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LifeShield Home Security, now known as Blue by ADT, offers a DIY home security solution that can provide you with peace of mind. This Old House Rating: 9.7 In 2020, LifeShield Home Security, a pioneer in the DIY home security industry, merged with ADT to create Blue by ADT. The new partnership forged the way for homeowners to access DIY security solutions while still maintaining professional-grade monitoring services. Offering 24/7 professional monitoring with no long-term contract and customizable security solutions, LifeShield enables homeowners to do home security their own way. Read on to learn more about LifeShield’s home security packages and pricing, and determine if this is the best home security company for you. Pros and Cons of LifeShield Home SecurityCompare the advantages and disadvantages of LifeShield below: LifeShield Home Security PackagesLifeShield offers four home security packages: the Build Your Own System, 11-Piece Camera System, 15-Piece Camera System, and Blue Doorbell Camera System. Build Your Own SystemThe Build Your Own System starts customers out with a base level of products, allowing them to select additional security items to fit their needs. Here’s everything included in the Build Your Own System package:
Here are optional items you can add to your system:
11-Piece SystemThe 11-Piece Camera System is LifeShield’s most basic pre-packaged system, providing homeowners with essential security equipment like door and window sensors, a fire safety sensor, and an entry keypad. This package is best suited for those who want basic home security coverage. Here’s everything included in the 11-Piece package:
15-Piece Camera SystemThis package includes everything in the 11-Piece system, plus two extra window and door sensors, an extra motion sensor, and an indoor camera. This package expands the coverage of your LifeShield Home Security kit and gives you the ability to monitor the inside of your home via the indoor camera. Here’s everything included in the 15-Piece package:
Blue Doorbell Camera SystemThe Blue Doorbell Camera package contains the least amount of door and window sensors but adds the benefit of a Blue doorbell camera. The camera gives homeowners direct video access to the outside of their home, allowing you to talk remotely with your home’s visitors. Here’s everything included in the Blue Doorbell Camera package:
Note: While each package comes with a free month of professional monitoring, customers must cancel within the 30-day trial period to prevent the monthly auto-renew of the service. Customers can cancel anytime by clicking the cancellation link in their order confirmation email. Types of LifeShield Security EquipmentThe pre-packaged home security bundles from LifeShield provide your home with the essentials to start your security system, like a control panel, key fob, window and door sensors, and motion sensors. For additional protection, LifeShield offers system compatible products available for purchase online. Here’s a look at the security equipment offered through Blue by ADT. Entry Keypad The Entry Keypad is your primary control panel, allowing you to arm and disarm your system from inside your home. The keypad is plugged directly into your wall but can be used temporarily with batteries. Mobile App The Blue by ADT mobile app gives you remote access to your system. Through the app, you can arm and disarm your system, monitor cameras and saved media, and receive system alerts. Security Cameras LifeShield gives customers access to indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras, giving you video access to all areas of your home. Through the doorbell security camera, you can talk directly with visitors at your door. Door and Window Sensors These sensors are mounted directly onto any door or window, letting you know if someone enters or leaves your home. Motion Sensor The motion sensor detects movement inside any room, triggering the alarm and sending alerts directly to your phone. Fire Safety Sensor This smoke detector notifies you of smoke or carbon monoxide inside your home. Temperature and Flood Sensor The temperature and flood sensor is used to detect unusual changes in temperature within your home, signifying a broken HVAC unit or serious flooding. Cost of LifeShield Home SecurityHere’s an overview of LifeShield package pricing: Each system comes with 30-day professional monitoring. After the 30-day free trial, the professional monitoring will automatically be renewed at $19.99 per month, unless cancelled. How Does LifeShield Work?After you pay a one-time fee for your selected LifeShield system, it’s shipped to your house where you can install it at no charge, or you can pay to have it professionally installed. Each system you purchase comes with 30 days of professional monitoring and after the 30 days are up, you can choose to continue with the service at a monthly rate or choose to self-monitor. There are no contracts with LifeShield, so you can cancel professional monitoring at any time. LifeShield Customer ServiceTo help customers navigate their new system, Blue by ADT has a designated support center where customers