| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Water Valve | 11/11/2009 |
Q: I contracted to have my front yard leveled, and they discovered a flag pole. Deciding I didn't want ...
A: I don't quite understand the situation - What is the nature of this "flag"? Is it some sort of flag ...
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| erosiom from mountain side | 11/8/2009 |
Q: We have a cabin in the Smokies. The nearly vertical embakement at the right front of the cabin ...
A: Ron: Sorry, there is no special “mud catcher” for erosion control. You are fighting the age-old ...
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| pebbles besides lawn | 11/5/2009 |
Q: I am very new at landscaping and am thinking of getting rid of an area just beside my lawn. This ...
A: Sorry for the delay - I was traveling. As to pebbles next to lawn; it is not a good idea to have ...
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| Exterior Home Ideas | 11/2/2009 |
Q: My husband and I purchased a home 1yr ago and have done so much to the exterior. It's a colonial ...
A: Heather ~ Paint is probably the quickest and least expensive of home renovations out there. I love ...
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| Design for narrow walkway | 11/1/2009 |
Q: I'm working with a entryway that is 43ftlong and 2.5 ft wide.which runs along a drive way and wooden ...
A: Fay. Quite a design challenge: narrow space, harsh zone, and part-shade. Here goes: for ...
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| what kind of sand for pavers? | 10/31/2009 |
Q: What kind of sand do I use for pavers? Is cement sand ok? Also, is cement sand 30 mesh sand? ...
A: Virginia; “Concrete Sand”, or ASTM C-33, (I won't bore you with sieve/mesh sizes*)is course and ...
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| Two Tiered Front Yard | 10/19/2009 |
Q: I am tearing out overgrown (25 years old 8 to 10 ft. across) junipers from a 90 ft. area of my front ...
A: It is a fine thing to fall in love with a single plant, but in order to display it for optimum ...
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| Florida evergreen privacy fence | 10/16/2009 |
Q: I am looking to create a privacy fence with evergreens across my backyard. The lot behind me sits ...
A: NOW (fall) is a great time to plant hedges & trees. You are right – I think the branch clipping you ...
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| sound issues | 10/13/2009 |
Q: Mark, Our home has just been approved for a four lane street to be put in right beside us. The ...
A: Kathy; Sound walls – Unfortunately, plans don’t do an adequate job of cutting or reducing sound ...
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| sod steps | 9/23/2009 |
Q: I'm attempting to create flared steps made out of sod on a short slop in my landscape. {Sort of ...
A: Betsy ~ Here are a few picture links of what I think you are trying to accomplish: ...
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| crushed granite and quikrete concrete | 9/19/2009 |
Q: The stones outside my screen enclosure have crushed granite between the stones. This keeps washing ...
A: Rockie – I searched the HGTV websites (HGTV.com & DIY.com), but didn’t find the program you were ...
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| Wall Construction | 9/17/2009 |
Q: Could you shed some light upon building a wall on sand. We are aiming for a contract in Kuwait to ...
A: Well, my advice would be to consult a Structural Engineer or geotechnical CE experienced in coastal ...
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| Carrotwood Tree | 9/16/2009 |
Q: We had our back yard professional landscaped 10 months ago. We did request a few shade trees. We ...
A: I wonder if your neighbor read the LA Times article on this "tree of the week" back in March: ...
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| cedar trees | 9/16/2009 |
Q: How much shade can a cedar hedge withstand if properly watered. Pesently I want to plant a hedge ...
A: As to shade, a cedar hedge will need some sunshine. If it doesn't get at least 5-6 hours, it will ...
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| landscape design around gazebo | 9/15/2009 |
Q: We are in the midst of finishing a 12 x 12 foot octagon cedar gazebo. We would like to have a ...
A: Sounds great. I don't think that substituting roses for Hydrangeas is of great importance in the ...
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| landscape design around gazebo | 9/14/2009 |
Q: We are in the midst of finishing a 12 x 12 foot octagon cedar gazebo. We would like to have a ...
A: What you are trying to accomplish is called "balance"...A good design principle. Design is not an ...
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| cheap privacy | 9/14/2009 |
Q: we are looking to create cheap privacy, needed for UP AND OVER a 6ft fence, not into our yard. we ...
A: A quick-growing bamboo might be the ticket, but they can get expensive and there are several ...
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| cheap privacy | 9/14/2009 |
Q: we are looking to create cheap privacy, needed for UP AND OVER a 6ft fence, not into our yard. we ...
A: Darlene ~ "Cheap" is a relative term. I have seen 20+ height hedges planted from willow, Yew, and ...
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| selection of driveway trees | 9/13/2009 |
Q: I live in Davidson, NC (just outside of Charlotte). I have 500 foot of driveway from the road that ...
A: Here is a place to look up your NC plant-hardiness zone: ...
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| landscape design around gazebo | 9/12/2009 |
Q: We are in the midst of finishing a 12 x 12 foot octagon cedar gazebo. We would like to have a ...
A: Probably no taller than the lower rail that surrounds the base of the gazebo. If the plants are too ...
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| Patio cover including the tree | 9/11/2009 |
Q: there is a patio outside our dinning room with a very nice tree in the middle i want to keep the ...
A: Dito - great to hear from South Africa! I don’t fully understand the question. Do you want ...
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| Correcting an erroded undercut bank | 9/10/2009 |
Q: We live on hill that goes down to a man made lake. The developers cut a level "path" that's 4-8" ...
A: With shallow bedrock, any digging you do will take years (if at all) to recover, as you have ...
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| Arborvitaes | 9/10/2009 |
Q: I have Arborvitaes at the end of my drive way covering up the neighbors rock wall these trees are ...
A: If you "hedge" back the green parts of the branches, they will re-grow, but if you shave off the ...
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| Patio surface material | 9/10/2009 |
Q: I'm building a rather large patio with a lattice grid of 6"x6" pavers. I want to fill the 4'x4' ...
A: Oyster shells are a creative re-use. Some areas have put restrictions on their use (North ...
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| Privacy tree/bush | 9/9/2009 |
Q: I am in search of a privacy tree/bush which will grow no more than 10 feet high and 6 to 7 feet ...
A: Here are 2 evergreen, relatively “neat” plants to add to your list: "Emerald" arborvitae (Thuja ...
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| Tall, slender evergreen foundation planting? | 9/6/2009 |
Q: I have a 3ft by 4ft east-facing spot surrounded on two sides by concrete stairs leading up to the ...
A: Here are three quick ones: Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard'/Boulevard False cypress Juniperus ...
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| Privacy tree/bush | 9/4/2009 |
Q: I am in search of a privacy tree/bush which will grow no more than 10 feet high and 6 to 7 feet ...
A: Daniel; Since you said, "able to provide good water absorbsion" I'll assume the area that you wish ...
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| clear trail in woods | 8/26/2009 |
Q: I may soon be buying a property that includes about 4 wooded acres. I would like to create a dirt ...
A: Anthony - Is your parcel hilly? flat? Are there lots of rocks, or heavy undergrowth (like brambles ...
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| Sunken Patio Pavers | 8/23/2009 |
Q: Three years ago I had a patio installed made of paving stone. Now several rows of pavers are ...
A: My condolences, as it is a common problem with no easy solution. Here is a link regarding fixing ...
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| ugly catch basin cover by front porch | 8/9/2009 |
Q: I need help in disguising/hiding the ugly concrete cover for a catch basin that's right off my front ...
A: Letting the Ivy grow around/into it may pose a safety hazard, if you are creating a "trap" that ...
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| re-designing a small front garden | 8/9/2009 |
Q: The small garden off my front porch never really looks completely right. It's approximately 15' X ...
A: Please do not take offense at my comments, as you obviously care a great deal about this area (as ...
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| Steep slope step building | 8/8/2009 |
Q: We have a very very steep hill (30-40 ft.) in a somewhat wooded area of our backyard. It runs down ...
A: These may look too formal, but here is a paver step that looks pretty handsome: ...
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| rug junipers | 8/6/2009 |
Q: I want to cover a bank with rug junipers and with drip lines for irrigation. Question, how far ...
A: These folks suggest 4 ft. to 6 ft. apart: ...
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| Landscape design program | 8/4/2009 |
Q: We are building a house and received 3-D pictures of what the house will look like. Is there a ...
A: I use special software (i.e. expensive!) in my work, but for the average homeowner, here is a good ...
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| how tall areca plants grow? | 8/3/2009 |
Q: I bought a couple of areca plants (picture attached), but the idea was to plant them in my backyard ...
A: In a word, YES, they should grow to the same height, IF the nursery tag says "Dypsis lutescens". ...
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| how tall areca plants grow? | 8/2/2009 |
Q: I bought a couple of areca plants (picture attached), but the idea was to plant them in my backyard ...
A: Generally, the Areca or Butterfly Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is popular in Florida climate, ...
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| crape myrtle planting from driveway | 7/28/2009 |
Q: I live in the Atlanta area and going to plant natchez crape myrtles along my asphalt driveway. How ...
A: Doug - A fast-growing tree. 20 feet wide by 30 feet tall at full maturity, under the best of ...
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| sidewalk & landscaping | 7/26/2009 |
Q: I have a newly constructed home. I am ready to pour a sidewalk and begin lanscaping. How are from ...
A: About 3 feet from the foundation ought to be enough for two rows, one of Hostas, and one of Boxwood ...
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| Front of house landscaping | 7/21/2009 |
Q: I live in zone 7a and would like to replace 2 infected holly shrube that are currently in front of a ...
A: Joanne- Spring/Fall are usually the best time for planting...But with adequate water & care, just ...
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| blue rug junipers | 7/18/2009 |
Q: I planning to cover a hillside. Can you tell me the life expectancy of blue rug juniper? Thanks
A: Donald - Junipers are a symbol of longevity, strength, athleticism, and fertility in some Asian ...
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| large scale landscaping /gardening | 7/14/2009 |
Q: 1) What would be the major design criteria / priority in terms of using mulch for large scale ...
A: Koo - There are basically two types of mulch: Organic (bark/leaf/needle products) & Inorganic ...
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| Landscape stones | 7/12/2009 |
Q: I have finally decided on using landscape stones instead of mulch to dress up my landscaping. ...
A: Mica- Here is a web location that shows you pictures of rock mulch and how much will generally ...
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| paver plant spacers | 7/10/2009 |
Q: My husband recently laid out a path of flagstone between a retainer wall he also just installed and ...
A: Yep - probably too hot for Thym, especially with the brick wall right there, heating up the area, ...
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| retaining wall | 7/8/2009 |
Q: I am building a ret. wall in sandy soil about 6 ft. high out of broken concrete. Do i need drainage ...
A: I offer these suggestions with care for a number of reasons: walls are expensive items to construct, ...
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| pavers-bedding sand | 7/6/2009 |
Q: I am installing a concrete brick walkway. I have done the excavating and installed 3" of compacted ...
A: 1" of sand is for allowing you to level the paver area more easily. If the underlaying base is ...
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| grass won't grow | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I have a very large shaded area in my yard that just won't grow grass. I have tried many different ...
A: Jane - Nope. Grass won't grow in heavy shade. Shade gardening is one of the most difficult ...
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| green belt | 6/30/2009 |
Q: i am a superviosr of a green belt project. the length of this project is 44 Km. our planting model ...
A: ----- FOLLOW UP ------- 6/30/09 Hello, Mohammad - I am sure you are very knowledgeable of your ...
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| landscaping slope | 6/30/2009 |
Q: On the north side of our new house next to the foundation is a maybe 45 degree angle. We tiered the ...
A: Dave – The ‘tumbled’ rocks are probably really nice, but they are no match for the power of water ...
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| curly willow arch | 6/29/2009 |
Q: i have 2 curly willows approximately 15 feet away and would like to have them arch together to ...
A: As to letting the willows grow together for a natural "arch", I think you've picked fine plant ...
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| green belt | 6/29/2009 |
Q: i am a superviosr of a green belt project. the length of this project is 44 Km. our planting model ...
A: Mohammad; Iran is a very beautiful AND large country at 1.648 million sq. km. From the lowest ...
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| landscaping | 6/28/2009 |
Q: I am looking to landscape my back yard with "pavers" as a walk way and small deck, also with sod. ...
A: You are asking for future erosion trouble paving on a slope, without reinforcing the underlaying ...
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| cedar mulch | 6/28/2009 |
Q: I am downsizing my rockery and my weeding. Is it OK to use a layer of cedar sawdust and top it with ...
A: Cedar is non-toxic to people, and some holistic herbalists recommend its oils for personal use, ...
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| Trees near a French drain | 6/25/2009 |
Q: I recently moved into a house (in central South Carolina) and there is no shade in our back yard. ...
A: Your Ag Extension has provided excellent resourses for So. Carolina. Here is a link to their Tree ...
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| pet area | 6/25/2009 |
Q: I used to have a pretty good looking back yard (grass only) until we got a dog. Soon most of the ...
A: Jeff - Any kind of inert material can be used; bark mulch with shrubs, pea gravel, or my favorite, ...
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| Plant Suggestions | 6/24/2009 |
Q: I live in central Minnesota. I can really use your help. Can you give me some suggestions of plants ...
A: You are correct, in that a berm & wall are your BEST bet on lowering sound. The wall should be ...
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| Patio pavers | 6/22/2009 |
Q: I recently removed an above ground swimming pool from my lawn. I now would like to build a paver ...
A: I don't believe so, as the pad has been compacted by the pool sitting on it for so long (I am ...
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| landscaping bricks around foundation | 6/22/2009 |
Q: Mr. Chapelle, First off, thank you so much for this service you provide! My question is pretty ...
A: I took some time think about this question, as I wanted to consider all of the possible ways you ...
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| japanes fern tree | 6/21/2009 |
Q: I'm considering planting a Japanese fern tree about 8 feet away from my shimming pool and I would ...
A: ello, Lilliam ~ Filicium decipiens - Japanese Fern Tree This is a hard-to-find elegant shade tree ...
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| landscape mortar | 6/19/2009 |
Q: The mortar between my landscape bricks is either missing or in bad shape. I think all I need is to ...
A: Mike: Mortar is a mixture of sand, lime, water, and cement. There are different types based on ...
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| House in a hay field | 6/17/2009 |
Q: Our home is in zone 5a/6b far western suburbs of Detroit. It is sitting on 5 acres of what used to ...
A: Mark: There are several products on the market, and I have tried none of them...Here are a few ...
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| Mulch | 6/16/2009 |
Q: We recently moved into a house that had an had an above ground pool that we knocked down. Now we are ...
A: Great idea, but don't use plastic sheets or tarps, as they WILL cause a drainage problem. Landscape ...
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| Street Noise | 6/16/2009 |
Q: I live in the Houston, Texas area and our house backs up to a road. I would like your suggestions on ...
A: Here is a site that discusses the problem: http://www.ehow.com/how_2044848_buy-noise-barriers.html ...
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| fruitless mulberry | 6/16/2009 |
Q: I live in Albuquerque, and did not water the tree enough (strict water restrictions) can I grind the ...
