The best trees to plant, and how to keep them alive.

Honest, specific tree advice from 20+ years of Northern California homeownership, grounded in real arborist sources.

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Tree Planting GuideA staged walkthrough, from soil prep to the two years that decide if it lives.Start the guide →

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Gardener pruning tree branches with bypass hand pruners

Tools July 9, 2026

Hand Pruners: Bypass vs Anvil, Sizing, and How to Buy a Pair That Lasts

A homeowner's guide to hand pruners: bypass vs anvil, what branch size they cut, how to make a clean cut, sharpening the bevel, and disinfecting between trees.

Tools July 9, 2026

How to Sharpen Pruning Tools: Pruners, Loppers, and Saws

How to sharpen pruning shears and loppers the right way: match the factory bevel, deburr, oil, plus why most pruning saws get replaced, not sharpened.

Homeowner pruning tree branches with long-handled loppers

Tools July 9, 2026

Loppers: How to Choose and Use Them

How to pick loppers by cut capacity and handle length, the bypass vs anvil call, sharpening, safety, and the two pairs worth buying.

Gloved hand cutting a tree branch with a folding pruning saw

Tools July 9, 2026

Pruning Saws and Folding Saws: A Buyer's Guide (Plus Bow Saws for Big Cuts)

How to pick a pruning saw or folding saw by blade length, TPI, and branch diameter, plus the 3-cut method, blade care, and when a bow saw wins.

A collection of garden and tree-care hand tools laid out on a concrete surface

Tools July 9, 2026

Tree Care Tools: The Complete Guide

The tree care tools that actually earn a spot in your shed, organized by the job you need done: pruning, reaching high branches, removal, watering, and planting.