can troubleshoot specific issues, learn about the mobile app, and access their account. Additionally, LifeShield provides support via their web and app portals. If customers are still unable to solve their issue, LifeShield technical support is available at 877-464-7437. LifeShield Home Security ReviewsBlue by ADT is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating. This rating stems from BBB’s understanding of how LifeShield handles complaints and other customer interactions. Here’s a sample of customer reviews from LifeShield below. “LifeShield alerted police and contacted us when our back door got busted in by someone. The siren was loud enough to scare them off before the police arrived. Glad that LifeShield was reliable in that situation.” — Greg S “Amazing home security system! I have been a customer since 2012 and have never had a single problem or false alarm. LifeShield equipment is excellent quality and good looking—very modern and sleek in appearance. I love the app and getting text and email alerts that let me know when my kids get home from school and the dog walker has come and gone (because each has different security codes, I know who is coming and going and when). It’s so easy to set with the keychain remote or from your phone app—simple and quick. Best of all, the monthly monitoring prices were the lowest I could find. I’ve barely [needed] customer service in 6 years, but when I call, they are always very helpful. Highly recommend.” — Doug G Our ConclusionThe This Old House Reviews team gives LifeShield Home Security a 9.7/10. Their professional-grade equipment allows customers to monitor their own system or opt for professional monitoring, giving you the choice in how you want to monitor your home. If you’re still unsure if LifeShield is right for you, compare it to other top-rated security companies in the industry. Frequently Asked Questions About LifeShieldWhat does the cancellation process look like? Each system comes with 30-day professional monitoring. After the 30-day free trial, professional monitoring will automatically renew at $19.99 per month, unless cancelled. Customers can cancel the service anytime by clicking the cancellation link in their order confirmation email. Does LifeShield come with home automation? All LifeShield products are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Wi-Fi, and Z-Wave devices. Can I use LifeShield without monitoring? Yes. You can choose to self-monitor your system at no cost using the LifeShield app or website portal. Our Home Security Rating MethodologyThe This Old House Reviews team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for home security providers is on a 100-point scale based on 10 factors:
Our team reviewed 32 companies and spent 744 hours researching and testing out products to help us compare home security systems on key factors such as package options, cost, reliability, and ease of use. Read more on our methodology here. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected].
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Puttering is my home love language. To me it means to occupy yourself in an unhurried pleasant manner on a number of small tasks around the home, while not concentrating on anything particular. You can inadvertently accomplish so much with puttering. And even if all you end up with is a little more love for […]
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The best lawn care companies in Houston offer a variety of services and have widespread availability as well as decades of experience. Houston homeowners live in a particularly humid part of the sunny South—that means April showers, May flowers, and unfortunately, scorching hot summers and warm falls. Caring for Houston lawns can be a challenge. Homeowners who want lush lawns that are the envy of the neighborhood should consider hiring a professional lawn care company to get the job done right. The This Old House Reviews Team believes TruGreen offers the best lawn care services, with decades of experience, comprehensive lawn care plans, and a la carte services in the Houston area. Other providers include Weed Man and Lawn Doctor. Why You Should Hire Professional Lawn Care in HoustonCreating and executing a high quality lawn care plan for your specific area can be a lot of work, especially on top of all the other duties homeowners have to take on. Houston is a humid area that attracts many mosquitoes, which can make toiling outside very unpleasant—on the plus side, some lawn care companies also offer mosquito control. Taking proper care of a Houston lawn requires extensive knowledge of the unique lawn and its individual needs, from fertilization and aeration to weed and grub control. Professional lawn care companies are equipped with the proper expertise, equipment, and products to keep your lawn in the best condition. The Most Common Grasses in HoustonWhen establishing and caring for a lawn in Houston, it’s important to know what type of grass is best-suited to your area. There are many types of warm season grasses, but some are less heat-tolerant than others. Here are some of the most common grasses homeowners will find in Houston lawns.
