limiting factor for a number of species […]

How to Plant Tree Trees are the most long-lived growing features in any garden. Once they are well established, it is very difficult to move them; pruning them if they become too big is difficult, needing skilled workmanship, and is […]

Planting a Tree A tree will normally outlive its planter. However, if it is given a good start the planter will be rewarded all the earlier by vigorous growth. Do not attempt to plant a tree in unsuitable soil. The […]

Tree Maintenance and pruning The area round the base of the tree should be kept weeded until it is well established. Watch the tie regularly and keep it from becoming too tight, ie, allow a little play. Strangulation may cause […]

Pests and diseases of trees Those affecting ornamental trees can be divided into three main classes: disease due to bacterial or fungal action, damage caused by insects and damage caused by animals (including birds). Of the first, the most seriously […]

Trees with blue (glaucous) and silver foliage Broad-leaved ALNUS INCANA Leaves grey underneath. CRATAEGUS ORIENTALIS Leaves grey on both sides, deeply cut. EUCALYPTUS The tree has numerous species, but their hardiness over a long period is doubtful; E. gunnii is […]

Trees with white, silver or yellow variegated leaves These are all sports, perhaps occurring originally on one branch only, of normal trees that have been propagated vege-turns a rich yellow. GYMNOCLADUS DIOICUS The large leaves turn clear yellow. LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA […]

Trees with early flowers ACER OPALUS The Italian maple has yellow flowers in early April. CORNUS MAS This has many small yellow flowers in February. PARROTIA PERSICA This bears very numerous small scarlet tassel-like flowers in February. PRUNUS ‘Accolade’ is […]