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Tree stakes are definitely not a tree’s friend. Trees that are planted properly should be exposed to wind and natural movement so their roots and wood become stronger. Tree stakes restrict the tree’s natural movement below the stake. This often results in weak wood below the staking point where the tree isn’t allowed to sway. Additionally, the wires, straps, and braces rub on the tree trunk and damage the bark, causing injury to the tree and its vascular system, which runs ri

Mulching trees can be helpful, but the way many landscape crews apply mulch does more harm than good. Applied properly, mulch has great benefits like retaining moisture in the soil, suppressing weeds, adding organic matter to the soil over time, and adding to the appearance of the landscape. However, a short drive or walk around your neighborhood will probably reveal many more “mulch volcanos” than properly mulched trees. In fact, so many trees are surrounded by these “volcan

This summer has been quite wet so far in Austin. Everything is green and lush, and it’s great for our water bills, but mosquitos abound in these conditions. Many homeowners fall prey to the idea of an “easy fix” by paying a commercial outfit to disperse a chemical mist in the landscape around their house. But it isn’t really a fix at all. The chemicals that are used kill adult mosquitos. That means adding this chemical load to your home environment doesn’t kill the larva or t

This is Agarita (Mahonia trifoliata). Agarita is a beautiful native landscape plant here in Central Texas. It often grows in the understory and provides valuable shelter for rabbits and other small animals with its spiky leaves. They use agarita to escape from predators. This time of year it is also an important wildlife food source. If you come across one and are confident in the identity of the plant, try one of the delicious red berries - sweet and tart! Many local nurseri

Late winter and early spring too often bring a common but sad sight – beautiful crape myrtles drastically cut back to mere knubs by maintenance crews looking to make an extra buck or by homeowners who don’t know better. “ Crape murder” was coined in a Southern Living Magazine article in 1997.* The author captured the spirit of the practice precisely. The crime is one you’ve not doubt seen many times: a crape myrtle bearing last year’s seed heads with spring life already runn

It’s springtime in Central Texas, and the loud drone of the gas-powered blower is nearly ubiquitous most days. On Easter Sunday this year, 8:00 am marked the start of the leaf blower in my neighborhood. Late February and early March could trick an Austin newcomer into thinking they’d skipped a couple of seasons. Leaves on the live oaks turn hues of yellow and gold, and windy days eventually send thousands of brown leaves flying, making a carpet all around them. For the oak tr

This morning I saw new labels in one of the gardens I pass on my walk each day. I could tell that the gardener had been busy cutting back and weeding, and I looked forward to seeing what new plants the labels were marking. To my surprise, each one said “ANT POISON”. While I appreciated the heads up and stepped away from the area, I was disappointed to see that another gardener had turned to using poisons. Lizards, beetles, birds, and even armadillos eat fire ants*. The poison