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. Plant a citrus tree for home-grown fruit (Radio News 01/07/08) If you enjoyed Louisiana citrus during the past few months, you should consider growing your own. Planting a citrus tree starts with selecting the proper location says LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Dr. Bobby Fletcher. (Runtime: 60 seconds) 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.  more articles... 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. LSU AgCenter Faculty Checking New Orleans Soil, Plants [Image: LSU AgCenter faculty testing soil in Jefferson and Orleans parishes] Will the grass come back and how long will it be before vegetable gardens can be planted were questions on the minds of LSU AgCenter faculty members who recently toured the New Orleans area. More...