Lancaster County ended 2022 under very dry conditions – approximately 11 inches below normal rainfall. Dry conditions continued throughout winter bringing us into spring with the entire state still experiencing drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Lancaster county is currently classified with “severe drought” conditions. To find the drought conditions for your location at... Continue Reading →
Evergreen Shrubs Bring Variety to the Winter Landscape
Evergreens, both trees and shrubs, enliven the winter landscape, providing form, texture and color during a time when our landscapes are sparse. If your landscape is too bare and brown right now but you don't have room for a new tree, consider the addition of evergreen shrubs – there are many great options from which... Continue Reading →
Improve Tree and Shrub Health Through Fall Watering
This summer has been hot, hot, hot! Lincoln had 54, 90+ F days from May through August 31st. In unwatered portions of the landscape many are seeing cracked soil - a good indication conditions are dry. One of the most common questions right now at the Nebraska Extension office, is tree and shrub leaf problems... Continue Reading →
Pine Trees or Evergreens?
All pine trees have needles, but all needled evergreens aren't pine trees any more than all dogs are dachshunds. Telling pines, firs and spruces apart isn't any harder than distinguishing beagles, Bassett hounds or bloodhounds -- you just need to know how each one is distinctively different from the others. Step One: Look at the... Continue Reading →
Boxwood
In the winter it is hard to find much that is interesting for plant life. I look out my window and most plants are bare and brown. However, there are many evergreens that can be utilized in your landscape for season-long interest. Description Common Boxwood, Buxus sempervirens, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that grows up... Continue Reading →
Evergreens for Christmas Trees
The holiday season is upon us. It is at this time of the year that we begin to decorate our homes for the holidays. One of my favorite holiday decorations is the Christmas Tree. This plant of the month article will not focus on one specific plant, but the many different types of trees that... Continue Reading →