Maple trees are often found in the northern parts of America and many parts of Canada. There are approximately of 128 species of maple trees. These trees come in many shapes and sizes but what attracts everybody toward them is their outstanding fall color.

For having the magnificent maple tree in your garden, you need to know when and how to prune the tree. Pruning is like maintaining a tree which is very essential for many reasons. Your tree might be getting too big and you might want to alter it from places. Pruning helps give a direction to grow for your tree. The tree will have broken or branches, which is a reason enough to prune them timely.

Now when it comes to pruning a maple tree, you need to know when a tree is supposed to be pruned. Every type of tree is unique and so should be their care. Normally there is a perfect season to prune a maple tree, but if you see dead wood, irrespective of when you see it, you can remove it. This is called light pruning as the changes are not drastic and it will not effect the tree in any way bad even if the season is not right for them to be pruned.

The otherwise best time to prune your maple tree would be in late spring. Summer or early summer is also the right time to prune a maple tree. Though there is an ideal time or season to prune the tree, some maple trees that are mature, can take pruning even in winter. However, if it is a mature tree, it can even be pruned in the winter.

You may also wait until the leaves of the trees are fully developed. It will help the tree blossom and produce fruit is pruned before the buds come out. This is because it prepares the tree well grow perfectly.

But in any case, no matter which time of the year it is, over pruning is bad for you tree. Give your tree only what’s required. Too much pruning can also lead to the weakening of the tree.

Pruning is essential but so is the right way to prune them. Getting into details before and while pruning will help your tree grow the way it is supposed to. Understand your tree, be very observant and give it what it needs for it to grow gracefully.

Rosa is the botanical name of rose. Roses need full sun exposure to grow well. They come in many colors and are perennial flower plants. They bloom is spring, summer and fall. Know more about your roses to care for them the right way. Caring consists of practices like pruning, watering, taking care of their soil, fertilizing and showing them the sun.

Pruning is done right when you start from the bottom of the bush all the way to the top. Avoid pruning form the top canes and start from the bottom. Here, starting from the start is the way to go. Cut the older canes. Identifying an old cane is not that difficult as the ones that are old are dark, craggy and gray. The new ones are greenest and that can help you find the old canes.

Water more when the weather is hot and less in cold. Sometimes, even steady rainfall is not sufficient for your roses, so make sure you water them regularly. When you water, water them deeply so the entire root gets the water. If your drainage is good, little extra water will not spoil the bush. Watering also depends on the type of rose bush you have along with the size of the bush. Whenever you find the soil drying out, water them. You might even have to dig a bit to check if the soil is dry inside so you can water it again.

Roses require a pH level of soil to be 6.5 to 7. If you find that the soil is too acidic, you may add some form of lime to balance out the acidic content. If the soil is too alkaline, you may use aluminum sulfate and sulfur to balance the soil. You must use professional help of you cannot make the right soil condition for your rose bush. If you do not want to risk soil, you can buy soil meant for growing rose plant from the botany shop or online.

Knock out roses are a shrub of roses that produce vibrant color of roses like red, pink and yellow. They are low maintenance and are great for someone who is a inexperienced in gardening. It is also easy to prune knockout roses but need to be regularly pruned. Only remember to make the cut an inch above a cane’s bud. Time, angle of cut and purpose is usually not important here, but you can prune them at the end of summer or at early fall for the best results.

Roses interestingly grow in bushes and do not have a tree like structure like many other flower plants. There is no main thick trunk with stems. By pruning, you encourage new growth and shape the plant along with removing dead wood. It also improves the air circulation of the bush.

Right time to prune a rose bush
In roses, you need to determine the hardiness zone it is growing in. Hardiness zone is a geographical location of a plant where it is capable of growing. This is with respect to the climatic conditions and the ability to survive in the extreme climate conditions of that location.
However, there is no fixed season you should prune, but the best time to prune your roses is when your florysthia begins to bloom. If you have florysthia in your garden, pruning roses becomes easy for you as you know when to prune them.
If you do know have a florysthia plant in your garden or home, you can observe the rose plant closely and prune when you see the bud are swelling as it is an indication that the bush is ready to be pruned.

