#tree pruning benefits

[valeriehoward01]

This video highlights how regular tree pruning helps prevent pests and diseases while fostering healthier growth. By removing weak, damaged, or overcrowded branches, trees gain better airflow and sunlight, creating an environment that discourages pests and fungal infections. Learn effective pruning techniques that protect your trees and enhance their vitality for long-term resilience.

[turtlesandfrogs]

What I was taught growing up: Wild edible plants and animals were just so naturally abundant that the indigenous people of my area, namely western Washington state, didn't have to develop agriculture and could just easily forage/hunt for all their needs.

The first pebble in what would become a landslide: Native peoples practiced intentional fire, which kept the trees from growing over the camas praire.

The next: PNW native peoples intentionally planted and cultivated forest gardens, and we can still see the increase in biodiversity where these gardens were today.

The next: We have an oak prairie savanna ecosystem that was intentionally maintained via intentional fire (which they were banned from doing for like, 100 years and we're just now starting to do again), and this ecosystem is disappearing as Douglas firs spread, invasive species take over, and land is turned into European-style agricultural systems.

The Land Slide: Actually, the native peoples had a complex agricultural and food processing system that allowed them to meet all their needs throughout the year, including storing food for the long, wet, dark winter. They collected a wide variety of plant foods (along with the salmon, deer, and other animals they hunted), from seaweeds to roots to berries, and they also managed these food systems via not only burning, but pruning, weeding, planting, digging/tilling, selectively harvesting root crops so that smaller ones were left behind to grow and the biggest were left to reseed, and careful harvesting at particular times for each species that both ensured their perennial (!) crops would continue thriving and that harvest occurred at the best time for the best quality food. American settlers were willfully ignorant of the complex agricultural system, because being thus allowed them to claim the land wasn't being used. Native peoples were actively managing the ecosystem to produce their food, in a sustainable manner that increased biodiversity, thus benefiting not only themselves but other species as well.

So that's cool. If you want to read more, I suggest "Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge: Ethnobotany and Ecological Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America" by Nancy J. Turner

[iriafarm]

पौधों की छंटाई (Pruning) एक महत्वपूर्ण बागवानी प्रक्रिया है, जिसमें पौधों के कुछ हिस्सों को चुनिंदा रूप से हटाया जाता है ताकि उनके स्वास्थ्य, आकार और वृद्धि को बढ़ावा मिल सके। चाहे आप पेड़ों, झाड़ियों, फूलों या यहां तक कि इनडोर पौधों की देखभाल कर रहे हों, छंटाई यह सुनिश्चित करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाती है कि वे मजबूत, सुंदर और रोगमुक्त रहें। यह सरल लेकिन प्रभावी तकनीक विकास को नियंत्रित करने, वायु परिसंचरण को बढ़ावा देने और पौधों की उपस्थिति में सुधार करने में मदद करती है। यह समझना कि कब और कैसे छंटाई करें, आपके बगिचे को हर मौसम में फल-फूलता हुआ बनाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है।

[farmerstrend]

Pawpaw Farming in Kenya: The Current State of Pawpaw Farming in Kenya

Pawpaw farming in Kenya has seen significant growth over the past few years, driven by increasing demand for both local consumption and export markets. Known for its rich nutritional value and economic potential, pawpaw (papaya) has become a popular fruit among Kenyan farmers. When I was growing up, pawpaw (also known as papaya) was considered a humble fruit, readily available and often…

[philodendronplants]

Carmona-microphylla-Fukien-tea-croton

Buy the carmona microphylla – Fukien tea croton from our Santhi online plant nursery website. Carmona bonsai plants are woody perennial bonsai tree plants. This plant variety is native to Indonesia, Taiwan, and Australia, but its popular name comes from its place of origin, Fukien or Fujian, China. Get live plants online from our plant shopping website.

Plant Details

Growth Medium : Cocopeat potting mix

Packed with: Bio-degradable nano covers

Plant Height: 5 to 8 inches

Plant Purpose : Bonsai tree, topiary & Ornamental 

Foliage: Green waxy 

Plant Spread: 1 to 2 meters

Plant form: Irregular, upright & spreading.

Care & Mainteance

Watering: Normal watering can be given to Carmona bonsai plants.

Sun light: Sun growing plants, can tolerate partial shade.

Fertilizer : Apply any organic fertilizer monthly once around the plants.

Pruning & Wiring: Regular trimming helps to grow plants more bushier. Mature twings are hard to prune use the appropriate tool to prune them twings.

Benefits

The Fukien tea bonsai tree plants are the best bonsai & topiary plants.

Attracts butterflies & birds.

Perfect bonsai plants are hedges & avenue plants.

About Us

We have 160+ plants online & we offer good quality plants & products at online very affordable cost. Our plants & products are eco-friendly & bio-degradable.

Also, we affirm to say that we are the best plant nursery in India and you can visit our website www.santhionlineplants.com for live green products.