A: Sounds like the wrong tree in the wrong place. Consider replacing it with something better behaved ...
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| Cleaning English ivy from painted brick wall | 6/16/2009 |
Q: I have removed English ivy from painted brick. How do I clean the glue-residue from English ivy ...
A: If the wall was previously painted, use a coat of paint remover. If you paint over them again, it ...
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| drainage | 6/15/2009 |
Q: terminating with a pop-emitter. Any suggestions of a product to use to filter out leaves and seeds ...
A: The most common are the leaf interceptors at the rain gutter: http://gutterworks.com/leaf_guard.html ...
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| Sandy Situation | 6/15/2009 |
Q: Here's my dilemma: I'd like to remove a large amount of grass from a sandy beach area. I've been ...
A: It depends on the grass, but some grass variety's roots area VERY invasive (Bermuda or Zoysia, most ...
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| kudzu | 6/14/2009 |
Q: The back of our property abuts woods and we are getting invasive kudzu from those woods I'm afraid. ...
A: If I could figure that one out I wouldn't have to buy lottery tickets!! This nasty little plant was ...
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| plants for privacy | 6/14/2009 |
Q: I live in a condo that is 2 levels. The upper level has a balcony/deck that is very close to my ...
A: Maybe a box-planter lattice with some fragrant vines? You didn't mention your area, and plant ...
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| foundation landscaping | 6/11/2009 |
Q: how far should i be planting away from the foundation? i am thinking of planting the following as ...
A: Sambacus spp. has a thick tap-root. Neither of these plants will be a root problem for your garden ...
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| foundation landscaping | 6/10/2009 |
Q: how far should i be planting away from the foundation? i am thinking of planting the following as ...
A: I'd just prune the Viburnum as needed to keep it in check...Shouldn't look too bad, unless you ...
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| foundation landscaping | 6/9/2009 |
Q: how far should i be planting away from the foundation? i am thinking of planting the following as ...
A: Ellie- If you are worried about foundation damage, all the plants you listed are VERY tame. I’d ...
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| How far from our house should we plant a windbreak. | 6/8/2009 |
Q: We live in a wonderful 100y/o country home with no A/C. The Southerly breezes during the spring and ...
A: Hey, Rick - The goal is to create an air pocket between the trees and the building, to get the wind ...
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| Help for Flat-Fronted Modular House | 6/7/2009 |
Q: Marc: I've just purchased a manufactured house on a one acre lot. The house sits 100' from the ...
A: John - Sounds like you are on the right track as far as design ideas. I like the trim-accent idea, ...
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| Italian cypress tree possible disease | 6/6/2009 |
Q: My tree has begun to develope dead branbches from the ground upwards. the leaf like portion is ...
A: Italian Cypress sprout from the base naturually. Could be a lot of conditions. No matter, as I am ...
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| Paving stone sunken Driveway | 6/4/2009 |
Q: I am currently a student and was approached to do some work for an elderly lady. She wants me to ...
A: Don't use crusher fines/stone dust, as the particles are not uniform, and this is probably what ...
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| Bradford Pear Tree | 6/2/2009 |
Q: There is a Bradford Pear tree planted 5 meters from our home. It is 11 years old and about 30feet ...
A: It will be fine. 5 meters is very generous spacing, and the Bradford doesn't have invasive root ...
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| Answer | 5/29/2009 |
Q: Would you answer my question Rest assured this is not a homework question. If you think the ...
A: Darn, thought i answered this one - must not have hit the "enter" key!! Sorry for the delay. Yes ...
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| flower edging | 5/28/2009 |
Q: We would like to have the scalloped stone edging that they use for tree rings but can only find the ...
A: landscape edging comes in SOOoo many varieties. I personally think tree rings are not healthy for ...
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| landscaping | 5/28/2009 |
Q: Rest assured this is not a homework question. If you think the question is so Fundamental, I do not ...
A: I don't think I fully understand the question, but I'll give it a try, anyway. Holes rarely stay ...
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| Patio Construction | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I have an unlimited supply of random scrap pieces of granite and marble, of all different sizes and ...
A: what you are wanting to do is called "terrazzo", and it has been around since...well a REALLY long ...
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| Azalea bush | 5/27/2009 |
Q: What would look nice planted next to my Azalea bush? I have about 3-4' by 2' to plant? I would ...
A: Creeping mahonia, strawberry, or johnie-jumps (they self-seed and come back every year in most ...
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| acreage | 5/25/2009 |
Q: my question is...I am developing 2 acres of property. I am putting a willow tree line break ...
A: The treeline is heavy on deciduous plant materials, so if winter wind is also a concern, I'd weave ...
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| Mulch | 5/24/2009 |
Q: Each year we mulch the front and back areas of our home and it looks great for a few weeks. But, as ...
A: Sad that your color fades so quickly. Yes, there are products on the market that can do that. ...
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| How to decorate a mound in yard | 5/23/2009 |
Q: There is a mound that is about 9 ft. long in the middle of my yard. It gradually rises about 6 ...
A: (Sorry for taking so long to reply - I'm in a job transfer at the moment.) To yourHow about a rock ...
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| Ideas for planting front yard | 5/19/2009 |
Q: We have recently purchased a doublewide mobile home that is 66 feet across the front. The front ...
A: There are 5 basic considerations for a plant and how well it might do in a particular location: ...
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| landscaping | 5/17/2009 |
Q: My backyard consists of a wooden deck 18x12'. Also a sitting area 7x12' beside the deck. The left ...
A: For $2,500 and the limitations you've outlined (generic spaces, and no desire for additional trees), ...
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| full sun shrubs in Vermont | 5/17/2009 |
Q: The front of my house is southern exposure in Vermont and I am looking for shrub/evergreen for each ...
A: I also had trouble with rhodies in the front/southern exposure at our home in Virginia. If you are ...
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| care for sapling and seedling cedar trees | 5/16/2009 |
Q: How can I grow cedar trees in my house? What kind of care do I need to give them? I pulled them up ...
A: Yuo don't have to wait at all to fertilize - and hopefully they are still with you since asking this ...
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| Pecan Trees in our yard | 5/12/2009 |
Q: We live in Central North Oklahoma and have 10 Pecan Trees in our front, side and back yards that all ...
A: My great-grandfather grew Pecans in Claremore, Oklahoma. Sadly, I don't think anything will grow ...
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| Design of Detention Ponds | 3/8/2009 |
Q: Can a Landscape Architect design detention ponds under the LA seal in the State of Georgia? Can a ...
A: Short answer: YES Additional information: Here is the GA Licensing board website, to see if your ...
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| Italian Cypress trees | 3/7/2009 |
Q: We have 4 Italian Cypress trees and have lived here for 25 yrs. This year I have noticed some sort ...
A: I am assuming these "nuts" are NOT a disease or parasite - like an oak gall. So, my first thought ...
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| annual design | 12/11/2008 |
Q: Sir, I have been relocated from Kansas to floridadoing landscaping and maintenance for large ...
A: I am not located in Florida, but here is a link with a generous selection of species to choose from: ...
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| designer rocks/boulders | 12/10/2008 |
Q: eagles) on these really big boulders I saw them driving through my town and there was some writing ...
A: I don't know about eagles and horses, but the technology of putting just about anything on a boulder ...
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| spacing | 12/10/2008 |
Q: I want to alternate maples and norway spruce to block out the view behind it. I was thinking of ...
A: Hope you have a big site. Most folks who ask me landscape questions, live in an urban setting. ...
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| mulberry tree | 12/7/2008 |
Q: We have a seedless mulberry tree in our garden which needs extensive trimming twice a year. It is a ...
A: The Fruitless Mulberry (Morus alba) is a variant of its fruiting cousins, which can make a horrible ...
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| septic landscaping | 12/4/2008 |
Q: I just had a sand filter septic system installed about 6'x20' in my front yard. It rises a couple ...
A: Mary - Sand filters are used where conventional septic tank/absorption field systems have failed. ...
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| Need some privacy | 11/26/2008 |
Q: My wife and I are building a home on 2 acres in Washington State. There are three lots side by side ...
A: Your state, like most in the west, straddles several USDA zones, from 5a near the Canadian boarder, ...
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| Drainage Issues | 11/23/2008 |
Q: We have a big problem and are not sure where to go for help. During the fall, winter and spring ...
A: A real head-scratcher. Water flows downhill in all 50 states, but I think your problem sounds like a ...
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| Landcadd | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I went to school for landscape and design and was one of the first to use landcadd as an application ...
A: Jeff – I, too, was introduced to Landcadd back in '95 (at school). Even used in a bit, back in ...
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| Landscape Design | 11/3/2008 |
Q: we live in CT and are going to build are Italianate style home in the spring. (We were hoping to do ...
A: Heather: Since you have the acreage for formal, terraced gardens that the “Italianate” style is ...
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| the vetch is taking over my front yard | 10/27/2008 |
Q: I just moved into a new house and the landscaping sucks. I'm planning on ripping out the drab ...
A: The genus Vicia (Vetch) contains about 150 species, including 15 that are native to the US & Canada; ...
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| Emerald Green | 10/23/2008 |
Q: I planted a row of Emerald green a long the property line in early spring, but two of them close to ...
A: I'm assuming you are talking about the "Emerald Green" Thuja. Information here: ...
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| what can I plant and grow | 10/21/2008 |
Q: I have 3 columns on the front of my house. I want an evergreen, zone 9, facing east, dark green, ...
A: My apologies. I was using plant-name "short hand" (J.c. = Juniperus chinensis, etc.) You have to ...
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| back yard | 10/20/2008 |
Q: the builder cut into our bank behind the house and now we are at a loss as what to do . I would like ...
A: Actually, your yard is the kind I like to work on, as dramatic differences can be accomplished with ...
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| Rainfall drainage in a small planting area | 10/20/2008 |
Q: I have an area, triangular in shape in the front of my house. It measures about 17ft x 20ft x a 28ft ...
A: Your solution sounds like it might work. I'd add a weed barrier/landscape fabric, so the trench & ...
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| what can I plant and grow | 10/19/2008 |
Q: I have 3 columns on the front of my house. I want an evergreen, zone 9, facing east, dark green, ...
A: Marlyn... I like to accent columns with vertical plants. In your case, I would recommend the Sky ...
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| cellar door | 10/11/2008 |
Q: I am looking for someone who can custom build a metal door for a root cellar. I would like one like ...
A: Good afternoon, Al - Michigan is a big state, with 10 million folks, and 300+ miles from Adrian ...
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| rototilling on a slight hill | 10/9/2008 |
Q: I HAVE A SLIGHT HILL THAT RUNS ALONG A 1/2 OF A QUARTER MILE. NOT VERY LONG BUT LONG ...
A: Proper usr of a rototiller can be found at: ...
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| availability of landscape stone | 10/8/2008 |
Q: Marc, We are looking for a landscape cover for our Outer Banks, NC home. We currently have a bed ...
A: A shell blend for bocce ball courts is available (but expensive) from boccemon.com. I don't know ...
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| Shading House with Trees | 10/8/2008 |
Q: I own a raised brick ranch 28 foot by 40 foot house with a garage in the basement. The garage in the ...
A: Mike. I was reviewing your question, and it sounds like there are two questions imbedded in there: ...
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| brick planter | 10/6/2008 |
Q: I'm re-using red bricks (8" x 4" x 2")to build small raised planter boxes. I'm using them flat, so ...
A: To your questions: 1. Not really limited to size. Here in Nevada, there is a park (Sparks Marina) ...
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| landscape design student | 10/4/2008 |
Q: Hey Mark, I was wondering what the benefits of planting sterile flowers might be? It is alittle ...
A: Shaun; I'm not quite sure what you mean by "sterile flower" plants...I know that plants like ...
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| brick planter | 10/4/2008 |
Q: I'm re-using red bricks (8" x 4" x 2")to build small raised planter boxes. I'm using them flat, so ...
A: You don't need to use mortar, which some folks are afraid of - You can use construction adhesive ...
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| 2 foot border around in ground pool | 10/3/2008 |
Q: My county requires to have a two foot dirt border around my in ground pool and patio. I am loosing ...
A: Do you mean a 2-foot BERM? - A lump of earth that is supposed to contain a portion of water sloshing ...
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| Need a rather short, narrow drought tolerant privacy hedge | 10/3/2008 |
Q: We are finishing up our patio in our backyard and want to border it with a privacy hedge. Since we ...
A: Soulds like you need a clipped hedge - Boxwood (Buxus), Holly (Illex), or Privet (Foreesteria or ...
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| Exterior slate | 10/1/2008 |
Q: We are building a commercial building in Northern Arizona where the winter temperatures can be quite ...
A: I just saw a video on synthetic or faux slate, that would seem to be better able to handle the ...
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| california live oak | 10/1/2008 |
Q: our house is at the top of a hill. Several CA live oaks on our property, near the bottom of the ...
A: I would recommend you consult an ISA certified local arborist (ISA stands for International Society ...
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| rules for eagle scout project at CMOM | 9/24/2008 |
Q: My son is building an aviary outside the children's museum of memphis for his eagle scout project. ...
A: Mrs. Johnson: Congratulations on your son’s advancement to Life Scout (as is my son), and his ...
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| drainage | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I'm getting ready to land scape my backyard after a detached garage rebuild. I have clay not soil ...
A: Boy, you're in a pickle. I don't know about your specific situation (How much rain you get, how ...
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| Flagpole lighting | 8/19/2008 |
Q: We have a twenty foot flagpole that we wish to illuminate. Will a 50 watt halogen floodlight provide ...
A: Here is a company that sells direct to consumers. Their fixtures go up to 250W. ...
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| Landscape edging to prevent mulch runoff | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I recently "installed" rubber mulch in shrub beds, etc, but am suffering with some areas where ...
A: Yes - Any sort of edging would help with this problem. There are so many choices. I usually ...
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| Flagpole lighting | 8/17/2008 |
Q: We have a twenty foot flagpole that we wish to illuminate. Will a 50 watt halogen floodlight provide ...
A: Proper flag etiquette dictates that if you are to leave a flag out over-night, it is to be ...
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| Hedge & Shrub Removal | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I want to begin a small shrub and hedge removal business. I intend to use my pick-up truck (91 ...
A: Nick, three things come to my mind regarding tree/shrub removal. Damage to underground pipes and ...
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| NEED HELP PRIVACY | 8/5/2008 |
Q: Marc Hi, I live in New York and my neighbor has a horse, their property is close to mine. I dont ...
A: The Tsuga canadensis / Canadian or Eastern hemlock was the right choice as it will grow in Full Sun, ...
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| Foundation Plantings | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I'm hoping you can help. I live in Connecticut, Zone 6. Our house is a shade of taupe with white ...
A: Euonymus Scale information: http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef428.asp I don’t know if ...
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| Regrading | 8/5/2008 |
Q: We need to bring in fill o regrade our yard. If we plan to add in fill against our currently ...