Top Recommended Provider: TruGreenTruGreen is a well-known name in lawn care, with 2.3 residential and commercial customers across the country, servicing all states except for Alaska. TruGreen surpasses its top competitors in the number of annual programs it offers. The company offers five different annual programs, along with a range of a la carte services, including pest control. All of TruGreen’s services are scientifically backed and performed by TruExpert℠ Certified Specialists. Every TruGreen specialist must pass an intensive 10-day course that covers topics like horticulture, agronomics, and safety, called the TruExpert Lawn Certification Program. All services are backed by TruGreen’s Healthy Lawn Guarantee®—promising that a TruGreen lawn care specialist will return to your lawn as many times as needed between scheduled treatments to re-treat at no extra cost. TruGreen also offers an online chat function and mobile app. We give TruGreen a 97 out of 100. We always recommend getting multiple quotes before making your final decision. If you’d like to get a free quote from TruGreen, call 877-441-3919, or fill out this form. You can contact Weed Man at 888-321-9333 for a quote, and you reach Lawn Doctor at 844-238-4612. DIY Alternative: SundaySunday is a subscription service that offers customized programs and delivers environmentally friendly nutrients straight to your door. A cheaper alternative to full-service lawn care, Sunday uses satellite imagery, property data, historical weather data, and information on soil composition to create an analysis of your lawn and determine the products you need the most. For an instant lawn analysis, enter your home address on Sunday’s secure site. How to Choose Lawn Care in HoustonThere are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a lawn care provider in Houston. You don’t want to commit to a company whose plans don’t cover the services you need or whose cost is out of your budget. Plans and services offeredDifferent lawn care companies offer different annual programs and varying a la carte services. If you only want a few services, it may be better to choose a streamlined program. But if you’re concerned about weed control, pest control, and a variety of other concerns, it may be best to go with a comprehensive plan. CostIn order to find out if a lawn care company is within your budget, you can request a free, personalized quote online by submitting your name, address, and contract information. Many of the top lawn care companies use an online tool that allows them to map out the exact dimensions of your lawn, enabling a precise quote. ReputationYou may consider reading expert reviews and doing research to find out more about how competent, reliable, and trustworthy a company is. Often, you can find more information about long-standing businesses than newcomers to the industry. GuaranteeTruGreen, Weed Man, and Lawn Doctor all offer customer satisfaction guarantees—promising to come back as needed between scheduled lawn visits to re-treat at no extra cost. This can increase customers’ confidence in the service. Organic optionsThe top lawn care companies offer environmentally friendly solutions to lawn care, like TruGreen, Weed Man, and Lawn Doctor. Houston Lawn Care TipsBattle crabgrassCrabgrass is a common weed Houston homeowners face. This pervasive annual weed can choke your lawn, leaving dead and thinning patches. You can purchase selective, post-emergent herbicides that will kill existing crabgrass but leave your grass unharmed. But prevention is key. You should apply a pre-emergent selective herbicide in early spring. Improve drainageThunderstorms are frequent in Houston, and it’s not uncommon for soil to have poor drainage. This can have serious consequences for your lawn, like compacted soil, which prevents your grassroots from getting the air and nutrients they need. Adding mulch is a good solution—this organic matter acts as a sponge and provides nutrients to your grass. Houston Lawn Care FAQsHow do you kill weeds without killing grass?To get rid of weeds while leaving your grass unharmed, you’ll need to use a natural herbicide like corn gluten meal, or a selective herbicide from a store, like A.D.I.O.S. Always read the package carefully. How do you fix a terrible lawn?It depends on the particular problem your lawn is facing, but a common way to fix a lawn is by filling in bare or patchy spots with seed or sod. You can also improve your lawn by using organic fertilizer, performing a soil test to ensure your soil has all the right nutrients and the optimal pH level, aerating, dethatching, mowing your grass at the correct height, and watering deeply and infrequently. Should I leave grass clippings on my lawn?Leaving grass clippings on your lawn, or “grass cycling,” can be beneficial because it allows the organic matter to decompose back into the soil, reintroducing nutrients. How much is lawn care monthly?The exact price you pay for lawn care will depend on a number of factors, including where you live, the size of your lawn, the treatments you need, and more. You can request a free, custom quote online. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected]. Adobe
