Practical advice on picking, planting, and caring for trees, backed by arborist knowledge and 20+ years of Northern California homeownership.
The fastest fruit trees from planting to harvest. Peach, fig, plum, citrus, and apple on dwarf rootstock, with years to first fruit, zones, and what to plant for the quickest harvest.
How to choose and place trees in your front yard for maximum curb appeal and property value. Covers spacing from house and sidewalk, best species by yard size, design principles, and common mistakes.
The right way to mulch, plant, and build around tree bases. Shade plants, proper mulch depth, root zone protection, and mistakes that slowly kill trees.
The best ornamental and decorative trees for residential yards, from weeping cherries and dogwoods to conversation pieces like paperbark maple and Harry Lauder's walking stick. Includes sizes, zones, and four-season picks.
When and how to prune apple trees for better fruit, stronger branches, and a manageable size. Covers central leader training, spur management, water sprouts, biennial bearing fixes, and renovating neglected trees.
How and when to prune pear trees for fruit production and disease prevention. Covers the central leader method, fire blight management, summer pruning, spur maintenance, and renovation of neglected trees.
The trees worth planting, based on real experience.
Avoid these trees. Trust me on this.
Get it right the first time.
When, how, and what not to cut.
11 reasons your yard needs them.
9 things to know before you dig.