Caroline Fritz

Garden Guides Editorial Policies

Garden Guides uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding gardening and landscaping, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert insight and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Caroline Fritz

  • Magnolia Trees In Canada

    Magnolia Trees in Canada. There are over 200 known species of magnolia tree. The trees come in a wide range of sizes, with the majority found in North America. Of those species, three are found in Canada: the cucumber tree, which is native to Ontario, and the saucer and Bull Bay magnolias, both of which were introduced to the country. Popular in gardens, all types of magnolia are prized for their shade.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Zone 6 Lawn Care

    Zone 6 Lawn Care. In terms of lawn care, zone 6 of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's plant hardiness zone map is considered a transition zone, with hot summers, cold winters and wet and dry periods throughout the year. While these weather conditions can be challenging, a regular maintenance schedule will keep a zone 6 lawn looking its best throughout the growing season of early spring to fall.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Fastest Growing Rhododendrons

    Fastest Growing Rhododendrons. Rhododendrons are known for their glossy, green leaves and large flowers. Different types bloom in different colors, including white, purple, pink, red, orange and yellow. Rhododendrons range in size from dwarf shrubs to medium-sized trees. Most rhododendrons thrive in humid climates with mild winters, although there are hardy varieties that survive colder temperatures. The American Rhododendron Society identifies fast growing rhododendrons that reach a height of 7 feet after 10 years. These types include Brittenhill Bugle, Mount Everest and Rhododendron watsonii.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Common Problems With Birch Trees

    Common Problems With Birch Trees. There are more than 60 species of birch tree, including the yellow birch, cherry birch, paper birch and river birch. Birch trees have wide-spreading crowns that make them good shade trees. Common problems with the birch tree include pest infestations and a fungus infection that causes canker.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Black Gum Tree Diseases

    Black Gum Tree Diseases. The black gum tree is a shade tree native to North America and hardy to United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4b through 9. Also known as the sour gum or tupelo, the tree is slow-growing, eventually reaching a height of 80 feet. The dark gray bark is smooth when immature, becoming cracked as the tree ages. The leaves are elliptical ovals and green during the growing season. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, orange, red and burgundy. The black gum is susceptible to fungal diseases including botryosphaeria canker, leaf spot infections and heart rot infections.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Types Of Pampas Grass

    Types of Pampas Grass. Pampas grass is known as the king of the ornamental grasses. Native to South America and New Zealand, more than 24 species of the grass exist, which grows from eight to 12 feet in height. The grass features flowering plumes, in a number of colors, at the end of slender green stems. Because of its height, pampas grass can be used as a windbreak, an accent plant or as screening in a border or large planting. Plant the grass, which can grow in any type of soil, in full or part sun. The flowers range in color from white to pink and bloom in the fall.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • What Cherry Trees To Grow In Colorado

    What Cherry Trees to Grow in Colorado. Both sour cherries, hardiness zones 4 through 8, and sweet cherries, hardiness zones 5 through 8, can be grown in the state of Colorado provided the trees are planted in full sun in well-drained soil. Sweet cherries grow better in the western, mountainous part of Colorado, although a few of these types can also be grown in urban, eastern areas as well. In the eastern part of Colorado, which is part of the Great Plains, sour cherries are dependable producers.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • The Best Grass Seeds For Zones 4 To 6

    The Best Grass Seeds for Zones 4 to 6. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has divided North America into regional hardiness zones based on average annual minimum temperature ranges. The minimum temperatures in zones 4 to 6 range from minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the lowest temperature in Zone 4, to the high of zero F in Zone 6. Turf grass in these zones must grow deep enough to withstand the cold temperatures of winter and the warm temperatures of summer.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Parts Of Pine Trees

    Parts of Pine Trees. Pine trees are one of the most recognizable trees in the world. There are more than 100 different species, including white, Scotch, Austrian, spruce and sand. Prevalent, particularly in the Southeast and arid parts of the western mountains, the pine tree grows in dry, sandy soil and is harvested for its lumber.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Types Of German Evergreen Trees

    Types of German Evergreen Trees. Evergreens are found throughout the world, including Germany. Many evergreens are cultivated for use as windbreaks, as ornamental trees in gardens and on city streets, or for their timber. Evergreen types found in Germany include the common juniper, European silver fir and the Norway spruce. These evergreens are classified as conifers, which means the trees have cones instead of fruit.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Evergreens In Tennessee

    Evergreens in Tennessee. Evergreens are an all-purpose term used to describe conifers that are trees with needles instead of leaves. These types of trees are resistant to both cold weather and water loss. In Tennessee, a number of different types of evergreen conifers exist, including the Northern white cedar, the Eastern red cedar and the Fraser fir.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Ivy Plant Diseases

    Ivy Plant Diseases. Ivy is used as a ground cover, climbing vine and even as a houseplant. An evergreen, there are a number of ivy varieties, including English, Boston and Swedish. Although ivy is a hardy plant that withstands urban pollution and shade, the plant is susceptible to both bacterial and fungal infections.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Boston Ivy Diseases

    Boston Ivy Diseases. Boston ivy is a clinging vine with holdfasts like suction cups that attach to practically any solid object. The ivy is suited for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone 4 climates. An aggressive climber, the leaves of the Boston ivy are dark green and glossy in the summer, turning crimson, burgundy and scarlet in the fall. The ivy withstands urban conditions, however it is susceptible to certain fungal diseases.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Vegetable Planting Times In South Carolina

    Vegetable Planting Times in South Carolina. South Carolina is divided into three growing zones: Piedmont (which is the north), central and coastal. Each zone has its own growing schedule based roughly on the United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones, which is the average minimum temperature an area receives during the winter. Because South Carolina has a mild climate, the growing season starts much earlier than areas in the upper Midwest or Northeast.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Uses Of Loblolly Pine Trees