A: To cover a concrete foundation and make it water-proof/damp-proof, most builders use an ...
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| planting tropicals | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I live in the 94565 area and have 2 plumerias in pots and just purchased a Tiare plant. Can I plant ...
A: You are in a USDA zone 9B, but that just isn't enough information for your tropicals. As your ...
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| erosion control on steep hillside | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I have a a flat lawn area roughly 10-12 feet in depth followed by a steep hillside with a large tree ...
A: Good for you in your ability to stop someone from being a nuisance. I wish more folks would have ...
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| NEED HELP PRIVACY | 8/3/2008 |
Q: Marc Hi, I live in New York and my neighbor has a horse, their property is close to mine. I dont ...
A: HEMLOCK is poisonous to horses!! It contains an alkaloid that attacks their nervous system. It can ...
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| Foundation Plantings | 8/3/2008 |
Q: I'm hoping you can help. I live in Connecticut, Zone 6. Our house is a shade of taupe with white ...
A: Plant selections sound fine. The Skyrocket Juniper can get quite large, and possibly over-power ...
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| Patio Fill and base material | 8/2/2008 |
Q: We are collecting bids for a backyard patio. We have water issues so we want a very good base. We ...
A: You were instructed to ask for "grade 9" fill by whom? They might know of the subtle distinction. ...
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| Sod Job | 7/31/2008 |
Q: I am about to sod a section of my yard that was destroyed during a sewer pipe repair. The job was ...
A: If you are talking about weed heights of an inch or two, then no, it is not a problem to till weeds ...
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| Lanscape a Mess | 7/30/2008 |
Q: We are also in the process of re-roofing and siding our home. We are planning on putting a gable ...
A: If you want great results, you've got to engage a professional familiar with your area. Try these ...
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| catch basin | 7/29/2008 |
Q: Does a catch basin need an out? Our front yard slopes toward the left front corner of the house. ...
A: Depends on the amount of water you are talking about...Water seeks its own level, so if you don't ...
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| steep hill and landscaping | 7/29/2008 |
Q: We have a steep hill that goes down to a paved driveway and to the lake. Right now on the steep ...
A: Afer re-reading this question a few times, I am a bit unclear - You want to remove a railroad tie ...
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| Growing Trees Indoors. | 7/29/2008 |
Q: I have about 600 1.5 year old tree seedlings (Colardo Blue Spruce and some White Pine) in foot ...
A: I was poking around, looking for information on indoor growing equipment, then in dawned on me that ...
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| Retaining Wall | 7/19/2008 |
Q: Our neighbors on 3 sides' yards are higher than ours so my husband says that we need to level ours ...
A: Sarah - The good news is that if you live in Sacramento proper (not Sacto County, Rancho Cordova, ...
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| Tree Ring | 7/13/2008 |
Q: I just have a very basic question which I hope you won't find too boring. I want to build a tree ...
A: Your question was posted in the "question pool" and after reading it, I began to notice these ...
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| WEEDS BETWEEN PAVERS | 7/10/2008 |
Q: HAD OUR PATIO INSTALLED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND DID NOT PAY ATTENTION WHEN WE WERE TOLD TO APPLY JOINT ...
A: Just bought a big bag of "pre-emergent" granules from Home Depot...Kind of expensive (about ...
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| Drainage question | 7/7/2008 |
Q: Hope you can help me with a drainage question. My home site slopes from back to front. I am trying ...
A: Yes - If done with care. You are talking about a 1% slope, so silt in the pipe will accumulate more ...
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| I need help selecting a tree | 7/7/2008 |
Q: I have a raised deck, which looks onto our neighbors back yard, and live in a zone 3 climate. I ...
A: Here is the link for this tree: http://www.jfschmidt.com/articles/swedishcol/ Thank you for ...
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| Garden Statue Placement | 7/7/2008 |
Q: We want to place an antique zinc garden statue (previously was a fountain, but the bottom/base has ...
A: Here we call it decomposed granite, or D.G. It is an inexpensive material (about $18/ cubic yard ...
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| Plants to grow on the western exposure to reduce cooling needs of my coastal Texas home. | 7/6/2008 |
Q: We live on a small lot south of Houston, Texas (USDA Zone 9a). The bedrooms on the western side of ...
A: A shrub isn't going to get as high as required to screen out the sun from beating into these ...
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| Brick laying | 7/6/2008 |
Q: I currently have bricks layed very nicely on a layer of compacted sand ontop of a concrete patio by ...
A: Without pealing it all back, or talking to the previous owner, its hard to say why the sand was ...
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| retaining wall | 7/6/2008 |
Q: I have leveled my front yard which leaves a 3-5' deep area near the house in need of a retaining ...
A: Depends on which way the slope is...AWAY from the house is the ONLY way to go. Water still flows ...
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| Raising existing flower beds | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I'm interested in sprucing up my backyard. I currently have areas on each side of the yard for ...
A: Generally, yes. Depending on the plant types in your beds, the best time to do this "bed-raising" ...
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| New Yard | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Marc, I have just bought a home with a nice large back yard. It was landscaped a long time ago. The ...
A: This product should kill two birds with one stone. A product that protects the wood, extends its ...
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| laying a brick sloped patio | 6/15/2008 |
Q: I have an area approx 275 sq ft that we took out the lawn to lay a patio of 8 x 4 inch brick. The ...
A: Jonny - I don't quite understand what area or volume you are confused about... 1-1/2 inches of ...
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| Foundation Landscaping | 6/14/2008 |
Q: I have two planting beds that I have to plant from scratch and I have a few questions: - What is the ...
A: Regrading a planter depends on its size and condition. As a general rule, slope all dirt away from ...
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| awning installation | 6/13/2008 |
Q: I'm attaching an awning to my house. The awning is 8 feet 2 inches long and factory set at a 10 ...
A: Paul: At 10 degrees slope, the "fall" of the awning will be 1'-5". So add that to your 90" (or ...
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| weeds | 6/13/2008 |
Q: We have weeds in my front and back yard(fairly large)> We have not done any landscaping, but we are ...
A: Ah - a different question, altogether. No chemical use for weed abatement. I am taking this ...
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| concreat pad needs leveled for pool | 6/12/2008 |
Q: I have recently purchased a large surface pool and the area i would like to set it up on is a very ...
A: I'm not aware of any "system" for leveling an existing, sloping concrete pad. To clarify: in your ...
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| Pavers/cobbles for the backyard | 6/12/2008 |
Q: We had a deck in our backyard, which we recently removed. There's concrete layer underneath. We ...
A: How to install veneer cobbles on a driveway slab: ...
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| carrotwood tree | 6/12/2008 |
Q: I planted a carrotwood recently in our front yard 4-6 feet from our septic tank and hubby is worried ...
A: The Carrotwood is considered a noxious weed in Florida, but its roots are generally well-behaved. 6 ...
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| concrete around tree | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I have a large Magnolia tree in my backyard.I am putting concrete around the entire area that is ...
A: Sorry, Cami - There is no magic number that concrete should be kept back “x” feet from the trunk. ...
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| Ivy and shady lawn! | 6/9/2008 |
Q: Okay, just moved into a house where the last owner (of about 18 years) did not do a THING to the ...
A: You didn't say where you live, but it is referred to as the "Kudzu of the Pacific Northwest”. ...
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| Earth Berm/ Earth Roof - no concrete alternative? | 6/9/2008 |
Q: Marc, the home site is on a sort of steep hill and the plan is for an earth bermed house, one story, ...
A: One type of structure I remember from school used "rammed earth" construction. Pretty simple ...
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| paving stones | 6/8/2008 |
Q: I recently bought creeping thyme which was called "Footprint plants" in the nursery, meaning they ...
A: Ed - Here is a great website that is interactive, and can help you zero in on a lawn-substituting ...
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| Separating large area of gravel from grass | 6/8/2008 |
Q: We have a large area in our yard that has poor soil where nothing grows but weeds. We have killed ...
A: I would suggest black plastic recycled edging: http://www.olyola.com/roundtop.shtml Or ...
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| paving stones | 6/7/2008 |
Q: I recently bought creeping thyme which was called "Footprint plants" in the nursery, meaning they ...
A: Here is a link with other suggested planting hints. http://www.humeseeds.com/efcthym.htm It is a ...
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| TOWN CENTER TREE PLANTINGS | 6/4/2008 |
Q: WE ARE DESIGNING A BUILDING IN A TOWN CENTER AREA WHERE THEY ARE REQUIRING TREE PLANTINGS IN AN AREA ...
A: http://www.jfschmidt.com/utilist.html Schmidt UtiliTrees™ designation is given to trees that are ...
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| Fieldstone raised bed | 5/8/2008 |
Q: I created a raised planting bed made of fieldstone found in our property ( from NJ, zone 6). The ...
A: Did you just lay the stonewall directly onto turf? I think the previous questioner was going to ...
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| evergreen base | 5/8/2008 |
Q: we have decorative red shale rock around base of our huge evergreen tree, and among our shrubs/tree ...
A: Stone mulch has many benefits: It has low maintenance, free from wind damage and does not slide or ...
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| building up a driveway | 5/7/2008 |
Q: Every year during breakup we have to deal with the mud pool that our driveway becomes. I would love ...
A: There are Pros and Cons of Crushed Gravel Driveways: cost, reduction in frost heaves in cold ...
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| awkward discussion with landscape co. | 5/7/2008 |
Q: Late Fall of '07: the company sent a crew to clean out beds, trim back shrubs, etc. and to construct ...
A: I would run (not walk) to the phone and call the State Contractor's Board to see if this outfit is ...
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| need a patio cover idea | 5/6/2008 |
Q: I AM RENTING A HOME, IT HAS A LARGE CONCRETE PATIO (APPR 24'L X 6'W) BUT NOTHING ABOVE TO RELIEVE US ...
A: Lattice is o.k. It can become a maintenance issue, when time to re-paint or stain. There are tons ...
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| stone bordered flower bed | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I am going to build a couple of beds on both sides of my deck and against my brick house. ...
A: Weed fabric: Lining the bottom won't help much. We specify it all the time here (under rock mulch), ...
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| front walkway design | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I have a very flat front yard. I recently had a beautiful paver walkway with nice rounded design ...
A: I don't quite understand what you mean by "trench". I would not dig deeper than half the thickness ...
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| NATURAL PRIVACY FENCE | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I HAVE A L SHAPE AREA I WANT TO BLOCK. ON ONE SIDE I HAVE 3 OAKLEAF HYDRANGA THEN A CORAL BARK MAPLE ...
A: The Aucuba is a pretty snazzy plant, and it can get up to 6 feet tall. Here is a picture of one: ...
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| Instant grass | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I just bought a new house that needs grass in the back yard. Some one told me that local ...
A: Yes, it’s called Hydoseeding - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroseeding It is a mixture of seeds, ...
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| stone bordered flower bed | 5/4/2008 |
Q: I am going to build a couple of beds on both sides of my deck and against my brick house. ...
A: Yes & Yes You will curse the day you decided to plop a planter on top of bermuda grass without ...
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| NATURAL PRIVACY FENCE | 5/4/2008 |
Q: I HAVE A L SHAPE AREA I WANT TO BLOCK. ON ONE SIDE I HAVE 3 OAKLEAF HYDRANGA THEN A CORAL BARK MAPLE ...
A: Depending on your USDA zone, I like the Japanese Laurel (aucuba japonica). Hearty down to zone 7B... ...
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| trees | 5/3/2008 |
Q: i have a very small lot and just put in septic system the kind where you can see the green lids on ...
A: If, as you say you have a "very small lot", I would suggest NO trees. Here is a good website for ...
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| landscape & design | 5/1/2008 |
Q: fast growing hedges, deer resistant, preferably evergreen to keep out nosy neighbors and planting ...
A: My personal choices for what you've descibed: Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ (Thuja ‘Green Giant’), or ...
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| landscape & design | 5/1/2008 |
Q: fast growing hedges, deer resistant, preferably evergreen to keep out nosy neighbors and planting ...
A: My first choice for you: Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ (Thuja ‘Green Giant’): It is deer resistant. For a ...
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| garden steps | 4/9/2008 |
Q: I need to put steps on a slope in my backyard. The total run is 153" the total rise is 52". My idea ...
A: I think that 4 steps would be too few, for a decent of 53", and if I were designing this, I'd have ...
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| transplanting a small red maple | 4/9/2008 |
Q: have a small red maple in the wooded part of my back yard and want to move it to the front. it's ...
A: Sure. Easy. Spring is a good time to do this, and the tree you describe is still quite small. ...
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| Bridge | 4/8/2008 |
Q: I need to build a foot bridge to connect two properties. The clear span has to be 20 feet. Do you ...
A: Here i a guide for a site-built wooden foot bridge that may work: ...
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| driveway | 4/8/2008 |
Q: I am putting in a wide driveway/parking area next to my garage. The purpose is for eventual RV ...
A: Slopes you suggested are fine - 2% & 1%, repectively. I'd go for the 3/4" aggregate, as it should ...
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| Shade garden | 4/5/2008 |
Q: I am in zone 5 in Michigan. We built a home in a wooded area. Unfortunately most of the trees are ...
A: other than a rain-forest canopy! However, there is a lot of areas in the US that fall into a Zone ...
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| Natural shrub fencing | 4/3/2008 |
Q: We have a very open backyard and would like to put up some tall evergreen type of shrubs/trees along ...
A: Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is marginal in your area...it does best in USDA Zone 9 and ...
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| Natural shrub fencing | 4/2/2008 |
Q: We have a very open backyard and would like to put up some tall evergreen type of shrubs/trees along ...
A: You are in a USDA Zone 7 (same as me). The Arborvitae will get up to 15 feet tall, and more open ...
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| Landscape Design Pricing | 1/29/2008 |
Q: I'm just starting out in Landscape & Interior Design. I'm not sure how/what to charge for my design ...
A: Specific to LANDSCAPE DESIGN, $10k is a HUGE sum for a backyard design, unless it is an exceptional ...
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| big yard | 1/27/2008 |
Q: i have a fairly large back yard with no trees or landscaping and a nasty looking fence from the ...
A: Marlys Bells book, ”Gardening & Landscaping in Central Florida” is available at Target.com & ...
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| Ground Cover (preferably evergreen) | 1/24/2008 |
Q: We have a small court yard garden where 'conventional' grass will not grow (due to trees that ...
A: Here, in the high desert of western Nevada (Where it is currently 20F and snowing!), we use the ...
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| raised river rock garden bed | 1/23/2008 |
Q: I live in Southern California and want to have a raised garden beds for my backyard. I have priced ...
A: Mortar/concrete holds its shape in a few minutes, and usually "sets" within 24 hours. It reaches ...
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| Landscape Design Pricing | 1/22/2008 |
Q: I'm just starting out in Landscape & Interior Design. I'm not sure how/what to charge for my design ...
A: What to charge for professional services…Hmmm. There are several ways to go about asking fees for ...
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| our flagstone on hot tub | 1/19/2008 |
Q: We purchased in August and notice a little bit of the flagstone rock from hottub that just falls off ...
