Yearly Archives: 2024

Let Trees Adjust to Being Transplanted

People do many things to newly planted trees, such as improper pruning and fertilization, that interfere with tree growth and defenses. Trees strive to maintain a balance between the above ground portion (crown) and the below ground portion (roots). The crown (leaves, buds and supporting branches) produce energy. The roots take in essential elements and water.…

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Consider Early Flowering Magnolias for Winter Landscape Color

You’ve probably seen crape myrtle trees pruned to look like a coat rack. Hopefully, you’re not guilty of doing this. The term “crape murder” was coined to describe this drastic topping of crape myrtles. Properly selected and correctly placed crape myrtles need little pruning. A crape myrtle that requires routine pruning to force it to fit in…

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Consider Early Flowering Magnolias for Winter Landscape Color

In addition to our native Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, there are a number of other magnolia species to consider for use in our North Florida landscapes. In addition to the evergreen types, there are deciduous types, as well. While the Southern magnolia is evergreen and blooms in mid-spring, a number of the deciduous magnolias bloom during…

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3 Poison leaves

Florida is known for having a large variety of plants, here anything can thrive. That being said, there are a number of plants that can impact one’s health upon interaction. In this article, we are going to talk about 3 poisonous leaves and their reactions. These plants contain a chemical called Urushiol, which is an…

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Spathoglottis – a beautiful terrestrial orchid

A Beautiful Yellow-Flowering SpathoglottisYou have probably seen this orchid as you stroll down garden center aisles.  It is not as fancy as the other striking orchids – Cattleya or Phalaenopsis.   Rather petite in nature, this orchid is eye-catching in its own way with small, gem-like flowers.  The palm-like foliage is deep green, pleated, and up…

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Broward County Tree Trimmer Ordinance Sunsets in 2024

Broward County Tree Trimmer License The Broward County tree trimmer licensing program dates back to October 2000 when the Broward County Board of County Commissioners passed an ordinance regulating the county’s tree trimming industry. This action was taken to improve the quality of trimming in the county and protect the health, safety and welfare of…

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Composting Basics

If a tree falls in the forest, and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? Of course it does, and I’m sure it’s quite loud. That philosophical question has never held my interest. Now, if you start talking about what happens to the tree after it falls, you will…

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Plants at Their Peak: Valentine Blossoms, Pink Trumpet Trees!

Pink Trumpet Tree litters the grounds with flowers as it peaks.As Valentine’s Day approaches, Southern Florida prepares for a breathtaking spectacle of pink: the blooming of Handroanthus impetiginosus, commonly known as the Pink Trumpet Tree or a Pink Tabebuia. Despite being nonnative, this stunning tree has integrated itself into being a staple of our urban landscape,…

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Why Does My Turfgrass Turn Brown

Pink Trumpet Tree litters the grounds with flowers as it peaks.As Valentine’s Day approaches, Southern Florida prepares for a breathtaking spectacle of pink: the blooming of Handroanthus impetiginosus, commonly known as the Pink Trumpet Tree or a Pink Tabebuia. Despite being nonnative, this stunning tree has integrated itself into being a staple of our urban landscape,…

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Winter Pruning Maintenance: Tips for a Healthy Landscape

In the southeastern United States, the fall armyworm is a pest that is found…in the winter (as well as other parts of the year, lucky us).  Right now, yards around central Florida may be experiencing the fall armyworm. The fall armyworm is a moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) that causes plant damage during the larval phase. Armyworm eggs…

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