The gardening statistics are in. Surveys over the last few years reveal the latest home gardening trends that we can expect for 2023. From flowers to homegrown vegetables, fruit, decorations, and new gardening challenges in today’s world, here are the biggest takeaways from 2021 and 2022.
The most popular houseplant of 2022 was the Philodendron. 1
86% of home gardeners grow tomatoes in their vegetable garden. 2
The average U.S. garden produces $600 worth of food. 2
Flowers, veggies, and houseplants are the most popular types of gardening activities. 3
One in five of the world’s plants — 4,400 in the U.S. — are at risk of extinction. 4
In 2022, there were 52,793,657 trees planted. 5
The No. 1 most hated garden chore in U.S. households is weeding. 6
Gnomes were the biggest garden trend of 2022. 7
In 2021, the U.S. city with the most community gardens per 1,000 residents was Portland, OR.17
79% of American gardeners take gardening advice from online sources. 6
Gardening Sales
Gardening has always been popular in the U.S., but we continue to see gardening retail sales and horticulture increase, whether it be at a garden center or elsewhere.
From 2019 to 2020, the U.S. was the largest importer of gardening tools at $93.5 million 8
Globally, the sale of gardening supplies is projected to be $120.5 billion in 2023.18
Plant costs rose by 8–13% in 2021. 9
In the past two years, mowers, leaf blowers, and other electric equipment or building materials accounted for 17% of the U.S. market, 3x that of electric cars. 6
The U.S. garden hand tool market is expected to grow at 2.5% yearly, from USD 3131.91 million in 2020 to 3632 million by 2026. 10
The growth rate of nurseries and garden stores is projected to grow by 0.5% in 2023. 11
Gardening Demographics
In addition to millennials doing most gardening post-pandemic, we‘re learning more about the demographics of today’s growers and new gardeners.
43.6% of all gardeners are women, while 56.4% are men. 12
The most common ethnicity of gardeners is White (56.7%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (28.0%), Black or African American (7.8%), and Unknown (4.2%). 12
The average age group range for gardeners is 35–44.16
3% of all gardeners are LGBT. 12
Gardening Jobs
American households and homeowners don’t always do the work themselves. Here is a breakdown of stats on professional services in the gardening industry.
The average age of an employed gardener is 41 years old. 12
Gardeners are mostly in demand in New York, NY. 12
The media industry is the highest-paying for gardeners. 12
53% of gardeners work for private companies, followed by 30% working with education companies. 9% work for public companies, and 8% work for the government. 13
Types of Gardening
Home gardening statistics also show there is more than one way to garden or use gardening products, and some don’t involve holes in the dirt.
Gravel gardens require 80% less maintenance. 6
Container gardening is the No. 1 way 34–45-year-old gardeners prefer to garden. 6
In an average household, the second most popular gardening trend in 2022 is urban gardening.7
The urban farming market was valued at $213 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow continuously at 2.8% each year until 2026. 14
In food gardening, the second most popular vegetables to grow are cucumbers, followed by sweet peppers. 16
The average garden size is 600 square feet, but the median size is 96 square feet. 16
Small space design and container garden research reaches new highs on Google Trends each season. 6
Gardening and the Environment
Many people garden for their mental health or well-being and feel a sense of accomplishment, while others like DIY projects and growing their own food. A survey commissioned by the National Wildlife Federation found more people are actually gardening for environmental reasons. According to that survey:
One in three respondents (32%) stated they would purchase mostly or all organic products for their garden. 15
One in three U.S. adults (34%) purchase plants to help wildlife, up 26% in 2020. 15
One in four people (25%) buys native plants, up 17% in 2020. 15
The number of people adding wildflower native landscapes doubled from 9% in 2019 to 19% in 2021. 15
Learn the secret to removing vinyl wallpaper and how to prevent internal frost on windows. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Hour 1
Learn what trends are hot in kitchen remodeling, how to prevent internal frost on windows, the difference between refacing and refinishing cabinets and more.
As a home improvement professional, I’m always looking to learn about the latest design trends. I recently came across the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, and I have to say, the findings are quite interesting.