The This Old House Reviews team helps you decide between American Home Shield and Amazon Home Warranty in this comparison that goes in-depth on the cost, coverage, and customer reviews of these two providers. Are you thinking about purchasing a home warranty with American Home Shield or Amazon Home Warranty? These are two of the best home warranty companies in the industry, offering coverage plans that protect your systems and appliances from expensive repairs. Keep reading our American Home Shield vs. Amazon Home Warranty comparison to learn more about each provider’s plans, pricing, and customer reviews. American Home Shield is one of the most well-known home warranty providers in the industry and offers four different coverage plans to homeowners. To receive $50 off of a new plan, call American Home Shield at 844-529-9298 or fill out this form. Amazon Home Warranty is a relatively new provider in the home warranty industry and offers three impressive coverage plans, a variety of optional add-ons, and coverage in Alaska. To receive $100 off your plan, request a free quote from Amazon Home Warranty by calling 866-605-8194 or submitting this simple form. American Home Shield vs. Amazon Home Warranty CoverageAmerican Home Shield offers four coverage plans, including a Build-Your-Own Plan that allows customers to customize coverage, while Amazon Home Warranty offers only three home protection plans. However, Amazon Home Warranty offers more optional add-ons than American Home Shield. American Home Shield CoverageAmerican Home Shield offers four plans: an Appliances Plan, Systems Plan, Combo Plan, and Build-Your-Own Plan. The Combo Plan combines coverage for 11 systems and 10 appliances, the Systems Plan covers important home systems, and the Appliances Plan covers essential appliances. The Build-Your-Own Plan allows you to select 10 or more items for a fully customized plan—each item added to the plan after the tenth item costs an additional $2 per item. Compare American Home Shield plans below: American Home Shield offers five optional add-ons:
Amazon Home Warranty CoverageAmazon Home Warranty offers three plans: a Systems Plan, Appliances Plan, and a Combo Plan. The Appliances Plan covers seven appliances, the Systems Plan covers eight home systems, and the Combo Plan combines the coverage of these two plans and adds protection for an instant hot water dispenser, garbage disposal, attic fan, ceiling fan, bathroom exhaust fan, doorbell, kitchen fan, and exhaust hood. Here’s what each Amazon Home Warranty plan covers: Amazon Home Warranty offers 19 optional add-ons:
American Home Shield vs. Amazon Home Warranty CostAmazon Home Warranty offers a cheaper monthly premium than American Home Shield. Regarding service call fees, Amazon Home Warranty offers a $75 standard service call fee for all customers, while American Home Shield allows customers to choose between $75–$125 for their service fee. Note: With American Home Shield, a lower service fee will likely lead to a higher monthly premium, and a higher service fee will likely result in a lower monthly premium. Note: Your specific home warranty cost will depend on the square footage of your home, the plan you select, and where you live. Because of this, we recommend getting quotes from both American Home Shield and Amazon Home Warranty before signing up for a plan. American Home Shield vs. Amazon Home Warranty ReviewsAmerican Home Shield and Amazon Home Warranty are both accredited by the Better Business Bureau and earned a B rating from the organization. Our ConclusionAmerican Home Shield and Amazon Home Warranty both offer home warranty plans that include comprehensive coverage for a variety of home systems and appliances. American Home Shield offers more coverage plans and a unique Build-Your-Own Plan, but Amazon Home Warranty offers more optional add-ons. Both providers offer reasonably priced plans and have received positive reviews from customers. Because of its history as an industry leader and its extensive plan options, we recommend American Home Shield for most homeowners, especially those who would prefer to build their own plan. For homeowners who are on a budget or want coverage for specific add-ons, we recommend Amazon Home Warranty. For more information on each provider, read our Amazon Home Warranty review and our American Home Shield review. Frequently Asked Questions About Home WarrantiesWhat do home warranties cover? A home warranty protects major appliances and systems from damage caused by normal wear and tear. It doesn’t cover appliances and systems that receive damage from natural disasters or theft. What is the waiting period for Amazon Home Warranty and American Home Shield? Amazon Home Warranty and American Home Shield have a waiting period of 30 days. It’s common for home warranty companies to have a brief waiting period before allowing customers to submit a claim. Do American Home Shield and Amazon Home Warranty repair and replace appliances and systems? Both companies cover repairs and replacements, though a replacement product may not be the same brand and model of your old appliance or system. We recommend reading the AHS sample contract and Amazon Home Warranty sample contract to learn about each company’s replacement policies. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected]. Hi friends, happy Saturday! What are you up to this weekend? I’m planning to head to my local garden store to mosey around and look at plants, one of my very favorite self care activities! Anyone else love to wander through plants? Hope you have a great weekend! A Few Recent Posts on The Inspired […]
