How To Grow Organic Avocados - One Of The Top 10 Super-Foods

Avocados - contain healthy mono-unsaturated fatty acids, helping to lower bad cholesterol. They also contain antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate and fibre. Avocados contain many vitamins, mainly the B complex and vitamins A and E, as well as folic acid and iron.

Avocado helps your body to absorb more nutrients from other foods; such as when you eat tomato and avocado together in a salad.

The avocado tree (Persea americana) is an evergreen tree originating from Central America and the West Indies. Their growth habit varies - depending on the variety - from tall and upright to well-shaped and spreading. It is a fast growing tree with deep green, elliptical leaves that tend to drop constantly.

Cultivation

Avocado is frost tender while young, so if you live in a cold climate you will need to grow them near a North facing wall ( in the Southern Hemisphere - South facing in the Northern Hemisphere ) or in a grove of other trees.

Don't mulch around your avocado trees during winter as you will increase the frost damage on the leaves. Instead grow smaller plants and herbs around them.

You also need to provide perfect drainage as avocado is susceptible to root-rot. Deep, rich soil in full sun, with shelter from the wind are all important factors in deciding where to grow your trees. Water deeply during summer.

Avocados are self-fertile, but if you want good crops it is best to plant at least two compatible trees. If space is limited you could try growing them in the same hole and let the trunks twist around each other.

As avocados are evergreen, you can plant any time of year.

*My own personal tip is to take great care of your young avocado trees by protecting them from direct summer sun and shelter them from the wind for their first few years. Create a hessian shelter for them. You can remove it when your trees are about two metres tall.*

Fertilizing

Growing a green mature crop before planting your avocado tree will enrich the soil giving your new plant the best start. Feed young plants with small amounts of organic fertilizer regularly (about every 8 weeks) during the growing season. Spread the fertilizer evenly around each tree going just further out than the canopy drip line.

For mature trees, fertilize with 10 litres of organic poultry manure per tree applied on top of a layer of organic mulch.

Picking

Avocados won't ripen until they are picked or they have fallen from the tree. This is of great benefit as it means you can have a long season. You can start to harvest them when they are quite immature - even fruit as small as a golf ball. They won't taste as nutty or rich, but you can still enjoy them.

You can leave fruit on the tree until it falls naturally, which will give you a long harvesting time.

If you have the space you might consider growing several varieties that fruit at different times of the year and you will have a year-round supply of this wonderful, healthy fruit.

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Tips For Growing Apple Trees

Growing your own apple tree is a very satisfying and rewarding experience. Who hasn't at one time or another longed to wander down the backyard and pick a crisp, juicy apple from their very own apple tree. And a huge benefit is you can choose which type to grow, you have a range to select from to suit all tastes. No need for you to be restricted by the trend set by commercial growers and supermarkets anymore.

Apple trees like at least 6 hours of sunshine during summer, but bear in mind they require a spell in the dormant period, where the winter temperature is in a range of 32ºF-45ºF. These chilling requirements will encourage normal growth in the growing season. The northern hemisphere is where apple trees thrive; they grow best in cool to cold climates with a mild summer and cold winter. You will find that it is standard procedure for garden centers to follow the guidelines set up by the United States Department of Agriculture, to label their trees, giving you the most appropriate zones where the plants they sell will be successful.

Because of the space taken up by apple trees it is necessary to plan carefully before action is taken, and remember they are in place for a great number of years; there are recordings of some being 200 years old. From time of planting it can take up to 10 years for the tree to reach its maximum yield. Apple trees are a deciduous fruit tree, meaning that they lose their leaves in winter, so they can be used in a position where summer shade or winter sun is needed in the garden. Soil preparation and position is essential to reap the rewards an apple tree will give you. They are quite tolerant where soil conditions are concerned, however if you prepare in advance a plot which has good drainage along with a decent type of loam soil and a pH reading of 6.5, this will provide the ideal conditions for a good supply of apples and a healthy tree.

Apple trees consist of two parts: the scion and the rootstock which are grafted together to form the tree. The scion is the top part that forms the branches, leaves, flowers and fruit while the rootstock determines the size of the tree and it's resistance to drought, pests and diseases. The trees can be dwarf, which grow 8-10ft, semi dwarf, 10-15ft or standard trees, which grow 20+ feet yet the fruit produced on all trees can be the same size.

Most varieties of apple trees are self-sterile so two varieties, with overlapping blossom times, are needed for pollination. I strongly recommend you buy young stock from a nursery, (growing from seed is possible but it takes too long), where your supplier will help you with your choice. The transfer of pollen from one tree to another is mainly undertaken by bees so try to encourage these insects into your garden and refrain from using insecticides during the period that they are active.

November is the ideal time to plant, but you can plant as late as March. Apple trees are usually sold bare rooted and when selecting the variety you want, make sure they look healthy. Check the roots to make sure they are nice and moist then keep them that way and plant as soon as possible.

Dig a hole big enough to accommodate the roots, then place the tree in the hole spreading the roots out so that they are not entangled. Back fill with soil pressing down firmly to ensure the roots stay in contact with the soil. Make sure that you keep the graft well above the soil level. You can support the tree with a strong stake at this stage (until it's established), then give it a good drink of water after you have bedded them in. A layer of mulch placed around the tree will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds. To protect from abnormal temperatures in winter, raise the mulch higher up the young tree or insulate with old sacks for this cold period only.