[becausebuckley]

michelle's buddie fic recs: week 52!

can you believe that this is the last rec list of 2024? because wow i can't. time flies... anyway, have a fairly holiday-heavy rec list to end the year with <3

this is a mix of fics with all ratings, so some include NSFW content. please take a look at both the ratings and the fic tags before reading! some might also contain spoilers for season 8.

if you come across something you like in this list, remember to show some love to the author by leaving kudos and a comment!

benefits | rororowyourboat/@rosieposiepuddingnpie | 4.9k | E

When Eddie is crashing at Buck's place during the COVID shutdown, they start hooking up and... just keep going, even though they both insist to themselves and others that it doesn't mean anything. Unless... it does? literally nothing will ever hit as hard as buddie being friends with benefits but then being so dumb about it for being in love reasons <3 this captures that perfectly!

caffeine high | JessicaMDawn/@jessicamdawn | 13.9k | T

Before Buck was Buck, he was Stefan Everhart, member of a boyband called Caffeine High. His career as a celebrity lasted for only five years, and Buck has done his best to put it behind him, but those experiences still bleed into his daily life. It just so happens that there are some Caffeine High fans among the 118. i love the little peeks into buck's boyband days and how he grew up and turned into the buck we know and love in this au!!

cherry chocolate goodness on a gray day | the_milky_way | 1.3k | GA

Eddie has not a so nice day and all he wants is to snuggle up on his couch with a big tub of ice cream. Buck simply joins him. With his own tub of course. this fic makes me wish i liked cherries. so soft so buddie <3

dreams like a podcast (downloading truth in my ears) | iphigenias/@oatflatwhite | 1.3k | GA

Eddie chucks the tea towel over his shoulder and turns so his hip’s pressed against the counter and he’s facing Buck, who is wrist-deep in lukewarm dishwater and no doubt as bright red as he feels. “I think you’re cool, and smart, and hot, and I love you.” “Okay,” Buck says, stupidly. His fingers are starting to prune. “You know I—me too.” they're so cute <3 one of my favourite domestic fics!!

grief stays outside your house (until you let it in) | justhockey | 2.3k | not rated

Eddie is falling, falling, falling. His legs buckle underneath the weight of all this grief, and when he collapses to the floor the impact causes him to shatter into a thousand tiny pieces. He grips the bat tighter still, even though the guilt of it is burning his palms now - even though the only thing in this room either of them need to be frightened of is him. i'm not a massive angst reader, but every now and then i browse for something in the angst and feels tag because i'm just in the mood for it, and this hit the spot perfectly the other day. so beautifully written <3

if we could be serious we wouldn't be us | BekkaChaos/@bekkachaos | 1.2k | GA

Buck gives Eddie baking lessons. Flour fight leads to laughter and kissing in Eddie’s kitchen. they get a little silly and soft and it's just so good!!

i'll be home for christmas | lecornergirl/@clusterbuck | 1.5k | GA

Christopher had messaged, two weeks ago, and said he didn’t want to spend Christmas in Texas. He’d said his grandmother doesn’t decorate the house right, that she won’t let him put popcorn garlands on the tree, that she’s trying to tell him snickerdoodles aren’t Christmas cookies. He’d said he wants to come home. Or— What he’d said was, can i come and spend christmas with you? the family feels are real <3 i love the hopefulness in this one!!

into it (you've got me tied up) | Snacks_4life | 7k | E

Eddie finds BDSM gear in Buck’s closet, leading to them discussing rope bondage. When Buck suggests they try it out together, Eddie can’t do anything other than agree, even if it’s supposed to be platonic. In the end though, it seems it’s not only Eddie who can’t keep his dirty thoughts to himself. buddie + bondage + getting together = one excellent excellent fic <3

like a dog with a bird at your door | fleetinghearts/@shitouttabuck | 51.2k | E

evan “i love you like a dog” buckley has only ever known how to love like, well, a dog, but maybe eddie diaz is the kinda guy to give a flea-bitten mongrel a forever home. this is so beautifully written!! fantastic characterisation, gorgeous prose... truly all a girl (me) could want. i love the sequel as well!

my true love gave to me | scarmaddiewrites | 10.6k | T

Eddie’s plan to woo Buck at Christmas time. eddie spoiling buck around christmas time is just <3<3 so fluffy so good

rearview blues | clytemnestra/@clytemnestraaa | 16.5k | E

Eddie Diaz is not having a great time in El Paso. eddie might not be having a great time but i sure am <3 the torment nexus is real and i love it so much. beautiful fic!!

see the lights, and hang the stockings | wafflesofdoom/@capseycartwright | 2.6k | GA

Eddie finds out that Buck has never ever had a Christmas stocking of his own. He's very determined to change that and share a few Diaz family traditions. eddie going all in to make sure buck has a good christmas and feels included and loved and only good things my most beloved <3 exactly what i needed this holiday season!!

welcome back to the basement | songbvrd/@songbvrd | 18.4k | E

Buddie as The Basement Yard boys. the pet names!! i love their dynamic here, the dialogue feels so very them. it's just so so good!

[yandere-toons]

Nice, I saw you added Beneath The Trees to your fandoms list! I hope you don't mind if I dump some ramblings on romantic!yandere!Samantha here lol. Given her need for control and order, I wonder if that need would extend towards her Darling as well? As somebody who craves control, I think there's a chance she'd be unnerved at first at the unexpected feeling of caring about somebody for the first time in her life. I can imagine the possibility of her need for control manifesting even around her Darling, though it's subtle. I don't think she'd let her Darling know there's anything more sinister lurking beneath her words or actions. Just like the rest of the unassuming residents of the town, Darling believes that Sam is a friendly and caring person. I can imagine the town viewing her and her Darling as just a sweet couple that's very liked by the community, she has a façade to maintain as a well-liked citizen of Woodbrook after all. This really works out in Sam's favor, since it both keeps her Darling close to her and it further masks her real nature. Since she doesn't kill any locals, I think she'd use different methods of intimidation to deal with any people who might be an obstacle between her and her Darling. She's an observant person, and she's broken into places before (like Melody's house or her hardware store when it was under investigation), so I lean more towards the idea that she'd have some sort of leverage to hold other the other person, like knowing some shady stuff that could have some major repercussions if they were to be revealed to the community. I'm still working out all of my thoughts on Yandere!Sam and I want to explore the concept of Yandere! Nigel too. I'd love to hear your take on my thoughts, this concept has been living in my head rent free for so long now

Warnings: Stalking, Mentions of Death, Emotional Manipulation, Toxic Mindsets.