A: I would worry. Flagstone is a variable material, depending on its origin. I spoke with a local ...
|
| innovative concepts in urban planning | 1/19/2008 |
Q: I am student styding in an architecture college. In the present semester we have been given a topic ...
A: I like to define my terms, so everybody is on the same wavelength when we come to discuss any topic ...
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| Adding curb appeal | 1/19/2008 |
Q: We have a 2-storey house which sits on a lot which is 50 feet wide. the distance from the curb to ...
A: You could certainly add some earth berms inside the planters, but I think the problem may not be the ...
|
| Improving runoff patterns on a grade | 1/18/2008 |
Q: I have no idea if you are the right person to ask about this, but from reading your past answers, ...
A: Sounds like there are two or three options for you, depending on the room available, and your ...
|
| Buffering road noise effectively | 1/17/2008 |
Q: The side of our house is located on a busy street on top a sloping hill (with about a 5' rise) So ...
A: To make a difference, the wall would have to be fairly large - here is a link to a "Garden Wall" ...
|
| Steep Driveway | 1/13/2008 |
Q: We have an extremely steep driveway leading up to our garage and house. The front yard, to the right ...
A: Here are a few "tricks" to consider: Give them something else to look at. Can you add a splash of ...
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| landscaping on a slope | 1/11/2008 |
Q: I am afraid to do anything to my backyard because of the grade. My house sits on top of a hill in a ...
A: If I were in your shoes, I'd start by going to the library and looking for books on landscape design ...
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| finding a landscape architect | 1/10/2008 |
Q: How do i go about finding a landscape architect in my area. (Houston Area)I'm looking for someone to ...
A: Sounds like you are a more savvy design-conscious person. Glad you won’t just pick any “landscaper” ...
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| need 2 large photinia | 12/8/2007 |
Q: Our Katy TX home backs up to strip center. We've a tall brick fence and were nicely screened from ...
A: Here is the local listings for some possible nurserymen that can help you out... ...
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| Jacaranda trees | 12/4/2007 |
Q: I currently live near Sydney and the jacaranda are in full bloom (almost done 12/4/07) but moving to ...
A: The zones I was previously referring to were SUNSET zones primarily for west coast climates, created ...
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| Steep downward short driveway... | 12/2/2007 |
Q: What can you do with a front yard that is steep downward to the house? The primary problem is the ...
A: "Landscape" is the least of the challenges. I would imagine that storm & snowmelt drainage into the ...
|
| Usage of Slate for exterior patio | 11/27/2007 |
Q: We are working with a a landscaping firm to landscape/hardscape the exterior of our new-contruction ...
A: Installation over a concrete pad is excellent! It is difficult for me to convince clients that this ...
|
| i hope you can answer my question | 11/27/2007 |
Q: how much does it usually cost to smash down concrete? i want to remove the cement that was placed ...
A: Yes, you can do it yourself, with a bit of planning and forethought. There are folks you can hire ...
|
| Zone 6 native plant advice | 11/6/2007 |
Q: I live on 3.5 acres in Foristell, Missouri Zone 6 and I am going to downsize my yard and would like ...
A: Roger - You're going to need a little bit of water to get things established, thats why most folks ...
|
| replacing grass with rosemary | 11/4/2007 |
Q: I have about 25 square feet of grass in my front yard .. dogs seem to like the grass .. however, I ...
A: First, check to see if Rosemarinus officinalis grows in your area: a Sunset zone 4-24, and usually a ...
|
| landscaping driveway ? | 11/4/2007 |
Q: I have a quick question, My driveway is stone and on the side closer to neighbor I have about 4 ft ...
A: You didn't specify a location, so I'm going to give as generic a response, and ask that you verify ...
|
| Need plant ideas | 11/1/2007 |
Q: I live in the Philadelphia, Pa area. I would like to plant some plants on top of a 2 foot high ...
A: With winters, it is tough to have a "year-round" performer...but here are a couple for Zones 6 & 7: ...
|
| ground cover | 10/30/2007 |
Q: I've got a slope that needs ground cover. I tried putting Fiesta Red Iceplants and rabbits and ...
A: It is a real head-scratcher here in the west. Two lists to consider (careful to consider your USDA ...
|
| Contour Grading | 10/30/2007 |
Q: I am having a problem on drawing finish contours for a access road. How do I know where they catch ...
A: If you are creating a grading plan, your first bit of information should be a topographic map of the ...
|
| English Ivy | 10/22/2007 |
Q: I just chopped some overgrown bushes in my very sunny front grassy lawn. After the bushes were ...
A: Probably the other way around - the lawn will invade your ivy and cause weeding problems. English ...
|
| landscaping fill | 10/17/2007 |
Q: I am currently trying to replace some plants in an area that when it rains water runs through the ...
A: First, find your zone: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html Watery soil isn't that tough ...
|
| Landscaping in the Salt Lake Valley | 10/16/2007 |
Q: Do you have any general advice for us here in the high desert Wasatch front (South Salt Lake ...
A: I alway like to direct folks to their local Agriculture Extension office for plant advice, but the ...
|
| redesigning our front beds | 10/16/2007 |
Q: We recently bought a home and can't stand what the previous owners had for "landscaping" in the ...
A: I'll start with your last question, forst - soils tests: Here is a link of local firms with ...
|
| Patio under trees | 9/9/2007 |
Q: We have a grove of silver maples in our backyard (in Indiana) under which we lay mulch every year. ...
A: Of all of the trees, the Silver Maple is probably most resilient to a loosely laid paver patio, as ...
|
| landscape design re: proportions:scale | 9/9/2007 |
Q: Good day, My question is how to "evolve a [landscape]design that has a proportionate visual unity ...
A: Nell - John Brookes is a prolific author, and I don't know which of his books this came out of - but ...
|
| landscape to cover a fence | 9/9/2007 |
Q: I have a wooden fence that spans my back yard and along the pool area. The fence is 105' X6'. ...
A: Oleander would get too big. By eliminating "vines" from your list of options, you have literally ...
|
| Noise barrier for noisy neighbors | 9/8/2007 |
Q: I just finished reading your article about your suggestion for a erecting a noise barrier to highway ...
A: * * FOLLOW UP * * Again, my sympathies - But I ran across this item this morning - do you live in ...
|
| Patio Paver Molds?? | 9/7/2007 |
Q: I would like to add on to my existing basket brick patio. When I looked to see how the previous ...
A: John, I spent the weekend mulling over this item - I cannot find in my professional journals or ...
|
| Did I make a mistake using English Ivy in my garden? | 9/6/2007 |
Q: I live on the east coast in zone 6B. I have a natural rock wall in my back yard and at its base is ...
A: Your concern is well founded, as ivy is a pernicious plant known for "taking over", in the right ...
|
| Trees close to a foundation | 9/5/2007 |
Q: We just moved to KC, Kansas (zone 5?) and purchased a new home with no landscaping in the back yard. ...
A: It is easier to tell you what NOT to plant - Avoid planting these shallow rooted tree species near ...
|
| Post and Board Fence style | 9/5/2007 |
Q: I have a colonial house abutting conservation land (i.e. wilderness). I currently have for a fence ...
A: I wish there was a site I could direct you to that has a "standard" deatil. Maybe this one will ...
|
| Post and Board Fence style | 9/4/2007 |
Q: I have a colonial house abutting conservation land (i.e. wilderness). I currently have for a fence ...
A: Soulds like you are describing a "picket" fence (open to look through), versus a "board" fence ...
|
| septic fields | 8/27/2007 |
Q: You may refer me to someone if this doesnt work. I live in New England in zone 5, and none of you ...
A: Ajuga (Bugle Weed), is a shade- & moisture-loving annual, with over 40 varieties, that range in ...
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| Sky Pencil-Holly | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I'd like to grow a Sky Pencil-jap. Holley in a container. I live in northern N.J. so have pretty ...
A: Sky Pencil Holly (Illex creneta) is hardy only to a zone 7 (-15 degrees) – so probably better along ...
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| Hardscape | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I recently fenced in my small backyard and there is almost no grass left due to my 2 big dogs. I ...
A: Most kennels use concrete, so that or innerlocking pavers could be used, unless it is in the full ...
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| what tree would work? | 8/27/2007 |
Q: North shore of Long Island, New York Due to recent renovation on my neighbor's house, I would like ...
A: The kind of tree you're looking for is called a "columnar" tree, and many species have been ...
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| Steep hill on a lake | 8/24/2007 |
Q: We live on a lake in central Minnesota. Our lot is about 50' wide and in the backyard, to get down ...
A: If there are no existing drainage ditches being crossed, I think that it come down to materials and ...
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| Walkway | 8/24/2007 |
Q: I have a brick with gray siding colonial home. We need to replace the front porch and walkway to ...
A: I don't think it would look too out-of-place or busy if the flagstone were actually cut stone versus ...
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| Walkway | 8/23/2007 |
Q: I have a brick with gray siding colonial home. We need to replace the front porch and walkway to ...
A: There are lots of options; almost too many to give you a very narrow answer...here are some links ...
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| Erosion | 8/22/2007 |
Q: I live on the West Coast of Florida. My backyard slopes down to a creek. The county recently built ...
A: There are ways to "armor" lawn with various devices to assist in keeping the soil & sod in place ...
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| live oak tree roots and house foundation | 8/21/2007 |
Q: MArc, We have been in this house (concete foundation) for 20 years. My husband planted a live oak ...
A: I was taught, "What you see above ground is what the roots look like below ground." Turns out this ...
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| Mudslides | 8/20/2007 |
Q: I've lived in my home for about 9 years. It is not a good lot. My house sits down from the road ...
A: Water is extremely damaging when it flows, and if it really is smoking down a large incline (135 ...
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| cleaning up after mountain laurel | 8/20/2007 |
Q: My husband recently cleared some of our land that had been over crowded with scrub brush, very leggy ...
A: Hmmm. I don't think so, depending on what you put in it's place. Some shade plants are designed to ...
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| Hibiscus near a foundation | 8/17/2007 |
Q: My neighbors house is about 7ft away from mine. She announced today that she was having 3 hibiscus ...
A: In Iowa, its not an invasive species, and no mention of root problems. more info here: ...
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| Pool/yard flooding | 8/17/2007 |
Q: With all the rain here in florida our yard & pool have flooded twice. The county guys came out, ...
A: Yard & pool flooding? Sounds pretty serious...and your options are sandbags for YEARS? Nope. ...
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| drainage issues | 8/17/2007 |
Q: they just built a home next to mine and i am now having alot of flooding in my back yard due to poor ...
A: Sounds like you are doing just that - holding up their permit...The builder is probably at the table ...
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| Sweet Gum Root System | 8/12/2007 |
Q: I have a 30 year old Sweet Gum in my courtyard. The garage and house are 8 and 15 feet away, ...
A: If the tree is 30+ years old, I doubt it will cause you a problem, if it hasn't already...Here is a ...
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| Privatizing a corner lot | 7/30/2007 |
Q: We just bought a house and wanted to privatize it a bit. There is no fence or hedging around it. The ...
A: Not quite a square lot (more of a trapazoid), but it sounds like it has lots of potential, as they ...
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| jacaranda trees | 7/27/2007 |
Q: I have two questions about jacaranda trees. I would like to plant one next to my driveway, and I ...
A: Grassy area should be fine without changing the watering regime. Just keep it watered until ...
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| jacaranda trees | 7/26/2007 |
Q: I have two questions about jacaranda trees. I would like to plant one next to my driveway, and I ...
A: I had to use my Sunset Western Garden book instead of the USDA charts to find your zone - looks like ...
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| bare landscape | 7/26/2007 |
Q: (you sound like a very knowledgeable individual.) Here it goes.... I'll try to include as much info ...
A: I took a day to think about this wide-ranging question, so sorry for the slow response. A good ...
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| landscaping near a side entry garage | 7/26/2007 |
Q: We just bought a home near Fayetteville, N.C. I am not sure what style garage/driveway we have, but ...
A: Curved? For all those formal entertaining occasions when the limos are stacked up delivering ...
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| hillside rock | 7/25/2007 |
Q: What can I do with the hill that is on my property? I had three landscaping contractors come in and ...
A: Retaining walls will add to the cost, but how safe is having to mow with cleats or a rope/pully ...
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| small back yard needs help | 7/25/2007 |
Q: We just purchased a home Grand Junction CO -the back yard is south facing and 14 wide to a white ...
A: A quick look at your zone, and it looks like you are in a USDA zone 6...as long as you are not on ...
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| Dirt against the side of a pool | 7/24/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if it's alright to put dirt directly on the side of a pool. My friends just put up ...
A: Sounds like an ABOVE GROUND pool, and if so you are correct: no dirt should be in contact with the ...
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| Beauty bark and Sod | 7/7/2007 |
Q: Can I lay sod over beauty bark and expect it to grow? Ken
A: "beauty bark"? That was a new term for me...So I did a quick web search. Neither the organic nor ...
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| deck/pool/erosion problem | 7/5/2007 |
Q: I have just installed an inground pool. My yard slopes so I now have hills from the pool decking ...
A: ..There are literally HUNDREDS of products & solutions that could work. "Erosion Control" is a ...
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| Reclaiming weed area | 7/4/2007 |
Q: I don't know if this is something you do so forgive me if I picked the wrong expert but here’s the ...
A: The most popular is "Roudup" (other similar brands are available at the "Big Box" hardware stores). ...
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| blank slate | 7/3/2007 |
Q: We recently bought a house with a big, rectangular, fenced in back yard. There is a pool w/ hot tub ...
A: $1,800 is a bit on the high side, but it depends on the lot size (you mentioned "big" - if it is ...
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| garden question | 7/1/2007 |
Q: I have built a 16" retaining wall in my backyard made of stone pavers. I have planted around 10 ...
A: I hope you know that these cute little arborvitaes will get 15-20 feet tall? (Unless you hedge them ...
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| Concrete Tree Rings | 6/28/2007 |
Q: I am trying to find a source for concrete curved tree rings. These are usually about 2-3 feet long ...
A: For commercial applications, there is a supplier I've used before: Quickcrete ...
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| question!!!!! | 6/26/2007 |
Q: I wasn't sure out of the list who to ask. But here is my question. I live in Texas, I planted two ...
A: They are on the big side of tree-moving...I calculate that they are a little over 6-1/2'' in ...
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| increasing home's value | 6/25/2007 |
Q: I was looking for someone with a tree expertise but noticed your comment in your profile 'how to use ...
A: In most of the studies I have read in my trade journals and magazines such as Money, etc. the very ...
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| what to plant | 6/18/2007 |
Q: I would like to plant some perennials in my backyard. The area is about 10 feet wide and 16 feet ...
A: Connecticut is in a USDA zone 5b to 6b, but if it is perrenials you are planting, you can stretch it ...
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| Jacaranda Tree | 6/17/2007 |
Q: Like Karl (previous question on Jacaranda Tree), I too have Jacaranda Trees that are having trouble. ...
