Charmayne Smith

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Stories By Charmayne Smith

  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Braided Money Tree Diseases

    Braided Money Tree Diseases. The braided money tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a South American native that can reach heights up to 30 feet. This rapidly growing tree thrives in moist areas, heals rapidly and can withstand short drought periods. The characteristics of the money tree make it an excellent selection for bonsai, and it is often braided for a more striking appearance. Though the tree is a vigorous grower, the braided money tree is susceptible to several diseases.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Citrus Trees In The Midwest

    How to Grow Citrus Trees in the Midwest. The short summer months and harsh, cold winters of the Midwest can prove to be a challenge for citrus trees. Citrus trees require lots of sunlight and ample amounts of winter chilling hours to produce their fruit. Most of these cold-tender trees, however, cannot withstand temperatures below 30 degrees F without suffering permanent injury. Although the naturally grown citrus tree may fail in the Midwest, the container-grown citrus tree, or citrus bonsai, can thrive successfully in the Midwest while producing quality, edible fruit.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Produce
    Produce By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Lucky Bamboo Diseases

    Lucky Bamboo Diseases. Commonly sold growing in water, the lucky bamboo is not a true bamboo. This vigorously growing evergreen is a Dracaena sanderiana, often referred to as the ribbon plant. This tropical plant thrives in most light conditions but requires, at most, moderate temperatures that fall no lower than 60 degrees F. The plant grows indoors or out (in warm climates), but is susceptible to several diseases which can disfigure the lucky bamboo if left untreated.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Magnolia Tree Bark Diseases

    Magnolia Tree Bark Diseases. The magnolia family consists of a combination of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. These trees are hardy and showy trees that thrive in well-drained locations with full sunlight. With more than 80 species, there is a magnolia that can thrive in every growing zone. These trees are fairly pest and disease resistant. However, magnolia trees are susceptible to several bark diseases.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Maple Tree Trunk Rot Diseases

    Maple Tree Trunk Rot Diseases. The maple tree family, or Aceraceae, is a family of more than 700 deciduous trees and shrubs. This hardy family is sun-loving, and each displays colorful and showy fall colors. Most members of this family are relatively disease and pest free. However, there are several trunk rot diseases in which most, if not all, of the maple family members are susceptible.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Dogwood Trees In A Pot

    How to Grow Dogwood Trees in a Pot. Bonsai trees are any trees that are grown in containers. Whether small or large, the potted tree serves as a bonsai that can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the tree's requirements and your growing desires. The dogwood tree is a good selection for bonsai. It is a hardy tree that adapts quickly to pruning and the indoor environment. The dogwood tree, even as bonsai, blooms fragrant white blossoms during the summer months and is quite showy with attractive and colorful fall foliage.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Damson Plum Tree Diseases

    Damson Plum Tree Diseases. The damson plum is a deciduous fruit tree with a moderate growth rate. This tolerant tree thrives in many soil types and can withstand strong winds. The damson is self-fertile and requires very little pruning. It is resistant to most pests and diseases but is susceptible to a few diseases that can be harmful and injurious to the tree, if left untreated.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Leaf Diseases In Beech Tree

    Leaf Diseases in Beech Tree. The beech tree is a slow to moderately growing tree that can reach heights up to 80 feet. This deciduous family of trees contains more than 800 species. These sun-loving trees adapt to a wide range of soil types and are mostly drought tolerant. Beech trees are susceptible to certain leaf diseases. These diseases, though not fatal, can be disfiguring and injurious to the beech tree if left untreated.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Crinum Lily Diseases

    Crinum Lily Diseases. The crinum lily is a large, evergreen plant that reaches heights of up to 5 feet with an equivalent spread. This herbaceous perennial develops dark green, strap-like foliage that grows in spiral patterns. The leaves are erect and simple and can reach up to 36 inches in length. The crinum lily produces fragrant and showy white flowers that bloom in a spider-like pattern during various times throughout the year. The crinum lily is relatively resistant to pests but is susceptible to several diseases.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    What Type Of Soil Does An Oak Tree Grow In?