***

After the whole debacle with Nigel dismantling her reputation in a day, Samantha learns in one of the hardest ways possible a lesson she once taught herself, that anyone could be a killer and no amount of peace is built to last. The fact that Nigel pursued a small town devoid of any benefits to the practical thinker served to remind Sam of two things:

The growing epidemic of people ripe to sow disorder, and the truth that no one else quite shares her feelings of sanctity towards Woodbrook.

If she could somehow trap the idyllic little town in a bubble and prune away any unsavoury elements, leaving herself as the only soul afforded passage between the cedar-scented air and the rest of the dirty world, that would be Sam's dream.

Her segue into romance arrives when a critter from down the street initiates, most likely in public, where to reject them might cast a veil of selfishness over her otherwise pristine image. She accepts, if only to give the town another shining example of Samantha Strong, the heart of Woodbrook.

However, after many a scripted date and affection shared like marionettes, Sam starts to acclimate to you as a part of her routine. It is the highest compliment to be made representative of her domestic life, in a way bringing to mind the person she might have been had the mask grown real.

Still, there lay two separate lives at the heart of that cave, both fated never to besmirch the other, for if the two lives meet, it will be chaos. And if chaos were the helping hand offering Samantha a way up out of the gulch, Sam would swat it away and tumble back down into darkness.

That time you invited her on a picnic, it sat dangerously close to the meadow where a number of city folk lay buried, blood so near she could hear it stewing under spots of sun, smell it poisoning the remnants of old, sludgy paint, slowly tearing down the hand still outstretched towards the surface, as if someone might take it, as if there were anything left to save.

What little there is, Sam sees in the ruptured face of that phantom stooping over your shoulder — perhaps, this time, one who bore an uncanny resemblance to yourself or, rather, what you could easily have become had you met her anywhere but Woodbrook.

Perhaps, Sam muses, as those dead eyes stare back into her own, this was her punishment. In an attempt to quell that violent itch that rose up inside each time you touched her, Sam had allowed her newest victim to bear your likeness.

Surely, you could taste the pieces of her actions in between the wine and the bread, wafting over the cool rolls of a riverside view amongst the clover and the rosemary.

Surely, you were well aware of the depths of her depravity and had made a great show of flaunting it.

Sam reaches into the picnic basket for a butter knife when you do the same; surprisingly, your hand clenches it first, but rather than plunge it through her palm, you pass her a slab of buttered toast.

All is frozen a moment, then she takes a bite and decides to investigate later.

Cohabiting is unlikely for a majority, if not the entirety, of the relationship, and thus Sam resorts to stalking your home for proof of the same trickery she found with Nigel. At dinner, she waits until you excuse yourself before rifling through the closet and bedroom.

Should you invite her to stay, she always declines, inherently resistant to the idea of making herself so vulnerable before another, and, as you have noticed, never returns the favour, often claiming her old home is not built for two.

In truth, an impenetrable wall has stood between Sam's private space and everyone else since birth, the only factor of change being its location.

As evidenced by the end of Lola, she would view that as too much of a threat, an unknown and therefore an uncontrollable quantity, and kill them. Her own actions, Sam can control, but all the whims and sudden moments of great passion that seize others, she cannot account for.

She despises Nigel because she finds him reckless and, worst of all, sloppy.

Ergo, Sam is unlikely to discover her first interest in a slob or similarly thrill-seeking individual. Someone who is only with her for the novelty of dating a killer or, more personally, the novelty of being her first partner and getting to say they “broke down” the sweet bear who never thought of romance would not last long.

All the townsfolk gaze in wide wonder as she walks you down the street, some even stopping to comment on what sheer levels of luck you must possess to have caught Sam's attention.

Sam, of course, smiles at these remarks and feigns a certain humble denial about them, but on the inside, she remembers that prick of cold fury every time someone approached you with a rush in their step or a wild look in their eye, the kind given off by vipers poised to strike.

They look at you with such unknown intentions, and by the time she knows them, you may be bleeding out on the pavement.

To have her routine disrupted so viscerally, her self-restraint, for the first time, challenged by the crushing and inexplicable urge to dismember a person in another's defence — it all overwhelms her and seems to erupt in the moment, only for the feeling to vanish beyond a trace that it ever existed once the neighbour hands you a complimentary fruit or shakes with the news of an upcoming birthday celebration.

Sam is left to wonder at what terrible force very nearly compelled her to overturn decades of suspension. Had she lashed out and gifted the foxes another broth of blood to sup from, had she murdered you as retribution for making her even consider it, a citizen of Woodbrook would still have been killed, and her serenity would have shattered all the same.

To simply cut ties with you would lead to resentment on your part, almost inevitably, Sam believes, for the woes of the brokenhearted ring out in a near-constant knell across the city and thus loop back around into ruining her meticulously crafted persona.

In another life, it might have stood her fur on end, peeled back her lips to bare fangs larger than most animals' paws, and reared up a handful of claws as long and sharp as the best steak knives.

However, today, this reaction falls more in line with Nigel.

Since he already idolised Samantha from afar, the obvious path for Nigel would be to take it one step further and say he meets somebody who actually reciprocates.

Perhaps they, too, have one day hoped to find the kindred spirit that life has, for so long, denied them, or perhaps they just see an easy way out, someone conveniently isolated and disconnected from society, whom they can enlist for free help and later discard as a scapegoat should the need arise.

Nigel, who longs for the kind of companionship where he might return home from an absence of any length and be welcomed into your embrace with no loss of warmth.

He would never make you wait this long, but the knowledge that you would, not a care in the world except for what he decides to share, helps establish you as one of the few graves Nigel would shed a tear over while the rest of the town sleeps.