A: I cannot be too specific, as I don't know the exact problems associated with your tree like its ...
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| Landscaping for a brick-front home | 6/17/2007 |
Q: I bought a brick front home a few years ago that basically has green bushes populating the garden ...
A: The purpose of a mulch is two-fold: so the bed looks "neat & tidy" and so the plant can retain ...
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| Landscaping ideas for a small sloping back yard | 6/14/2007 |
Q: Our back yard is roughly 17 feet from the house exterior to the fence. The length of the property is ...
A: Sandy. Yes, if you cannot build a deck, then retaining wall(s) may be in order. Is it your fence ...
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| pergolas | 6/10/2007 |
Q: I am measuring for a pergola and can not figure out what the measurements are that are listed. If a ...
A: The "base" of a pergola is the post/ground connection, which isn't going to be much more than a few ...
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| Jacaranda Questions | 6/6/2007 |
Q: I live in Tracy, California (central valley) and have a 18 to 20 foot Jacaranda in my yard, and ...
A: Pruning: I'd wait to see what is dead and what isn't - if it is obviously brown and shriveled, then ...
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| Jacaranda Questions | 6/5/2007 |
Q: I live in Tracy, California (central valley) and have a 18 to 20 foot Jacaranda in my yard, and ...
A: and grow best in USDA zones 9b-11 (Sunset zones 12,13,15-24)....Tracy is right on the boarder of ...
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| Hillside and planter drainage | 6/5/2007 |
Q: I have a question relating to drainage from my backyard hillside and planters. I have a retaining ...
A: It isn't the summer water that will get behind these walls. I grew up in southern California, and ...
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| recommendations for a screen in memphis | 6/3/2007 |
Q: iv got a bunch of huge magnolias in my front yard. im considering making a screen using rapidly ...
A: A few good evergreen choices for use as screens in Tennessee include Leyland Cypress, Japanese ...
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| Planting shade trees near a septic tank | 5/22/2007 |
Q: I live in CA.,zone 7, foothills of the Sierra's. I need to shade the western exposure of my home (it ...
A: ******* FOLLOW-UP - You can also buy bigger trees to start with - 4" caliper size and bigger. ...
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| design dilemma | 5/22/2007 |
Q: I have a 1935 cape cod style house with an enclosed front porch and no front entrance. Do you have ...
A: I infer that you want the front door to be the focal point (the place where attention is focused). ...
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| Landscaping with storm drain | 5/21/2007 |
Q: time and guidance. we purchased a new construction home with a storm drain. The storm drain is ...
A: Here is my favorite plant sector website: http://www.growit.com/PlantInfo/LandScape.Htm You'll need ...
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| Bradford pear | 5/21/2007 |
Q: I have a Bradford pear tree that is 12 years old. Up to last year it was beautiful until last ...
A: I don't recall the pears doing too well, when I lived in Charlottesville...maye a powdery mildew? I ...
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| Tall narrow decorative tree type | 5/20/2007 |
Q: I am looking for a tree that will grow tall (for privacy) and narrow ( 6 to 8 feet wide -between ...
A: You are in a Canadian zone 6a (roughly a USDA zone 5). Here are some clumnar/narrow plants that ...
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| regrading around foundation | 5/19/2007 |
Q: We have some water problem on one side of our house which is at a downslope in the subdivision. ...
A: How old is the home? If it is a recently built, the developer may have the pleasure of fixing this ...
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| Is my Jaracanda dying? | 5/17/2007 |
Q: I have a Jacaranda tree in my backyard and right now the tree is almost bare. We live in Daytona ...
A: Daytona BEach is closer to a 9A/9B, which is in the upper reaches of the Jacarada's zone. For more ...
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| Springs coming up | 5/16/2007 |
Q: I live in St. Louis near a river. This spring has been just a little wetter than normal. W have a ...
A: If I owned this property, I would consider putting in a "spring box" (do a Google search to see what ...
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| Pine Trees | 5/16/2007 |
Q: My house is set back from the street by about 35 feet. I have property on the right and left of my ...
A: Dave - Grass is pretty adaptable, so I don't think it is the acidic needles, but rather poor ...
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| wild flower garden | 5/12/2007 |
Q: I live in the Dallas Texas area and the back of my backyard is kind of a hump up to the fence line. ...
A: A tall order. For trees, shrubs, & groundcovers, i use a website to select plants at ...
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| ground cover or grass | 5/11/2007 |
Q: We have a very small hill behind our condo, is it better to plant it in grass or ground cover. THank ...
A: Not trying to be "indecisive", but it really depends on a number of factors - Just some guiding ...
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| staking junipers | 5/10/2007 |
Q: I planted a row of 18 skyrocket Junipers several years ago that have reached 7' in height. I have ...
A: My general rule is to not stake a tree beyond the first growing season (no more than about 18 ...
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| Mixing a flagstone walkway with paver patio | 5/8/2007 |
Q: We currently have a paver patio with a mixture of terra cotta and gray colors of various sizes of ...
A: flagstone comes in all sorts of colors, depending on availability...No, I don't think it would look ...
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| weeds in walkway | 5/8/2007 |
Q: 2 years ago I put in a brick walkway from my driveway to my back steps. It looks great, but every ...
A: We don't have such fertile soil here, but if you are looking for a total weed killer, try searching ...
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| stone walkway | 5/8/2007 |
Q: I have a 1910 Victorian in NJ. I am designing a garden walkway from my wrap around porch to the ...
A: If I understand your questions correctly, I think either type of stone will fit, "historically" ...
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| privacy (evergreen) hedge | 4/25/2007 |
Q: Other than Arborvities (more along the Giant Thuja or Leyland Cyprus) I am looking for a hearty ...
A: Leylands area good, but can get large - 80 ft, at up to 10 ft./year! Good news is that you can ...
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| Mountain-side concerns | 4/22/2007 |
Q: I live on the side of a mountain at the foothills of the Shenandoah mountains in Virginia. This acre ...
A: Basically three solutions: 1.) No-mow grass, 2.) Special equipment, or 3.) Plant something else. NO ...
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| Extending a driveway, overflow parking | 4/20/2007 |
Q: I would like to widen my existing driveway onto my lawn to accomodate overflow parking. Essentially ...
A: 3 x 6 isn't a HUGE problem. There are a number of products out there, and basically 3 ways to ...
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| Growing grass over septic tank | 4/20/2007 |
Q: Zone 6 - Western NY. I have a big problem growing grass over the septic tank (most likely due to ...
A: I don't believe it is escaping gasses, but rather shallow soils - 3-4" just isn't enough to keep ...
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| sorry, sorry site | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I have an area I REALLY need help with. It is on my west property line and is, of course, the 1st ...
A: The dry condition plus invasive surface roots really makes it tough. I'm guessing that the ...
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| blacktop driveway | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I have a large blacktop driveway that abutts the neighbors driveway. I would like to cut a planting ...
A: The rental yard should have a concrete saw you can rent. It hooks up to a water source (usually by ...
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| Screen plants for Houston area | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I may be able to sleep better tonight without worrying about spacing.We live in houston area. We ...
A: Here are some others to consider,since you're having trouble finding a bigger Yaupon Holly (all are ...
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| Tiling/Pavers over existing concrete | 4/15/2007 |
Q: I have two sets of steps and a platform at the entrance to my home. I would like to tile or pave ...
A: Yes, if there are no big "chunks" missing or obvious cracks & failures that need reconstructing ...
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| Live oak spacing | 4/15/2007 |
Q: I may be able to sleep better tonight without worrying about spacing.We live in houston area. We ...
A: My father lives near Conroe, so I know that some areas of Houston are plagued with heavy clay soils ...
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| Fieldstone border around flower bed | 4/14/2007 |
Q: I am considering installing a stone border around a flower bed that runs in front of, and the length ...
A: 1. Yes 2. Maybe, depending on install (see below) 3. No 4. Yes, if cost is a concern, over "exactly" ...
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| Flooded Backyard | 4/12/2007 |
Q: I purchased a new house in December. Once the thaw and spring rains came I discovered that they ...
A: Your problem is beyond an e-mail solution from the likes of me. You have three options: (1) ...
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| grass | 4/12/2007 |
Q: I live on a river and have some low areas near the shoreline that have only river silt lying in ...
A: You might try Bahia grass - a native to Argentina... http://www.turfgrasses.com/info/erosion.html ...
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| driveway landscaping | 4/11/2007 |
Q: We live in the suburbs and our neighbor cut down all the pine trees that lines our driveway. ( they ...
A: why should YOU care what THEY think, now? Funny thing: I was just out at a jobsite this morning ...
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| landscaping for drainage - Streambed followup | 4/9/2007 |
Q: we are considering putting in drains underground to drain off rainwater from two lawns that drain ...
A: They come in many sizes, and are pretty plentiful here (we're on the Truckee River), so the price is ...
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| landscaping for drainage | 4/9/2007 |
Q: we are considering putting in drains underground to drain off rainwater from two lawns that drain ...
A: Open channels are always preferred over a closed pipe system, for ease of maintenance as well as the ...
|
| Hydrangeas need company | 4/6/2007 |
Q: We have a gray townhouse with white trim in Baltimore, MD with a North/Northeast exposure. The front ...
A: Hmmm. Year-round, in the shade/near shade, in the northeast is a tough one. My initial thought for ...
|
| Wet Swale | 4/5/2007 |
Q: I have about 1 acre on a slope, with an underground spring keeping a swale wet 9 months of the year ...
A: I use an online plant selection program for general ideas for plants (www.growit.com) understanding ...
|
| Pink Japanese Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana 'Rosea' | 4/4/2007 |
Q: Could you tell me how close to septic tank lines I can safely plant a Pink Japanese Magnolia without ...
A: Don - Your M. soulangiana has the potential for getting quite large (30-40 ft. ht. & about 20 feet ...
|
| noise mitigation | 4/3/2007 |
Q: I live 60 feet off a highway. In the effort to mitigate vehicle noise, I want to build a earth berm ...
A: Place the berm as close to the noise source as possible, as this will have a "reflecting" property ...
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| Yard Floods | 3/27/2007 |
Q: I live in an area with multiple housing units. All the units yards drain into my yard. Our yard is ...
A: It may help a bit - it is called a dry sump, and it is used a lot of times in areas, such as yours, ...
|
| Chainlink Fence | 3/26/2007 |
Q: I am looking at putting my house on the market in a couple of years and would like to improve the ...
A: I can think of 3 options: Remove, replace, or cover/dress it up. Remove the fence? If not, then ...
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| follow-on question about Bradford Pears | 3/26/2007 |
Q: Marc, We moved into this house almost 7 years ago. Among other plantings, there are two Bradfords. ...
A: I'm 90% sure its age...Dogs (and other critters) help by adding amonia and nitrogen. Unless you're ...
|
| white flowering shrubs | 3/25/2007 |
Q: I'm looking for a white flowering shrub - to grow to about 5 or 6 feet, rounded shape to put in a ...
A: Maybe you are thinking Gardenias (G. jasminoides), for "big" white flowers? There are lots of ...
|
| Growing plants under trees. | 3/24/2007 |
Q: I have a raised bed under an oak and a hickory tree in east Texas. I can't get anything to grow ...
A: Here is a handy "east Texas" shade-gardening link, with some plant suggestions: ...
|
| Fencing | 3/23/2007 |
Q: Please help me! I am currently in the process of getting a privacy fence installed in my backlot. ...
A: Usually, the HOA/ARC has a Design Book or Landscape Guideline of some sort...or a standard detail. ...
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| follow-on question about Bradford Pears | 3/22/2007 |
Q: Marc, We moved into this house almost 7 years ago. Among other plantings, there are two Bradfords. ...
A: It is most likely one of two things: age or fire blight. Bradfords are relatively resistant to ...
|
| landscape help | 3/21/2007 |
Q: I live in South Georgia in a 1917 Greek Revival home. The backyard really needs to be completely ...
A: Good morning, Rebecca - Sounds like it has the potential to become a charming spot. With the right ...
|
| New landscape | 3/19/2007 |
Q: We have a new home in Parker Co and are planning the backyard landscape. I actually have two ...
A: Its kind of a "loaded question", as there is are a series of numbers that you cannot just GUESS ...
|
| Patio Bricks | 3/19/2007 |
Q: I'm not sure if my question(s) are in your realm of expertise so please bear with me. We recently ...
A: Yep - in my area. You have a triangle whose area is 1,670 sq. in., or 11.59 square feet (In case ...
|
| landscaping | 3/19/2007 |
Q: When i first mover into my home of 4 years the the builders planted shrubs that was yellow and ...
A: My wife absolutely *LOVES* being prepared, with all her checklists in order, and then only after ...
|
| staining concrete | 3/18/2007 |
Q: Marc, I have heard that you can stain concrete. I have a set of ugly concrete steps and would like ...
A: Concrete is a very porous material and takes staining quite well. It is really a simple product. I ...
|
| water flow in back yard (drainage) FOLLOWUP | 3/15/2007 |
Q: my back yard slants toward the house. no leakage in the basement, but the water flow from the high ...
A: I had not been to NDS' website in a while...They've been busy buying up other companies and now ...
|
| groundcover (& shrub) recommendations | 3/15/2007 |
Q: Marc, I need some recommendations on what ground cover would be best for two in-ground planters I ...
A: I combined both evergreen flowering shrubs and groundcovers, as you have enough space to accommodate ...
|
| Calculating Soil for raised beds | 3/11/2007 |
Q: We have constructed three raised beds. They measure 6' x 4'x l'. How much soil in yards do we need ...
A: 6 x 4 x 1 = 24 cubic feet. This is divided by 27, to get cubic yards, or .88 c.y. per bed, ...
|
| Rabbits | 3/8/2007 |
Q: We live out on 5 acs. And boy I just can not believe the little cute rabbits are so destructive. ...
A: * * * FOLLOW-UP * * * Forgot to mention the obvious initial option - rabbit repellant; Available at ...
|
| Landscape Design | 3/7/2007 |
Q: I am located in Georgia. I should have included that in my question. I read one of your past ...
A: Great! I love planning the design before the chovle hits the dirt; it saves a lot on the wallet & ...
|
| Landscape Design | 3/7/2007 |
Q: I would like your suggestion on ways to create a landscape design for the front of the home. I have ...
A: It is your home, so trust your likes/dislikes; just because others or I suggest something, you have ...
|
| need help with my yard | 2/27/2007 |
Q: I live in southwest Virginia. My yard is in 2 levels. Where the 2 come together is a rather steep ...
A: When I lived in VA, I was constantly fighting the weeds (invasive grasses). Even though it has a ...
|
| Wisteria replacement | 2/26/2007 |
Q: I have a Wisteria vine growing on a Patio arbor for shade in the summer, problem is Wisteria is too ...
A: Depending on your USDA zone, here are a few "replacements" for your Wisteria: Morning Glory Vine (a ...
|
| Design for Large Back Yard | 2/24/2007 |
Q: We have a large, aluminum-fenced backyard with a slight slope. We have planted some trees. What is ...
