While DIY tree trimming may seem straightforward, attempting care without proper training can permanently damage trees and create hazards. Professional tree arborists know how to correctly diagnose issues and apply the right treatments. Watch for these 5 signs it’s time to contact a certified arborist to care for your trees:

1. Visible Cavities or Rotting

Holes, hollows and pockets of rotting tissue indicate internal decay within a tree. Left untreated, decay can compromise structural integrity, eventually causing limb or whole tree failure. Only an arborist has the specialized tools like resistographs and tomography equipment to accurately inspect and assess the spread of interior rot. Based on the findings, they’ll recommend appropriate repairs, supports or removals to prevent damage.

2. Leaning or Tilting

If you notice your tree developing a lean or tilting to one side, it likely indicates root instability underground. Shallow or compromised roots are unable to adequately support the tree’s weight. An arborist can evaluate below ground using air excavation and root mapping technology. They may recommend underground bracing or guided straightening to rebalance the tree before the lean worsens or the trunk snaps.

3. Damaged Bark and Wounds

Bark damage from vehicles, equipment, animals or weather exposure leaves trees vulnerable to insects and diseases. Arborists treat wounds properly to prevent infection and stimulate callus growth. They remove loose bark, shape the wound site, apply fungicides if necessary and protect with dressings. Home applications like sealants often do more harm than good.

4. Poor Structure and Growth Habit

Without corrective pruning and training early on, many trees develop problematic structure, such as tight crotches prone to splitting or lopsided branching. Arborists diagnose structure issues and perform regular pruning to establish proper architecture that minimizes future hazards as the tree ages. Attempting to correct poor structure yourself risks severing stabilizing limbs.

5. Pest Problems

From beetles to bag worms, a professional arborist can identify any weird bugs or growths on your trees and diagnose potential pest problems. Trying to treat pests without an accurate ID can waste time and make issues worse. Arborists have extensive knowledge of treatment options for common tree pests that conserve tree health with minimal chemical use when possible. They target treatments to remedy the specific problem at hand. 

Don’t risk creating bigger issues for your trees by tackling issues you don’t fully understand. An arborist has the skills and equipment to inspect, diagnose and treat tree ailments using industry best practices. Contact a certified professional promptly when you spot any concerning tree symptoms. Preventative care maximizes the lifespan and benefits of your trees.

Daffodils, a type of plant that is known for being one of the bulbs that is the easiest to care for. With their colour variety filling gardens across the United Kingdom each year with their bloom, it’s no wonder others are looking to grow these as well. But what are some of the simple care tips for ensuring your garden is ready for daffodils bulbs and how you can effectively care for them and allow them to bloom beautifully each year? Follow this comprehensive guide to find out more.

1- Planting Time and Location

Daffodil bulbs are typically planted during the autumn before the ground begins to freeze. This allows the bulbs to establish strong roots in preparation for the winter months. You should choose a location with well-draining soil, and where the bulbs will receive ample sunlight. Whilst daffodils can tolerate partial shade, they will perform best in areas with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.

2- Soil Preparation

Preparing the soil before planting is also key. You should loosen it to a depth of approximately 8 to 10 inches. You may also wish to mix in organic matter such as compost which can improve soil structure and drainage. Good drainage is also crucial for preventing bulb rot. If your soil is typically heavy and retains water, consider raised beds which can help to improve drainage and prevent any rotting bulbs.

3- Planting Depth and Spacing

Another key aspect of daffodils bulbs is the depths they are planted at. A typical rule of thumb is for them to be planted 6 to 8 inches deep, and space 4 to 6 inches apart. This gives them enough room to grow and prevent overcrowding.

4- Watering

Like any other plant, daffodils need watering. After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil and promote root growth. Throughout their growing time, you need to keep the water moist consistently but not waterlogged. Keep an eye on rainfall to know if you need to water them each day.

5- Fertilisation

Daffodil bulbs benefit from a balanced fertiliser. Using this fertiliser in the fall when planting and again in early spring as growth emerges. This will help to provide the bulbs and flowers with the necessary nutrients for strong bulb development, and vibrant colour blooms.

6- Deadheading and Pruning

Once the bloom of the daffodils has faded, you will need to deadhead the flowers by removing the blossoms with pruners. This prevents the plant from expending energy on producing seeds and encourages the bulb to store energy and grow again the following year. Allow any foliage to yellow and wither naturally before cutting it back as these leaves are essential for photosynthesis and nutrient storage.