Nigel, who wishes for someone to whom he could divulge any manner of secret and not be turned away, such as that he has found someone else, if only to hear you grant him your blessing that he may seek happiness elsewhere and leave you behind.

He would never make such a replacement, but it irks him so to have another cling to him and beg entitlement to his time and energy. Call it a test of sorts, an all-too-reoccurring check on your confidence and respect in him.

[frydawolff]

In the criminal justice system, tree-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In Los Angeles, the dedicated City Controller who investigates these vicious felonies is a member of an elite squad known as the Tree Law Unit. These are their stories.

“'Trees are essential to providing Angelenos with significant environmental and public health benefits, especially during a heatwave,' Mejia said in a tweet. 'Public Works’ Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) is responsible for maintaining the City’s 700,000+ trees in the public right-of-way.'”

He went on to say in a thread that 'code enforcement for street trees (including the pruning or removal of trees without a permit) is the responsibility of the StreetsLA Investigation and Enforcement Division. Violations can result in code enforcement citations.'"

[tk-duveraun]

More peach tree sy AU

Yqy is extremely normal about both SJ and his tree. Despite being the qjpl, SJ is constantly draped in and given gifts with peach flowers and made of peach wood.

SJ's reputation is better than in PIDW because of his connection to a peach tree spirit so people are more willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. I'm sitting to xiu ya he carries a wood sword sy made from one of his branches

SJ was furious bc sy is still recovering from his burns and sy only barely manages to placate him with the fact that that branch was already damaged and pruning it was for the best.

Sy only lets SJ and yqy have his peaches - the rest sj buries to be reabsorbed.

Until one day when LQG is there and injured (by SJ) and sy offers one as an apology (sy has no idea the fight was because LQG wants to court him).

This, of course, means SJ is now limited in how he keeps the brute off his peak lest SY give him more favor.

Yqy begins trying to court the tree on SJ's behalf.

Then LBH joins the peak and SJ is furious that HIS TREE is spoiling the already spoiled little beast!

Sy: jiuge please, I'm doing this to save your scummy life!

[mahayanapilgrim]

The Bodhisattva Way

Mahayana Buddhism puts great emphasis and, in fact, encourages anybody to follow the path of a Bodhisattva. The Sanskrit term Bodhisattva is the name given to anyone who, motivated by great compassion, has generated bodhichitta, which is a spontaneous wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. What makes someone a Bodhisattva is her or his dedication to the ultimate welfare of other beings, as expressed in the prayer:

"May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings."

This is bodhichitta. With this motivation, if the Bodhisattva or trainee Bodhisattva promises to engage in the practice of the six or ten perfections (Pāramitā), this is the Bodhisattva vow. The Bodhisattva does not seek bodhi (Awakening) solely for him/herself, but chiefly for the sake of freeing all other beings and aiding them into the bliss of Nirvana.

Cultivating the intention to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha, Nyingma practitioners wish to develop the mind of Enlightenment, to become a Bodhisattva who gives all gain and profit to others and takes all troubles and difficulties upon him or herself.

Each and every day, whether they are pruning trees, sewing prayer flags, painting a thanka, printing Tibetan texts, or caring for a sick community member, they dedicate the merit of their actions for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Through their intentions and work, the Nyingma community strives to develop understanding of the Bodhisattva path by living a hand-on investigation of human nature.

[valeriehoward01]

In this video, explore the benefits of tree pruning for homes in Alpharetta and how it can enhance both the health and appearance of trees. Pruning improves tree structure, promotes better growth, and can increase property value. Watch the video now to learn more about how regular tree pruning can help maintain the beauty and safety of your home landscape.

[plantanarchy]

How are your columnar apples doing? I’m trying to optimize the number of fruit trees I have and I’m wondering if columnar apples are worth it.

I have neglected them a bit this year so they're looking a little scraggly and i did also have a potential fire blight scare with one of them. The struggle there is that if blight gets into the trunk, it's game over, but my little tree that had the afflicted branch, the branch was not quite long enough to prune the recommended 8 inches back from the blight...

anyway so I'm waiting to see if that reoccurs. They did bloom nicely their first year and had some good fruit set but I'm not fussed if the apples don't turn out the first year. I'd say the benefit is that they don't take up much space so even with a small harvest or if a disease hits, you're not wasting tons of garden space for a useless tree.

[tameblog]

