Tight, upright plants often fall victim to wintry precipitation
February 10, 2011
Written by Carol Reese
Wet, heavy snow like we experienced this past Monday can wreak havoc on some trees and shrubs. For others, it can be a good thing. Snow is a decent insulator, and can prevent damage from drying, freezing winds, which will suck moisture from foliage and stems.
The mass of dwarf yaupon in front of my office window is strong and dense enough to support several inches of snow without breakage.
Snow building up on a limb can cause it to break.
Spring: A time of spiritual renewal, nourishment
February 1, 2009
Myrtle Tree bud
Only a few more weeks and our trees will be budding with new leaves for the year 2009. It is fascinating to watch their transformation in the spring. This budding will be swiftly followed with out brilliantly colored songbirds building their nests among the newly sprung to life branches of the trees. The trees closest to the house will be occupied first, trees that enhance our lawns and the countryside.
In building our house six years ago, we had regular contractors for the project. We went the mile and invested thousands of dollars in the lawn and yard. We hired Tim, a professional landscaper, to plant shrubbery, sod and trees.
For us an appealing and robust lawn was a priority for the property. In childhood, I recall climbing, scaling the robust trees that grew on grandpa’s farm in the Ozarks of Missouri. I recall too climbing the persimmon tree to retrieve the ripened fruit for a snack. My cousin Leroy example emboldened me to climb to the highest branches. [Read more]
