By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardeners of Placer CountyQ: I am considering buying a live Christmas tree so that we can plant it in our yard after the holidays. Any helpful hints? A: Purchasing a living tree and successfully establishing it in the landscape can make holiday memories live on as…
By Tish Grenfell, UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Q: I know that a lot of people are tearing out their lawn. Should I do that, and, if so, what can I plant instead?A: First, examine your reasons for having a lawn. Grass can be difficult, needing plentiful water, fertilizer, weed killers, pesticides…
Compiled by Joan Goff, UC Master Gardeners of Placer County So, you want to replace that thirsty lawn with something that uses less water but still looks beautiful? Good idea! But where to start? There are several elements to consider in making this change. Remove the existing…
By Laurie Meyerpeter, Master Gardeners of Placer County Q: Why did one of my trees turn color early this year?A: Trees turn color for a variety of reasons. As the days shorten, they go through a number of stages leading to an explosion of red, gold, and orange colors of fall. Cool nights and warm…
Pauline Kuklis, Master Gardeners of Placer County From The Curious Gardener, Fall 2010Are you looking for a showy California Native that will bring interest to your landscape all year round?If so, be sure to check out the beautiful Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis). Each year they are one…
By Laurie Meyerpeter, Master Gardeners of Placer County Q: I just bought a Japanese maple from a nursery. The nursery said it is a sun-tolerant variety but when I planted it in my yard last July, in an area where it receives full sun, it got severely burned. Why?A: Japanese maples are very…
By Trish Grenfell, Master Gardeners of Placer County Q: Our Blue Oak trees on the perimeter of our property are losing much of their leaves. I know they are deciduous trees but their leaves normally don’t drop until the fall. Do you know what could be the cause? I fear it is Sudden Oak Death.A:…
Article and photos by Nicole Harrison, Master Gardeners of Placer CountyFrom The Curious Gardener, Spring 2022 How we prepare for fire can mean the difference between dead trees and trees that are resilient to fire. In an evaluation of a fire damaged tree, there are a few key things to consider…
