A nice trim tree or shrub in a handsome pot makes an elegant statement on a porch or patio. Growing trees and shrubs in containers can be a little bit more challenging than planting them in the garden, but it can be done if you pay close attention two main factors – water and temperature. Water When they are planted …
5 Essential Christmas Tree Care Tips (Video)
Wednesday December 6, 2017
1. Get a Fresh Cut – When you buy a tree at O’Toole’s, we’ll cut off about 1.5″ inches from the bottom of the trunk. This will help the tree absorb as much water as possible. Keep the fresh cut bottom clean and unharmed to maximize the water intake. 2. Store your tree properly before you display it – If …
This Christmas, Go Au Naturel!
Thursday November 30, 2017
Every holiday season, the Natural vs. Artificial Christmas tree debate come up. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of trees, but from an environmental standpoint, experts agree; natural is better. Over 400 million live Christmas trees are grown on tree farms throughout the U.S. It can take up to 7 years for a tree to be Christmas ready …
Sunscald & Tree Wrap
Wednesday November 8, 2017
It might seem counter-intuitive, but one of the biggest threats to young trees during the winter is not the cold – but the sun. During the winter, the tree has shed all of its leaves which were providing shade and protection to its trunk. The sun shines at a lower angle in the sky and the white snow that often …
Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
Thursday September 28, 2017
The French writer Albert Camus called fall “a second spring where every leaf is a flower.” In Colorado, we are lucky enough to have one of the most dazzling “second spring” color displays in the world. Colorado aspens transformed into a shimmering sea of gold on a warm September afternoon is truly a sight to behold and the next …
Planting Trees in the Fall
Thursday August 31, 2017
Many people think that once fall rolls around, the planting season is over. But September is actually great time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. There’s an old proverb we like to recite this time of year – “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is right now!” When planting during the fall, …
Ask A Gardener – Planting Under a Pine Tree
Tuesday May 2, 2017
Planting underneath any tree, particular a big, well-established pine, can sometimes be a challenge. The big tree creates much different conditions than exist the rest of your garden. But with a little planning and the right plants, you can have a beautiful flower bed anywhere! Acidity Many people worry that the needles from the pine tree raise the acidity in …
Ask A Gardener – Fruit Trees
Saturday April 8, 2017
Fruit trees of many varieties can thrive here in the Denver area – apples, peaches, pears, cherries and apricots just to name a few. These trees not only produce delicious fruit but also burst into glorious bloom early in the spring. Best of all, most fruit trees are a snap to care for! Here’s our basic crash course in fruit …