Category Archives: Trees

Heritage trees

The thing I love most about gardening is that I always learn something new. A perfect example is when I picked up an issue of Michigan Gardener and read a fascinating (and eye opening) article about heritage trees by Steven Turner, a Certified Arborist in Ferndale, Michigan.

Steve’s informative article was about preserving heritage trees from a European prospective. I was amazed to learn the contrast between us, Europeans, and trees. It is incredible the great lengths Europeans will endeavor to preserve a tree in comparison to our “remove and replace” attitude described by Steve.

For as long as I remember, I thought a 100 to 200-year-old tree was very old. Steve’s article explained that most of our lands were cleared out as they were settled which means our forests are second, third, and even fourth generation growth from the original trees. It was sad to learn that in North America there are very few virgin forests left. I cannot imagine what a 500-1000-year-old tree looks like but would love to see one.

Steve shared that a colleague was fortunate enough to visit a small German village and a several-hundred-year-old “dancing” lime tree (linden). The colleague was amazed by the linden’s size! In the past he would have thought the tree was in decline until he was shown paintings of the linden from the 1600’s, in a similar state as it is now! I think it is fair to say that by our standards, we would have declared that tree a hazard and removed it many years ago. Steve made an excellent point that our thinking denies us, and many generations to follow, the thrill and true glory of a mature tree long after 100 years.

Steve reported that an oak tree in England will grow for 300 years, live for 300 more, and then die for 300 years. Whew…that is very different thinking that ours! We often believe that an 80-100-year-old tree is considered too mature, and may be a hazard or will die soon. In Steve’s “tree year’s world,” our mature trees are really just teenagers and, if left undisturbed by man and our potential harmful activities, have the potential to outlive us all!

Believe it or not, our existence in urban environments shortens the life of these trees. Sidewalks, roads, and buildings interfere with a tree’s root zones. Also, competing turf grass, leaf removal, improper irrigation and the over-use of fertilization contribute to a tree’s decline.

Did you know that trees have three stages of canopies? Here’s how Steve described it:

“The first is the full canopy that we are all used to seeing, with no tip die back from the top. The second is about halfway down, and this is the point where trees will die back to after the first stage of decline. You will see large, dead structural branches sticking up about the new canopy and in time these branches will rot and break off if not removed by a professional first. The third and final stage looks more like a bonsai tree: a massive trunk with minimal, large branches left, but a full yet much smaller canopy sprouting from the trunk or remaining limbs.

It is in this final stage that a tree can live for many years by simply re-sprouting a new branch when one breaks off or dies. Keep in mind that a tree can remain in the second stage for many years and if pruned properly can remain a valuable landscape asset for years to come before progressing to the final stage. Even in the final stage of decline, a tree can be an interesting living sculpture if left to its own accord.”

Wondering what you can do? Steve believes that with a bit of patience, protection, and care, we may have the opportunity to enjoy our heritage trees for many years to come!

Mulch + Trees

Why MULCH? Over 85% of all tree roots GROW in the top 18″ of the SOIL. Lay 2″ to 4″ of MULCH over ROOTS & provide substantial benefits for TREE growth & HEALTH. Mulch also keeps lawn mowers AWAY from tree TRUNKS! ✿✿✿

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Tips On Tree Planting!

A man doesn’t plant a tree for himself. He plants it for posterity.  

~Alexander Smith

During a recent walk I spotted a huge GLARING problem with a row of trees planted last year in a new subdivision by my home.  The manner in which these trees were planted is often common, but extremely detrimental to a tree’s health.

Although I felt awful for the young trees, I knew it was a perfect opportunity to take some pictures and share the information with others.  After all, spring is right around the corner and there will be a lot of newly planted trees!

As you may already know, the root system of a balled and burlapped tree is encased with burlap and a wire cage.  It is our best practice to cut back the wire cage.  Then, we cut the burlap away from the tree and lay it down; it is alright to leave the burlap.  Fine Gardening‘s website offers a very helpful video on how-to plant a balled and burlapped tree.  Be sure to check out the video; great info there, Friends!

