I need recommendations for small trees, or bushes or shrubs or something, that absolutely won't grow taller than two metres high, can handle dry conditions (Australian summers) and temperatures between -5 and +40 Celsius. Ideally they should either have pretty flowers or produce something edible (but not citrus, I have enough of those already). Needs to be available in Canberra. [more inside]
posted by lollusc on Apr 5, 2012 - 9 answers

There are pecans everywhere. Formerly they carpeted the backyard, now they're in huge container in the living room. Mostly. There are still more to pick up. A LOT more, the pecan tree has been surprisingly fruitful this year. What the hell does one do with a ton of freshly picked pecans, besides eat them and/or give them out to friends and family? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher on Feb 21, 2012 - 37 answers

I have a row of cypress trees denoting one property line. There are 14 of them, about 30-40 ft. They are useless as a fence as the bottom 10 ft of each is completely denuded. Nothing grows in a 6 ft strip either side - is there some miracle plant that would enjoy this hostile environment? If I have them removed, will the soil recover? As an Englishman in Portland, Oregon, I'd dearly love a beech hedge there...
posted by nicktf on Jan 14, 2012 - 7 answers

As it turns out, the big weed that I couldn't cut down last year is a Boxelder maple (Acer negundo), and we've decided to keep it as a shade tree for our deck. Now I'm addicted, and I want more trees. What would you suggest for our climate and placement? [more inside]
posted by thanotopsis on May 14, 2011 - 9 answers

I want to plant some trees in the front yard that appeal to squirrels and birds. One would think that nut trees (hazel, chestnut, etc) would be a good choice but there's one thing - I'm hugely allergic to them and their pollen. What sort of tree should I plant? [more inside]
posted by fiercekitten on May 4, 2011 - 7 answers

[Plant Filter] How do I care for my new dwarf conifer, a Lawson Cypress also known as "Treasure Island"? I purchased him from my local nursery two days ago, where they were selling small "living Christmas trees" as novelties. It is a very lovely little tree, and I would actually like to keep it potted inside if possible, but I'm not sure if it will be too warm for this species. [more inside]
posted by wansac on Dec 3, 2010 - 5 answers

What kind of tree can I plant in southern California that will provide shade (please!) and not annoy my landlord? [more inside]
posted by arnicae on Feb 16, 2010 - 9 answers

How can I help a tree that I'm growing in a container make it through the winter? [more inside]
posted by drezdn on Sep 1, 2009 - 7 answers

Spring time gardening care filter. Need a little advice. [more inside]
posted by Mastercheddaar on Mar 17, 2009 - 9 answers

What plants are suitable for putting on our deck in Seattle? There's no yard/soil, so they must live in containers. The deck is quite large so I was thinking about large decorative plants like small trees or some form of bamboo. Climate-wise, we have the typical PNW weather of moist winters that only fall below freezing a few days out of the year. Also, we are completely ignorant of gardening and would rather have something that can survive with a minimum of attention.
posted by matildaben on Nov 18, 2008 - 11 answers

Few questions on winterizing young trees and bushes. [more inside]
posted by Mastercheddaar on Oct 3, 2008 - 2 answers

I need to move a little tree, but I’m afraid I’ll end up killing it. Is it worth the risk? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue on May 2, 2008 - 8 answers

How do I sell mature green Japanese maple trees? [more inside]
posted by slhpatterson on Feb 26, 2007 - 8 answers

I find myself responsible for a semi-large, quite varied chunk of landscaping. Shrubs, flowers, trees, you name it. I don't have a clue what I'm doing. Where can I find help? [more inside]
posted by pornucopia on Jul 21, 2005 - 9 answers

Springfield Lemon Tree Filter: I have a Meyer lemon tree which was subjected to very cold temperatures last month. I was able to get it inside, but it spent almost a week outside, with temperatures in the low twenties (F). All of the leaves have dried up, and most have now fallen off. No new leaves have grown. I've had this tree for about six years, and it was a few years old when I purchased it. I'd very much like to save it.

It is in an extremely oversized pot, which I thought would help shield it from the cold, but apparently it wasn't enough. At the very least, I'd like to be able to save the roots, even if I have to graft another tree to the trunk. Any ideas?
posted by bh on Jan 17, 2005 - 5 answers

My neighbor has many mature blueberry and grape plants. Because he's rearranging things on his property, he's offered me some of the plants *if* I dig and move them myself. Is this possible? Is it practical? Is there some mechanized device that I can rent, borrow, or buy to make the job easier? Bonus question: I just chopped down three youngish Locusts, the largest of which had a trunk maybe six inches in diameter. What's the best way to remove the stumps so that I can plant fruit trees in their place?
posted by jdroth on Aug 24, 2004 - 3 answers