    What Type of Soil Does an Oak Tree Grow in?. Oak trees are deciduous trees that can grow to heights of 100+ feet in height with an equally expansive crown spread. This large tree is often referred to as the Majestic Oak and can live more than 200 years. This long lifespan is directly related to the type of soil in which it is planted, as it requires very little care after it is established.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Willow Oak Tree Diseases

    Willow Oak Tree Diseases. The willow oak tree is a fast-growing tree that can reach mature heights up to 75 feet. This deciduous shade tree produces simple, rich-green foliage that turns to showy yellows in the fall. Although the willow oak is drought-tolerant, it thrives in most soil conditions and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Similar to its oak relatives, the willow oak is susceptible to several tree diseases. Some of these diseases can be injurious, if not fatal, to the tree if left untreated.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Desert Willow Diseases

    Desert Willow Diseases. The desert willow is a North American native that thrives in dry, hot areas. This multi-trunked tree is extremely drought-tolerant and can reach heights up to 25 feet, with an equal spread. The tree develops a round crown with simple, dark green foliage. Its fragrant, showy blooms range in color from whites to lavenders. This hardy tree is resistant to most major diseases, but is susceptible to several minor fungal diseases.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Sainfoin

    How to Grow Sainfoin. Sainfoin is a tall-growing, perennial legume with fragrant, conelike clustering flowers. It is a drought-resistant plant that adapts well to soils with high pH levels. Native to Asia and Europe, the sainfoin is a noncompetitive plant that is commonly used for hay and livestock feed. It has a relatively short blooming lifespan, between 5 and 20 years.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Growing Blackberries In Michigan

    Growing Blackberries in Michigan. A long-living perennial plant with biennial canes, the blackberry falls into two categories: erect and trailing. Erect blackberries are cold-hardy blackberries that have stiff, arching canes. Trailing blackberries, often called dewberries, require assistance in standing and are otherwise not self-supporting.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Fungus In Bald Cypress Trees

    Fungus in Bald Cypress Trees. The bald cypress is a vigorously growing, deciduous conifer. This North American native can reach mature heights up to 150 feet and can flourish for more than 600 years. The bald cypress easily adapts to drought conditions and thrives in wet, swampy environments. Though adaptable, this conifer grows most vigorously in acidic, loamy soils.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Apples In East Texas

    How to Grow Apples in East Texas. The apple tree is the most widely grown deciduous fruit tree in the U.S. This deciduous tree thrives during warm summers, but requires a period of cold dormancy to prepare for the following year's fruit production. To successfully grow apple trees in East Texas, select the most favorable variety. East Texas averages 750 to 850 annual chilling hours, making the Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Gala apple varieties ideal for the area.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Diseases Of Spartan Juniper Trees

    Diseases of Spartan Juniper Trees. The Spartan juniper tree is a variation of the Juniperus chinensis species. This tree is a fast-growing evergreen that can withstand a wide array of temperature variations and soil conditions, though it will not tolerate wet feet. The Spartan juniper grows in a slender, conical shape with rich green foliage, and can reach heights up to 20 feet, with a 4-to-6 foot spread. Like many evergreens, the Spartan juniper is resistant to many--but not all--diseases.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow A Peach Tree In Tucson

    How to Grow a Peach Tree in Tucson. To grow a peach tree in Tucson, gardeners must ensure that the fruit tree can adapt not only to the dry climate and drought conditions, but to the reduced chilling time and high sodium soils. Tucson rests in Zone 9 of the USDA Hardiness Zone Map and Zone 12 of the Sunset Zones. Several peach tree variations do well in Tucson's climate, including the Desert Gold, Eva's Pride and the Tropic Sweet. These peach trees reach maturity between mid-May and early June and require very little chill time.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Miracle Fruit Plant Care & PH