Conifers are famously low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. Every healthy tree, no matter how robust, benefits from a bit of attention from the gardener. Unlike deciduous trees such as cherries or apples that often require annual pruning, most conifers don’t need to be pruned at all. But there will probably come a time in the plant’s life where pruning is necessary. Perhaps to remove dead or pest-infested branches, shape a young weeping or cascading type, or to prevent the plant from encroaching on walls, fences, power lines, or other trees. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to prune conifers properly, including: If you’re thinking about pruning bonsai or topiary, those are different topics altogether. This guide will go over pruning, not the type of shaping required to create topiaries or bonsai. You can learn more about pruning bonsai here. When to Prune For most conifers, early spring is the best time to prune, just before new growth starts. You can also prune in late fall or during a mild winter, as long as the wood isn’t frozen and temperatures stay above freezing for at least a week after you make your cuts. Photo by Kristine Lofgren. Never prune during the active growing season unless it’s absolutely necessary for the tree’s health. Active growth is usually easy to spot as it’s a different color from the older foliage. On spruce trees, it appears as soft, light green tips. On western cedars, you might see purple-tinted scales. Pruning during this period can cause the bark to split rather than cut cleanly, leaving the tree vulnerable to pests and disease. The right tool for the job depends on where and what you’ll be pruning. For larger branches within reach, use a hand saw that cuts on the pull stroke. For smaller branches – anything thinner than a pinky – bypass pruners are ideal. Don’t use anvil pruners as they tend to smash woody material rather than cutting clean through. If you need to reach higher, a pole saw is a good option. Again, go for one that cuts on the pull stroke. Avoid hedge trimmers, chainsaws, and axes. These tools can cause unnecessary damage and lack the precision needed for clean cuts. Before you begin, disinfect your tools with a 10 percent bleach solution, isopropyl alcohol, or hot soapy water. This helps prevent the spread of disease. Pruning Young Conifers The best time to shape a young conifer is right after planting. Step back and look at the overall structure. Does the tree have two central leaders? Is it heavier or more dense on one side? Are branches growing at odd angles? Don’t try to turn one growth habit into another. If you want a pyramidal shape, start with a tree that naturally grows that way. Forcing a round or mounded species into a pyramidal shape just creates more work later. While you can train most small pines, spruces, and firs into various forms including Christmas tree shapes, it’s best to work with the tree’s natural shape rather than against it. If there are two central leaders, pick one and shorten the other by about a foot, cutting just above a node or shoot. This redirects growth away from competing with the main trunk. Next, remove any branches that cross, touch, or make the crown feel too dense. You should also cut away any tight crotches – branches that meet the trunk at a narrow “V” angle instead of a “U” shape. These form weak points that can split later. Look for wrinkled or compressed bark where two limbs are pushing into each other. Aim to prune no more than a quarter of the branches after planting. This helps balance the smaller root system with the above-ground growth. If one side looks sparse, remove a few branches from the opposite side to even things out. The goal is to support structural balance without forcing an unnatural shape. Always cut just above a node or alongside the branch collar, which is the slightly raised area where a branch meets the trunk. Avoid cutting into the collar itself. There’s no need to seal cuts with paint or any other product. The tree will naturally protect itself by sealing the wound with sap. Established Conifers Before pruning an established conifer, it’s essential to understand how that species grows. Some, like junipers, arborvitae, and western red cedars, add growth on the outside of the canopy and the shaded interior dies. If you cut back into that dead interior, the branch won’t regrow and you’ll end up with a permanent bald spot. For these species, only prune within the “live zone,” the outer area with green, actively growing tips. Make your cuts just in front of a green, healthy shoot or branch, never behind one. That means cutting between the tip and near the live, green shoot. While this rule applies to all conifers, not all species develop extensive dead interior wood. Pines, firs, and some spruces are more open in structure, which allows light into the center and keeps the inner branches alive longer. The lower limbs may still thin or die from shading, but the whole interior doesn’t die back like it does in junipers or arborvitae. With these trees, avoid cutting into bare sections of the branch. Imagine a big eastern white pine: its needles grow in clusters with stretches of bare wood between them. If you cut into the bare wood between the clusters of needles you’ll be left with a stump. Always cut just in front of live needles. Photo by Kristine Lofgren. Some species shouldn’t be pruned at all when they are mature unless it’s absolutely necessary. Douglas firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii), for example, have fragile bark that splits easily and they don’t produce much resin where the cuts are made. That makes them highly vulnerable to disease. Avoid cutting any branches over two inches in diameter on older Douglas firs and other similar species. The exception is dead wood. You can remove that from any tree at any time. It won’t regrow, and removing it improves airflow and reduces risk of pests or disease. If you’re unsure whether a branch is dead, scrape the bark. If there’s no green tissue underneath, it’s dead and can go. Other conifers, such as spruce and pine, handle pruning better than most. They have tougher bark that resists cracking and they produce plenty of resin at cuts, which helps seal the wound and protect against invaders like fungi and borers. Give Them the Cut Beyond providing some shape and removing troublesome branches, you don’t usually have to do much trimming of your conifers. But when you do need to make a cut, doing it at the right time, with the right tools, and in the right way is crucial for the health of your plant. Let us know what kind of plant you’re growing and what kind of pruning you’re doing in the comments section below. We love to share details and advice with our readers. And for more information about growing conifers, check out these guides next: Kristine Lofgren © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '176410929431717'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[velvethexskull]

Exploring Eco-Friendly Practices Among Local Arborists

Introduction

In the vibrant community of West Palm Beach, Florida, where lush greenery and towering palms define the landscape, the role of arborists has never been more vital. With the rising awareness of environmental sustainability, local tree service providers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices. This article delves into how these professionals contribute to a healthier ecosystem while providing essential services such as tree trimming, removal, and maintenance.

The Importance of Eco-Friendly Practices in Arboriculture Why Go Green?

It's no secret that our planet is facing an environmental crisis. Deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss threaten ecosystems worldwide. Arborists play a critical role in combating these issues by promoting sustainable tree care practices. By choosing eco-friendly techniques, they not only enhance tree health but also contribute to a greener environment.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Tree Services Reduced Chemical Usage: Traditional tree care often involves chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can harm surrounding flora and fauna. Eco-friendly practices use organic solutions that are safer for the environment. Enhanced Biodiversity: Healthy trees support diverse ecosystems by providing habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change impacts. Soil Health Improvement: Organic practices improve soil quality which benefits plants' growth and stability. Exploring Eco-Friendly Practices Among Local Arborists Common Eco-Friendly Techniques Used by Arborists

Local arborists employ various eco-friendly techniques to ensure tree health without compromising environmental integrity.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Many arborists in West Palm Beach have shifted towards organic pest control methods that utilize https://x.com/TreeMastersPB natural predators or non-toxic substances to manage pests effectively.

Mulching Practices for Soil Enrichment

Mulching is an effective way to improve soil health while minimizing water usage. By recycling organic waste from tree services into mulch, arborists create nutrient-rich materials that help retain moisture in the soil.

