Transplanting Pachysandra and Using It on a Shady Slope

Transplanting Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese spurge) in Northeast Ohio: Methods Full removal: Dig shovel-sized clumps (soil + roots); replant immediately. Division (checkerboard): Remove 2-inch plugs in alternating pa

Shrubs Not Growing in Clay: Drainage and Organic Matter Issues

Three shrub types planted 2 years ago in amended clay (horse manure + field decay). Two doubled in size; one stays stunted, leaves yellow-green then die. Diagnosis Poor drainage: Clay + uncomposted manure creates anaero

Tea Olive Allergy: Transplant or Remove?

Homeowner in Middle Georgia allergic to Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) fragrance wants to transplant it. Key Considerations Allergy source: Moving the plant elsewhere on the property may not relieve symptoms if pollen/v

Transplanting Shrubs and Trees: Step-by-Step

General procedure for moving shrubs/trees (3–12 ft) in Australia or similar climates: Trench at drip line to sever lateral roots. Undercut to free root ball; aim for 12 in. ball per inch trunk caliper. Wrap in burlap if

Moving Shrubs and Trees: A Guide for Northern Victoria, Australia

Moving shrubs and trees (3–12 ft, some conifers) in northern Victoria, Australia. Key steps: Timing Deciduous: Winter dormancy (June–August). Evergreens/Conifers: Early autumn (March–April) or early spring (September–Oc

Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans): Transplanting, Pruning, and Allergy Concerns

Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) is a large evergreen shrub or small tree, prized for intensely fragrant white flowers in fall/spring. Grows 10–20 ft tall, zones 7–10. Transplanting Best time: Fall (Oct–Nov) or early spri

Identifying and Caring for the Lantern Tree

Lantern Tree is a common name for several plants. Most likely: Crinodendron hookerianum (Chilean Lantern Tree): Evergreen shrub/tree, red lantern-shaped flowers, zones 8–10, needs cool, moist, acidic soil, part shade. A

Erica (Heather) Shrub: Characteristics and Landscape Use in South Jersey

Erica (heath/heather) is a low, evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and bell-shaped flowers. Key traits: Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained, sandy/peaty soil; lime-tolerant species exist (e.g., Erica carnea). Light:

Woody vs. Non-Woody Plants: Key Differences

Woody plants produce persistent above-ground stems (trunks, branches) that increase in girth via secondary growth (wood). They include trees, shrubs, and woody vines. Most are perennial; deciduous species drop leaves but

Diagnosing Branch Dieback in Red Tip Photinia Hedge

Oklahoma City (zone 7a): 10-ft Photinia × fraseri hedge shows random branch dieback—leaves brown, branch dies to trunk. No leaf spots observed. Rest of shrub healthy until next branch declines. Likely Causes Canker dise

Hedge and Groundcover Choices for Clay Soil in Southern Indiana

Planting 400 ft of hedge and shade/part-sun groundcover on heavy clay in southern Indiana (zone 6a). Hedge Options for Clay Amur Maple (Acer ginnala): Tolerates clay, dense, 15–20 ft, prune to hedge. Arrowwood Viburnum

Rooting Elaeagnus x ebbingei (Silverberry) Cuttings

To propagate Elaeagnus x ebbingei from a hedge cutting: Timing: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer (June–July). Cutting prep: 4–6 inch tip cuttings; remove lower leaves. Rooting hormone: Dip base in powder (e.g., Hormex

Leyland Cypress: Seeds, Care, and Planting in Rocky West Virginia Soil

A West Virginia landowner wants to plant 30–40 Leyland cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii) from seed to save money, visits the site only 1–2 times monthly April–October, and asks about digging in rocky soil. Propagation R

Inner Leaf Drop on Gardenias, Photinias, and Holly in Houston

In Houston (zone 9), gardenias, wax myrtle, photinias, and Savannah holly lose inner leaves while outer growth remains. Two adjacent gardenias show different vigor—one full, one thinning. Common Causes Insufficient ligh

Small Shrubs for Western Exposure in Chicago Suburbs

Replacing yews with colorful dwarf shrubs on a west-facing site in Chicagos south suburbs (zone 5b). Candidates: Weigela Carnaval, Daphne Carol Mackie, Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Site Considerations Western exp

Plants for a Shaded Retaining Wall in Massachusetts

A condo owner in northern Massachusetts wants to cover a 6-foot cement retaining wall that receives little direct sun. Soil is only available at the top. Goals: evergreen coverage, possible flowers, winter hardy, no dama

Reviving Browning, Thinning Arborvitae

Eleven-year-old arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) show browning tips and thinning interior. Possible causes: Shade: Arborvitae thin in low light. Winter burn: Desiccation from wind/sun on frozen ground. Overwatering/poor

Landscape Plan Review: Northeast Ohio Property

A homeowner in Northeast Ohio proposes an extensive landscape with blue holly, birds nest spruce, boxwood, Kousa dogwood, Japanese maple Bloodgood, weeping crabapple, and a mound featuring Coral Burst crabapple, hawthorn

Flowering Shrubs Safe for Septic Drain Fields

When planting near a septic drain field in Surry, VA, choose shallow-rooted shrubs that wont invade pipes. Trees are the main concern; most shrubs are safe if kept at least 10 feet from the fields edge. Recommended Flowe

Best Blueberry Varieties for Southern New Hampshire

For southern New Hampshire (USDA zone 5a–5b), choose highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivars that are cold-hardy, productive, and ornamental. Recommended varieties: Bluecrop: Mid-season, very productive, exc