When your tree starts to bear fruit, remove apples from the tree by firmly holding the attachment of the stem and gently twisting the apple till it comes off. They are best eaten straight from the tree for optimum taste but if you're intentions is to store the apples, leave the stem attached, as it helps preserve them, and keep in a well ventilated cool, dark, moist location. You will often find that a lot of the fruit will ripen together but one way of avoiding this glut is by having apple trees that fruit at different times, so long as there is that overlap period when they are blossoming to assist pollination.

It is worthwhile learning to prune your trees as they need to be shaped to allow correct growth. If you are interested in increasing your own stock then you may want to consider grafting though you may need certain skills or experience to attempt this.

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Pruning Apple Trees- What NOT to do in winter

You can cause major disease and rotting damage, plus set the tree back years by doing this type of pruning.

How NOT To Cut Down A Tree

Neighbor climbs ladder half way up tree with a chainsaw...gravity takes over from that point on. He's okay now though.

tree falling on my neighbors house

Tree falling on my neighbors house during a huge winter wind storm on vancouver island

Hiring Tree Trimming Services For Your Trees

Trees found all around your house and property could be dangerous to you and your family if they grow next to the electric lines. You might not even realize that the tree in your backyard has engulfed the high power chords, entering your home. If there happen to be a storm or heavy rains, then it could be lethal to the life of the people in that house. The possible short circuit could cause terrible explosions and fires. In this case, the companies offering tree trimming services become very important and valuable.

Why trim trees?: There are various reasons for trimming trees. Firstly, well-trimmed trees add to the beauty of the landscape. If you have unwanted growth of trees all over, then the garden does not look aesthetically beautiful. Trimming trees also improve the health of the trees. It is important to cut off the dead and decaying branches. The tree could be causing an obstruction in the driveway or pathway to your house. Thus, you will need to trim it down so that there is free passage.

Why hire services: Some people take up such jobs on themselves. They hire some equipment, which they know nothing about. With half-baked knowledge, they feel they can handle the situation in their backyard and deal with all kinds of tree problem. What they do not realize is that it is a specialized function and not everyone can trim trees. You need to have some basic skill and knowledge to prune trees. Following the safety measures is very important too. Tree trimming services has not become a business just for the thrill of it. They mean serious work.

Professional services: If you face any kind of tree related problems, it is best to look to experts for help. With their professional services, your problems will be over in the best possible way. There are plenty of companies providing such services. It will not be difficult for you to find one near your house. If not, then you can just search for companies that offer trimming services over the Internet. I assure you that you will get a list of companies with their contacts that will be happy to help you.

Services offered: The services offered by such companies include tree pruning or trimming, cutting, lumber removal, stump removal, landscaping, etc. Some of them even undertake to clear off the mess after a storm. The companies could also provide advice on landscaping and tree grooming.

Several such companies provide services in mountainous regions or areas that are highly prone to tornadoes, hurricanes or storms. They have their own specialized equipment like saws and chain saws and ropes. Apart from that, such companies have their trucks and cranes needed to pick the lumber and tree branches.

They train people to work in different weather conditions, and give them knowledge about how to handle different issues related to trees. People working with such tree trimming services companies know how to handle emergencies due to storms and hurricanes. Companies that offer services to maintain and protect trees provide professional services. They are experts in handling all issues related to trees and their services are valuable

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3 Reasons To Hire A Professional Tree Removal Expert

Many homeowners who are used to doing their own yard work may think that they can handle their tree trimming and removal needs on their own, but the reality of the situation is that these are not do-it-yourself jobs. For the sake of your personal safety, the safety of your property, and the health of your trees, you should always contact a certified arborist or a professional tree service company for these tasks.

Avoid Injury

There are many hazards involved in working with trees. Chainsaws, for example, are extremely dangerous, and can easily lead to injury. In situations where the tree being trimmed or removed is near a power line, there is also a very real risk of electrocution. Finally, there is also the possibility of falling. Professional tree removers have the equipment and experience needed to safely trim or remove your tree while avoiding these dangers.

Prevent Property Damage

A common reason for tree or limb removal is to prevent damage to your home or nearby power lines. However, if you attempt the removal yourself without hiring a professional, things can get out of control, and a limb may fall and cause the damage that you were trying to prevent. If you do manage to remove the tree successfully, what will you do with the stump? Professional tree service companies have stump grinders and chipping equipment, allowing them to remove the tree in its entirety without leaving a stump as an eyesore in your yard.

Keep Your Trees Healthy

Tree trimming done correctly is not harmful to the tree, and can provide many benefits. However, pruning that is done incorrectly can put unnecessary stress on the tree and invite disease and infection. Pruning should always be carried out by an experienced professional who knows the trimming methods that are best for the tree's health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5344240

Growing Citrus Fruits : How to Prune Orange Trees

Orange tree pruning is necessary for getting out dead wood and shaping the tree so that the limbs grow towards the sun. Use a fine saw blade when pruning larger limbs on an orange tree with help from the owner of a plant nursery in this free video on citrus fruits and gardening.

California Live Oak: Improper Care and Cabling - Prune Like a Pro

Gary Knowlton illustrates the disastrous consequences of improper cabling when a large tree limb falls on a house. He explains how the limb failure could have been prevented with proper care.

Signature Tree Service Home Show Demonstration - Vacaville 2012

Signature Tree Service shows us their climbing skills at the Vacaville Total Home and Garden Show. 

See more at http://www.signaturetreeservice.com