landscape maintenance
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DIY landscaping
Newspaper Weed Barrier: How to Sheet-Mulch a Garden Bed the Right Way
Newspaper can be an effective, low-cost weed barrier when it is installed like a small landscape project: prep the bed, overlap the sheets, soak…
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garden costs
Best Mulch for Hydrangeas: What to Use, How Deep to Apply It, and What It Costs
The best mulch for most hydrangeas is shredded pine bark applied 2 to 3 inches deep, kept 2 to 4 inches away from stems,…
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hydrangea pruning
When to Prune Limelight Hydrangeas for Strong Stems and Better Blooms
Limelight hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so the best pruning window is late winter to early spring before active growth. The right cuts build…
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garden pests
How to Inspect Your Garden for Pests Before They Take Over
A practical homeowner guide to spotting garden pests early, reading plant damage correctly, and choosing the right next step before spraying.
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garden pruning
The Right Time to Prune Lilacs for Bigger Spring Blooms
Lilacs bloom on old wood, so timing matters. Here is how to prune after flowering, renew an overgrown shrub over three years, avoid cutting…
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backyard safety
Why Ticks Show Up in Backyard Gardens and How to Design Them Out
Ticks are usually attracted to the conditions around a garden, not the vegetables or flowers themselves. Shaded humidity, leaf litter, tall grass, brushy edges,…
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crepe myrtle
The Right Way to Prune a Crepe Myrtle Without Ruining Its Shape
Correct crepe myrtle pruning is selective, not severe. Here is how to prune for structure, clearance, flowering, and long-term curb appeal without committing crape…
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crepe myrtle pruning
Best Time to Prune Crepe Myrtles Without Sacrificing Summer Blooms
Prune crepe myrtles in late winter, after the worst cold has passed but before spring bud break. Done correctly, pruning keeps the tree open,…
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Curb Appeal
How to Clear Weeds From Flower Beds and Keep Them From Coming Back
A practical contractor’s guide to removing weeds from flower beds, rebuilding the bed so weeds return slower, and choosing between DIY and professional weed…
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Boxwood
Pruning Boxwood the Right Way: Timing, Tools, Costs, and 7 Tips That Actually Matter
Boxwood pruning is not just cosmetic. Done correctly, it improves air flow, reduces disease pressure, protects the plant’s shape, and keeps hedges from becoming…