Right way to prune roses
When you start with pruning, use the right tool and make sure they have been sterilized before you cut the stems and prune the bush. Blades should be sharp for an easy cut.
The cut that you make should be at 45° angle. This helps the wound draining water, prevents the wound from getting infected and also molds the new growth.
You might want to seal the cut using paint or glue. Though this is not absolutely necessary but can be practiced as it keeps the pests from entering from the wound.
If you see the canes that are dead, remove them from one inch above their buds.
Look out for weeds around your rose bush and remove them from the roots when you notice them. They suck out all the essential nutrients from the rose bush roots.
Canes that are too thin and cross grown also need to be removed while pruning. You may also prune the healthy canes that are remaining to shape your bush.
The blossoms that had grown well but are now dying or fading must be removed.

Garden tillers make for an essential gardening tool. The task of preparing your plot for sowing the seeds becomes efficient and faster when you use a garden tiller. It is very helpful in destroying the weeds in the plot as well. It is the best tool for mixing the soil with minerals and compost. For all these reasons, every passionate gardener would like to have a garden tiller in her or his garden tool collection. If you’re planning to buy a garden tiller, make sure you look out for garden tiller for sale in your location. Here are five points you should consider before buying this tool.

Know your garden
The size of the garden is one of the factors that you need to figure out when you plan to buy a garden tiller. To till a smaller garden, an electric tiller would be sufficient. But be sure about the length of the chord and the power source to connect to it. For a bigger garden, a gas powered garden tiller makes a better choice. Also, know the type of soil you have in the garden. If it is loamy soil, a less powerful tiller is enough. However, for a rocky and rough garden, choose a more powerful one.

Find out if it’s made for you
While you consider buying a garden tiller, know how easy it is to handle it. It should be comfortable for you, and this is a major factor to consider when it comes to garden tillers. There are different factors that decide the easiness of using the tiller, out of which the weight of the product and power source are important. Electric tillers are easier to handle than those powered by gas. This way, you will know what questions to ask the dealer when there’s a garden tiller for sale

Now your budget
The price of a garden tiller ranges from as low as $100 to the highest amounting to $3000. One of the major factors that influence the price of a garden tiller is the power of the engine. Know what would be a fair price, when you spot a garden tiller for sale. The unit used to denote the power is horse power. Once you know how much you can spend on the tiller, you can choose the powerful one from the price range. It is better not to waste money on a low-quality tiller as you may incur maintenance and repair charges. You can consider buying a cultivator if you are on a tight budget.

Find the space to store it
Do you have enough space to store the tiller in your garden tool shed? Answer this, before you find a garden tiller for sale, because you don’t want to regret later. That should also be taken into consideration as you are not going to use the tiller every day and require a space to store it for future use. Finding the perfect spot to store the garden tiller can be a bit difficult if it is a bigger and powerful one. Have an idea of where to store the tiller before you select the tool for your garden.

Safety and maintenance
Lastly, make sure the garden tiller is in good condition. It should be able to work in the tough soil. The durability of the product should also be taken into consideration. Also, know the warranty terms and conditions from the manufacturer of the product.

We all like to have trees in our outdoor space. It gives us the shade and the privacy we would love to have in our garden. There are many flowering trees that do not take up much garden space but add to the grace of the home. If you are growing fruiting trees, it is another asset to your garden. What’s more, trees provide a cool environment around your residing space and there is nothing as joyful as waking up to the chirping of the birds invited by the garden trees!

No matter what trees you are growing in your garden; it requires your attention once in a while. The tree’s branches may overgrow to your neighbor’s plot or sometimes bend over your rooftop. It can grow over the power lines also. Here is all you need to know to take care of the trees in the garden.

