What does that mean? Patty called last week and asked if Eucalyptus were allelopathic (al-le-lop-a-th-ic). "Are what?" She quickly explained what it meant. I Googled to find the answer and yes, they are. Of course that lead me down the research road and to this article. Allelopathy comes from … Read more about I want to be alone! (in your best Garbo voice)
Setting the record straight
I have a Pin Oak in my yard... uh...no, you don't. We get requests for Pin Oaks all the time. We don't grow them and I have never seen any available, from any grower that we buy trees from. It doesn't matter that the previous home owner said so, your Master Gardener friend said so or the House … Read more about Setting the record straight
Stingers, not stinkers
Just because they sting... Most wasps are beneficial because they eat other bugs. They are, however, more aggressive than common bees and can sting multiple times. If you disturb their nest or kill one, they release chemicals that signal the nest to attack. This is a defence mechanism, so you … Read more about Stingers, not stinkers
Moving trees
Start the process now! So, you want that tree moved. The first thing you need to decide is can you physically do it. This job, isn’t an easy one. In our opinion, it will take 2 to 3 healthy and strong people to move a tree that is up to a 4 inches in caliper. To gauge caliper, measure the … Read more about Moving trees
Time to plant trees
Start planning now With the 2011 drought a year behind us, its time to start thinking about replanting trees again. The fall is the best time to plant trees in Houston. The trees are starting to go dormant, but will spend the winter growing new roots. Over the next 4 or 5 months, a newly … Read more about Time to plant trees
Death by mulch
Why, why, why! Why and how the excessive use of mulch became popular is something I will never understand. I have seen mulch piled so high that it looked like an earthworks. Is the goal to protect the tree or plants from flood or invasion by a foreign power? Where has anyone seen this atrocity … Read more about Death by mulch
Chinch Bugs….GGGGGRRRRRRRR
Got a hot, sunny and dry spot? Yup? Then you have the perfect conditions for chinch bugs. Now that our much appreciated summer rains seem to have come to an end, start looking for these little stinkers. Their dirty work can destroy your lawn in no time. At about 1/4 of the size of a grain of rice, … Read more about Chinch Bugs….GGGGGRRRRRRRR
Weed wars
A simple fact of life Even the most dedicated gardeners have uninvited guests. Suddenly, a stranger pops up in our yard, leaving you to wonder where it came from. You certainly didn't plant it (or did you??). There it is...eating your food...robbing your friends of water and sunlight. Weeds can … Read more about Weed wars