A: Like an artist confronted by a blank canvas, or a writer stumped by a white sheet of paper, it can ...
|
| Landscaping ideas | 2/23/2007 |
Q: I have a problem with desinging a memorable landscape. I am creating a landscape for a library, ...
A: Who doesn't like roses & trees? (Actually, my sister-in-law doesn't like trees...) Creating a ...
|
| house entrance | 2/12/2007 |
Q: we are one of 4 houses set back off the road in a rural setting and want ideas how to design the ...
A: I used to live on a similar community in Virginia...there were four of us on a cul-de-sac, in a ...
|
| Low Maintenance Design | 2/7/2007 |
Q: I am looking to design the area in to the right of our door under the living room area with a ...
A: I don't mind long questions, if you don't mind looking a little deeper than a few plant suggestions, ...
|
| mulching | 2/7/2007 |
Q: Marc, Thank you for your time. My backyard is a disaster! Half of it is ok with grass but about ...
A: Wood chips are a good "quick fix" for a dark, muddy area - I would use a hardwood variety, and no ...
|
| Moss growth in paver patio | 2/3/2007 |
Q: I have a 3 year old brick paver patio and last summer I had a great deal of moss growth between the ...
A: Mike - there are two approaches listed below. The first is more "environmentally friendly", and ...
|
| sun angles winter vs. summer | 2/2/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of planning new flowerbeds on the north side of my house. I live in zone 7a. I ...
A: 2 sites: One shows the concept of WHY it is more shady in the winter than in the summer. The ...
|
| grading | 1/29/2007 |
Q: Ok that helped me soo much but now i have another situation with grading! i have flat areas and i ...
A: I thought I could just point you to an online PDF document or guideline explaining basic grading ...
|
| grading | 1/26/2007 |
Q: I have to figure out grades in a park. I have random spot elevations but can not figure out the ...
A: Hope this isn't a homework question...because I didn't answer it until this morning! Sorry. Imagine ...
|
| pruning | 1/21/2007 |
Q: i am in zone 5 (southern ontario)and wish to know if I can prune trees in the winter
A: depends on the tree or shrub - deciduous, evergreen, flowereing, fruit-bearing, etc. Here is a ...
|
| Beryl Rocks? | 1/13/2007 |
Q: What are they and can you sell them have massive quantity kinda like a quartz crystal for jewlery
A: My son is a budding geologist, so I think I can answer this one. Here are some pictures of them ...
|
| Potted Trees. Incorporating greenery downtown. | 1/9/2007 |
Q: I live in a small Eastern/Central Idaho town called Arco and am faced with the task of adding ...
A: You are in a USDA zone 4a (Sunset zone 1). The map is pretty tough to read, as the hills create all ...
|
| Big drainage problem | 1/6/2007 |
Q: I purchased a house 10/06 Being a single women alone i got taken advantage of. I was never told of ...
A: Unfortunately, you have TWO problems: Mold & Drainage. The one problem (drainage) is enhancing the ...
|
| Gravel patio | 1/6/2007 |
Q: Ok, I know this is a tough one. I have a concrete patio about 5m x 5m that I want to cover with a ...
A: I am assuming you want to do it yourself, instead of hiring someone else to mess with it. I have ...
|
| Bradford Pear Tree | 1/2/2007 |
Q: hope you can help me. We have 3 large Bradfords in our front yard. We were calling to get ...
A: Sadly, the tree trimmers are correct. The Bradford has a short life; only about 25-30 years. See ...
|
| color, trees | 12/28/2006 |
Q: I don't know anything about trees or gardening. I just moved in to a new place and what I want is ...
A: Depends on where you live...If color is the only consideration, I have a favorite site I go to so ...
|
| Red Cordyline | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I have several red Cordylines behind a short wall. I want to keep them short so I see mostly ...
A: I'm not familiar with this Pacific Island tropical, especially as an outdoor plant...but here are ...
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| sago palm | 10/22/2006 |
Q: I would just like to know about pruning the sago,,How much and when ......Thanx for you're time!!!!
A: Though I do not live in an area that enjoys growing this plant, my brother does. It is a really ...
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| groundcover | 10/15/2006 |
Q: I live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. What ground cover would you suggest for a very shaded area ...
A: You are in USDA zone 9, with lots of options. Here are a few groundcovers that will grow in heavy ...
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| Tree Wall | 10/11/2006 |
Q: . We recently built a small retaining wall around several dogwoods in our front yard and also on ...
A: The unfortunate answer is YES, the extra soil will kill your trees. The tree's root system in in ...
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| Picket fence - where do I start? | 9/28/2006 |
Q: I'm buying a house with a partially fenced back yard. There will be a couple little dogs living ...
A: It is VERY feasible, no matter what sex you are! Handy & strong is good...you'll save on labor ...
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| Hydrander | 9/27/2006 |
Q: I have had a Hydrander (blue) for 6 years. I got beautiful blooms the 1st 2 years and nothing ...
A: There are all sorts of reason why a Hydrangea might not be blooming. Here is the National ...
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| lawn to garden | 9/27/2006 |
Q: I have Bermuda Grass where I want to put a garden. Can I just start tilling and raking? Thank You
A: I wish I had good news and it could be that easy! IF the grass has not gone dormant, yet, you'll ...
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| expert testimony design of parks | 9/25/2006 |
Q: We are a law firm in need of an expert in recreational park design. Our client is an elderly lady ...
A: Mr. Fox: I have worked for several firms in the past that provide "Expert Witness" services. As ...
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| Privet Hedge | 9/19/2006 |
Q: I have another question re: a shrub I bought that's new to me. I bought 3 variegated privits. My ...
A: There are about 14 different kinds of Privet/Ligustrum. The generic privets found at Lowes/Home ...
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| Downcast lighting | 9/19/2006 |
Q: our development requires downcast lighting to reduce light pollution but when I try to find downcast ...
A: "Downcast" is a pretty broad term...Where I live, they also call it "cut-off" or "shielded" ...
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| Decorative-dwarf-weeping tree close to home | 9/14/2006 |
Q: My wife and I need to replace a dwarf tree in front of our house. The tree will be very close to the ...
A: Here is a list of weeping forms for the Minneapolis (zone3!)area... ...
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| Landscape fabric | 9/11/2006 |
Q: You helped me last week with aquestion about a large periennial shade garden. My question has to ...
A: Is it just one, big, floppy piece? Usually, as you roll it out the "roll" side is the "up" side - ...
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| hill eroision | 9/4/2006 |
Q: I live in the L. a. area. my hill is a 45 degree slope about 55 ft up and down and 70 ft wide. I ...
A: By "apple groundcover", do you mean Carpobrotus/Ice Plant? This is a common plant for southern ...
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| redesign (Free-design?) | 8/28/2006 |
Q: well, after watching zillions of lanscape shows on HGTV and PBS, I see, homeowners on TV getting ...
A: I grew up on This Old House Classics & Hometime, and my beautiful bride had to endure watching all ...
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| Planning a AM sun border | 8/28/2006 |
Q: First, thanks very much for taking the time to consider my question. Your advice is very much ...
A: Hot dog! A record 9 questions in one e-mail... Happy to help out: For low maintenance, the weed ...
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| Synthetic grass | 8/27/2006 |
Q: I reside in Las Vegas so the heat and lack of rain have a lot to do with my considering synthetic ...
A: I heard last year about your city's "bounty" on turf grass...Here in Reno, natural turf is being ...
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| Pruning Sweet gum trees | 8/23/2006 |
Q: I have 3 Sweet Gum trees that live along a chain link fence in North Georgia. I really enjoy the ...
A: I have not seen any method to "prune" the base or side trunk off of a mature tree. (By the way, ...
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| Yellowing sweet gum tree | 8/21/2006 |
Q: I have a 4-5 year old sweet gum tree in Northeast Ohio. Lately, the leaves on the inside are ...
A: Some interior leaf abscission (leaf drop) almost always occurs in mid- to late-Summer as a response ...
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| Blue spruce close to house | 8/13/2006 |
Q: The former owners of our home planted a blue spruce about 3 feet from our home. The tree is now ...
A: The Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) needs space - so planting them too close to buildings, walks, or ...
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| Land question (sorta) | 8/11/2006 |
Q: Mr. Chapelle: Thanks for the quick response, and for the helpful suggestions. You're right, of ...
A: Wow - you are a patient man! He really sounds like a goober of a contractor. Maybe you can hire a ...
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| Courtyard Entry way - HELP!! | 8/11/2006 |
Q: My house is L shaped and we are converting the garage into a family room and adding a new garage ...
A: Sounds like you are still in the midst of construction. So, now is the time to make plans to "fix" ...
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| Land question (sorta) | 8/10/2006 |
Q: Mr. Chapelle: Not sure if this question is in your field of expertise, but maybe you can help steer ...
A: First off, some basic math - the square root of 16,000 sf is 126.5 feet x 126.5 feet. A very large ...
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| pics | 8/10/2006 |
Q: can u send me som nice pics of gardens to my mail or suggest sites were i can see?
A: I know it sounds simple, because it is! Go to Google.com, click on IMAGES, then type in the search ...
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| Bradford Pear | 8/8/2006 |
Q: I live in the Midwest and one of my Bradford Pear trees has lost all of its leaves. It started in ...
A: Sadly, I have no magic answer for you...it is probably dying or is already dead. And, it may due to ...
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| Front house landscaping | 8/8/2006 |
Q: Marc, Thanks for volunteering your time. We live in Frederick MD (about 25 miles North of Wash DC ...
A: If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say you were a USDA zone 6a/6b...I've been though Fredrick MD, on ...
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| Pruning forsythia bush | 8/7/2006 |
Q: I am in Western New York (Buffalo area) Can a forsythia bush be safely pruned back beyond where the ...
A: Forsythia is kind of like asparagus, in that you prune it back all the way to the ground...you ...
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| Installing pavers in a pathway | 8/7/2006 |
Q: I'm planning a 30 foot by 4 foot walkway on a slight slope (2 foot drop in about 30 feet). I want to ...
A: I'd go with the 3/4" rock, as the "turkey grit" sounds too unstable. By that, I mean that the ...
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| drainage problem | 8/5/2006 |
Q: This takes a bit of explaining, so please bear with me. We live in a development 15 miles north of ...
A: It sounds like you have bigger issue than a pesky drainage problem. Its called "subsidence" - for a ...
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| Looking for large yew | 8/4/2006 |
Q: I am looking for a rather large yew ... approximately 15 feet tall by 8 feet wide. Any suggestions ...
A: Linda- There are commercial plant locators (kind of like talent scouts), as most contractors don't ...
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| Jacaranda | 8/4/2006 |
Q: I planted the seeds of the Jacaranda tree and of a sapote tree. The labels were blown away by the ...
A: There are four different kinds of Sapote/Zapote grown in South America: black (Diospyros), white ...
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| 3d programs for garden design | 8/3/2006 |
Q: I think autocad or 3dstudio max are the best I'll wait for your opinion thanks
A: I had this question asked last year, and I still have no firm opinion...I've been using AutoCAD ...
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| weed block | 8/2/2006 |
Q: I have areas around my home (slopes, pool, house perimeter) where I want nothing to grow..what kind ...
A: There really is no good reason for using plastic sheets, because it traps moisture and stops air ...
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| trees near foundation | 7/31/2006 |
Q: Are these roots safe to be so close to the foundation or should we have it removed? Question 2: ...
A: 1.) What a lovely tree! The Cupaniopsis has no specific invasive root problems to speak of (its a ...
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| Sealing Paver Patios | 7/31/2006 |
Q: I was wondering if you could tell me the advantages and disadvantages of sealing a paver patio. We ...
A: There are several reasons you should seal your pavers. The most dramatic is for the aesthetic ...
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| How to stop ivy growth around window frames | 7/30/2006 |
Q: Is there a spray/chemical that you can paint on the wall to impede the sucker growth of Ivy, I have ...
A: I previously suggested the use of paint mixed with a chemical called Treflan. i frankly don't know ...
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| weed membrane alternative for flowerbeds | 7/29/2006 |
Q: i have 3 or 4 flowerbeds roughly 7 feet long and 18 inches wide. i want to put tree bark mulch ...
A: I've used old newspapers. Lay about four or five sheets down, punch holes where you want the "good" ...
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| landscaping around a detention basin | 7/28/2006 |
Q: We live in south eastern pennsylvania in a new construction house. we have a big back yard, but ...
A: some trees that can stand being alternatively wet, then dry are: Swamp White Oak - Quercus bicolor ...
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| PLANT AROUND OUR POOL | 7/28/2006 |
Q: ... WE ARE BUILDING A SMALL POOL 33X11 RECTANGLE WITH ONLY 3 FEET WIDE AND 11 LONG THIS AREA I WANT ...
A: Susie - Do you mean King Palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)? Yes, you are in one of the rare ...
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| privacy shade trees | 7/27/2006 |
Q: Can you recommend some fast growing bushes/trees for a shady area in Georgia that will cover the ...
A: You're in luck. There is a talented fellow named Walter Reeves that has a very exhaustive website ...
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| flooding pool patio | 7/27/2006 |
Q: A few years ago we had a pool installed. Because the back yard flooded, we raised the concrete ...
A: Not good, at all. Standing water next to a house is a big no-no. I would recommend a two-pronged ...
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| Landscaping around an inground storm shelter | 7/26/2006 |
Q: My son just bought a house in Norman, Oklahoma. Right outside the front door along the walk from the ...
A: Small world. I was born in Norman, Ok. I remember we were the only house on the block with a ...
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| controlling ivy on walls | 7/25/2006 |
Q: what is the spray you can paint on the wall to impede sucker growth you talked about in your 4/7/06 ...
A: I did a quick google search, but could not recall the name of the product, and I don't specifically ...
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| Jacaranda tree facts | 7/25/2006 |
Q: I have a very large (50+ft), healthy, jacaranda tree. Do limbs fall off jacaranda trees if they ...
A: Sorry for the delay. I looked through my technical information, and there is no obvious branch ...
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| new deck landscaping? | 7/24/2006 |
Q: we just installed a sunroom that opens to a 9 x12 smallish deck. it has white lattice around the ...
A: (Weird - sorry for the delay - I thought I'd answered this already - I'm changing offices and ...
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| sweet gum trees | 7/22/2006 |
Q: They are still relatively small so for now they don't pose any sort of threat. My issue is this. ...
A: The Liquidambar (Sweet Gum)is a good street tree, or screening tree in groves...IF there are no ...
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| Bradford Pear Trees | 7/22/2006 |
Q: What is the possible future outcome to the tree and my property if a professional cuts exstensive ...
A: Pear roots are not particularly sensitive to prunig, however, like most other trees, they are most ...
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| When should I plant holly plants? | 7/16/2006 |
Q: Marc, none of the shrub experts is in so you're getting this question-- hope you don't mind. My MIL ...
A: Generally, its good to plant in the Spring or the Fall, before 1st frost. Holly is generally ...