Tree Pruning Techniques That Promote Growth

Proper pruning techniques encourage healthy growth and minimize disease spread without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Technology's Role in Sustainable Arboriculture

Incorporating technology can further enhance eco-friendly practices among arborists.

Drones for Tree Assessment

Drones allow arborists to assess tree health from above without disrupting the surrounding environment or risking personal safety during climbs.

Mobile Apps for Tree Identification and Care Tracking

Arborists can use mobile applications to identify trees easily, track their health progress, and plan maintenance schedules efficiently.

Eco-Friendly Tools Used by Arborists in West Palm Beach Battery-Powered Equipment

The trend toward b

[lastimeexteriors-nebraska]

How do I protect my asphalt roof from tree damage?

Imagine this: a strong windstorm rattles your neighborhood, and the next morning, you discover a large tree branch lying across your asphalt roof. Not only does it look alarming, but it could also lead to leaks, structural issues, or costly repairs. Over time, even smaller, seemingly harmless branches or falling leaves can take a toll on your roof. It’s a scenario many homeowners face, and it highlights the importance of protecting your asphalt roof from tree damage.

Your roof is one of your home’s most vital defenses against the elements. It safeguards your property from rain, snow, and sun while contributing to curb appeal and overall value. When trees are nearby, they bring beauty and shade—but they also introduce risks. Proper care, along with help from a reliable asphalt roofing contractor, can keep your roof in top condition and shield it from the impact of trees.

If you’re worried about finding the right contractor to help protect or repair your roof, don’t worry. With some thoughtful steps and insider tips, selecting a trustworthy professional becomes an easy and manageable task. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the dangers trees pose to your roof to how to choose a contractor who can ensure long-term durability and peace of mind.

The Risks Trees Pose to Asphalt Roofs

Trees offer shade, boost property value, and provide environmental benefits, but they can also spell trouble for your asphalt roof. Here are the primary risks:

Overhanging Branches: Branches that touch or hang too close to the roof can scratch and erode shingles over time, especially during windy weather. This can shorten the lifespan of your asphalt roof and increase the risk of leaks.

Falling Debris: Leaves, pine needles, and small twigs can collect on the roof, holding moisture that leads to mold, algae growth, and shingle degradation. Clogged gutters from this debris can cause water to back up and seep under your roofing materials.

Falling Trees or Large Branches: Weak or diseased trees may topple during storms, causing significant damage to the roof's structure. A heavy branch can puncture shingles and even the roof deck, requiring immediate and costly repairs.

Steps to Protect Your Asphalt Roof from Tree Damage

The good news is that you can prevent most tree-related roofing problems with proactive maintenance and care. Here’s what you can do:

1. Regular Tree Maintenance

Trim Overhanging Branches: Keep tree branches at least 6–10 feet away from your roof. This prevents scratching, reduces falling debris, and minimizes the chance of damage during storms.

Inspect Tree Health: Periodically check for signs of disease, decay, or instability, such as cracks in the trunk, dead branches, or fungal growth. If you’re unsure, hire an arborist to assess and prune trees safely.

Remove Hazardous Trees: If a tree poses a risk due to its proximity, size, or health, consider removing it altogether.

2. Clean and Maintain Your Roof and Gutters

Remove Debris: Regularly clear leaves, twigs, and dirt from your roof to prevent moisture retention and weight buildup.

Install Gutter Guards: These help prevent clogs, ensure proper water drainage, and reduce the risk of water damage.

Check for Damage: Inspect your roof for missing shingles, cracks, or weak spots that could worsen if debris or branches strike.

3. Schedule Professional Roof Inspections

Seasonal Inspections: Hire a roofing professional to examine your roof at least twice a year. They can catch early signs of wear or damage and suggest timely fixes.

Post-Storm Checks: After severe weather, arrange for an inspection to ensure no hidden issues are caused by falling branches or debris.

4. Strengthen Your Roof Against Impacts

Reinforce Vulnerable Areas: Ensure your roof's flashing, vents, and edges are properly sealed and reinforced to withstand tree-related wear and tear.

Choose Durable Shingles: Consider impact-resistant asphalt shingles for added durability against falling branches.

How to Choose a Reliable Asphalt Roofing Contractor

Protecting your asphalt roof from tree damage often requires the expertise of a professional contractor. Here’s how to find one you can trust:

1. Research Local Contractors

Focus on Local Expertise: Contractors familiar with your area understand regional weather patterns and building codes, making them better equipped to handle your roofing needs.

Look for Asphalt Roofing Specialists: Not all roofing contractors are experienced with asphalt shingles. Choose one with a strong track record in this material.

2. Verify Credentials

Check Licensing and Insurance: A legitimate contractor should hold the appropriate licenses and carry insurance to cover accidents or damage.

Confirm Certifications: Some contractors are certified by shingle manufacturers, which means they’ve met high standards of quality and training.

3. Check Reviews and References

Read Online Reviews: Look for consistent positive feedback on platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. Pay attention to how the contractor handles complaints.

Ask for References: Request contact information for past clients and ask about their experiences. Did the contractor complete the project on time and within budget?

4. Evaluate Experience and Expertise

Years in Business: A contractor with a long history of service is likely to have a proven reputation for reliability.

Review Portfolios: Ask to see photos of completed asphalt roofing projects to gauge the quality of their work.

5. Compare Quotes and Warranties

Get Written Estimates: Request detailed estimates from multiple contractors. This should include costs for materials, labor, permits, and any additional charges.

Understand Warranties: Look for a workmanship warranty (typically at least 10 years) and a manufacturer’s warranty for the materials used.

6. Ask Key Questions

When consulting with potential contractors, ask:

What safety measures do you take during roof repairs or installations?

How long will the project take from start to finish?

Do you offer emergency services for storm damage?