The study surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning, or recently completed a kitchen renovation project, and the results provide a valuable glimpse into what’s trending in kitchen design. Here’s what stood out the most to me:
Renovation Spending Rises: The median spend on a minor remodel increased $4,000 year over year to $14,000 by mid-2022. Homeowners spent $15,000 on a minor remodel of a larger kitchen and $13,000 on a smaller kitchen.
Sustainability Influences Choices: 92 percent of homeowners incorporate sustainable features during a kitchen remodel. These include LED lightbulbs, energy-efficient appliances and water-efficient fixtures.
Open Layouts are Here to Stay: Following a dip in the trend of open kitchens last year, this year renovators are once again more likely to open their kitchens to other interior spaces and outdoor spaces. The most popular choice for kitchens newly open to interior spaces still is to have no wall separation. For the transition between the kitchen and outdoor areas, the most common choice is double doors or a row of doors.
Wood Cabinets Gain Popularity: White cabinets aren’t going out of style anytime soon. The color remains the most popular choice, but wood tones are a strong contender. Nearly a quarter of homeowners choose wood-tone cabinets.
Colorful Islands: 46 percent of homeowners selected an island cabinet color that contrasts the color of the main cabinets. The popularity of blue and gray declined slightly, while black, medium-tone wood and dark wood saw increases.
Frost building up on the inside of windows and doors during extremely cold temperatures could mean the humidity in the home is too high. (Julie Geving)
A homeowner in Wyoming says during the last cold snap, temperatures dropped to around 36 degrees below zero! She noticed frost building up on the inside of all of her windows and doors.
“Is there anything we can do to prevent this from happening?” she asks.
Frost building up on the inside of windows and doors during extremely cold temperatures can be caused by a number of factors.
Our first thought is that the doors and windows are older and defective. However, the homeowner says the house is new, so the doors and windows are very energy efficient. Because of this, less humidity is escaping from the home through the windows and doors. So, once the moisture in the air makes contact with those cold surfaces, it freezes.
So what’s causing this high humidity? Some possible explanations include:
Lack of ventilation: Insufficient ventilation can cause humidity to build up in a home, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture is generated from cooking, bathing and showering.
Houseplants: Large numbers of houseplants can release moisture into the air, contributing to high humidity.
High occupancy: High occupancy in a house can increase humidity levels because of the many people living and breathing in the same space.
The solutions to high humidity are adding ventilation and insulation, and in extreme cases installing a whole-house dehumidifier. Make sure you’re venting any moisture out of the house, like using a range hood and bathroom vent fan.
To keep an eye on humidity levels in your home, and address the underlying causes, get a hygrometer to measure the amount of humidity in your home. It shouldn’t exceed 50 percent.
Refacing vs. Refinishing Cabinets
Refacing is the process of covering the existing cabinets with new materials to change the overall design while refinishing is the process of applying a new finish on the existing cabinets. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
We’re renovating our kitchen, but the budget doesn’t allow for all new cabinets. So, we were planning on refinishing them by sanding and then repainting. But then I read an article about refacing the cabinets. What’s the difference between refinishing and refacing, and which would you recommend?
Refinishing and refacing are two different methods used to update the look of kitchen cabinets.
Refinishing involves sanding down the existing finish on the cabinets and applying a new finish, such as paint or stain. This method is typically less expensive than refacing and is a good option for those looking to change the color of their cabinets. However, it does not change the overall design of the cabinets and can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Refacing, on the other hand, involves covering the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new materials, such as veneer, laminate or solid wood. This can change the overall design of the cabinets and can be used to update the look of your kitchen. It’s also a more expensive option than refinishing, but it’s a quick way to change the appearance of your cabinets, and it’s less disruptive to your kitchen.
In summary, refinishing is the process of applying a new finish on the existing cabinets, while refacing is the process of covering the existing cabinets with new materials to change the overall design.
Hour 2
Hear the secret to removing vinyl wallpaper, tips for staining a pressure-treated wood fence, and more.
The Secret Removing Vinyl Wallpaper
Removing wallpaper may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s a manageable task. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
A homeowner wants to know — what’s the trick to removing vinyl wallpaper?
“I sprayed it down with DIF wallpaper remover, covered the wall with thin plastic, and then waited an hour or so, but the wallpaper was still stuck in place. I don’t want to damage the drywall by trying to scrape it off. What do you suggest?” he asks.