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| blue hydrangea | 7/16/2006 |
Q: What do I do to my soil (I know I need to add aluminum?) to make my white hydrangeas turn blue. How ...
A: I don't know if you can turn WHITE into BLUE, but many gardeners buy a blooming BLUE flowered plant, ...
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| regrading around the foundation - wet basement! | 7/16/2006 |
Q: We live in NE Iowa and are getting ready to sell our 100+ year old house. The problem is, during ...
A: Sounds like what you are trying to make is a parimeter drain, but it may not fully intercept the ...
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| Controlling vegetation growth | 7/14/2006 |
Q: I am having a horrible time controlling the growth of weeds and grasses in walkways and bush beds. ...
A: My sympathies. I'm surprised the "total kill" didn't work. You can practically spell our name with ...
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| moving trees | 7/13/2006 |
Q: I have just fenced my backyard and the previous owner put 2 big spruces and several bushes--i don't ...
A: Moving plants is o.k. I've moved trees over 25 feet tall, but the bigger they are, the less likely ...
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| Transplanting blue spruce | 7/12/2006 |
Q: Want to transplant a 3 ft tall spruce which is currently along a fence. How do I do this? Zone 5 ...
A: Its usually best done in the early Spring or Fall...the Summer sun just barbeques them before they ...
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| Bradford Pear | 6/28/2006 |
Q: I live in Indianapolis, In. We have a Bradford Pear tree in our front yard and love it. But the ...
A: Suckers usually come up from the grafted stock, and in older trees may indicate that the tree is in ...
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| what to do with a large 45 degree angle slope | 6/24/2006 |
Q: My house is on a hill. Behind my home is a 45 degree angle slope. It is quite large, and there ...
A: I took some time to respond to this, because I wanted to contemplate a little before suggesting ...
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| Laying Flagstone on Concrete Slab | 6/21/2006 |
Q: I want to lay 1/2" red flagstone with 1/2" joints on my existing concrete walkway. My climate is ...
A: I would use one of two products to directly attach these flagstones to the existing concrete - if ...
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| locus root system | 6/18/2006 |
Q: janesville, wi. 53548 just viewed a program on a cable show regarding an evasive root system ...
A: The roots of the black locust are usually shallow and wide spreading, but deep roots can also be ...
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| Tree House | 6/16/2006 |
Q: Can you give me guidance on building tree house or can you direct me to a source. thanks
A: Such a simple-sounding question....but, WOW! what a full subject! There are books, seminars, and ...
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| Planting in tree stump area | 6/7/2006 |
Q: I live in southern New Jersey, Zone 7. I had double scrub oaks removed..50 foot. The stumps were ...
A: The Russian Junipers (Juniperus semiglobosa), and in reality all the junipers (Siberian, Common, ...
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| Lawn alternatives | 6/4/2006 |
Q: Have a two family home in Linden NJ (6a or 6b zone) There is a small front lawn (about 10 by 6). ...
A: FOLLOW-UP I did not mean to imply that you CANNOT plant a shade or patio tree. The area required ...
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| i am beginner that needs help | 6/2/2006 |
Q: i a beginner and when other say these thing i dont know what thay mean so could you help me out so i ...
A: I don't do homework questions ("describe, define, illustrate, explain"....) However, if you want to ...
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| Non evergreen hedge | 5/30/2006 |
Q: I live on a corner property and need a hedge to block the view of the cars. I don't want the hedge ...
A: FOLLOWUP I read your quetion too quickly!~ I'm sorry. Forgive my carelessness. I thought you ...
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| Bradford Pear Tree | 5/30/2006 |
Q: I live in central Ohio and have a Bradford Pear that is planted near my paver patio. I have noticed ...
A: The tree is sufficiently mature, at 25 ft. tall. Trimming back one 1/2" surface root should not harm ...
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| ZONE 9 PLANTING | 5/28/2006 |
Q: I HAVE A HUGE OAK TREE IN THE FRONT YARD WHICH WON'T ALLOW ANYTHING TO GROW UNDER IT. I WANT TO PUT ...
A: Nope - I won't suggest Azaleas. I would, however, suggest you not fill the base of the oak with ...
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| Locus tree | 5/25/2006 |
Q: I live in Ontario Canada and have a Locus tree that is about 30 yrs. old. Some of it's branches are ...
A: FOLLOW-UP I didn't answer you main question (sorry!), which was should you prune it to increase its ...
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| sloping ground | 5/24/2006 |
Q: I am a novice in gardening. My backyard slopes out downwards towards the fence. I am thinking of ...
A: South-facing is good for those plants that need full sun. As for the slope with the fence at the ...
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| Late Sept. blooms.... | 5/22/2006 |
Q: I m writing to see if you might be able to suggest some plants that will still be doing well in LATE ...
A: I just recently picked up an interesting guide from Home Depot, called "Annual, Perennial, and ...
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| Slate path | 5/19/2006 |
Q: I am planning to build the main path to my house front door with slates. I am planning to use big ...
A: It would be a great look & it's a great idea. Also, weeds don't grow through resin-bound products. ...
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| retaining wall | 5/18/2006 |
Q: I would like to make my own retaining wall blocks were can I get block molds 12x8x4
A: FOLLOW-UP: I found a link that comes close... http://www.westbrookblock.com/products/8inch.htm ...
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| Ficus Hedges | 5/16/2006 |
Q: I live in Boca Raton, Florida and have been told by my HOA that Ficus Hedges are the only hedges ...
A: You're in a pickle. I hate HOAs that are formed with by-laws that are poorly written (usually by ...
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| creeping juniper | 5/15/2006 |
Q: Our creeping juniper appears to be dying in the middle of the plant - large 12-inch brown centers in ...
A: Could be all sorts of things...somebody stepped on it, or its drip emitter is clogged, or it's sick ...
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| WOOD CHIPS AROND TREE | 5/15/2006 |
Q: ------------------------- Followup To HELLO! I MADE A MISTAKE. I HAVE A BLACK MAPLE NOT A OAK AND I ...
A: Black Maples (Acer nigrum) are a shallow-rooted tree - their roots grow out for long distances (100 ...
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| trees | 5/13/2006 |
Q: I recently had to have a "mound" drain field system installed due to heavy clay soil. It's huge and ...
A: It used to be that the standard detail for this effluent system required the use of junipers to ...
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| WOOD CHIPS AROND TREE | 5/10/2006 |
Q: I HAVE A HUGE( 12 FEET AROUND) OAK TREE IN MY BACK YARD THAT I HAVE BEEN PUTTING RED WOOD CHIP ...
A: Depends on the type of oak...a Swamp Oak, that lives its life submerged in the southern woods of ...
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| Problem with Boxwoods | 5/8/2006 |
Q: I recently purchased four boxwoods from a local nursery and have a problem. I planted the shrubs in ...
A: I doubt it...sounds more like transplant shock, or failure to water them after initial planting, so ...
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| Tropical Lanscaping | 5/6/2006 |
Q: I live in Key West at present. I am buying a home in Charleston, SC. Will tropical plants grow in ...
A: Clemsen University's Ag Extension has a fine website for you to see what may grow in your new ...
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| OVERSEEDING MISTAKE | 5/4/2006 |
Q: I have a lawn that is 3 years old. I live in southern Ohio (Cincinnati).I have over seeded each fall ...
A: First, thanks for your patience...our ISP was down on Friday. I spoke with the fine folks at ...
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| Terraces | 5/4/2006 |
Q: We are buying a home that has an area at the rear of our lot that has a fairly sharp curved incline ...
A: FOLLOW-UP: I erred. It's not 5 cubic yards, its 50 cubic yards that typically triggers a grading ...
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| hydranger (spelling?) | 4/29/2006 |
Q: I recently bought a blue hydranger. I've been getting conflicting answers. Please help. Do I ...
A: You can fertilize a Hydrangea, but its not really necessary if you have a planter bed with ...
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| Mulch | 4/27/2006 |
Q: I have a house that was built in 1945. There was evidence of termites in the past but I have had it ...
A: I like free. I've enjoyed many "free" landscape items over the years, as friends & family have ...
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| lanscape help | 4/25/2006 |
Q: Wow - that is great info. If i can, let me add some clarity and look for your recommendation. I ...
A: This is a link for "tall & skinny" trees... http://www.backyardgardener.com/tree/indexlist25.html ...
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| lanscape help | 4/25/2006 |
Q: I'll keep it simple. I live in 94565. Hot as heck during the summer and somewhat of a clay ground. ...
A: Well, what you are looking for are large shrubs that can be pruned into small trees, or patio-sized ...
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| palermo tree | 4/24/2006 |
Q: someone gave us a palermo tree? . do you know anything about it or where i could find info about it ...
A: I don't know of a tree with that common name...maybe the Palmetto Tree (Sabal Palm) of Florida/South ...
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| garden paths | 4/21/2006 |
Q: How can we reuse concrete sidewalks by breaking it up into irregular pieces for a path?
A: Here is one person's adaptive re-use of broken concrete to make a path: ...
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| groundcover in NH | 4/21/2006 |
Q: I have been reading your suggestions for ground coverings on a slope. I've done the prep, but now I ...
A: As a follow-up, Bobbie, you mentioned that you live on a shoreline. Here is a link from UNH for ...
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| Boxwood Hedge | 4/15/2006 |
Q: We moved here 3 years ago and there is a boxwood hedge in the front that had been neglected. Over ...
A: I would not cut it to the ground. Their survival would be unlikely. Here is a good link from ...
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| Forsythia bushes | 4/14/2006 |
Q: I have a couple of rather large forsythia bushes along the border of my yard that for the last few ...
A: Forsythias flower from the previous season's growth, and not on new growth. Therefore, pruning ...
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| Noise barrier | 4/12/2006 |
Q: We have just moved to the mountains and have found a lot of 2 acres to build a house. The top area ...
A: A rockery wall as close to the noise source as possible will have a "reflecting" property to it, and ...
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| english ivy not adhering to concrete wall | 4/7/2006 |
Q: 10 years ago we planted cuttings of english ivy from my parents house along a 60' long, 20' high ...
A: Interesting - I'm usually asked how to STOP it from attaching to walls (there is a spray/chemical ...
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| hide a wall and wind brake | 3/31/2006 |
Q: i have a 6 foot wall around my back yard my area is is just west of palm springs avrage rain fall ...
A: My desert home, The Great Basin, actually is tougher on plants because it is a "cold desert"...you, ...
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| Privacy screen | 3/18/2006 |
Q: We bought our home in northern Ohio a few months ago and we have a large picture window in the ...
A: The quickest solution is a fence, curtains, or paying the neighbor to paint his house...but I think ...
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| gophers | 3/13/2006 |
Q: We would like to work on getting our yard in order. The major problem that we have is gophers. ...
A: With an average infestation, these little guys can move about 50 tons of soil per acre, in one year. ...
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| Fencing | 3/9/2006 |
Q: I'm wondering if anyone has come up with a sightful way to block grass from coming up around fences. ...
A: You can pave under the fence with concrete or brick pavers, but I wouldn't hesitate to use the ...
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| Jacaranda tree leaves | 2/26/2006 |
Q: I live in the San Diego area and have 3 jacaranda trees that I planted about 4 years ago. They ...
A: Its considered a "Semi-deciduous" tree - so leaves coming off in the fall is normal. Just about ...
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| Festuca rubra grass morphology. | 2/7/2006 |
Q: I would like to know the form and morphology (appearence)of Festuca rubra and its uses in the ...
A: General appearance and uses: http://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/d%20-%20g/festuca_rubra_rf.htm What ...
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| can you help | 1/26/2006 |
Q: i am installing driveway lights also lights in my yard the lights will work on a sensor at night i ...
A: Electically, it's a simple gizmo (like the indoor manual light dimmer), so I'm sure it exists. I ...
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| landscape design | 12/21/2005 |
Q: 1. What is the best way to landscape design a historical park? that it wouldn't be a boring one, ...
A: A very interesting question -however also a very intricate subject. I looked at the park site over ...
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| Sweet Gum Tree | 12/19/2005 |
Q: I have been told that there is a type of hormone treatment that can be used on the sweet gum tree so ...
A: I don't know of any such hormone for the Sweet Gum, but there are several used in the horticultural ...
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| Help in landscaping design | 12/19/2005 |
Q: I'm an horticulture graduate and looking for information landscaping.Could you recommend any ...
A: but unfortunately, I known very little about this topic. Maybe, I can direct you to some places ...
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| software for garden design | 12/18/2005 |
Q: My partner is currently doing a garden design course. She really isn't much of a drawer ( by her own ...
A: You're not the first to want something that is simple, yet functional. In August, I had a similar ...
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| Orienting Trees to North??? | 12/16/2005 |
Q: I have been reviewing a landscaping specification for a construction project and see that it ...
A: I found out one possible source for this specification: The Saguaro Cactus of the Southwest is ...
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| groundcover | 12/14/2005 |
Q: I have a backyard that starts sloping downwards about 30 feet behind my house towards a lake. The ...
A: If you're not RIGHT up on the Lake (Erie), you're probably in zone 5 or so. The lake effects frost ...
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| plants around the house | 12/8/2005 |
Q: Is it O.K. to plant a rubber tree next to a house or will the roots cause a problem?
A: It depends on which "rubber tree" you're talking about. The tropical one does indeed have invasive ...
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| Lemon Tree | 11/30/2005 |
Q: I live in Los Angeles, and have a Meyers Lemon tree. it was originally in a pot, and had lots of ...
A: Sandra - the Meyers Lemon is a dwarf variety and a cross between the Manderine orange and lemon, so ...
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| forsythia | 11/28/2005 |
Q: I hope you can offer some guidance please. I have a row of forsythia acting as a very important ...
A: “Good fences make good neighbors” – My heart goes out to you. I, too, have experienced too much of ...
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| ivy or other ground cover | 11/9/2005 |
Q: I just bought a new home this fall here in Pittsburgh.My question is I have a steep hillside that is ...
A: Generally, if there is lawn already established, you'll want it dead at the roots. If you dig it ...
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| tree choice | 11/1/2005 |
Q: I live in Los Angeles. I own a small Spanish house that was built in the 20's. It faces West. I ...
A: I think you have the right idea. Why keep marginal Yuccas in such a beautiful climate. Actually, ...
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| Paver Stones | 9/22/2005 |
Q: Some time ago I purchased Pavers in a red tone, approximately 17 inches square. I have a job that ...
A: Sounds like an interesting pavement design. The supplier that you mentioned can be found on the web ...
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| Planting Trees in November | 9/20/2005 |
Q: We want to plant maple and plum trees. The maples are about 3 1/2 - 4 calibers and the plum are 3 ...
A: I, too, live in a Zone 7. Our first frost is in about 3 weeks. We regularly have our contractors ...
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| how to figure out amounts of conrete for patio | 9/8/2005 |
Q: i can not remember for the life of me how to figure out how may sq feet are in a cubic yard when you ...
