Pruning trees and shrubs

Prune Fruit Trees

This is now the time to prune fruit trees. Many people think this process is technical, however, there are 8 basic rules you can follow to make this process simpler.

  1. Remove any suckers growing around the base of the tree. If your tree is grafted, remover any growth below the graft.
  2. Remove any watersprouts. These are twigs growing straight out of a branch. Any other branches growing straight up along the trunks, remove.
  3. Remove any broken branches or diseased areas.
  4. Remove any branch growing upward with the main trunk. Bearing branches should be at around 45 to 60 degrees from the trunk. These will be the strongest and most bearing.
  5. Remove any branches rubbing on each other.
  6. If you want to reduce the shape of the tree, cut back up to 30% of the tree. Cut right at a bud at a 45-degree angle.
  7. Went you remove a branch, make sure you do not leave a stub. Make the cut flush to the trunk leaving the growth ring.
  8. Remember the more light that can get into the interior of the tree, the more fruit it will bear.

You can use these rules for shade trees.

Prune to 1/4 inch from the main trunk
House Plants

Succulents

Succulents are mainly plants with thick water-filled leaves that store water. They have the ability to survive drought making them a good choice from busy people who forget to water the plants. There are many different varieties with different shapes and sizes including most will bloom indoors. They are related to the cactus family: all cactus are succulents, however, not all succulents are cactus.

Most need direct sunlight (south window) or bright grow lights. Some varieties will take less sun like the sansevieria, mother-in-law plant. There are hanging types like mother pearls and burro tails.

All need a well-draining potting mix with drainage holes in the container. The number one cause of death is not quickly drying out between watering. Edge on lack of water than too much water. You can purchase cactus and succulents soil mixes in stores. In the spring fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro and again later in the early summer.

There are a thousand varieties to try growing in all types of combinations in all types of containers.

Home Improvement

Ever think of painting your room black?

Ever think of painting your room black? Think of painting a wall in your home black or the whole room. You will see black shades of color being more popular in the next few years. The reason black is becoming more popular is that the color offsets lighter furniture and décor tricking you into thinking the room is much larger.

If you paint all the walls black and leave the woodwork a light brown color or even painting it white creates boldness to the room. When you paint the room black, leave the floor lighter, add brighter wall hangings, or a big mirror and light fixtures.

Black gives a room an intimate feel which works for bathroom, bedroom, and family spaces. It adds accents to through areas like hallways and the entryways. A black wall works great to use as a gallery for pictures.

If you apply black to a wall with a lot of blemishes like nail holes. Fingerprints with sticky hands do not show up like they do on lighter hues.