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W276 Rain Barrels Make Good Sense, Brian Leib

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

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Sp290-C-Dogwood Borer, Infestation, Damage And Control, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is one of the most popular ornamental plants in Tennessee landscapes. Native trees also flourish in the forest understory.

The dogwood tree is damaged by the feeding activity of the dogwood borer larva under the bark of the trunk and limbs. In a single year, one borer can completely girdle and kill a tree 4 inches in diameter, but death is more often brought about by the combined activity of several larvae or by successive infestations with concurrent mechanical injury or pathological problems. Cultivated trees growing in full sun are usually more heavily infested than …

W175-12 Common Landscape Mistakes And How To Avoid Them, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

No one today would doubt that we live in the Information Age. It would be nice to say that some credit should be given to people submersing themselves in well-written books and magazines, but let’s face it— we can find pretty much anything we want on the Internet and from watching a huge variety of do-it-yourself cable programming. Yes, there is so much data at our fingertips that it doesn’t take too long before we have the confidence to believe we can do everything ourselves.

One of the areas where folks feel most tempted to bypass the advice of professionals …

Sp290-E-Azalea Lace Bug, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Since its introduction from Japan in the early 1900s, the azalea lace bug has become a destructive pest of azaleas. Although this bug prefers evergreen azalea varieties, it will infest deciduous varieties. Mountain laurel can also become infested.

Pb1619-Pruning Landscape Trees, Shrubs And Groundcovers, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Pruning is one of the most important cultural practices in landscape management. Proper pruning helps keep plants’ attractive and vigorous and will add years to the plants usefulness. Many people are apprehensive about pruning, but knowing how, when and why to prune will end these fears.

Pb1621-Best Management Practices For Planting Ornamental Plants, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

While spring is a popular planting season, fall may be the best time to plant. Fall planting can help woody ornamental plants survive in the landscape. In fall, plant shoots need fewer nutrients because winter dormancy is approaching. In fall too, carbohydrate plant “food” is produced in leaves and moves to roots, which helps plant growth and survival. Importantly, roots continue to grow until soil temperatures drop below 45-50 F (7-10 C). It is extremely important to water when planting in fall because October and November are usually very dry months with little rainfall. But fallplanted plants also will not …

Pb1621-S-Prácticas Gerenciales Óptimas Para La Plantación De Plantas Ornamentales, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Aunque la primavera es una época popular para plantar, el otoño puede ser la mejor época para hacerlo. La plantación en otoño puede ayudar a que las plantas ornamentales leñosas sobrevivan en el jardín. En otoño, los brotes necesitan menos nutrientes porque se está acercando el estado latente del invierno. También, en otoño, los carbohidratos que sirven como “comida” para la planta, son transportados de las hojas, donde fueron producidos, a las raíces. Esto ayuda al crecimiento y supervivencia de la planta. Las raíces continúan creciendo hasta que la temperatura del suelo baje a más de 45°-50° F (de 7°-10° …

Sp685 Landscaping Guidelines To Protect Your Home From Wildfire, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

As Tennessee’s population continues to grow, more people are building homes in rural forested areas. Each year Tennessee experiences approximately 2,000 wild (forest) fires. With the influx of new homeowners in and around forest land, the chances of wildfires damaging home structures increase. Improper landscaping around homes increases the likelihood of fire damage, while also hindering the activities of firefighters.

Pb1585-Annual And Perennial Flower Shade Gardening In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Gardening in the shade can add interest and color to the restful recesses of your landscape, but it can be difficult and challenging. Shade gardening presents a new set of problems as compared to gardening in the sun. Both the homeowner who instructs his or her builder to leave “every tree possible” and the gardener who one day looks up and finds that the maple and oak saplings planted years ago now flood much of the landscape with shade have trouble finding suitable plants which can add color in these areas of their landscapes.

Perennials, plants which flower year after …

Sp290-R-Whiteflies In Ornamentals, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Whiteflies are economically important insects on ornamentals grown in the greenhouse. Although these pests are most serious in the greenhouse, whiteflies may also attack ornamental plants grown outdoors. Some of the preferred woody ornamental hosts include barberry, redbud, Fucshia, honeylocust, black locust, Hibiscus, Lantana, coffeeberry, rose and Jerusalem cherry.