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Nellie Stevens holly is an adaptable shrub that can survive under a wide range of conditions, from sun to shade, acidic soil to alkaline soil, and water to no water. Read this guide to learn how you can grow and maintain this evergreen, low-maintenance shrub. With Nellie Stevens holly, you can create a perimeter of shrubs around your property to increase privacy and enjoy the dark green, evergreen leaves all year-round. To decide if Nellie Stevens holly is right for you, read our guide to learn what the shrub looks like and how to grow it. What Does Nellie Stevens Holly Look Like?The Nellie Stevens holly shrub has dark green leaves, which keep a glossy color throughout the year. The leaves have one to three sharp spikes on them and produce white flowers that have small red berries with a diameter of 0.3 inches. On average, Nellie Stevens holly shrubs can grow to be 15 to 25 feet tall and five to 10 feet wide. Growing and Maintaining Nellie Stevens HollyHere’s the ideal growth environment for Nellie Stevens holly. Sun, Shade, and SoilNellie Stevens holly can survive in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH of 5.0 to 7.0. Holly can also survive in slightly alkaline soil, heavy clay, dry sand, and almost any other type of soil. FertilizerApply one to two inches of compost every spring and make sure it doesn’t extend past the drip line, which is an imaginary line where droplets fall from the outermost branches. In late fall, apply one cup of 10-5-5 fertilizer per plant. The 10-5-5 fertilizer contains 10% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 5% potassium. A higher percentage of nitrogen helps keep the holly leaves green. After spreading the fertilizer, apply two inches of organic mulch composed of pine needles or wood chips to regulate soil temperature and control weeds. If the holly leaves turn yellow in the summer, you can use another cup of fertilizer to help with growth. WateringNellie Stevens holly needs about one inch of water per week in the spring and summer. The best way to tell if your shrub needs water is to stick your finger in the soil and make sure the top two inches are moist—be careful not to overwater the shrub, as waterlogged holly dies. Because holly is drought-tolerant, you don’t need to water this plant in the fall or winter. Ideal Hardiness ZonesHolly trees grow best in hardiness zones 6–9, which have warm to moderate temperatures. This type of climate is mostly contained to western and southern states. How to Plant Nellie Stevens HollyPlanting several of holly shrubs in a row is common, but make sure to plant them five to six feet apart. This allows the Nellie Stevens hollies to grow together and create a living wall of greenery.
Nellie Stevens holly bushes won’t bloom until they’re three to five years old. Their white flowers will bloom in the spring, and the red berries will stay on the bush throughout the winter season. Because holly can live for up to 100 years, you only have to plant them once in your lifetime. Tolerance and SusceptibilityNellie Stevens holly is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canker, chlorosis, and root rot. Canker causes holes to form on branches and stems, which leads to the browning of leaves and, eventually, death. Chlorosis is caused by an iron deficiency in the plant and can be identified by the tell-tale sign of pale green or yellow leaves with dark green veins. Root rot is caused by overwatering, poor soil drainage, or a poorly functioning root system and causes the root to rot, eventually killing the shrub. Nellie Stevens holly can survive mild droughts, so while overwatering causes root rot and kills the plant, underwatering has no effect on the plant, which is why it can grow in drier climates. Wildlife ThreatsNellie Stevens holly is resistant to animals because of its pointy leaves and poisonous berries. However, certain insects like the scale, leaf miner, and mite may eat away at the leaves. Frequently Asked Questions About Nellie Stevens HollyWhere did Nellie Stevens holly get its name? Nellie Stevens holly was named after Nellie R. Stevens who created this hybrid of holly. Stevens created the holly by crossing Chinese holly and English holly. Does Nellie Stevens holly self-pollinate? Yes. Even though this holly only produces female flowers, the flowers are still able to bear fruit without cross-pollination from a male. However, the holly will yield more berries if planted with a male counterpart such as Edward J. Stevens holly. How fast does Nellie Stevens holly grow? Nellie Stevens holly can grow up to three feet in one year. When should I prune my Nellie Stevens holly bush? The best time to prune is in the spring, since new growth is susceptible to frost. You’ll want to make sure the growth rate stemming from the pruned areas has enough time to grow out before the first frost hits. How do I prune my holly? Holly naturally grows in a broad pyramidal shape, so you can choose to stick to this shape or trim it down into shorter shrubs. Here are a few guidelines to follow when pruning your holly:
