Q. How to Protect My Roses During the Winter

There are many methods to provide winter protection for roses. The whole idea of winter protection is to keep the plant uniformly cold and frozen all winter and prevent the damaging effects of alternate freezing and thawing. Whatever method is chosen, don't begin covering plants too early. Wait until a hard killing frost has caused most of the leaves to fall. You may also want to wait until the temperature has dropped into the teens for several nights. Prior to covering, remove any foliage or other debris that might harbor disease for the next season.

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Q. Do I Need to Consider Cross Pollination of Fruit Trees

Most fruit trees do require cross pollination to yield fruit. Apple trees need to be cross-pollinated, but bloom time is not as critical, as many apple varieties have overlapping bloom times. In situations where only a few apple varieties are planted, make sure bloom times coincide. Peach, nectarine and tart cherry trees are self-fruitful and do not require cross-pollination. Most plum, apricot, pear and sweet cherry varieties do require cross pollination. A minimum of two different varieties are required for proper pollination. Also keep in mind that apricot, plum, cherry and peach bloom ahead of apple trees and in turn are more subject to crop damage or loss due to late spring frost damage.

Q. How to Plant a Tree or Shrub

The simple act of planting a tree is a gift of nearly immeasurable value. A tree will add natural beauty and cool shade to your property, and life-giving oxygen to the planet. And if that weren't enough, a tree is a gift that can be enjoyed for generations to come. However, for a tree to survive long enough to reach full maturity, it must get a healthy head start with a proper planting.

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Q. How to Care for Newly Installed Turf

The 4 to 8 week period following seeding or sodding is critical to the survival of the new lawn. More establishments fail due to improper follow-up care than all other facets of lawn establishment. As the newly-established turf matures, it must be irrigated and mowed on a regular basis. Many new stands also need additional fertilizer and herbicide applications. Traffic must be limited since turfgrass wear tolerance during the establishment phase is extremely poor.

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Q. Why Doesn’t My Hydrangea Bloom

There are three possibilities for lack of flowering among the hydrangea species. The first two – too much shade and improper pruning – apply to all hydrangeas, while the other – weather-related damage to flower buds – applies primarily to the bigleaf hydrangea.

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