Benefits of Choosing the Right Contractor

Hiring a skilled contractor is about more than just fixing or replacing a roof—it’s an investment in your home’s future. A reliable contractor will:

Use high-quality materials that withstand the elements and tree-related challenges.

Provide expert advice on roof maintenance and tree management to prevent future damage.

Deliver peace of mind, knowing the work is done safely and to a high standard.

Your asphalt roof plays a vital role in safeguarding your home, and protecting it from tree damage is a key part of preserving its integrity. By maintaining nearby trees, keeping your roof and gutters clean, and addressing potential issues early, you can minimize risks and extend your roof’s lifespan.

When it’s time to hire a contractor, remember that thorough research and thoughtful questions can help you find the right professional. Verify credentials, read reviews, and compare estimates to ensure you’re making an informed choice.

[mtgpocketrealm]

Plane Summary

This plane consists of a world tree and a cosmos, similar to Kaldheim, the tree holding a realm for every possible color combination (excluding the un colors of pink and gold).

This plane is believed to be artificial, the tree planted into the blind eternities and cultivated into this shape, growing the plane and realms which were then seeded with life from some other location. A genetically viable population of Humans, grasses, trees, fungi, a basic food web which could then rapidly diversify, and finally, in each, a single Thrum (an unspeciallized Sliver) at the heart of the realms.

This plane, which does not possess a true name, was then left, abandoned by the Oldwalker who made it. Perhaps it was left to be observed, perhaps it was forgotten, perhaps deemed a failure of some experiment, perhaps left to thrive on its own, perhaps the Oldwalker perished during the great mending or was desparked during the great pruning. The purpose of the plane is likewise unknown, an experiment some rumor, the saving of a plane's populace another, some sort of scheme or cultivation not unlike Memnarch's or Nicol Bolas' planes, perhaps even a natural fluke of the multiverse. Though few planeswalkers who have investigated the plane believe that last one.

This plane moves around the blind eternities not unlike Shandalar, occasionally 'orbiting' another plane momentarily before being all but repelled by the plane in a random direction.

The plane seems adverse to outside influences, planeswalkers and omenpaths are quite rare throughout the history of the plane. The difficulty of planeswalking into and out of the plane itself, let alone the realms, is immense. As such, very few, possibly even none at all, who have ignited on the plane have ever left their home realm. The recent great pruning had little to no effect on this plane. However, Omenpaths are an easier form of access to this plane, but there seems to only ever be one or two open at any given time and each Omenpath can be classified as 'Instanced', as they all remain open for minutes at best and rarely ever open again. The most common Omenpaths are within the plane, realm to realm connections, usually going up or down the tree, to a realm that has a broader or stricter mana identity. Very rarely, a plane this one is orbitting can receive an instanced omenpath to the tree's cosmos, but very little ever comes from that so far.

Races

There are three sentient races of the plane, Humans, Werewolves, Slivers*, and Realmkin.

Humans are quite similar to what they are like on most planes. They are responsible for the greater sized civilizations and nations which appear on the realms despite their shortcomings, purely by force of sheer numbers and cooperation. Even in the realms where cooperation is not in the mana's nature, they still stick together into clans, tribes, and/or nations. All of which are far larger than the packs of the Werewolves, though generally smaller than the local Hives of Slivers.

Werewolves are similar to Humans while in their 'weakened form', with the exception of their glowing eyes, more pronounced pointed fangs, and their pointed ears. Well, that and the magic, you see the Humans of this plane are utterly incapable of magic in any form. Werewolves however are capable of magic in both of their forms, forming many packs around the styles of magic they use. Their magic heightening along with their physical abilities as night falls. There is a single pack on every realm which lacks magical abilities, these werewolves tend to be isolationist from the rest of their kind and more minorly from Humans, but have the added benefit of appearing more Human when untransformed than other werewolves. In a general sense, they lose their 'Higher Human Intelligence' when transformed, becoming violent beasts rather than people who can be negotiated with. There is at least one pack who's magic is to retain their intelligence even while transformed.

Realmkin are elementals born from the sudden surges of mana via the periodic crashes. Realmkin are characterized by their humanoid forms, stone-looking skin, and mask-like faces. They are all immortal and possess the ability to generate or manipulate their namesake elements, generally, they are friendly with Humans and Werewolves, none but the oldest seem to understand them however. The concept of mortality, physical needs, being constrained by physical bounds. Not every realm manifests a Realmkin, but once manifested, a few of that variety appears each crash.

*Slivers are generally not sentient, at least not in the manner that we would consider. They are more a hive intelligence that responds like a massive living organism similar to ant colonies. But, rarely, there are slivers who evolve an ego, these take control of the local hive and impose their will upon it, occasionally splitting off and creating new hives.

General Realms

Each of the thirty-two realms correspond to an alignment of mana, everything within the realm conforming to that alignment. The tree holds each realm in place, preventing them from coming into contact with one another.

Each realm can be described as a half-circle of earth, metal, water, and/or magma and atmosphere. These half-circles slowly rotate in their bubbles. These bubbles are what is known as 'the tree's fruit'.

The 'cosmos' of the plane is thin, fairly insubstantial, comprised solely of excess mana from the realms which becomes attracted to and accumulates in the core of the world tree. While within the cosmos of this world tree (the great aetheric void), you would appear to be within an iridescent outer space, the stars being the light of living planes, occasional shadows being planes devoid of life, or the forms of Eldrazi Titans as they move through the multiverse. Within this void, there is 'subjective gravity'.

The center of the plane, the core, is perceived as a star, not dissimilar to a sun, to all of the realms. The stars that can be seen in the great aetheric void as seen above are other planes of the multiverse, their brightness a general indication of how much mana they have and their size a general indication of proximity. These can be seen when facing away from the 'sun' like night sky constellations on many other planes. Every realm (except for WUBRG) as a day and night cycle which subjectively lasts for exactly 16 hours each.