A: The math is pretty straightforward: 1 foot = 12 inches, therefore 4 inches = 1/3 of a foot, or .33 ...
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| Site Line definition | 9/1/2005 |
Q: I was wondering what exactly is a "site line"? I'm reading a lighting design article in a magazine ...
A: When I was going to school, the instructors (rightly so) reinforced the point that certain terms ...
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| Colorado blue spruce | 8/27/2005 |
Q: I live in Northern NY state and last week had 10 6 foot high Colorado spruce trees planted on my ...
A: in New York- You've picked a lovely tree! The Maples should not pose a problem, as these trees ...
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| Gardening By The Beach | 8/24/2005 |
Q: We have a beach house. The front faces the beach and the back is where we parked our cars. Along ...
A: Congratulations! Being able to live so close to the ocean is a blessing. The beach environment, ...
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| Software | 8/22/2005 |
Q: I'm hoping to locate software that will enable me to plug in numbers for ultimate plant size and ...
A: You're not the first to want something that is simple, yet functional. For the homeowner or simple ...
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| figuring square yards | 8/16/2005 |
Q: I have a yard in the shape of a right triangle. The base is 37ft and the straight side is 81ft and ...
A: Ahh!! A math question. Instead of looking at it as a triangle, look at it as HALF of a rectangle. ...
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| landscape | 8/8/2005 |
Q: I doug up my drive way to make it wider now I have a 3 foot high dirt wall by 60 feet long is there ...
A: Sure. If the angle of the slope is not too steep (of course, if it is solid rock, it won't matter), ...
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| gutting and cementing | 8/2/2005 |
Q: I like to know how much can I charge someone to get rid of tall grass and weeds and cement a back ...
A: Costs are VERY regional...especially concrete! For our neck of the woods, I'd estimate that a 480 ...
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| slope of a baseballfield | 7/31/2005 |
Q: what is the standard slope of college baseball field
A: The standard OUTFIELD slope is no less than 1% slope (1" per foot), no greater than 2 1/2% (3-1/4" ...
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| Question | 7/15/2005 |
Q: I am looking for some creative and inexpensive solutions for filling the space under two large ...
A: Sorry for the delay. I was off camping (in Beautiful Lassen National Park) Just about anything you ...
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| trellis | 7/5/2005 |
Q: I would like to plant a climbing hydrangea and train it to a trellis. Is vinyl lattice material ...
A: I'm not too familiar with this popular Midwest plant, but what my resources tell me is that the ...
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| Chain Link Fence | 7/4/2005 |
Q: My neighbor has a 100 foot chain link fence that I would like to cover up. My Any suggestions? ...
A: All sorts of vines are available, depending on your region. I just recently planted several ...
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| We have a patio and the stones... | 7/3/2005 |
Q: We have a patio and the stones are slowly disintegrating. I like the way this looks but we might ...
A: You are right to look at moss for this partially shady location. Each region has a different ...
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| Stump and shrub removal | 7/1/2005 |
Q: The stumps I will be removing are oak and birch. Will they root sprout? I have a wooded lot, so if ...
A: OOPS! Helps when I read the first sentence of your original question! Sorry for not reading ...
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| Stump and shrub removal | 6/30/2005 |
Q: I have several huge oaks and a birch that are dead/dying and need to be removed (My wife is ...
A: (sorry I didn't answer sooner - its been a BUSY day!!) #1 - Removing tree stumps. you are right. ...
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| Flagstone | 6/27/2005 |
Q: Marc, I have tried numerous resouces to find out what I can do to bring back color to sun ...
A: No need to rip out all that glorious flagstone and replace it. It is a porous stone that easily ...
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| New Yard | 6/27/2005 |
Q: Yes, we haven't graded yet. My neighbor is spraying all of the grass/weeds/bushes growing on this ...
A: You could. I'm basically a "cheap" person, however, and Roundup is not on the bargin rack. It ...
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| New Yard | 6/26/2005 |
Q: 2 Quick questions about our new yard (new construction without a finished back yard). 1) Much of ...
A: I'm a bit unclear - you have NOT graded your quarter-acre yet? If not, let the grader rip up the ...
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| Planting under Deck | 6/21/2005 |
Q: We have two large decks: one off the second floor dining room, with a stairway to a second deck ...
A: It depends on what zone you are in. First thing, though, is check out your USDA zone at ...
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| Landscaping around a trailer | 6/20/2005 |
Q: I am starting college in the fall of 2005, and I have bought a trailer to live in during my years ...
A: My database suggests a few of the following plants for a shady central Alabama landscape: Osmunda ...
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| Jacaranda trees | 6/4/2005 |
Q: I've just returned to my home in northern Calif. (250 miles north of Sacramento on I-5.) from a trip ...
A: I love those trees, too. Unfortunately, they don't grow in your area, under any circumstances! The ...
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| Patio | 5/31/2005 |
Q: I was wondering if you would be able to help me. I am planing on laying a patio and I want to know ...
A: It's been a busy Tuesday! The base for a 50x50 paver (20” square, for us old folks) depends on the ...
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| stone as a ground cover | 5/25/2005 |
Q: I recently landscaped my new yard. Instead of wood mulch which I hate to change, work with and think ...
A: I wouldn't be too concerned. The big issue is that rocks or inert material will heat up, and stunt ...
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| mulch around Hostas | 5/22/2005 |
Q: Is is all right to use pine bark mulch around Hostas? thank you
A: Hostas love acidic soil. Pine bark mulch is not as acidic as the actual pine needles, but it will ...
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| landscaper woes | 5/21/2005 |
Q: Please help. i think that i've been ripped off. I called many landscapers and only one kept ...
A: Wow. I don't know what to suggest to you. I'm not a lawyer, so anything I say is only my opinion. ...
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| fragrant flowers | 5/20/2005 |
Q: i live in north jersey and would like to know the most fragrant plants for containers for my deck i ...
A: Here is a list of New Jersey (zone 6A & 6B) patio-friendly fragrant plants. Of course, the shrubs ...
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| Landscaping suggestions wanted... | 5/18/2005 |
Q: I was hoping you can give me some ideas of what to do with an area in my backyard. I just put up a ...
A: A follow-up. (foul up?) Bob - I mentioned that since your space is 10ft x 20ft, if you scrape off ...
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| landscpae design | 5/12/2005 |
Q: My fiance' and I have just bought a new home and we are going to do the landscaping ourselves we are ...
A: If you are looking for a general source for landscape design, try ...
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| Design | 5/7/2005 |
Q: I am trying to get a flower bed for the first time. I have a few perinnials in there and need help ...
A: There are thousands of options open to you, but without details of where you live, or what you mean ...
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| Soil | 4/30/2005 |
Q: I have a house that had an above ground with a deck around it. I took down the pool and want to ...
A: A 15 foot diameter area is 47 square feet. If you only need to fill 6 inches, then the volume would ...
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| Followup, I need by monday | 4/30/2005 |
Q: In school we are supposed to grow a plant in one month. The object is to get the tallest plant and ...
A: sorry, I don't check e-mail over the weekend....(This is my work address). No particulary fertizer ...
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| In school we are supposed... | 4/28/2005 |
Q: In school we are supposed to grow a plant in one month. The object is to get the tallest plant and ...
A: From seed? In 30 days? If it has to be grown in something like a dixie cup, then I'd plant a ...
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| Trees | 4/10/2005 |
Q: We have arborvitaes on our lawn. They are between 12 and 18 inches tall. Our gardener used a ...
A: Take a good look at the damage at the base. IF the damage goes all the way around the root/trunk ...
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| design question | 4/8/2005 |
Q: We live in coastal Georgia and would like to have a large Hibiscus as the "focal point" in one of ...
A: Heather - Hibiscus is a fine idea. There are a lot of different species that could be used (there ...
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| Landscape design | 4/7/2005 |
Q: My husband and i just moved into a new house and are looking at hiring someone to do some basic ...
A: Not off-base at all, as groupings of similar trees can really look great. The trees and shrubs ...
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| college major | 3/27/2005 |
Q: My question is this: i am a high school senior and im trying to decide a major for college. one of ...
A: When I was a High school senior, I enjoyed the outdoors, and crafting nice landscaping around our ...
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| playground | 3/18/2005 |
Q: The situation is the outdoor kids play area is being redone with a new swing and jungle gym. The ...
A: Commercially, we use three or four different products. There are recycled materials manufactured ...
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| Chill time | 3/18/2005 |
Q: I purchased a Surecrop Nectarine. Chill time is 600-900 hours. At my location in Coastal Mississippi ...
A: I imagine that the tree is just fine. The fruit, however, may not have "set"...I don't know too ...
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| BUFFER FOR HIGHWAY | 3/16/2005 |
Q: Marc, Thanks for all the info! It will be a great help! I live in Rhode Island, can you provide a ...
A: The Univeristy of Rhode Island Ag Extension home page has several informational brochures for the ...
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| BUFFER FOR HIGHWAY | 3/15/2005 |
Q: Marc, I live in New England, there is a major highway that runs along the back of my house. Right ...
A: As far as the Visual aspect of living next to a road, here are some suggested plants for your area ...
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| surveyors | 2/27/2005 |
Q: what does a perch in surveys mean? Like a measurment from one perch to another.
A: "Perch" an ancient term for a unit of measure for surveyors many years ago called a "Rod" or ...
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| Landscape Design | 2/21/2005 |
Q: I want to put in an perrenial flower bed in front of my house. The area is mostly shaded with very ...
A: Lets start with complimentary colors – with a red trim, beige brickwork, and ivory siding, there are ...
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| grasses | 2/10/2005 |
Q: I watched a program on one of the Victoria channels and it had all different types of grasses, not ...
A: Victoria, Australia?! Neat. (Unless, you mean Victoria, Texas, or Victoria, Africa or Vicoria, ...
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| replacing areas of lawn | 2/7/2005 |
Q: could you please tell me the quickest and most effective method of lifting turf on an area of lawn ...
A: Quickest way is using big tool called a sod cutter. It is a gas-driven device that strips off the ...
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| Park design | 2/1/2005 |
Q: I live in a small town and saw that they are accepting bids for someone to design a park, dog walk, ...
A: I think "I have no experience in design" says it all. Jenny, I'm going to be speak frankly, so if ...
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| New yard - do it myself project - need advice | 1/28/2005 |
Q: I have a new home, the yard is nothing but dirt which I would like to plant grass, some trees and ...
A: Hmm. I'd need to know more info. How big is the yard? A condo patio doesn't need a large piece of ...
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| new home landscape | 1/26/2005 |
Q: I am building a new home and would like to begin planning my landscape. I would really like to do ...
A: Boy, Rex, this sounds like a simple question, but its like asking, “How do I build a house?” How ...
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| general horticultural - english ivy | 12/31/2004 |
Q: I have too much English ivy in one part of my yard and not enough in another. Would it be possible ...
A: Hedra (Ivy) readily roots on just about anything! It can be a nuisance, leaving root marks on walls ...
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| Japanese Fig Tree | 12/17/2004 |
Q: I was given 2 semi mature Japanese Fig Trees this morning. How can I transplant them to assure ...
A: YEP - hazards of reading fast....mature, miniature. Big difference! Have had a "hard" freeze" yet? ...
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| Japanese Fig Tree | 12/17/2004 |
Q: I was given 2 semi mature Japanese Fig Trees this morning. How can I transplant them to assure ...
A: The reason we plant people use Latin isn't to be “snooty” but that a lot of common names can throw ...
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| Rubber Walking Paths. | 12/12/2004 |
Q: I was at Tallulah Gorge State Park in GA. I was very impressd with the paths through the park. It ...
A: Since the 80's, there has been a ground swell of interest in re-using discarded materials like old ...
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| potting outdoor trees | 12/8/2004 |
Q: I am not allowed to plant any trees or bushes along the front of my house. Can you tell me what kind ...
A: There are lots of options for trees in containers, in your area. Size is determined by the limits ...
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| wheelbarrow | 11/25/2004 |
Q: i am curently designing a wheelbarrow as part of my university course and was wondering if you could ...
A: I personally saw one that uses two wheels in the front, increasing front stability. I thought that ...
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| Stump removal | 11/18/2004 |
Q: I recently had someone take down my white pine tree and are left with a stump. This area is where ...
A: sorry to take so long to repond...Thanksgiving vaction and all. I know of few "tricks", except ...
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| trees | 11/14/2004 |
Q: what is a rainbow tree? what is the proper name for it?
A: It's a type of Dracaena - the same family as corn plants and other houseplants. Most are only hardy ...
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| starting from scratch | 11/3/2004 |
Q: The backyard is about 20x40' its the entire backyard. I live in New Jersey so we are quickly ...
A: 20 x 40 is a pretty intimate size. If you care to, it shouldn't take more than a day or two to ...
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| client block me | 10/31/2004 |
Q: One of my clients stop picking my call, did not return my call, should I go their home and knock the ...
A: You were wise in getting an initial fee up-front. Working with difficult people is a fact of life, ...
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| starting from scratch | 10/28/2004 |
Q: We have a backyard that is mostly rocks, bad dirt, and weeds. The previous owners used the backyard ...
A: Not knowing how big an area we are talking about makes it tough for me to give you an idea as to how ...
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| Hard to be designer | 9/11/2004 |
Q: I want to pursue my dream, so I start my own design service, I enjoy doing design work, but connect ...
A: I'm still chasing my dreams, too!! And dreams are sometimes very hard task-masters. We designers ...
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| japanese influenced garden design | 9/10/2004 |
Q: I am very interested in completely revamping my front yard of home which has a very mature bloodgood ...
A: There is a whole sub-culture of Japanese Gardening - as you say, the goal of traditional Japanese ...
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| Problem Hillside | 8/29/2004 |
Q: We have a house that the backyard is a very steep hill upward. We have cut down trees to allow light ...
A: Weed killers usually dissipate in about 6 weeks, unless specifically formulated to last longer (like ...
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| I want to put in stone in... | 8/29/2004 |
Q: I want to put in stone in a unused area on the side of the house, where there is now grass. Do I ...
A: I've seen it done both ways - my prefence is to remove the grass. A cutting machine is not too ...
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| what to plant? | 8/27/2004 |
Q: can i send u a photo of my house so u can give me an idea of what to plant?
A: Though I am a "graphics" kind of guy, I would prefer not to accept attachments. However, I think we ...
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| Special Planting Instructions | 8/14/2004 |
Q: Years ago someone published info on how to do a planting (in layers; bulbs included) that would ...
A: My area of expertise is more in the arrangement of the "big pieces" - outdoor living spaces, deck ...
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| Planting area | 8/12/2004 |
Q: I am starting to design a new planting area in front of my home. My front yard is 250' wide x 150' ...
A: There are a lot of other factors to consider besides humidity/cold. Also consider the orientation - ...
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| landscaping | 8/11/2004 |
Q: we are just finishing up our new home and will be ready to landscape in about a month to six weeks. ...
A: The Univeristy of Kentucky has a fine Agricultural Extension resource that tells you what trees do ...
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