Choose wisely
Give a thought while you choose trees that have to be planted in the garden. What do you aim to achieve out of growing trees? Are you aiming to enhance the privacy? Do you want to block light to your garden? How long can you wait for the plant to grow as a tree to give you the benefits? Get your answers clear before you talk to the tree suppliers. The site where you choose to plant the trees also matters. Trees can grow straight, in a pear shape, vase-shaped, etc. Think about the shape it takes before you plant it. Tree roots can grow deep, and the branches may get too big.

Get the right tools
Trees do not require attention like small plants do. However, you should trim the branches once in a while for the tree to grow in shape. Confused about the basic tree trimming equipment and tools that you should own? Her’s what all you would need.

• Chainsaw: It comes in different types like gas chainsaw, electric saw, chainless saw etc. The saw that you use to cut woods in the forest is not needed for trimming the branches of your garden trees. Your choice of the saw should be based on your own requirement. Consider where you are using it and its capacity before you buy.
• Pruner: For cutting tender and smaller branches, a pruner would be necessary. It is the best tool for shaping the branches and twigs.
• Loppers: When the twigs are too small, you must use the saw. In case it is too big, using a pruner or lopper may be very helpful. It has a long handle and a stronger blade. You can reach to a farther height and shape the twig using loppers.

Trimming of the trees can turn dangerous if you are doing it without the necessary precautions. If the tree branches are too big and strong, do not attempt to cut them using the trimming tools. If the branches have grown over the power lines, do not attempt to cut them. Get assistance from professional tree trimmers if the branches are at a risky height.

Whether you live in a suburban home or a small city apartment with limited outdoor space, there are always ways to incorporate greenery into your living space. Based on your budget and personal style, you can choose from different types of outdoor spaces that are both practical and beautiful. A well-designed landscape not only improves the curb appeal of your home but also helps you reduce maintenance costs and save money on utilities. 

Here are some landscaping trends you can try:

Outdoor living areas
Designing your outdoor space as a seating or dining area or a cozy nook to have people over is a great option for underutilized yards. It can help you transform the space beyond a traditional garden. This will help you create a functional outdoor space that works with your lifestyle. Dining al fresco is one of the most popular styles people work with for their outdoor spaces. They can be as simple as a table and chairs set up under a tree or on a covered patio. This can be as simple as furniture arranged around a fire pit or adding a couch, recliner, and coffee table to a shaded area. You can add an outdoor bench around a raised gardening bed to make it more attractive or go for a sitting wall to help you organize your gardening supplies. You can use a variety of furniture like tables, chairs, and sofas to create the perfect space for you and your family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. Creating a living room outdoors is also a popular choice for areas that get a lot of sunlight and are not susceptible to extreme weather conditions.

Green roofs
Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas where space is limited. This is a living roof covered by vegetation that provides shade, prevents stormwater runoff, and cools the air. This is a great way to create more living space and greenery on your property and also reduce cooling costs. These are also eco-friendly features that can help reduce your carbon footprint. You can find DIY kits online to help you build a living roof, or you can hire a contractor. A green roof is a great way to protect your home from water damage if you live in a rain-prone area. They are also a great way to reduce your energy consumption, create a habitat for wildlife and improve the overall look of your property.

Water features
A water feature is not just a beautiful addition to your garden, but it can also bring a feeling of peace and calm to your space. From small bird baths to large waterfalls and ponds, there are various water features you can choose from to suit your style, yard, and budget. Moving water not only adds whimsical charm to your garden but can also help keep mosquitoes away. When choosing a water feature, keep in mind the size of your outdoor area and see if the feature is the perfect centerpiece for the space. A tiny water feature is usually all you need to transform your garden. The fitting addition can introduce a tropical mood to your home.

Creating a functional yet fun outdoor space is easier than you might think. You can opt for small changes and DIY projects to transform your garden or yard.

Love plants but don’t have much time to spend on them? We have just the plants you can keep in your house without worrying too much about their maintenance. Plants that only require minimum attention from you are the best when you can’t give them much time.