When the tree is ready to grow larger, to receive the energy for the fruit to each grow larger with little to no issue, it sends a signal via leylines to each of the fruit. Thirty-two days later, it receives a massive influx of mana which causes the tree and each of it's fruits to grow in size. This, as it turns out, is a feedback loop caused by the hives of Slivers that reside on the realms, as new egos are attempted to be adapted by each of the realms simultaneously, a greater unifying ego, the tree receives that as a signal that the hives have begun to outgrow their space and uses that to expand.

Komas - This place is utterly hostile to the concept of life. The fact that any Human or Werewolf, though emaciated and sickly, survive here is incredible.

Elania, Ubrosos, Ebegoth, Atenara, Ipola - These realms are massive, large enough that animals, Humans, and Werewolves are capable of comfortably staying far away from the central Sliver hives, assuming the hives allow that...

Sechetora, Oyathae, Phedasos, Plexinit, Uphidolan, Sliatteros, Eoxucia, Accethis, Nacladu, Iglirial - These realms are quite sizeable still, but civilization borders the territories of the hives, which sooner rather than later, becomes subsumed into their control.

Phedasos, Honniomund, Sessarune, Icremir, Oklaran, Secaven, Oweroth, Ephaxath, Lerrezin, Rekixus - These realms are quite hostile outside of the domains of the local hive's terraforming magics, but the hives lack the numbers and 'manpower' to properly expel the Humans and Werewolves from their domain.

Plobbiovar, Chakitara, Kioggithis, Iaxiotopia, Kokudu - These realms are entirely alien and anathema to life, the hives have yet to terraform the primordial chaos into something usable. Life here persists seemingly out of spite rather than because it properly survives.

Hodatis - This realm is a bubble of chaotic mana which would've torn apart anything which dared to try and survive here, if the mana didn't occasionally form into smaller bubbles of stable and habitable physical matter. This realm has spawned many independent hives that each spontaneously come about in their own bubbles which floats chaotically around this maelstrom. The inhabitants of several bubbles have invented a method of traversing the chaos.

(Names randomly generated via fantasy name generator)

Something that should be noted is that this plane superficially seems like Segovia, being small with the world tree about the size of an actual tree. Each realm appears similar to multicolored marbles with a to scale representation of the realm within, if you squint, you can even see some movement within. Be not deceived however, these are appropriately sized on the inside, these marbles are about an inch in diameter for every ten kilometers of radius it truly is. Every crash expands the cosmos around the tree by five meters, but the tree grows less strictly each crash.

Slivers and their Purpose

The Slivers on this plane play an integral part of the growth and maturity of the plane tree's 'fruits'. They live on the nexus of the realm's leylines, feeding off of it and causing the mana to crystalize. The hive growing, learning new adaptations, and passively terraforming their territory all the while. They grow within a set territory until something triggers an apotheosis. This apotheosis involves a 'reset' to the hive, culling practically all of their members and consuming all of the powerstones they have that they generated. This surge through the leylines causes the fruit to expand drastically. This expands not only the hive's territory, but also the space outside of it (depending on the category of realm).

This causes each hive to go into a 'tide-like' state, where they grow in numbers and adaptations and territory and then they fall back into practically no specialized forms. Each 'crash' seems to take longer to arrive than the last, but is reliable enough that the denizens of the realms have rough methods to predict when they will occur.

Decks and What they mean

Some of you may have noticed that the links are to decks. The ones with tags are my mental map of the hives themselves and how they grow each crash. They have tags that you can't see, labeling everything as 'each crash' and 'ego crash'. Every legendary also has a number (based on when the base creature was released in order for the identity prioritizing non-playtest cards, for example, Hodatis sliver queen is labeled as 1 and gravemother is 6, in Sliatteros Sliv-mizzet is labelled with 1). Each crash, the cards labelled 'each crash' get added to the 'hive's holdings'.

For Hodatis, I add a new hive with a single card with the next number (so one queen crashes into one overlord), cycling back after running out of numbers. Repeating the process so long as I don't repeat the same card, skipping numbers with no more applicable cards. When we finish off a Hodatis number, that is known as an 'ego crash', and the tagged cards are added to the 'hive's holdings'.

'Each crash' cards includes every sliver and all lands that are not 'sliver hive' and 'hall of tagsin'.

'Ego crash' cards is everything else.

The lands have different numbers. These numbers correspond to the distance * ~10 km from the exact center of the realm that reaches. So 5 is ~50 km and a 6 would mean that there is ~50 km radius of the first card and a ~10 km band around it for the second card. The other cards are for the purposes of mentally acknowledging their capacities at the peak of each crash. (exceptions to the size of a land is Sliver Hive and Hall of Tagsin)

The mono colored realms have an additional non-hive controlled territory of 9 (basic land), the guild colored realms have an additional non-hive controlled territory of 7 (the painland cycle), the shard/wedge colored realms have an additional non-hive controlled territory of 4 (the landscape cycle), Komas has an additional non-hive controlled territory of 10 (spawning bed), and Hodatis has an additional non-hive controlled territory of 10 (mana confluence), 6 (1 of each basic (they can go to separate bubbles)), and 3 (unstable frontiers).

For Hodatis, a new hive is created each time a new number is called (thus spawning a new hive and hall), though they drift out of the center by the time of the next crash, the non-hive mana confluence is centered, the other two non-hives are not and can be added to existing 'bubbles'.

For the purposes of explaining the size of the realms, we are on the 14th crash.

The Titans and Myr are simply a nice patterned inspiration for additional werewolf ideas that I like.