Rutherford Weekly

Page 6 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, April 7-April 13, 2022 GHC Green hill concrete inc. • Foundations • Decorative Pool Deck • Large or Small slabs • Sidewalks • Retaining walls • Stained or Colored Decorative Concrete • Driveways • Stamped or Textured Concrete • Any concrete needs for the Industrial, Commercial, Residential Industry SERVICES INCLUDE: We offer local We offer local references references from satisfied from satisfied customers customers Free Estimates Free Estimates Locally Owned Locally Owned & Operated & Operated Lui Escalera 828-289-8462 Ghc_inc@yahoo.com OSHA CERTIFIED 15+ years of experience BS in Construction Management at WCU 667 N. Washington St., Rutherfordton , FREE QUOTES BY PHONE 828-287-3188 NC Lisence NC Lisence 1110 1110 P.W. P.W. 704-482-5096 704-482-5096 828-859-9773 828-859-9773 •Fire Ant Control Specialists •Rats •Ants •Roaches •Fleas •Termites •Termite Letters •Water Proofi ng •Moisture & Water Control •Mold Testing & Remediation www.goforthpest.com New plants can add much to a landscape. Whether they're replacing plants that are no longer thriving or being added to supplement an existing landscape, new plants are an affordable way to give a home's exterior a whole new look. Much consideration is given to which plants to add to a landscape. That's understandable, as homeowners want to choose plants that will thrive and won't compromise the health of surrounding plants and trees. Before planting or even choosing plants, it's important to plan for new additions to a landscape. Preparing the landscape can inform homeowners about which plants to purchase and can ensure they thrive after planting. • Document sunlight exposure. Plants have different needs, and one of the biggest differences between species is the amount of sunlight they need to thrive. According to Penn State Extension, plants characterized as "full sun" require six or more hours of sunlight per day, while those considered "partial sun" need between four and six hours of sunlight per day. Plants designated as "partial shade" need two to four hours of sun per day, while "shade" plants need less than two hours of sunlight a day. Documenting sunlight exposure in advance gives homeowners an idea of which plants should be planted and where they should be planted. Jot down these observations in a journal over several weeks and then choose plants that will thrive in each area. • Test the soil. A soil pH test is a simple and quick way to determine the acidity of soil. Soil pH levels will indicate how likely a plant is to thrive in a given spot. High levels won't necessarily mean an area should be avoided, as some plants thrive in acidic soils. Additional soil tests can determine other characteristics, such as the nutrient levels of soil and the amount of organic matter it contains. Each of these variables can help homeowners make the right choices as they introduce new plants to their properties. • Consider local wildlife. If local wildlife makes its presence known on a property, homeowners may want to take proactive steps prior to planting anything new. A new fence might prevent animals like deer from getting in, but that likely won't do much to repel smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits or foxes. If wildlife is a concern, homeowners can seek advice at their local garden center about which plants certain animals are likely to ignore. Homeowners who want to attract wildlife can do the same in reverse, choosing plants wildlife will be drawn to. Homeowners who want to deter wildlife should erect fencing or other barriers prior to planting. • Clear space if necessary. Plants grow up and out, and cramped quarters can make it hard for new plants to thrive. Some may thrive but only at the expense of other plants. If necessary, clear space prior to planting to ensure plants have ample space to grow. Some pre-planting landscape preparation can ensure new plants thrive. How to prepare landscapes for new plants Trees benefi t a landscape by serving both aesthetic and utilitarian functions. A home surrounded by healthy green trees can be a sight to behold, and those same trees can benefi t surrounding plants and wildlife at the same time. As appealing as trees are, not all trees and landscapes make for the perfect match. The Arbor Day Foundation notes the importance of planning when designing a landscape. Planning ensures the trees homeowners ultimately choose for their properties will grow well in the soil and moisture present in their yards. Careful consideration of a handful of variables can help homeowners determine which trees will make the best fi t for their properties. • Height: Homeowners must consider the projected height of a tree before planting it. Avoid trees that will bump into anything when fully grown, as that can adversely affect surrounding greenery and pose a safety hazard. The ADF's tree sizing guide can be accessed at https:// w w w. a r b o r d ay. o r g / t r e e s / rightTreeAndPlace/size.cfm and serves as an invaluable resource for homeowners who want to plant new trees around their properties. • Canopy spread: Trees grow out as well as up, so it's important to consider their potential width at maturity as well. The ADF sizing guide can help homeowners get an idea of how wide a tree is likely to be at maturity. Trees that spread out quite a bit don't necessarily need to be avoided, but it's important that they're planted far enough apart so they don't adversely affect surrounding plants. In addition, wide trees that are planted too close together can make the landscape appear crowded, taking something away from its aesthetic appeal. • Growth rate: Growth rate is an important variable because it can affect how quickly homeowners will see changes in their landscapes. Homeowners who want to plant for privacy can consider trees with quick growth rates or purchase more mature trees that are already near full growth. Those who are not in need of instant transformation can try trees with slower growth rates, which the ADF notes typically live longer than fast-growing species. • Requirements: Different trees require different amounts of sun and moisture and different soil components to thrive. Homeowners can have their soil tested to determine which trees will thrive in it. Local garden centers can be a great resource for homeowners who want insight as to which trees will thrive in their local climates. Trees serve many functions on a property. Choosing the right trees for a landscape requires careful consideration of a host of variables. How to pick the right trees for your property SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE o n l i n e o n l i n e Online Subscription is FREE! Be notifi ed via email of new Online Version Same As The Printed Copy! The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reopened trout waters to fi shing at 7 a.m. on Saturday. All along the Rocky Broad River in Chimney Rock and the Hickory Nut Gorge people were on rocks or in the river fi shing for the tasty fi sh. Fresh trout for supper Article & Photo Provided By: Jean Gordon SUBSCRIBE o n l i n e Visit rutherfordweekly.com click on "subscribe to our weekly digital edition" Online Subscription is FREE! Be notifi ed via email of new publications! RUTHERFORDWEEKLY.COM RUTHERFORDWEEKLY.COM

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