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Trees and Shrubs
The American Sycamore tree, Planatus occidentalis, is native to the United States, Mexico and Central America. Sycamore trees grow from southern Maine, west to Kansas and Texas, south to northern Florida and northwest to Michigan. The Sycamore’s genus includes seven species of trees, 3 of which can be found in the United States.
Sweet gum tree – Liquidambar styracilfua – is a deciduous shade tree that can be found from Connecticut to Florida, and in the mountains of Central America ranging from Mexico to Panama. The sweet gum tree ranges west all the way to Texas, Iowa and Oklahoma, but start to disappear in the harsh climates of [...]
A spruce tree is a coniferous evergreen tree that comes from the species Picea. There are approximately 35 different species of spruce trees that grow within the northern hemisphere. These coniferous evergreens are known to live to a very old age and can grow extremely tall, sometimes reaching heights of 200 feet. A spruce tree [...]
Familiar, old-fashioned flowering shrubs, spireas are enjoying a well deserved resurgent popularity in residential landscapes these days. Both traditional bridal wreath types and new, compact hybrid versions of this lovely, self-reliant plant are justifiably appreciated for their delicate flowers, vigor and pest resistance. After their glory days of bloom during a brief period in spring [...]
Rhododendron shrubs add year around beauty to landscapes. The plant and their large flowers sporting colors of red, lavender, white, yellow, and pink supported by the glossy leaved evergreen plant provides for a powerful landscape impact. Rhododendrons vary from dwarf types to tall natives that may grow to 15 to 20 feet tall. Rhododendrons prefer [...]
Oak trees are broadleaved trees. The scientific name for oak trees is Quercus. Oaks are hardwood trees that can live well over 200 years. Oak trees are an important source of food for wildlife. Oak trees produce acorns once a year in the fall. Some oaks begin to produce acorns at age 10 and others [...]
The maple tree is one of North America’s most versatile and best-loved deciduous trees. Depending on the variety, maple trees are used for rough construction or in the making of fine furniture. The sap of sugar maples is the only ingredient in maple syrup, which is produced in Ontario, Quebec and New England every spring. [...]
Linden trees, sometimes called basswood or lime tree, are an excellent choice for the urban landscape. They are especially hardy, tolerant of alkaline soils, visited by few destructive insects and exhibit a natural, pyramidal shape that requires little pruning. Lindens are slow growers and will take many years to provide shade. They produce small, round, [...]
Juniper shrubs can grow just about anywhere. They are very hardy in nature and tolerate drought very well. These shrubs work great for landscaping projects. Certain types of juniper shrubs grow very low across the ground while others grow upward like a tree and take on a pyramid shape. The foliage colors vary on these [...]
Weeds are really just one type of plant that we have decided shouldn’t be growing in one particular place. Wild orchids growing in Hawaii are considered weeds. It’s just your point of view as to what makes a weed a weed. Some weed-type plants are invasive and fast growing. Their growth habit overtakes our cultivated turf plants, depriving them of food and water. Other weeds are extremely noxious and cause problems for humans if they get close them.