Sp290-T-Holly Leafminers, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Holly leafminers are the most injurious pests of holly in the eastern United States. The holly leafminer was introduced from Europe. This insect is a primary pest of American or Christmas holly. Injury results from the larval mining activity just under the upper leaf surface. Additional damage is caused when females repeatedly puncture the leaves with their ovipositor (egg-laying structure). Punctured leaves become deformed.

Sp614 What Are Those Plants Worth?, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

This publication is intended to provide information relating to methods used by professionals to appraise the value of trees and shrubs in landscapes. Individuals are encouraged to evaluate plants in their landscapes using the information presented; however, for many purposes, especially casualty losses, insurance claims and other “legal” situations, individuals are strongly encouraged to use the services of a professional plant appraiser to receive an independent, reasonable and defensible appraisal of landscape plants.

Sp617 Mulching Your Trees And Landscapes, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

A protective covering of various materials, either organic or inorganic, spread over the soil surface to reduce evaporation of moisture, improve plant growth, discourage weedy species and enhance the appearance of the landscape is known as mulch. Inorganic mulching materials include landscape fabric (geotextile) and plastic fi lm that are primarily used for weed control and retention of soil moisture, while rocks, gravel, brick chips and shredded rubber are used more for decorative purposes. Most inorganic mulches do not decay and thus do not improve soil properties. Grass clippings, straw, pine needles, leaves, peat moss, compost, wood fiber and bark …

Sp290-Q-Boxwood Leafminer, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Boxwoods were brought into the United States in the 1800s. With the introduction of this plant came the boxwood leafminer, Monarthropalpus flavus (=buxi) Schrank.

The boxwood leafminer is considered to be the most serious pest of boxwoods. It occurs from the Atlantic to the Pacific, wherever boxwoods grow. All varieties of the boxwoods are attacked; however, the slower-growing English varieties are less susceptible than the American varieties.

Sp290-W-Euonymus Scale, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Euonymus scale, Unaspis euonymi (Comstock), is the most reported insect pest of euonymus, pachysandra and American bittersweet species in the Southeast. Other known host plants for this insect include hollies, camellia, twinberry, boxwood, Daphne, English ivy, hibiscus, jasmine, privet, honeysuckle, Pachistima and Prunus. Winged euonymus is usually free from this scale.

Sp341-N-The Eastern Tent Caterpillar And Its Control, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Nests or tents of the eastern tent caterpillar are a part of the landscape along fence rows and in trees in many parts of Tennessee. This insect has become an increasing problem as more subdivisions spring up in rural areas.

Sp307-J-Landscaping With Fruit, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Fruit and nut crops may be valuable additions to the landscape if proper attention is paid to crop selection, site preparation and cultural practices following planting. By adequately addressing these points, an edible landscape may become a reality. The following guidelines will assist you in determining which fruit and nut crops to use and where to plant them to meet your landscape objectives.

Sp370-K-Identifying Problems Of Garden Flowers, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

There are many causes of garden flower and perennial landscape plant problems, and a number of these problems can appear to have the same symptoms on the plant.

To identify the cause of the plant’s problem, it is usually necessary to look at the plant closely; examine the flowers, leaves, stem and (sometimes) the roots; and do some detective work to determine possible causes. Often the process of elimination of the possible causes will lead to the identification of the problem. Once the cause is correctly identified, corrective measures can be taken to eliminate or reduce the problem.

Sp573 How To Recognize And Prevent Tree Hazards, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Trees benefit us in many ways. They can also cause major damage when limbs or the whole tree falls on power lines, cars, houses or people. Usually, weakened trees give some warning signs of danger. By learning to recognize the signs and to follow-up with prompt, proper action, you can often manage this risk, saving yourself grief as well as money.

Sp548 Fertilizing Landscape Trees, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Trees in residential and commercial landscape plantings are often fertilized to keep them healthy and attractive. Over-fertilization is common, causing excessive growth, especially on young nursery stock. Trees growing in lawn areas usually receive some nutrients when the turfgrass is fertilized. This is usually sufficient to maintain most trees in fertile soil. However, fertilization may be needed on altered soils where unconsolidated fill material has been added or the topsoil has been removed. Managed urban areas where fallen leaves are removed may also require a fertilization regime to enrich soil and replenish nutrients.