Caring for daffodils bulbs is a rewarding task that brings stunning spring displays year after year. As long as you follow our comprehensive guide, you can be assured that your daffodils will thrive and bring a burst of colour each year. Remember, soil preparation, planting time, location, depth, and spacing, as well as watering, fertilisation and more. Each plays a part in maintaining the health of your daffodils, allowing them to bring joy to your landscape each year.

Begonias come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colours. Are known for their lush foliage and bright blooms that come in shades of pink, white, yellow, orange and red. Begonias require well-draining soil, regular fertilization and ample sunlight to thrive. Many varieties can also tolerate partial shade. When planting begonia bulbs, make sure to space them at least 4 cm apart and water them thoroughly after planting. With proper care, begonias can provide vibrant colour throughout the growing season.

They are easy to propagate and can make beautiful house plants. Begonias also produce large amounts of nectar, making them excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Furthermore, many species of begonias are drought tolerant, making them ideal for drier climates or areas with water restrictions.

Are available at most garden centres in spring and fall and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours. When selecting your begonia bulbs, the larger the bulb is the more blooms it will produce. For those looking to add colour to their landscape all season long, planting a mixture of begonia bulbs varieties is a great choice! With proper care and maintenance, will thrive in most climates.

For best results, begonias should be planted in well-draining soil with some organic matter added to help retain moisture and nutrients. Begonias prefer partial shade but will also do well in full sun, as long as it does not get too hot during the summer months. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Fertilizing every two weeks will help promote healthy growth and blooms throughout the growing season.

When should I plant begonia bulbs?

For best results, plant begonias in the spring when the soil has warmed and there is no threat of frost. Plant bulbs 10-12 cm deep and space them 6-10 cm apart. It’s important to water immediately after planting to help settle them into the soil. After that, keep a regular watering schedule as needed throughout the growing season.

Can you leave begonia bulbs in the ground over winter?

It is not recommended to leave begonia bulbs in the ground over winter, as they may become damaged from cold temperatures. If your area experiences freezing temperatures, it’s best to dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place for the winter. This will ensure that they are still viable when spring arrives and ready for replanting in your garden bed. Once temperatures remain above freezing consistently, you can safely replant the bulbs. When doing so, make sure to add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and help ensure healthy growth of your begonias throughout the season. With proper care, your begonia bulbs should thrive in the summer and bloom with vibrant blooms. Additionally, you can use mulch such as straw or pine needles to protect your begonias during cold winter months. This will help insulate the soil and keep it warmer than if left exposed to harsh winter conditions. Remember not to overwater though; too much water can cause root rot and harm the health of your begonias.

As summer approaches, it is time to think about what you are going to grow and getting quality bulbs, plants and flowers to support your growing plan during these sunny, warmer months. For many people, summer simply would not be summer without dahlias so now is the time to locate dahlias bulbs for sale so you are ready to get planting when the time comes around – because it will come around sooner than you think.

When you are buying dahlia bulbs, check them over thoroughly before planting. Inspect them visually for any blemishes and check that they feel firm to the touch – they should not be soft or going mushy as this indicates that they are mouldy and will not grow. Follow all instructions on the dahlia bulbs carefully to ensure you have the best chance of success with your growing.

Your guide to growing dahlias from bulb: how to get the highest quality bulbs and get the most out of your summer planting

Dahlias are not too difficult to grow but they will need some care and attention if you want to get the most out of them. Dahlia bulbs will need to be planted out before the summer, around May or June time when the ground begins to warm up. They are late summer flowerers, so they will begin to flower from July through to October.

In order to grow dahlias successfully, you will need to provide the right growing conditions for them and will need to care for them in the right way. The bulbs will need to be planted around 60cm apart to allow them to grow, and their full height will be around one metre once they are fully grown.

Dahlias will grow best in conditions where they have plenty of sun but also shelter at the same time. They will need a specific type of soil – fertile, rich and moist, but also free draining. If you already have dahlia bulbs planted, dig up the tubers in autumn so they will not get damaged by the frost during winter. In early April, you can begin to grow them again and you should plan to plant them out from May when the weather is warm enough.

Getting the widest variety of dahlia bulb options

Dahlia bulbs can be bought in garden centres but in general, there will be a wider variety online, giving you more choice of varieties and colours. The beauty of dahlias is in their rich, varied colours, so you can experiment all you like and make your garden a colourful place to buy. Buy all bulbs from a reputable seller who is known for the high quality of their bulbs.

There are various shapes of dahlia you can buy as well, from tight balls to large blooms that are more like lilies in appearance. This makes them great for all planting schemes and they will never look out of place in borders, whether you have a cottage garden aesthetic or you are trying something more unusual and adventurous.