When removing vinyl wallpaper, you need to score the vinyl coating in order for the DIF wallpaper remover to work. To do this, use a tool called a paper tiger. Simply rub it over the face of vinyl to poke thousands of holes in it. This will allow the remover to penetrate to the wallpaper and deactivate it, so you can easily remove it.
To remove the wallpaper, mix in a 5-gallon bucket:
Stir the mixture, then apply it to the wall using a pump-up garden sprayer. After thoroughly soaking the wallpaper, cover the wall with a layer of thin (0.7 mil) plastic, using a wallpaper brush to press the plastic onto the wall.
Let the wallpaper remover soak on the wall for at least three hours, overnight would be even better. The mixture will dissolve almost all the adhesive, allowing you to peel away the wallpaper with virtually no effort!
Oil-based stains are the best option for pressure-treated wood because they’re more effective at penetrating the wood. (IcemanJ, Getty Images)
A homeowner wants to stain her newly installed pressure-treated wood fence. She asks, “Can you give me some tips or advice?”
Staining a pressure-treated wood fence can be a great way to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the stain is applied properly and adheres well to the wood:
Wait for the wood to dry: Pressure-treated wood is typically wet when it is first installed, so wait for it to dry completely before staining. This can take several weeks or even months, depending on the weather and the wood’s exposure to the elements. You can also try this test.
Clean the wood: Before staining, clean the wood to remove any dirt, grime, or other contaminants that may be on the surface. A solution of water and a mild detergent is usually sufficient, but you can also use a wood cleaner specifically designed for pressure-treated wood.
Choose the right stain: Not all stains are suitable for pressure-treated wood, so choose a stain that is specifically formulated for use on pressure-treated wood. Oil-based stains are the best option because they’re more effective at penetrating the wood.
Apply the stain evenly: Apply the stain evenly and in the direction of the wood grain. Work the stain into the wood using a brush, roller or pump-up, then back-brush it into the wood to ensure it’s thoroughly covered.
Allow the stain to dry: After staining, allow the wood to dry completely before applying a second coat or using the fence. This can take several hours or even days, depending on the weather and what stain was used.
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Simple Solutions
Conditioning a paint roller prevents loose fibers from shedding into the paint. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Condition New Paint Roller — Before using a brand-new paint-roller sleeve, it’s important to “condition” it, so that it spreads paint evenly and smoothly.
Place the new sleeve on the paint roller, fill a plant mister with water, then spin the sleeve as you spray it liberally with water.
Dry-spin the sleeve to remove any excess water, then roll the sleeve onto a piece of cardboard or other bare, clean surface. That will help remove any loosened fibers from the roller sleeve — and prevent them from getting into the paint or onto the newly painted surface.
Now use the dampened, conditioned sleeve to immediately apply paint.
Hanging S-hooks from ventilated metal-wire shelving is an easy way to add extra storage. (Photo illustration: ABBPhoto, Getty Images/Adobe Stock)
Extra Storage for Ventilated Shelving — If you have ventilated metal-wire shelving in your closet or pantry, here’s a quick, simple way to gain a little extra storage.
Buy several metal S-hooks and slip them onto the wire shelving. Use pliers to pinch closed the hooks so they can’t pop off.
The hooks are great for hanging all sorts of items that would ordinarily be taking up valuable shelf space, including dust brooms, hand towels, flashlights, belts, scarves, etc.
Further Reading
Radio Show & Podcast: Send us your question!
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Today’s Homeowner TV host Danny Lipford and Today’s Homeowner Media Production Manager Corey Wilson. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Raising backyard chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, providing fresh eggs and even a source of companionship. However, before you start your backyard chicken journey, it’s important to understand the basics of building and maintaining a chicken coop.
Today’s Homeowner Production Manager Corey Wilson is joining me to chat chicken.
A chicken coop’s size depends on how many chickens you own, so one this size is perfect for a couple of chickens. (RandallJSylvia, Getty Images)
Coop Size
When it comes to building or buying a chicken coop, size is an important consideration. The amount of space needed for each bird will vary depending on the number of birds you plan to keep, but a general rule of thumb is to provide 2-3 square feet of coop space per bird and 5-10 square feet of run space per bird.
Remember —chickens sleep in the air, perched on a limb, so make sure to include enough space for them to sleep comfortably.