Final ThoughtsNellie Stevens holly is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant that can create a privacy barrier around your home. Not to mention, this evergreen plant maintains its color all year-round, providing a pleasing aesthetic for your backyard. Consider buying this type of holly online or from your local home improvement store. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected]. Adobe
Yoshino cherry trees bloom a fragrant cloud of whitish-pink blossoms earlier in spring than many other cherry varieties. Yoshino cherry trees, or Japanese flowering cherry trees, are a standout at cherry blossom festivals across the world for their almond-scented, whitish pink blossoms that bloom in spring on stunning bare branches. While their small berries are too bitter for people to eat, they attract birds and butterflies to your garden. Yoshino cherry trees grow in a unique, exotic shape and are heat-tolerant. Yoshino Cherry Trees at a Glance
AppearanceYoshino cherry trees have a stunning shape, with a vase-shaped canopy unfurling from an exotic, upright branching pattern and smooth, gray bark. In March and April, Yoshino cherry blossoms bloom for two to three weeks and are one of the first cherry varieties to bloom. Each blossom has five petals that open pale pink and mature into white in clusters of five to six blossoms. In summer, serrated, ovate, glossy green leaves emerge. In fall, the leaves change to yellow, orange, and red before dropping in winter. Yoshino cherry trees grow to be 30-50 feet tall with a spread of 25-40 feet. Hardiness ZonesUSDA Hardiness Zones indicate the regions where plants can grow, based on minimum winter temperatures. Yoshino cherry trees grow in Zones 5-8, from the West Coast to the East Coast, except for the coldest and hottest climates. PlantingThe best times to plant Yoshino cherry trees are spring and fall. We recommend following these steps:
Growing ConditionsYoshino cherry trees must be kept moist but are tolerant of a wide variety of soil types. Sun and shadeYoshino cherry trees flourish in full sun, or at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. They can also grow in partial shade, but they will have fewer flowers. SoilYoshino cherry trees’ only true requirement of soil is that it’s moist. They can grow in acidic, moist, sandy, loamy, and clay soils. WateringThe soil should be consistently moist, especially as your Yoshino cherry tree is getting established and growing its root system. When the top two inches of soil are dry—you can test this by inserting your index finger into the soil—water with a garden hose for roughly 30 minutes. That translates to roughly every two weeks in the summer and every three or so weeks in fall and spring. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch can help prevent the moisture from evaporating and allow you to space out waterings more. Always be sure to leave a several-inch gap between the mulch and the trunk. FertilizingYour Yoshino cherry tree will not need to be fed for the first two years. After that, you can fertilize with nitrogen each year, with 1/10 of a pound per year of the tree’s age. You can either spread it out into two or four feedings over spring and summer or do the entire application just once in spring. PruningYoshino cherry trees do not require pruning, but if you see any dead, diseased, or crowded branches, you should prune them when they appear. If you want to prune for aesthetic reasons, early summer is the time—that way, you won’t prune any buds. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow fast do they grow?Yoshino cherry trees grow at a rate of roughly 1-2 feet per year. Do they bear fruit?Yes, but the fruit is too bitter for people to enjoy. However, it is very appealing to birds, including robins. How tall do they get?Yoshino cherry trees can reach a maximum height of 30-50 feet. How long do they bloom?Yoshino cherry trees bloom for two to three weeks. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected]. Adobe
Jane Magnolia trees are vigorous, blooming massive colorful flowers even in cold climates. Jane Magnolia trees are a vigorous, hardy type of Magnolia. While many Magnolias can only bloom their sweet-smelling blossoms in the south, the eight “Little Girls” varieties, including Jane Magnolias, are cold-hardy as well as able to withstand heat. Their massive, reddish-purple blooms emerge in late spring, after the first frost. With their small stature, they are perfect for compact gardens, where they make an excellent specimen plant, a cluster, or a screen. Jane Magnolia Trees at a Glance
AppearanceJane Magnolia trees can be trained into either a shrub or small tree. In either case, they have a pleasing rounded shape and multiple stems. In late spring, their eight-inch blossoms emerge. Reddish-purple on the outside and white on the inside, these tulip-shaped flowers may bloom again later in summer. When the flowers bloom, the branches have no foliage, creating a dramatic appearance. Once they fall, leathery green leaves emerge in summer and turn yellow and bronze in fall before dropping off in winter. Jane Magnolias grow to be 10-15 feet tall, with a maximum spread of 8-12 feet. They grow at a slow rate of about one foot or less each year. Hardiness ZonesUSDA Hardiness Zones indicate the regions where plants can grow based on minimum winter temperatures. Jane Magnolias can grow in Zones 4-8, a broad swath of the country—areas other than southern Texas, California, and Florida and northern Minnesota, Montana, and North Dakota, are suitable. PlantingThe best times to plant Jane Magnolia trees are in spring and fall. We recommend taking these steps:
Lay down 2-3 inches of organic mulch over the roots, being careful not to touch the trunk. This will help the soil conserve moisture. Growing ConditionsJane Magnolias are highly adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, and only need an average amount of water. Sun and shadeJane Magnolia trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. In cooler regions, more direct sunlight is better, but if you live in a warm climate, your Jane Magnolia will benefit from shade in the afternoon. The trees require a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. SoilJane Magnolia trees are highly adaptable to a wide range of soils, including loamy, sandy, clay, and silty. They prefer moist, well-drained, neutral-to-slightly acidic soils. WateringYour Jane Magnolia needs to be watered two to three times a week for its first growing season. You will need to increase the frequency if it’s very hot—watering every two to three days until the ground is soaked up to eight inches. In other conditions, you only need to water your Jane Magnolia tree if the surrounding soil is dry. Test this by inserting your finger 2-3 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. FertilizingPlace a 2-3 inch layer of organic compost every fall. Feed your Jane Magnolia in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every two to three years. PruningAs a general rule, Jane Magnolia trees do not require pruning unless you see dead, damaged, or diseased branches. However, if you want to prune for aesthetic purposes, do so in spring after the tree has already flowered. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow tall do they get?Jane Magnolia trees grow to a maximum height of 10-15 feet tall. Are they the same as a tulip tree?No, Jane Magnolia trees and tulip trees are not the same. The tulip tree is a different plant that can grow up to 150 feet tall. Are the flowers fragrant?Jane Magnolia tree flowers have a light fragrance. Do you need to prune them?No, Jane Magnolias do not require pruning unless they have dead, damaged, or diseased branches. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected]. Adobe
Windmill palm trees can add a taste of the tropics to your garden even in a temperate climate like Washington state. You don’t have to live in sunny Florida to get a tropical vibe in your garden. The exceptionally cold-hardy windmill palm tree can thrive across the West Coast as far north as Washington, with stunning, broad green blades and yellow blossoms in spring. The windmill palm is also well-suited for the Gulf Coast due to its high salt tolerance. As a particularly shade-tolerant tree, the windmill palm is a striking, low-maintenance addition to any garden. Windmill Palm Trees at a Glance
AppearanceThe windmill palm has a single, thick trunk covered in hairy brown fibers. Its long, densely-packed, fine-toothed fronds fan out from a symmetrical crown, creating a windmill shape. Some of the leaf tips are stiff, while others are droopy. Windmill palm trees can grow anywhere from 10-40 feet. You’ll see them kept compact at many homes, with a maximum height of about 10-20 feet and a spread of 6-10 feet. Windmill palms grow slowly, gaining less than a foot each year. Hardiness ZonesUSDA Hardiness Zones indicate the regions where plants can grow well, based on minimum winter temperatures. Windmill palm trees thrive in Zones 7-11, all along the West Coast, Gulf Coast, and up the East Coast as far as Virginia. PlantingChoose a planting site that receives partial shade and has well-drained soil. Make sure the site doesn’t receive too much harsh wind—that can shred your palm’s leaves. Pull any weeds and clear away any turfgrass or debris. Dig a hole twice the width of your windmill palm’s root ball. You want it deep enough that you can set the root ball equal with the level of the surrounding soil. Tease the roots apart gently using your hand or a small garden spade. Place the root ball in the hole, taking care to make sure that it’s perfectly upright and not at an angle. Backfill the soil, tamping down as you go to make sure there aren’t any air bubbles. Soak the hole as you fill it with dirt. Place a 2-3 inch layer of mulch on top of the planting area, keeping it a few inches away from the stems and trunk. This will help retain moisture. If you want to plant several windmill palms, plant them 6-10 feet apart from one another to limit competition for water and nutrients. Growing ConditionsWindmill palm trees are not picky about soil. They love shade and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Sun and shadeWindmill palm trees actually prefer shade to too much sun. Plant them in partial shade, where they will receive two to four hours of direct sunlight per day. SoilWindmill palm trees are highly adaptable to different types of soil but prefer to grow in porous, moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. WateringWhen newly planted, windmill palms require a lot of water to grow a healthy root system. Water them every two to three days for the first three months, then just once a week from then on, except for summers. If the weather is consistently hot or dry, you may need to water twice a week. You want the soil damp at all times but never soggy. You can find out when to water by pressing your index finger firmly 2-3 inches into the surrounding soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. FertilizingWindmill palms need fertile soil to flourish. Feed with a slow-release fertilizer designed for palm trees once or twice during the growing season—first in spring before new growth emerges, then again in summer or fall. PruningWindmill palm trees do not require pruning, aside from cutting any branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged. You should prune those as soon as you notice them. