Practical advice on picking, planting, and caring for trees, backed by arborist knowledge and 20+ years of Northern California homeownership.
Ten tall, skinny evergreen trees ranked for residential yards. Italian Cypress, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Taylor Juniper, and more with spacing, growth rates, zones, and real costs.
Twelve dwarf and small trees that stay under 20 feet, perfect for front yards, patios, and tight lots. Includes sizes, zones, growth rates, and which ones actually stay small.
Everything you need to know about Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'). Spacing, growth rate, planting depth, winter care, deer protection, and how it compares to Green Giant.
Nine reliable ways to tell if your tree is dead or dying, from the scratch test to fungal growth and crown dieback. Includes when to call an arborist and when a dying tree can still be saved.
Twelve trees and shrubs that actually thrive in partial to full shade. Species profiles with honest advice on what grows where sunlight is limited, from Japanese Maple to Serviceberry.
The best spring blooming trees organized by bloom time so you can plan months of continuous color. From early magnolias to late fringe trees, with honest zone advice and cultivar picks.
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.