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 branches sweep down to the ground. Nothing should be grown under them. Few trees are more frequently planted in an […]

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 a deck or patio, or an outdoor kitchen and dining area. A backyard can be a venue for small […]

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 is the amount of lime present. Many trees growing naturally on acid or neutral soils will grow equally well on […]

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 never a permanent solution to the problems of excessive roots and over-extensive shading that arise. Since the early 1900’s the […]

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 choice having been made, you should assure yourself that you are buying stock of good quality. Broad-leaved trees (deciduous or […]

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 great damage. Remove the stake only when the tree is absolutely firm-this will take at least three -years. To keep […]

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 affected trees are members of the rose family (Bosaceae). Bacterial canker attacks cherries and plums. It is associated with the […]

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 the best known. POPULUS ALBA The white poplar has white twigs and undersides of the leaves, the best form for […]

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 Variable, but in good specimens can be brilliant, purple to scarlet. LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA Leaves turn a good yellow. MALUS Apples […]

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 a semi-double pink cherry flowering in March; P. conradinae is a cherry with scented white or pinkish flowers in late […]