Here are some plants that are easy to maintain:

Aloe (Aloe vera)

Aloe is one of the most famous and widely known plant around the world. It is best known for its medicinal qualities. But apart from the medicinal properties, aloe looks great inside the house in a smaller pot too. When it comes to care, aloevera plant is not very demanding. You do not need to water it often in winter, Aloe likes the sun, so you can keep them out on the window but harsh light also turns them brown, so it is best to keep them in a place where they get indirect light.

Anthurium

Also known as flamingo flower. Leaves are big and heart-shaped and flowers are bright red. The contrast makes the house look pretty, where ever you keep the plant. Anthurium grows up to 2 “ 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. This plant does not require direct sun-light. Grows well inside the house without much hassle of repotting and other maintenance. Once you have the right soil and right location for your plant, adequate watering will be enough and it will show gratitude with long lasting flowers.

Asparagus Fern

Growing and maintaining asparagus fern is easy. The frilly leaves makes a plant appear frizzy which gives you a good enough reason to have in your home. Watering is simple, location is not much of an issue either as they grow well in indirect sunlight as well. However, when you do occasionally repot the plant or prune out dead stems, do wear gloves as it has thorny spurs.

Peace Lily

Glossy leaves and white spoon shaped flowers are extremely attractive. Peace lily does fine is low humidity and low light. It is known for being one of the easiest plants to keep at home. Show them direct sunlight once in a while and that will be enough for them to bloom. Also regular watering is important but its simple.

So go ahead and pick one or many hassle free plants for your home. Do keep your children and pets away as leaves, flowers and buds of some plants are toxic if consumed.

Hydrangeas are flowering shrubs that come in a variety of colors including clear blue, vibrant pink, frosty white, lavender, and rose. They have a characteristic multiple flower head pattern, with each flower made up of many smaller flower heads. They are a very prominent variety of flowering shrubs that are easy to cultivate on almost any kind of soil. They produce flowers through the entire mid-summer and till fall. During this time most of the other flowering plants and shrubs do not flower, making hydrangeas very special. Hydrangeas can make an excellent garden as they can be planted as individual plants or as groups.

What makes them unique?
An interesting fact about hydrangeas is that the colors of some of the hydrangeas can change based on the soil pH. Soil pH indirectly affects the availability of aluminum ions. Blue flowers are produced with acidic soils (with pH less than 5.5) and pink blooms are produced with a soil pH greater than 5.5. It is seen that white flowers are not affected by pH.

Planting hydrangeas
Hydrangeas need to be planted about 3 to 10 feet apart, in rich and moist soils. Compost needs to be added to soils that are not moist enough. Planting needs to be done during spring or during fall. Planting the shrubs needs to be done in a hole and then filled with soil to half the depth. Once water is added and drained, more soil must be added to fill the rest of the hole.

Caring for hydrangeas
The leaves of hydrangeas will wilt if the soil is too dry. To avoid that, after planting or during dry weather, the hydrangeas should be watered properly. Though fertilizers are encouraged, it should be noted that too much fertilizer will cause leafy growth and lesser flowers. So, as a common practice, it is not required to fertilize hydrangeas if the soil is rich. If the soil is not very rich or is sandy, it is good to fertilize the plants once a year during late winter or spring. During the fall, cover the plants to a depth of 18 inches or more using pine needles, leaves or straw. However, it’s advisable to cover the entire plant by making snow fencing or chicken wire cages and filling the cages with leaves.

Pruning a hydrangea
Pruning is done by cutting one or two of the oldest stems down to the base so that branching can happen. But if the plant is old or neglected or damaged, it is advisable to prune all the stems down till the base. This also includes the flowers  that will renovate the plant for future seasons. The process of removing faded and dead blooms is called deadheading. The process or the time to prune a hydrangea depends on the type of hydrangea. The technique varies from one variety to another. For example, Mophead and Lacecap, are two common varieties that are pruned after the flowers fade. Other hydrangeas like panicle and smooth hydrangeas are pruned in a different way. They should be pruned late winter when the plant is dormant before flowering. So, if the buds are killed during late winter, they will produce new buds in spring which will produce flowers. It’s a best practice to prune only dead branches.