Fertilizer (plant nutrition) is no substitute for …

Pb1626-Ornamental Grasses In The Landscape, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Ornamental grasses add texture, contrast, color and year-round interest to the landscape. Just like other groups of landscape plants, ornamental grasses are a diverse group that expand the plant palette of designers. They come in a range of sizes from the dwarf hakone grass to the giant ravenna grass. There are golden or white variegated cultivars. Some provide shades of silver and blue. Others are tinged red. Grasses that emerge late in the spring can fill voids left by spring-flowering bulbs and early spring perennials. The seed-heads or plumes of late-season grasses add ornamental value that persists into the winter. …

Sp503-D-An Introduction To Integrated Pest Management Of Landscapes, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Insects, Pests, Plant Diseases and Weeds

A properly maintained landscape adds beauty and value to a property. Landscapes often contain a great diversity of plants and so have the potential to attract many pests. Fortunately, natural enemies of pests often regulate pest populations to low or moderate levels and chemical control is not needed. However, pests may still cause more damage than can be tolerated. We recommend using an integrated approach to managing pests.

This factsheet was written to familiarize the home or professional landscaper with the steps to using integrated pest management (IPM) in the landscape. Using this approach, you can manage damaging pests without …

Sp533 Trees For Poorly Drained Soils In The Landscape, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Preparation for planting is the key to success in establishing landscape plants. Preparation includes site analysis, design, plant selection and installation, as well as planning for follow-up care and maintenance. Site analysis and proper planting assure rapid plant establishment and healthy growth, provided environmental factors are favorable. However, proper planting involves much more than just digging a hole and sticking a plant in it. By taking a little extra time to plant properly, you can avoid future costly maintenance problems.

Sp277-F-Azalea Leaf And Flower Gall, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

Leaf and flower galls are commonly found on many flowering woody hosts, most often on azalea and camellia. This disease occurs on plants in the Ericaceae or heath family, as well as on some species in the Empetraceae, Lauraceae, Symplocaceae and Theaceae families; including andromeda, arbutus, azalea, blueberry, camellia, huckleberry, Labrador tea, leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), leucothoe, kalmia (mountain laurel) and rhododendron. Azalea leaf and flower gall, caused by the fungus Exobasidium vaccinii can occur on woody ornamentals growing outdoors in landscape plantings and in greenhouses. Disease is more common on plants growing in humid, sheltered areas with little …

Pb1610-Flowering Bulbs, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Home Garden, Lawn, and Landscape

A wealth of spring-, summer- and fallflowering bulbs can be used to extend the garden floral display from early spring until late fall. Some of these will be winter hardy and remain in the ground year-round. Others will not survive freezing temperatures and must be replanted each spring. Many are not even true bulbs, but are often sold along side true bulbs in mail order catalogs and at garden stores. The different types of underground storage structures that are frequently called bulbs include corms, tubers, tuberous roots, tuberous stems and rhizomes. These underground storage structures collectively are called “bulb-forms” or …

Sp513 Small Flowering Trees For Tennessee Landscapes, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Small flowering trees are second only to shade trees for importance in the landscape. Flowering trees are valuable plants with colorful, showy blossoms and other unusual features that give interest and variety in the landscape. All trees flower, but large trees are valued for providing shade, even though flowers may be noticeable. Large trees establish the basic framework of the landscape and should be planted in key locations for optimal shading. Most properties need both small and large trees, which creates a more desirable landscape.

Carefully select your small flowering trees to ensure they fit into the landscape. In addition …

Sp517 Evergreen Trees For Screens And Hedges In The Landscape, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Screens and hedges are a popular way to create privacy or hide an undesirable view. They can be anything from a section of a fence to individually designed panels, brick walls or a wall of green plant material. Plantings are usually a less expensive way to create privacy than a fence or wall. Screens or hedges also offer additional advantages to many landscapes other than privacy. For example, they can frame a terrace or provide a backdrop to a herbaceous garden or other garden features.