Hay flooring absorbs moisture so the bottom of the chicken coop stays dry and smells fresh. (GarysFRP, Getty Images Signature)
Coop Components
A chicken coop typically includes several key parts: nesting boxes, roosts, runs, and an enclosed area for sleeping and protection.
Nesting boxes provide a safe and secure place for chickens to lay their eggs, while roosts give the birds a place to sleep.
Runs are essential for exercise and foraging. The enclosed area serves as a protected space for the birds to sleep, rest and take shelter.
When it comes to flooring, use materials like sand, hay or pine shavings. These materials are comfortable for the chickens and easy to clean. They also absorb moisture, which helps keep the coop dry and smelling fresh.
A well-built and maintained coop is crucial for the health and well-being of your chickens. Providing enough space, perches, and suitable materials for the birds, will ensure that they are comfortable and healthy and can produce eggs efficiently.
Egg-laying chickens lay up to one egg per day at their peak. (georgeclerk, Getty Images Signature)
Egg Production
A healthy hen will typically lay one egg per day, with her reproductive cycle lasting between 24-27 hours. However, the actual egg production can vary depending on a number of factors such as the amount of daylight, comfort, predators, and nutrition.
Daylight: Chickens need at least 14 hours of daylight in order to lay eggs. In the winter, when daylight hours are shorter, egg production will naturally decrease. You can use artificial light to supplement the daylight hours, but it’s important to use the right type of light and the right amount to avoid stressing the birds.
Comfort: Chickens need a clean, dry and safe place to lay their eggs. A well-maintained chicken coop with nest boxes will provide the comfort and security that chickens need to lay eggs.
Predators: Chickens that feel threatened by predators will not lay eggs. It’s important to protect your chickens from predators by securing the coop and the surrounding area.
Nutrition: Chickens need a balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients for egg production. Feed specifically formulated for laying hens will provide the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients.
Interestingly enough, a rooster is not necessary for a hen to lay eggs. Hens will lay eggs whether or not there is a rooster present. However, if you want to breed chickens, you will need a rooster.
Chicken scratch is a type of feed that is made up of whole grains such as corn, barley, oats, wheat or other grains. (maerzkind, Getty Images)
Chicken Food
There are a variety of types of chicken food available on the market, each designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of chickens at different stages of their life.
Starter feed: This type of food is formulated for chicks during their first six weeks of life. It contains a high level of protein, around 20-24 percent, to help them grow and develop quickly.
Grower feed: As the chicks grow, they need different food. Designed for chickens between 6-20 weeks old, grower feed contains a lower protein level around 16-18 percent as they don’t need as much protein as when they were chicks but still need enough to support their growth.
Layer feed: Chickens are adults once they reach 20 weeks old, so they now need a different type of food. Layer feed is formulated for egg-laying hens, so it contains a higher level of calcium to support the formation of eggshells.
Pellets: These small, easy-to-eat pieces are convenient to use and store, and are often used as a complete feed for chickens.
Crumbles: Similar to pellets, crumbles are also compressed, but they are smaller in size and tend to be more palatable for chickens.
Mash: Mash is made by mixing together different grains and protein sources. It is usually moist and easy for chickens to eat.
Scratch: Scratch is a type of feed that is made up of whole grains such as corn and barley. Chickens are encouraged to forage, so this type of food is can used as a treat.
On average, a flock of 10 chickens will consume about one bag of feed every three weeks. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Cost to Feed Chickens
When it comes to feeding your chickens, a good rule of thumb is to plan for about one bag of food every three weeks for a flock of 10 hens.
On average, a bag of chicken feed can cost anywhere from $40 to $50. This may seem like a lot, but when you consider the fact that chickens will lay eggs almost every day, it’s a small price to pay for the delicious, fresh eggs they provide.
In addition to regular chicken feed, provide your birds with oyster shells for calcium. This is essential for maintaining the strength of their eggshells. You can purchase oyster shells in a bag and they usually cost around $10-15.
This week, learn why a glass cooktop can shatter and hear the easy way to remove acorns from your yard. (Adobe Stock/matzaball, Getty Images Signature)
Hour 1
Hear how much money you can save by installing luxury vinyl tile yourself, what to do about thermal expansion gaps in crown molding and more.
