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The keys to pruning trees and shrubs are a basic understanding of pruning techniques and knowing when to prune plants. For more information on these topics, check out the additional resources below. But it's also important to understand the variety of tools available to make the job easier and use them correctly. The best tool... Continue Reading →
Cold temperatures, drying sun and wind, road salt, snow and ice can all take a toll on landscape plants during winter. But homeowners can use the strategies below to prevent major damage and minimize winter’s toll. Now, while daytime temperatures are still fairly warm, is the time to prepare your plants for winter. Evergreens,... Continue Reading →
Did you realize some evergreen needles change color in the fall too, just like deciduous trees do? It's true and it often causes alarm in homeowners when their evergreen trees start to drop needles. Although most conifer trees are considered to be "evergreen", their needles don't live forever. What makes them evergreen is that their... Continue Reading →
One of the most difficult weed situations to deal with on an acreage or large property is weedy vines growing in hedges or trees. Wild cucumber, burcucumber, and honeyvine milkweed are the most common culprits. These plants shade the foliage of the host plant, and interfere with their ability to photosynthesis. This is especially damaging to evergreen trees, which don’t tolerate shading well. Note: Field and hedge bindweed, and dodder can... Continue Reading →
Just as drought has caused havoc in many lawns, we’re also seeing damage in trees. Even very drought tolerant trees like eastern red cedar and Colorado spruce have extensive damage or have been killed completely. Death of branches or a whole tree are very obvious and visible effects, but drought can also cause damage... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Acreage Life - Nebraska 