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow tall do they get?They can grow to as high as 40 feet tall, but most fall into the 10-20 foot range. How fast do they grow?Windmill palms grow at a slow rate of less than 8 inches per year. Do they need full sun?Windmill palm trees actually prefer partial shade to full sun. What do you feed them?You can apply a slow-release fertilizer designed specifically for palm trees. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected]. Adobe
Clementine trees bear an abundance of juicy, nearly seedless oranges with just a hint of acid. Clementine trees bear delectable fruit during the holiday season, earning them the name “Christmas oranges.” Clementines are a type of mandarin, and their fruit is easy to peel, virtually seedless, juicy, and much less acidic than traditional oranges. You can plant them outdoors or in a container if you live in a cooler climate; they make compact, vibrant house plants as well as ornamental statements in a yard. Clementine trees are some of the cold-hardiest citrus, meaning you reap all of the rewards with very little hassle. Clementine Trees at a Glance
AppearanceClementine trees have a rounded, glossy canopy of dark green leaves that keep their color year-round. In spring, fragrant white blossoms bloom and then become bright orange fruits, ready to be picked from November to January. Clementine trees can grow up to 25 feet tall, but they are typically pruned to 6-10 feet, especially if they are planted in a container or grafted from dwarf rootstock. Hardiness ZonesUSDA Hardiness Zones indicate the regions where plants can grow, based on minimum winter temperatures. Clementine trees can be planted outside from Zones 8-11, along the Gulf Coast and up the West Coast. If planted in a container, clementine trees can withstand the temperatures from Zones 4-11, as long as they are brought indoors during cold winters. PlantingThe best time to plant your clementine tree is spring or fall. We recommend taking these steps:
If you plant your clementine tree in a container, make sure it has drainage holes. After planting, water your tree thoroughly. Whenever you water, make sure excess water flows out of the drainage holes. Growing ConditionsClementine trees are hardy and low-maintenance. Sun and shadeClementine trees thrive in full sun, or six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. They can also grow in partial shade, but their crop will be less abundant. SoilClementine trees are adaptable to a range of soils but flourish in slightly acidic, sandy, well-drained soils. If you need to improve your drainage, add some perlite or sand to your soil. WateringClementine trees need consistently moist soil—but never soggy. For the first year after planting, water every two to three days. Water whenever the top two inches of the soil feel dry, which typically means weekly waterings. If your clementine tree is in a container, remember to empty the water tray regularly to ensure proper drainage. FertilizingFeed your in-ground clementine tree every other month, using a specially formulated citrus fertilizer. If your clementine tree is in a container, follow this schedule but also fertilize once more before you place it outside in summer. PruningIn general, clementine trees do not require pruning. But if you spot any dead, diseased, or damaged limbs, you should prune them immediately. Prune in the spring if you want to ensure that the shade beneath your tree is dappled. Be careful not to prune fruiting or flowering branches, and never prune more than a third of your tree at a time. HarvestingIn general, your clementine tree will begin producing fruit within two to three years of planting, but some nurseries sell clementines that fruit the first year. Your clementines will ripen from November to February. They will not ripen once picked, so choose your time wisely. You’ll tell they’re ready when their green skin turns completely orange. You can store your clementines in the pantry for roughly one week in a cool, dry area. You can also refrigerate them in the crisper drawer or mesh bag. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow big do they grow?Clementine trees that are not pruned can grow to be 25 feet if planted in the ground and are typically in the 6-10 foot range in indoor containers. How long does it take to bear fruit?Most clementine trees start bearing fruit within two to three years after planting, but some trees will be ready for harvest the first year. Are they self-pollinating?Yes. You only need one clementine tree to get an abundant crop of fruit. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected]. |
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September 2020
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