Save Big by Installing LVT Yourself
Got a tight budget? You can save hundreds by installing luxury vinyl tile yourself. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Luxury vinyl tile is a great option for homeowners looking for a durable, waterproof, and easy-to-clean flooring option.
Also, it’s one of the most affordable flooring options, making it a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Joe researched the costs and here’s what he found:
Most people pay on average $1,400 to have 200 square feet of vinyl plank flooring installed. However, you can buy luxury vinyl for $2.50-$4 per square foot at The Home Depot.
So, if you install it yourself, it could only cost you between $500-800. That’s a saving, on average, of $600-900 over a professionally installed job!
You don’t need any special tools to install luxury vinyl tile. A box cutter is all it takes to cut the tiles.
The number one mistake people make when installing is cutting it tight against a wall. All floating floors require an expansion space — you’ll need anywhere from a quarter inch to half an inch.
Run the luxury vinyl tile up to the baseboard and cover the gap with shoe molding. Just be sure to secure the shoe molding to the baseboard.
Follow the directions exactly regarding any underlayment. Depending on the type you buy, the underlayment could already be attached.
Changes in humidity or temperature can cause gaps in crown molding. (Chris Vogler)
This is the first winter that Chris in Alabama has spent in his new home, and he’s seeing the effects of thermal expansion. Over the past months, he says significant gaps have shown up in the crown molding throughout the house.
“Should I ask my builder to correct the issue? If the gaps are filled will it cause the molding to buckle when it gets warmer?” he asks.
It’s amazing how much materials in a home expand and contract, and probably nowhere is it more evident than when you’re looking at crown molding.
These gaps will usually close on their own once warmer weather comes back around. If you have some gaps that are very pronounced, here’s what you can do:
Nail it in place: Use a nail gun to secure the crown molding to the wall.
Fill it with caulk: Instead of using traditional caulk, carefully apply an acrylic latex caulk. The trick is to barely feed it into the cracked area, so that when it does close back, it remains flexible. The gap will still appear but it won’t be as deep or as noticeable.
Hour 2
Listen to learn the easy way to remove acorns from your yard, why a glass cooktop can shatter, what you need to do to cover terracotta tile and more.
Eliminating an Acorn Overload
Removing acorns from your yard can be a tricky task, but with some patience and the right tools, you can get the job done. (matzaball, Getty Images Signature)
This is nuts! A homeowner says he has more than 250,000 acorns in his front yard.
“Besides raking, which I hate, how can I pick up the acorns? My self-propelled lawnmower doesn’t have the power to pick them up. Is there a piece of equipment suitable for the job?” he asks.
Here’s what you can use to remove from a yard:
Leaf blower: A leaf blower can blow the acorns into a pile, making them easier to collect. Bonus tip: Use a tarp to contain the acorns while blowing them, making cleanup even easier!
Lawn vacuum: A lawn vacuum can suck up acorns and remove them from the yard. These can be pricey, so see if you can rent one, or hire a landscaper who owns one to use in your yard.
To eliminate this problem in the future, prevent the acorns from falling in the first place. If possible, remove the tree or prune it so that it does not produce as many acorns.
Some chemical treatments can prevent acorn production, but only a professional arborist should apply them.
Keep in mind — removing acorns can be time-consuming and you might need to repeat it as new acorns fall. Always wear safety gear to protect yourself from falling acorns and be aware of insects or critters in the acorns or hiding in the tree.
‘Why Did My Glass Cooktop Shatter?’
A glass stovetop can shatter for several reasons, including sudden temperature changes, improper installation and manufacturing defects. (Adobe Stock)
A homeowner says the tempered glass on his gas cooktop suddenly shattered the other day, even though it wasn’t on and he didn’t drop anything onto it.
“What would cause that to happen?” he asks.
Tempered glass is designed to be strong and durable, but it can shatter unexpectedly for several reasons. Some of the most common causes of tempered glass shattering include:
Improper installation: If the cooktop is not installed correctly, it can put stress on the glass and cause it to shatter. For instance, if the countertop is overlapping the cooktop, it could put some stress on the top, eventually causing it to shatter.
Thermal stress: If the cooktop or the glass is exposed to rapid changes in temperature, such as from a hot pot being placed on a cold cooktop or vice versa, it can cause thermal stress and cause the glass to shatter.
