Comments for Southern California Landscaping

Comment on Stop Topping Trees! by Luis Vasquez

Luis Vasquez — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:30:00 +0000

Difficult to say which tree you’re speaking of. I’ve seen just about every type of tree topped. It really is tree abuse. I don’t think we’ll ever see any real laws on the books. I believe that education within the industry as well as the general public is probably the best way to stop tree topping.

Comment on Stop Topping Trees! by carrie

carrie — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:35:43 +0000

What kind of tree is the one that people take off ALL the limbs, and leave huge round scars on them. I see this all vr California.It sould be agains the law. Tree abuse!!

Comment on Didn’t You See It the First Time Around? by Great Sprinkler Repair Article | Sprinkler Systems & Lawn Irrigation DIY

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:33:51 +0000

[...] can’t always see every sprinkler problem at first. Check out the article here written by a Southern California landscaper. Subscribe to [...]

Comment on Why are my Myoporums dying? by Luis Vasquez

Luis Vasquez — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:19:31 +0000

No, drastically cutting the trees back will encourage rapid new growth, which is what the thrip feed on. I would lightly prune out some of the tips, make sure you are watering properly, and withhold fertilizing. Applications of Imidacloprid seem to provide some measure of control. Bayer Advanced™ Tree & Shrub Insect Control Concentrate contains Imidacloprid and can be purchased at a local garden center. Always follow the label directions. The fact of the matter is, unless a biological control for Myoporum thrips is found, you will be fighting an uphill battle. Proper cultural care and applications of Imidacloprid will only control the pest, not eradicate it. Also, it's important to note that Imidacloprid may kill off some natural predators, so apply sparingly. Hope that helps!

Comment on Why are my Myoporums dying? by M. Ficarra

M. Ficarra — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:48:49 +0000

I live in San Mateo Co. and the thrip has now rampant here. My trees have been infected for 2 or 3 years. This year( 2209) it has been particularly bad. Will drastically cutting them back help? HELP!

Comment on About by Pat

Pat — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:42:24 +0000

Thanks for the reply. I real don’t water them that much — usually only when the leaves start showing stress and drooping.

I’ll stop watering and see how it goes next few weeks.

Comment on About by Luis Vasquez

Luis Vasquez — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:43:21 +0000

There are many possible reasons that your trees may not be doing well and without seeing them it might be impossible to diagnose. I will mention that the number one reason that plants fail in general, is due to over or under-watering. Crape Myrtles have low water requirements and thrive on the heat. My first recommendation would be to cut back on the water, especially this time of year. Water deeply and infrequently. I like Crape Myrtles because of the color they bring to the landscape. I hope that you can save them. If you need any further assistance, feel free to send me an email at the address above.

Comment on About by Pat

Pat — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:57:45 +0000

I planted two crepe myrtle trees (about 7 feet tall) in my front yard two years ago. They get full sun exposure, so I make sure they get extra water.

They have not done well. Very little growth, leaves fall off after 2-3 months, branches are weak, etc. I’m tempted to take them out and start over with something else.

Crepe Myrtle is a common landscape tree in my area (La Crescenta), so I’m not sure what the problem is.

Any ideas? I’m looking for trees that will grow 15-20 ft. with enough canopy to create a little shade.

Comment on Top 10 Water Conservation Tips for Landscapes by wcgminc

wcgminc — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:04:50 +0000

That’s a great link, thanks for the comment Mike.

Comment on Top 10 Water Conservation Tips for Landscapes by Mike

Mike — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:57:58 +0000

Good article and so pertinent to our times. I first learned about Xeriscaping at eartheasy.com, so i think all of this is so key. I also want to share a few more ideas on water conservation outdoors, that i found here: http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm

If we all do a little bit, it’ll add up to a LOT!