Tree care
Best fertilizer for fig trees
The best fertilizer for fig trees is a balanced 10-10-10 or low-nitrogen blend. Here is what to use, when to apply it, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Best Trees to Plant
Practical advice on picking, planting, and caring for trees from 20+ years of Northern California homeownership. No fluff. Just what works.
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Tree care
Best fertilizer for palm trees
Palm trees need specialized fertilizer with extra potassium, magnesium, and micronutrients. Here is what to buy, when to apply it, and what to avoid.
Planting trees
Best knot to stake a small tree
The figure-eight knot is the best knot to stake a tree. Learn the three knots that work, proper staking technique, and mistakes that kill young trees.
Tree care
Best way to kill a tree (and when you should)
Legit reasons to kill a tree and the methods that work. Cut stump, girdling, hack-and-squirt, and species-specific advice for invasive trees.
Tree care
Best way to remove a tree stump
Stump grinding is the fastest, most effective way to remove a tree stump. Here's what each method costs, how long it takes, and when to DIY vs. hire a pro.
Buying trees
Trees native to Sacramento
Ten trees native to the Sacramento area that thrive in hot, dry summers with zero fuss. Valley Oaks, Redbuds, Buckeyes, and more.
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Best trees for your yard
The trees worth planting, based on real experience.
Worst trees for your yard
Avoid these trees. Trust me on this.
Tree planting tips
Get it right the first time.
Tree trimming tips
When, how, and what not to cut.
Why plant trees
11 reasons your yard needs them.
The downsides
9 things to know before you dig.