In the picture above, the burlap and wire basket was never removed.  We HIGHLY recommend removing both as demonstrated in the Fine Gardening video.

Twine or string is often tied around the trunk of the tree to secure the burlap and wire cage.  However, the twine and cage was not removed at the time of planting, which may effect the health of the tree.

In the picture above, you can see the wire cage protruding through the soil.  Another potential problem for this tree is the lack of mulch.  Rocks were randomly thrown on the soil surface, which offers no benefit.  Mulch is a must!  Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.  Bonus:  when used around trees, it eliminates the possibility of damaging the trunk with lawn equipment.

We hope this information is helpful!  With a little TLC, a healthy tree will live for many, many years!

May all your gardens grow,

Ornamental Trees for the Landscape

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

~Joyce Kilmer, 1914

When my mother passed away many years ago, I had an overwhelming desire to plant a tree in her memory and honor, and so I did. Today, I still love my very fragrant Miss Kim lilac tree planted near my front entrance. Each spring I marvel at the unforgettable fragrance and beautiful blossoms that so lovingly remind me of my mother!

Trees are planted for many reasons, usually with a unique purpose and intent. Tall trees with large canopies offer shade, dense trees serve as windbreakers, and fruit and nut trees provide food production. But there is something very special about a small specimen tree in a landscape that becomes personal and treasured for many years!

There is a wide selection of fabulous small ornamental trees to choose from and it can be quite overwhelming…the possibilities are endless! No matter what reason you wish to plant a small ornamental tree, plant survival, longevity and landscape value will be enhanced if you first consider site conditions along with the tree’s physical and ornamental traits. Below are helpful tips to consider the next time you make a small tree purchase!

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides an excellent hardiness zone map which is a great resource and will give you an idea of how well suited a small tree is to your area.
  • Don’t forget about soil conditions! Many ornamentals require specific soil conditions to maintain healthy growth. When in doubt, get a soil test to determine the texture, pH and nutrient levels of your soil.
  • Drainage is also a very important factor for plant health. Most trees grow best in well drained, moist soils. Poor drainage will eventually cause trees to die because of insufficient oxygen levels in the soil.
  • Light requirements are imperative! When I first started gardening, I was certain plants intended for full sun would likely survive in part shade. Wrong! Trees need light to grow…some more than others. Remember that light affects the amount of flowering, fruiting, and fall leaf coloration which are significant attributes.
  • Wind and air circulation play key roles in plant survival. Always try to evaluate the amount of wind a small tree will be exposed to. Another one of my gardening blunders was planting a small Japanese maple on a northern exposure. After four years, the small tree could not survive the forceful northern winds and it eventually died.

Selecting a small ornamental tree can be just as much fun (if not more!) as visiting your favorite mall!  Remember to do your homework and then shop til’ you drop!

May all your gardens grow!


Inside Looking Out!

Inside yourself or outside,
you never have to change what you see,
only the way you see it.

 ~Thaddeus Golas

I am a die-hard gardener and can never get enough! For me, it is equally important to enjoy my gardens inside as well as outside – especially on rainy days or while laboring in my kitchen. If you’re like me and just being in your gardens is not enough, follow these simple steps and enjoy them all the time, every time!

Before you head to your favorite garden center, take time to sit (and stand) in the rooms that face your gardens. It is wonderful to enjoy your gardens (a labor of love) from many different views. Move around your rooms and look out all the windows to decide where and what you want to see.

Bonus: Fragrant plants are awesome when placed by windows, patios, sitting areas, or porches. There is simply nothing lovelier than a hint of lavender, lilac, or honeysuckle to name a few!

Double bonus: there are many plants that offer winter interest so be sure to include them in your thought process!

To keep a clear view of your gardens from inside your home and to help promote sustainable practices, remember “right plant, right place.” Proper plant selection allows you to clearly view your gardens from the inside and avoids unnecessary pruning.

More importantly, have a ball as you stroll around your house and decide what tickles your fancy! Gardens are such wonderful gifts to be shared and enjoyed by you and your family while inside looking out!

May all your gardens grow!