Trees & Shrubs

Oaks are classic and iconic trees that can add majestic beauty to any landscape. Two of the most popular oak species for landscaping are pin oak (Quercus palustris) and willow oak (Quercus phellos). Both offer wonderful benefits, but also key differences that impact their suitability for different sites and uses. In this article, we’ll compare … Read more

Ferns leaves or “fronds” have a recognizable central vein with several smaller segments, also called “leaflets”, on each side. They’re liked for adding a tropical feel to your landscaping. If you’re looking for trees with fern-like leaves, here’s a list complete with their unique characteristics and photos. Fern-Like Trees with Green Balls: A Unique Part … Read more

Japanese maples are typically known for their exquisite foliage and captivating aesthetics, but with hundreds of diverse varieties there are many with distinct characteristics that are unique to the general understanding of Japanese maple beauty. While the fiery reds and vibrant oranges of their leaves often steal the spotlight, there exists a fascinating subset within … Read more

Pay in 4 interest-free installments of $17.48 with Learn more Pomegranate trees can range greatly in size, depending on the variety and growing conditions. This versatile fruit tree is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes, but it’s important to understand how large they can get to ensure you have adequate space. In this article, … Read more

Grafting is an essential technique for propagating and improving fruit trees. Having the right grafting tools is key to ensuring successful grafts and robust, productive trees. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best grafting tools for fruit trees that every gardener should have in their toolkit. Why Graft Fruit Trees? Grafting allows you to … Read more

The emerald ash borer may get the most headlines, but a host of diseases and pests can infect, wither, and kill your favorite ash trees. Knowing the symptoms of ash tree diseases can help you spot any problems and know how to treat them. The goal of this article is to help you identify the … Read more

The full grown red dogwood tree (Cornus florida rubra) is truly one of the most captivating and multi-seasonal ornamental trees available. With its vibrant floral display, graceful form, showy fruit, and stunning fall color, this lovely small tree provides year-round visual excitement and appeal. The red dogwood is a deciduous tree native to North America. … Read more

Red tip photinia (Photinia x fraseri) is one of the most popular evergreen shrubs for landscaping. This attractive plant is prized for its beautiful red-tipped foliage and vibrant year-round color. But how fast does this versatile shrub actually grow? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about red tip photinia’s … Read more

Sunflowers are seen by some people as big beautiful flowers, and by others as big ugly weeds. Regardless of aesthetic opinions, however, sunflowers appear to be pulling their weight, and more, in the ecology of the Nebraska sandhills prairies this year. After a long dry year, there’s not much green, let alone blooming, in the … Read more

Specimen trees have an undeniable appeal, whether they are gnarled, showy, squat, gigantic, rare, graceful, or just plain odd. There’s a time when every garden owner considers these traits, mulling whether it’s worth it to add a specimen tree to a landscape. From the Latin specere (“to look”), specimen trees are designed to prompt garden … Read more