Manufacturing defects: Sometimes, tempered glass can have manufacturing defects that make it more prone to shattering. If this is the case, report it to the manufacturer.
You can call a professional to replace the glass cooktop, but it might be expensive. Consider replacing it with a stove that doesn’t have a glass cooktop.
To prevent a glass cooktop from shattering, follow these tips:
Don’t place a hot pot on a cold cooktop or turn the cooktop on high and immediately place a cold pot on it. This can cause thermal stress and can cause the glass to shatter.
Use cookware with flat bottoms to distribute heat evenly and prevent warping or bending.
Do not slide cookware across the cooktop, as it can scratch or chip the glass.
Do =n’t place heavy objects, such as cast iron pans or pressure cookers, on the cooktop as they can cause impact damage.
Clean the cooktop regularly with a mild detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any dirt, grime or stains.
Use a stovetop cover to protect the cooktop from scratches or stains when not in use.
Do not overheat the cooktop, as it can cause the glass to overheat and shatter.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the care and use of your cooktop.
Covering Terracotta Tile
Terracotta tile can be cold to the touch, which may not be comfortable for some people, especially during the winter. (Michelle West)
A homeowner has terracotta tiles throughout her second-floor California condo.
“The surface is too hard, very uncomfortable!” she says. “Can we have more comfortable flooring installed on top? It seems like removal will be very expensive, disruptive and noisy.”
Because traditional terracotta flooring has such an irregular surface, you’ll want to apply a self-leveling underlayment to create a smooth, even surface for installing another type of flooring over it.
You might run into the problem of raising the floor height too much to where it can block appliances from opening or make them not level with your cabinets and counters. Check the height of the new flooring to make sure this won’t happen after you’ve installed it.
There are several options for covering terracotta tiles, including:
Vinyl flooring: Vinyl flooring can be installed over the existing tiles and is durable and easy to clean.
Engineered hardwood flooring: Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed over the existing tiles and provide a warm and natural look.
Laminate flooring: Laminate flooring can also be installed over the existing tiles and is available in many styles and colors.
Floating floor: A floating floor is a type of flooring that is not attached to the subfloor, this type of flooring can be installed over the terracotta tiles and can be made of different materials like laminate, engineered hardwood, or cork.
Consult with a professional flooring specialist to determine the best option for your specific situation.
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Simple Solutions
Need to remove standing water from a clogged sink? This toy doubles as a siphon pump! (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Pool-Toy Plumbing Tool — Before repairing most plumbing clogs, you must first remove any standing water. Now, you could use a sponge or wet/dry vac, but here’s another option: take a kid’s water-squirting toy, commonly called a water blaster, and use it like a siphon pump. Simply place the nozzle of the toy into the water and draw back on the handle to suck up the water. Then you can squirt it into a bucket, toilet or tub. This is great for sink clogs, toilet clogs, or if you have a malfunctioning washing machine that has water standing in the tub.
Filtering paint through a window screen catches any impurities or particles. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Paint Screen Saver — When using paint from a previously opened can, it’s best to pass the paint through a filter to screen out dried paint chips and other small bits of debris. You can buy disposable paint filters, but they’re flimsy, not reusable and the paint flows through much too slowly. Instead, use a piece of vinyl insect screening. Cut the screen about 12 or 14in. square, secure it to a new, clean paint can with three small spring clamps, and then pour the old paint through the screen. When done, rinse out the screen with a garden hose and save it for the next paint job.
In this episode of Ask Danny, arborist Billy Allen offers his expert tips on planting and pruning. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
In this episode of Ask Danny, arborist Billy Allen offers his expert tips on planting and pruning.
Billy is an ISA Certified Arborist, AUFA Certified Urban Forester, an ALNLA Certified Landscape Professional, and many more.
He’s the owner and operator of Top Notch Tree Care, where he provides services such as residential and commercial pruning and/or removal as well as consulting services for pre-construction preservation of trees, disease diagnosis and treatment, and health and structural assessments. He also provides plant health care services such as tree fertilizing, pesticide application, and soil compaction mitigation.
Arborists say the best time to plant a tree is when it goes into dormancy. (KatarzynaBialasiewicz, Getty Images Pro)
When to Plant
What’s the best time of the year to plant?
