Garden Maintenance
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
UC Master Gardeners recommend an integrated approach to solving pest problems by minimizing pesticides and using techniques found in nature. This broad-based scientific approach is called Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Pruning techniques
Understanding the basic form of a tree, then pruning and training using proper techniques, will help that tree grow into its most structurally sound and graceful shape. It’s important to start when the tree is young. The same holds true for pruning shrubs.
Weeds and other invasive plants
Every gardener knows weeds -- uninvited plants that interfere with land and water resources, are unattractive or unwanted, or just get in the way. A distinct group of weeds that occur in natural habitats are classified as invasive plants and can cause significant damage.
The California Invasive Plant Council in Berkeley maintains an inventory list of invasive species (including invasive weeds) and funds eradication projects.