Do you smell rotting mushrooms or fish when you're outdoors right now? Don't worry; it's not just you. It's the dreaded scent of Pyrus calleryana or the Bradford Pear tree. The Bradford pear tree puts on a lovely show of branches thick with white flowers. But, this tree has a dark side. It's invasive! Native to China and Vietnam, these trees were introduced to the U.S. in the early 1900s, and the popular 'Bradford' cultivar became widely … [Read more...]
Eastern Redbuds Provide Early Spring Food for Bees
The pink-hued blooms of native eastern redbud trees (Cercis canadensis) are one of the first signs of color that I see in March. It’s a sure sign that spring is on its way and that more color will begin to pop up in the lawns and gardens in our neighborhood. After months of cold weather and the barren landscapes of winter, the hint of mauve and pink that begins to unfold along the branches and trunk of a redbud tree in late March is a welcome … [Read more...]
What are all these trees dropping on the ground in Spring?
It’s springtime! The sun is shining, the flowers are starting to bloom, and pollen is coating everything, including our cars. Even the trees are getting in on the action. We have been finding all sort of tree seeds and tree reproductive parts laying on the ground around our neighborhood. From the brown stringy stuff to the tiny helicopters and funny little worm-shaped things, spring tree droppings are clogging the gutters of our streets. The … [Read more...]
Landscape Solutions for the Base of Trees
Updated: July 8, 2017 Leaving the base of the tree bare can often look unkempt or out of place since it's not easy to mow right up to the edge of a tree or to even weed-eat around it carefully. Plantings or mulching around the base of the tree trunk can not only help protect roots from the mower's blades, but also make your existing trees a part of the landscape design and reduce the amount of weed-eating that is necessary. Here are some of my … [Read more...]
Why Keep a Dead Tree In Your Yard?
As I was heading out to work this morning, I looked up at the large pecan tree in the backyard and saw both the male and female wood duck who have been hanging around our yard for a few weeks. The male was flying off and the female was flying into a cavity in one of the large branches of the tree. This large branch has a nice cavity in it, perfect for nesting animals. It looks like we're going to have some ducklings in the yard this … [Read more...]
The 5 Best Southeastern Trees for Fall Color
Many of our Southeastern forests are dominated by oaks and pines, which don't have much color in the fall. If you want vivid fall color in your backyard, these are some of the trees that shine. 1. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) With so many cultivars to choose from, you'll be able to find the right size, shape, and color for your backyard. In the fall, some Japanes maple leaves turn gold, some turn bright red, and others orange or other … [Read more...]
Trees for Your Southern Landscape: A Walk through the Forest in Your Backyard
As gardeners, we usually think of flowering plants and vegetables when we think of our gardens, but trees and shrubs play an important role as well. Trees provide shelter, food, and nesting sites for wildlife. They help to store carbon dioxide and can reduce your electric bill for your house. Some trees bloom and some have beautiful patterned bark or leaves that change to a stunning hue in fall. Having a variety of trees that bloom or produce … [Read more...]
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Any where you go in my state, you'll see beautiful, tall southern magnolias. They are nearly ubiquitous in front of antebellum homes in the South, which is a testament to their popularity during that time in our history. I love the sweet, gentle lemon scent of the blooms and the large white petals. It's a bonus that the trees are evergreen, so you'll have greenery throughout the seasons. My only complaint about these stately trees is that they … [Read more...]