Home > Lawn & Garden > Home Gardening > Trees & Shrubs > Make Wise Tree Removal Decisions before a Hurricane [Image: Figure 1. Fear of damage from falling branches or trees prompted this case of "chainsaw backlash". This Louisiana homeowner removed all ten live oaks from her property. Photo by Hallie Dozier.] This article reviews recent research on urban and community trees and their ability to stand up to hurricane strength winds. Azaleas - Louisiana's Most Popular Landscape Shrub [Image: azalea] Information on azaleas includes recommended cultural practices and other keys to be successful with this popular plant in your landscape efforts. Christmas Tree Selection, Care Outlined Satisfaction with a "real" Christmas tree starts with the right selection and continues with proper care throughout the holiday season, according to LSU AgCenter forestry expert Dr. Hallie Dozier. By following certain steps, the forester says you can keep the tree fresh and safe for enjoyment throughout the holidays. Get It Growing: Healthy Plants Start With Bed Preparation (For Release On Or After 10/05/07) Fall is a prime planting season in Louisiana. Cool-season flowering bedding plants and cool-season vegetables are planted from now through February, and November through February is the best time to plant hardy shrubs, ground covers and perennials in the landscape. How well you prepare the soil before planting has an enormous effect on the health and growth of your plants.  more articles... Watering Important When Summer Arrives [Image: Soaker Hose] The intense heat makes moisture critical. This is especially true for newly installed landscapes, vegetable and flower beds and any new plantings in existing landscapes. Backyard Fruit Makes Good Landscape Option Late fall through winter in Louisiana is a great season for planting fruit trees, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. The horticulturist says several kinds of fruit trees and similar plants work well in backyard landscapes. Palm Culture and Landscape Use [Image: palm] Although many consider palms sustainable only in tropical or arid regions of the world, many varieties are native to, or adapt well, to the subtropical climate of South Louisiana. Homeowners' Guide for Fertilizing Pecan Trees in Louisiana [Image: Homeowner's Guide for Fertilizing Pecan Trees] The most important cultural practice the homeowner with pecan trees needs to consider is proper fertilization. This publication includes information and guidelines for fertilizing pecan trees. Selection and Care of Pecan Varieties for Louisiana Yards [Image: Selection and Care of Pecan Varieties for Louisiana Yards] The pecan tree is prevalent in Louisiana as a shade tree in the landscape and also as a source of nuts for home use. The recommended varieties for home planting are listed and described in this publication. Pruning and Fertilizing Crape Myrtles February is a good time to prune those crape myrtles, and if you have not been getting any blooms, fertilizing just may be the answer. Pruning and Fertilizing Fruit and Nut Trees February is an ideal time to prune fruit trees. Fruit trees require a certain amount of annual pruning for the production of high-quality fruit. Now Is The Time To Prune Trees Winter is the perfect time to prune trees so they will be healthy and better able to resist storm damage, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter. Replanting Storm-ravaged Landscapes Begins [Image: Landscape] Landscapes damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can be revitalized. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about what can be done to repair the damage. Jefferson, Orleans Soil Contamination May Not Be As Serious As Feared LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil. More...