    Miracle Fruit Plant Care & PH. The miracle fruit is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to West Africa. This showy plant produces large, rich green foliage and blooms small, white flowers that often last for many months. Often referred to as the miracle berry, the miracle fruit produces small, bright red berries that are known to temporarily eliminate the sour taste of lemon when eaten immediately before the citrus slice.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    How To Make An Oak Bonsai Tree

    How to Make an Oak Bonsai Tree. In the natural environment, an oak tree can grow more than 100 feet tall and live for more than 200 years. The oak tree is a cold hardy, deciduous tree with a rapid growth rate. It thrives in most soil environments and can tolerate most pH levels. These characteristics make the oak tree an excellent selection for bonsai. Though the oak bonsai requires generous attention, its growth rate and tolerance allow the tree to quickly repair itself after pruning and can easily be transferred from outdoor to indoors.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    When To Harvest Mango

    When to Harvest Mango. The mango tree is a shade tree that is native to southern Asia and India. Requiring direct sun and eternally warm climates, mangos are fragile to cold temperatures and require warm, dry weather to produce fruit. Since mango is a rather heavy fruit when ripe and hanging from the branches, harvesting mango is rather simple. However, the success and sustainability of a mango harvest is directly related to the health, care and maintenance of the overall tree.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    How To Take Care Of Mini Pine Trees

    How to Take Care of Mini Pine Trees. The mini pine, or pine bonsai, is a natural pine tree cultivated to grow smaller than its natural height and width. When carefully cultivated, the entire tree, including its pine needles, are proportionate in size. Although some aspects of the mini pine's care are similar to the natural sized pine tree, certain aspects, which are different, are required to maintain the mini pine's healthy growth.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Diseases In Pindo Palm Trees

    Diseases in Pindo Palm Trees. The pindo palm, or Butia capitata, is a slow-growing, upright palm tree with a natural open-crown shape. Its blue-green to silver foliage grows from 18 to 36 inches in length. This evergreen produces showy, white spring flowers and produces a yellowish-orange, fleshy fruit that is very attractive to squirrels. The pindo palm is a cold-hardy tree that thrives easily in most well-drained locations and is resistant to most diseases. Excessive moisture and "wet feet" will cause the root system to deteriorate, however, and will increase the pindo palm's susceptibility to disease.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    How To Care For And Pot A Eucalyptus Tree

    How to Care For and Pot a Eucalyptus Tree. The eucalyptus, or eucalyptus cinerea, is a fast-growing tree native to Australia. In its natural environment, the tree can reach mature heights up to 60 feet with a 10- to 15-foot spread. In the first two to three years, the eucalyptus can reach heights up to 25 feet. This rapidly growing evergreen produces bluish-green foliage with a lightly fragrant scent. With no dormancy period, the eucalyptus grows all year long with no reductions for season changes. Planting and growing the eucalyptus in a pot involves the art of bonsai. Successful potting requires the healthy reduction and maintenance of the tree to complement the potting container and the desired size.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Produce
    Produce By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Bamboo Shoots As A Source Of Organic Fertilizer

    Bamboo Shoots As a Source of Organic Fertilizer. Bamboo is a rapidly growing grass that continually produces new growth and new shoots. Growing 24 to 36 inches every 24 hours, it is the fastest growing plant on earth. The bamboo’s rapidly growing root system requires no fertilizer or other chemical assistance for successful growth. The entire bamboo, including its shoots, is eco-friendly and provides an array of benefits to its environment.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022

    Problems With Thuja Giants

    Problems With Thuja Giants. The thuja green giant is a vigorously growing member of the cypress family. This large evergreen grows about 2 inches per growing season, and can easily reach mature heights of 60 feet in 30 years. The tree is commonly used for privacy screening and wind breakers because of its dense, rich green foliage. Thuja giants adapt well to all types of soil variations and quickly adjust to pruning. Though adaptable, these trees sometimes encounter problems that can be damaging if not treated.

    By Charmayne Smith November 4th, 2022 Read More