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Trees & Houseplants : Home & Garden

Elevation and White Oak Trees

The white oak tree is used as a lumber specimen for the making of products such as barrels, while its acorns are adored as a foodstuff by animals. Two species of white oak grow across a significant portion of the U.S. and Canada, with the tree's ability to thrive at different elevations dependent on

How to Get Rid of Hair Algae in a Saltwater Aquarium

Hair algae can become a nuisance in saltwater aquariums if it's left unchecked. This type of algae is green and wispy and can spread quickly. It can attach itself to aquarium decorations, glass or almost any type of surface. Once you notice hair algae growing in your aquarium, take some easy steps t

Raspberry Plants & Chicken Manure

Chicken manure is a rich source of plant nutrients. When properly composted and carefully applied it is a safe soil amendment even for use on organically produced raspberries. Research at Washington State University also suggests that chicken manure and other organic soil amendments can be effective

Japanese Mockorange

The Japanese mockorange is a sturdy shrub for subtropical landscapes.

How to Care for Car Paint After Rain

If your car gets covered with dried-on water spots after the rain, you need to use a strong cleaning routine that gets all of the spots off of the paint without causing damage to the vehicle surface. Your basic car wash solution gets off light buildup, but a more thorough cleaning is required for th

The Job of a Tree Planter

The job of a tree planter is crucial to improving the health of our environment while providing valuable economic resources and lucrative employment opportunities. Tree planting jobs can be found in every corner of the world today.

What Do Columbine Flowers Need to Survive?

Columbines, or aquilegia, are colorful woodland flowers that are easy to grow. Although they are hardy flowers, columbine flowers do have several needs that must be met for them to survive.

How to Plant Bougainvilleas

Beautiful bougainvilleas are tropical weather-loving plants that can be grown as shrubs or vines, depending on the variety. What makes bougainvilleas so favored by many of their admirers is their outstanding flowering ability, which makes them one of the most spectacular and beautiful flowering plan

How to Revive Your Citrus Trees

Harsh winters, dry summers and poor maintenance are just some of the factors that can slow or stunt the growth of your citrus tree. The tree's loss of vigor results in poor fruit development, and even the complete failure to produce. If caught early, however, you can revive your ailing citrus tree.

How to Kill Moss on Concrete

Whether you hate the appearance of moss on your concrete or are worried about it ruining your paths, driveways or walkways, know that you're not alone in your moss-related frustration. Though its lush, deep-green appearance can give your home an interesting look, you may find moss dirty and unattrac

Flowering Trumpet Vine

Flowering trumpet vines, also called hummingbird vines, will grow quickly and cover anything it grows near. The flowering trumpet vine can be found across the Southeastern states of the United States.

Life Cycle of the Lodgepole Pine

You may be surrounded by a stand of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) if you live in a mountainous region of the western United States but are unlikely to have encountered one if you live in an urban area. A perennial evergreen, the average mature lodgepole pine is 70 feet high and 2 feet wide with a

How to Prune Concord Grape Vines

The Concord grape was developed in 1849 by Ephraim Wales Bull in Concord, Massachusetts. Today Concord grapes are one of the most versatile varieties of grape for the home gardener to grow, since they can be used in jams, jellies, juice, dessert recipes and wines. The grapevines can be trained to gr

When Do Carnations Bloom?

Although carnations are the birth flower for people born in January, its flowers do not bloom until much later in the year. Popular for corsages, boutonnieres and bouquets, carnations bloom in warmer months.

How to Kill a Blue Spruce

Felling a tree is perhaps the fastest way of removing it from your garden or yard, even if it is an evergreen, like the blue spruce (Picea pungens). Although the pyramidal tree enhances the landscape with attractive foliage, removing it becomes necessary if it is severely damaged or diseased beyond

What Are Nightshade Plants?

Nightshade is the common name for plants in the Solanum genus, as well as various other related plants in the Solonaceae family. Although over 2,300 species belong to the Solanum group, the word "nightshade" typically refers to herbs or shrubs that contain powerful chemicals and have a long history

Byfield Fern Pests

The byfield fern plant is susceptible to numerous insect pests, including a variety of chewing insects such as beetles and earwigs, as well as flying insects such as white flies and thrips. Use natural control methods whenever possible to reduce your number of byfield fern pests, though insecticide

Homemade Solutions for Chinch Bugs and Whiteflies

Garden and lawn pests are a common problem for homeowners. Not only do they invade your outdoor space, but many work their way into your home. When dealing with these nuisances, your first reaction might be to grab the nearest toxic chemical to soak the bugs down with. This might seem like the best

How to Plant Emerald Green

'Emerald Green' arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’), also known as Thuja Emerald Green, derives its name from the fact that it retains its stunning emerald color all year. For this reason, and its compact growing habit, it is a popular residential landscap

What Does Loam Provide in Soil?

Starting a new garden is easy--just get out the tiller or shovel and dig. You can plant anything in whatever type of soil you have. But long-term growth and success depends on the soil and the nutrients within it. Loam is considered to be a perfect, fertile soil.