Billy: For the best time to plant a tree, the overwhelming majority of the time it’s going to be as the tree goes into dormancy — late fall, early winter. When you’re planting a tree, you’re going to lose a lot of roots, so you want the heat stress on the plant to be as low as it possibly can be.
The exception would be citrus trees. You want to plant those after the last frost of the springtime because a good freeze can be detrimental to them.
The biggest problem I see people do when planting has to do with depth. Deeper is not better. Think about it this way: Who plants a tree in the forest? The answer is no one. A seed falls on top of the ground, organic material covers it up, and it sprouts.
You want the topmost root of that plant, whether it’s a tree or shrub, to be at or just above grade. If you have a lot of clay in the soil, incorporate something into the soil to mitigate that very fine material. You want to till out three to four times beyond the size of the root ball and prepare that soil so it’s more advantageous for the roots to grow out.
You can prune any time of year as long as you’re doing it correctly. (prathan chorruangsak, Canva)
When to Prune
When’s the best time to prune a tree?
Billy: You can prune any time of year as long as you’re doing it correctly. I see a lot of incorrect pruning, especially on crepe myrtles, azaleas and live oak trees.
It’s important to make the cuts at the right spot and not defoliate the plant more than what should be done in a growing season should be considered. If you do that, you can prune 365 days a year.
If you’re going to do aggressive pruning, like with crepe myrtles, you need to do it during the dormant season.
With flowering plants, there are so many things you have to consider, but there’s a thing called the May rule. If your plants are blooming before May, prune them just after they bloom. This includes camellias and azaleas. For plants that bloom after May, prune them during the dormant season.
After you’ve made your pruning cuts, don’t put sealant on it. The healing process occurs chemically inside the tree.
It’s actually walling off that area of dead tissue and keeping that decay confined to that particular area. What you do to the outside has no bearing.
A tree’s health can fail for many reasons, such as lack of water, nutrient deficiency, pest infestations, and diseases. (HendrikDB, Getty Images)
Tree Health
How do you ensure a healthy tree/shrub?
Billy: It really has a lot to do with the initial establishment of the plant, how that plant grows and thrives from the initial installment forward.
My advice as an arborist is to make sure the soil is prepped correctly and follow the spacing guidelines.
What are some reasons for a tree’s failing health?
Billy: Concerning tree health, the number one thing I see is root damage, especially in mature trees. Whether it’s compaction, cutting of roots, grade changes, or changes in the direction of the flow of water, all of those things will negatively impact a tree.
Mature trees are a lot less tolerant than smaller trees when you’re talking about caring for their roots.
How much damage can a tree’s root system take before it begins to harm the tree?
Billy: It’s subjective. People ask me all the time “how much of these roots can I lose and still keep the tree?” The answer is, I can’t tell you.
The easiest way to explain it is to think of a dinner plate. The dinner plate is all of the feeder roots of the tree. Then imagine a wine glass with a stem. The pedestal of that stem is the structural root plate of the tree. You can lose a lot of the dinner plate and the tree is still structurally sound.
Healthwise, it depends on how much of the dinner plate you lose as to how the tree will survive moving forward, and that is a very difficult question to answer.
I suggest having a qualified arborist look at the tree and give you an assessment because every site is going to be different and every tree is going to be different.
My general answer is save as much as you can.
A flower bed around a tree is a great way to add a splash of color to your yard, but be sure the soil doesn’t smother the tree’s roots. (HoleInTheBucket, Getty Images)
Garden Beds Around Trees
What are your thoughts on putting a raised garden bed around the trunk of a tree?
Billy: You don’t want to pile dirt up around the tree in any form. There are some tolerance levels there, depending on what kind of soil you’re working with.
Sand is more porous so you can get away with more sand on top of the root than you can clay.
It’s all about air infiltration down to the feeder roots. Those have to have oxygen and if you pile a bunch of dirt on top, they’ll suffocate and then the tree will decline.
Keep the root flare (where the first main roots attach to the trunk) exposed. When you see trees that look like a pencil coming on out of the ground, that means the root flare is buried.
Where to Find an Arborist
An arborist can help diagnose any problems that a tree may have and provide advice on how to best care for it. (welcomia, Canva)
There’s a science behind what we do. Without knowing how to do that, it’s impossible to achieve proper maintenance or health strategies. Go to treesaregood.org to find a local arborist.
