When to Restore a Tree After a Hurricane

It may not seem possible,  but even after a major storm or hurricane with high winds,  many trees can actually be restored. As long as the major limbs are still intact,  as well as the trunk and roots,  and there is no decaying wood,  the tree has a high possibility of surviving.

The strong winds that come with a hurricane often cause all the leaves on a tree to be blown off. This is referred to as defoliation of the canopy. However,  this doesn't mean the tree has died. In fact,  when a canopy is defoliated it is probably still rather healthy. In this case,  all you have to do is wait and be patient. When spring rolls around the next year,  new foliage will probably crop up. Another cause of leaf loss occurs when trees are flooded by salt water. Deal with this by irrigating the soil around the tree to get rid of any excess salt.

If only small branches are broken or dead,  you can usually fix this through some simple pruning. If you prune properly,  the tree will have a high chance of recovery.

In trees that are naturally resistant to decay,  if only a few major limbs are broken,  the tree may be recoverable. A good example of this is live oak. This is a species of tree that is very good at resisting decay. Even with major branch damage,  restoration is usually possible. Of course,  the younger the tree,  the more likely it can be restored.

In decay resistant trees,  major canopy damage doesn't always pose a problem either. These trees naturally recover well after storms,  even with up to 3/4 of their small branches broken or removed.

Smaller trees that are leaning or have fallen are good candidates for recovery. But keep in mind that this only applies to trees that have been planted recently or have a trunk diameter smaller than 4in. These trees can be put back in place or replanted,  depending on the situation. For larger trees that you want to recover,  contact the professionals.

A small tree,  however,  shouldn't be a problem for the homeowner to reestablish without any outside help.

Here’s how to replant a small tree :

Keep the roots moist at all times. Excavate the hole to fit the roots well and get rid of any jagged or torn roots. Make the tree as straight as possible and then back fill with soil from the site. Treat the tree as you would a newly planted one,  by watering thoroughly. Three gallons per inch of trunk diameter three times a week should be fine. Lastly,  stake the tree and adjust the stakes until the tree becomes stable again and can be removed.

Cleaning up tree damage and recovering trees on your property doesn’t have to be a major undertaking. Of course,  the difficulty and duration of the job will depend on the severity of the storm damage,  but in most cases a large number of trees are able to be recovered and restored to their former glory. florida landscaping,  orlando lawn care,  landscaping orlando,  tree service,  mulch,  sod,  commercial

Wipe Out Those Winter Garden Woes

Do you look at your garden at this time of the year and wish it were more alive? Well,  as those of us who have their homes on the market have found out - there are ways to make your front yard look attractive even in the dead of winter!

One thing you don't want is murky green garden paths. Regularly power- hose your paths and decks so that the slimy green mold can't take hold! Also check for it at the base of your fences and house. If you live in a mild winter area,  then you may need to keep cutting the lawn,  but lift the mower slightly so that the grass is not cut so short in the winter..

If you are showing your home you will probably want to leave your potted plants in their ceramic containers on show. If this is the case,  keep an eye on the weather forecasts and pop some bubble wrap over them if the weather is going to freeze.

One non-gardening way to pretty up a front yard while the plants hibernate,  is to invest a few dollars in some inexpensive path lighting. The push-in mushroom lamps look quite effective when turned on,  and will give your front yard some definition.

Hopefully,  you have already invested in a supply of evergreens,  if not,  now is the time for you to examine your yard and decide where new trees should be placed. Remember to always include some of the blue fir,  and there are bronze,  yellow,  silver and variegated evergreens to choose from. Many of us forget the brightness of berry evergreens like holly and rowan trees. (Sometimes referred to as mountain ash or Pyrus Americana)

Winter flowers are scarce and are all the more appreciated because of it. Among the choice is pink viburnam as well as winter honeysuckle and winter jasmine - all have blooms (and the last two smell delightful). Bedding plants such as winter pansies and winter heather also add color.

Apart from attractive tree bark,  there is also a modern day fad for decorative cabbages in cream and purple,  and these are a hardy decoration in the yard.

If you feel you can't wait for your garden to wake up and come alive,  then be sure to add some of the early bulbs into your planting plan. If your house is on the market,  you can tell your prospective buyers that the new owner will be moving into a view of spring bulbs.

If you are not planning a move yet,  then snow drops,  daffodils and crocuses all come out in bloom very early and can be your reminder that spring is just around the corner! gardening,  gardening tips,  winter garden,  home improvement,  winter home improvements