    Uses of Loblolly Pine Trees. The loblolly pine is found is the Southeastern United States. The name loblolly means a low, boggy or muddy area, but the pine is very adaptable. The loblolly pine grows throughout the south and is known as the "old-field" pine because it multiplies quickly on unused farmland. Characterized as one of the most commercially important trees in the region, the loblolly pine is used for construction, as plywood and to make mulch. The tree's resin is harvested to make turpentine. The loblolly pine is also used to stabilize areas with high erosion and to provide habitat for birds and animals.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Agave Cactus Dangers

    Agave Cactus Dangers. There are more than 10 different species of agave cactus that grow in the desert of the American Southwest. Classified as a succulent, agave cactus have hard, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. Some species may or may not have stems. Depending on the species of agave, parts of the plant are dangerous and should be avoided.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Bermuda Grass Vs. Crab Grass

    Bermuda Grass Vs. Crab Grass. The biggest difference between Bermuda grass and crab grass is that Bermuda grass is a highly desirable lawn grass and crab grass is a highly undesirable weed that spreads quickly, despite a lawn owner's best control efforts. One way to cultivate Bermuda grass and discourage crab grass is to practice a regular maintenance schedule.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Pine Trees In Florida

    Pine Trees in Florida. Pine trees usually prefer sandy soil, so it is no wonder that so many species of pine tree are found in Florida. There are seven different pine species in the state: shortleaf pine, spruce pine, sand pine, slash pine, longleaf pine, loblolly pine and pond pine. Pines are classified as conifers because the trees have needles, instead of leaves, that are bound together in bunches and attached by scales to the branch. The number of needles in each bundle is an additional way to classify pine trees. The Australian pine, which is found in Florida, is not a member of the pine family, although the tree does resemble a pine.

    By Caroline Fritz November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Fast Growing Trees In North Carolina

    Fast Growing Trees in North Carolina. Fast growing trees are often planted for their quick shade. Unfortunately, fast growing trees tend to be weak and are easily damaged by both wind and rain. In the temperate climate of North Carolina, fast growing trees are found in the wild, on city streets, in parks and as shade trees in landscaping projects.

    By Caroline Fritz September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • List Of Trees Found In Myanmar

    List of Trees Found in Myanmar. Myanmar, also known as Burma, is located in Southeast Asia. The country has a tropical climate with three seasons--rainy, hot and cold. The temperature ranges from 68 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Although native teak and mangrove forests have been decimated in recent years, both trees, along with the palm, are still found growing in the country.

    By Caroline Fritz September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Common Weeds In Bermuda Grass

    Common Weeds in Bermuda Grass. Bermuda grass is a warm weather grass that stops growing when the soil temperature slips below 50 degrees F. Bermuda grass needs less water than other grass types but does well in warm weather areas that receive a lot of rain. Resistant to wear and compaction, Bermuda grass is used in lawns, parks, playing fields, golf courses and school grounds. Not tolerant of shade, Bermuda grass needs to be fertilized regularly. Common weeds found in Bermuda grass include annual, perennial and biennial weeds.

    By Caroline Fritz September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Fast Growing Trees Native To The Southern Ontario Area

    Fast Growing Trees Native to the Southern Ontario Area. In Ontario, Canada, homeowners are advised to plant native trees and shrubs. Native trees are uniquely suited for their specific region and have evolved over time to adapt to the local environmental conditions, the geography and even the insects and animals. As a result, they need minimal care in order to thrive. In Southern Ontario, fast-growing native trees include the tulip tree, silver maple and the red oak.

    By Caroline Fritz September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Diseases Of Cedar Elm Trees

    Diseases of Cedar Elm Trees. The cedar elm is native to the North American south. A slow-growing tree, the cedar elm grows to a height of 90 feet. The tree has oblong leaves that are fixed tightly to the branches. The bark is grayish pink that becomes grooved as the tree matures. The cedar elm is susceptible to Dutch Elm disease, wetwood, blackspot and anthracnose.

    By Caroline Fritz September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Eucalyptus Trees In Mexico

    Eucalyptus Trees in Mexico. The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia. An evergreen, there are more than 500 species of eucalyptus. The tree has been successfully cultivated in warm, dry climates throughout the world, including Mexico. Eucalyptus trees have been grown extensively in Mexico, including the red gum, rainbow gum and the blue gum.

    By Caroline Fritz September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Pine Trees In Russia

    Pine Trees in Russia. Pine trees are found in nearly all climates, including Russia. Pine trees are classified as conifers because they bear cones instead of fruit. Another characteristic of the pine tree is that it has needle clusters instead of leaves. The number of needles in each cluster further differentiates pines. Three pine trees found in Russia include the Scots pine, the Swiss stone pine and the dwarf Siberian pine.

    By Caroline Fritz September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Gardenia Root Rot Cures

    Gardenia Root Rot Cures. Gardenias are evergreen shrubs or trees with shiny leaves and large, white or yellow flowers. There are over 200 species of gardenia. The plant grows well in the full sun but will tolerate light shade. Gardenias prefer slightly acidic, moist soil with plenty of organic matter and acid fertilizer that contains iron and other micronutrients. The plant is prone to both pest infestation and root rot diseases, including Texas root rot, mushroom root rot and root knot nematode.

    By Caroline Fritz September 6th, 2022 Read More
  • Components Of Topsoil

    Components of Topsoil. Topsoil consists of four major components: minerals, organic matter, water and air. Ideal soil contains less than 50 percent solid particles, 25 percent liquid, 25 percent air and less than 5 percent organic material. While the percentages of these components vary by region, it is the presence of organic matter that makes topsoil the most fertile part of the soil layer.

    By Caroline Fritz September 6th, 2022 Read More