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How to Prune an Apricot Tree

How to Prune an Apricot Tree

January 25, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t like to eat an apricot? And, if you have an apricot tree in your yard, this is so much better. However, something that you need to know and consider is that if you don’t prune your apricot tree on a regular basis, you aren’t going to have any fruit to enjoy. 

This is why you should make sure that you know how to prune an apricot tree. You should also make sure that you know when you should prune the tree as well. You will get to know everything there is to know about pruning an apricot tree so that you can have a healthy tree that will wear fruit. 

Why Should You Prune an Apricot Tree?

how to trim an apricot tree

There are many reasons why you should prune your apricot trees. Many people think that this is something that you can do, but that isn’t essential. However, they are wrong. There are many reasons why it is important to prune your apricot trees.

The first reason is so that you can get rid of dead branches and so that you can cut off branches that have diseases on. Ensuring that the tree is staying healthy.

It also improves sunlight and airflow through the trees, improving the quality of the fruit. It also develops the structure of the tree, so that it can withstand the weight of the fruit and all kinds of weather conditions. 

Black Fungus on Grass

The Time of Year That You Should Prune the Tree

It is really important to make sure that you know when you should prune the apricot tree. If you are pruning it too late, you will lose blossoms and fruit. If you are pruning it too early the trees are more prone to getting diseases. 

The time to prune apricot trees is during winter when the trees aren’t growing. Some are pruning it during autumn, and this is fine as well, as long as it is late autumn. Don’t prune during spring or summer. 

Can You Prune Your Own Tree, or Should You Hire a Professional?

how to prune dwarf apricot tree

You can prune your own tree if you know exactly when and how to prune it. And, you need to have the right equipment for pruning your trees. Too many accidents have happened during the pruning process because the right safety equipment wasn’t used. 

If you aren’t sure about the tools that you need, or you aren’t sure how you should prune the apricot tree correctly, it is a much better idea to hire a professional to do it for you.

And, then you don’t need to worry about the left-over branches that you need to get rid of as well.  You will then have an apricot tree that will wear healthy and tasting apricots. 

What to Trim Away When Pruning the Tree

When you start pruning your tree, what should you trim away first? This is a question that many are asking. Especially if they have never pruned a tree before. 

The first thing that you should do, is to trim away the dead branches. Those branches that don’t have leaves on, and that you can see are dry. After the dried branches are trimmed away, you start looking for branches that don’t look healthy. Where disease might start happening. You will see the difference between a healthy branch and a branch with diseases. With this done, you can start pruning the tree. 

Pruning Your Trees in Three Easy Steps

how to prune my apricot tree

In just three easy steps, you will be able to prune your apricot tree correctly. And, then you will know for sure that this year, you are going to have the most delicious apricots to enjoy. 

  • The first thing that you should is to trim the dead, diseased and damaged branches. This is the most important part of the pruning part. To ensure that all the damaged and dead branches are cut away before you are actually starting to prune the tree.
  • Now, you start thinning up the tree. To ensure that sunlight is getting through the tree and to ensure that all the fruit is going to receive adequate light. This is also the most difficult part, where people don’t really know where to start pruning.
  • Step 3. Cut the branches a bit shorter. All the branches should be cut a bit shorter. It doesn’t need to be cut a lot shorter, as long as you are cutting each and every branch that is left.

Now, you have an idea about how to prune an apricot tree so that you can get a healthy tree and delicious fruit during Summer. If you are still unsure about how to prune the tree, it might be best to hire a professional for doing it for you. Then, you will know for sure that no mistakes have been made with the pruning.

Filed Under: Gardening

Why the Best Hammocks Are So Freaking Expensive, Yet Affordable

Why the Best Hammocks Are So Freaking Expensive, Yet Affordable

September 22, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Does switching the bed for the hammock confuse you? Don’t be and here is why. Hammocks offer your body an unparalleled level of comfort. They make you fall asleep fast, hence perfect for insomniacs.

The devices also promote excellent spine health. They compel you to sleep straight on your back to avoid falling. Doing so prevents pressure points that might otherwise cause a lot of lumbar discomforts from developing.

Better still; the platforms keep you outdoors. They allow you to reconnect with nature. The result is a life free from stress and depression.

Above all, camping beds make you versatile. They empower you to sleep in different environments. Hammocks are, therefore, perfect for any traveling nomad. The beds improve your camping experience, thus your quality of life. But which bed types do you buy?

Types of Hammocks 

why are hammocks so expensive

The manufacturers have flooded the market with hammocks of different shapes and sizes. These beds are:

  • Cheap 
  • Fairly priced, or
  • Expensive 

Bed preference, therefore, lies on function and affordability. But are you aware that the best platforms cost an arm and a leg? Yes, they do, and here is why.  

Letting the Cat Out of the Bag

As you well know, the best beds do not come cheap. So, why are hammock so expensive? Top-rated products:

Come from Reputable Brands

why are eno hammocks so expensive

Ever wondered why an iPhone costs more money than an Android-powered Smartphone, despite having similar specs? Branding is to blame for the mess. Great hammocks come from superior brands; manufacturers who have served for years and have a reputation to maintain. They not only sell you the product but the company names as well. 

Are Items of Unique Engineering

Most of the models on sale today share similar features. It is the customizations, however, that determine how cheap or expensive the hammock will be. For instance, a bed fitted with a tarp, rainfly, and bug net will be dearer than one without. 

Besides, a more extended platform costs more compared to a shorter bed. In brief, the cost implications are significant when you purchase a product with all its components intact. You, therefore, get everything you need depending on how much money you spend. 

Get Produced From High-Quality Products

Black Fungus on Grass

Most manufacturers build hammocks to bridge the demand and supply curve. However, it is only a handful of these institutions that develop products with a long-lasting solution in mind. They make significant profits at your expense, and your journey to the retailer may never stop unless you gain a quality piece. 

But what defines quality? A superb bed can withstand heavy loads without fail. Second, the device gets produced from layers of fabric that keep you protected in all environments. The sheets are also vital, given that they enhance platform strength. 

Other Factors Worth Considering

The price of the device might influence your purchase decision, but it should not be the only factor worth considering. You need to determine the reason for your purchase before anything else. Recall, a hammock built for camping is different from the one developed for indoor use.

Besides, you need to factor in comfort relative to pricing. Convenience enables you to switch the bed for the hammock with no regrets whatsoever. But luxury is pricey and might force you to go for a superior product.

As if that is not enough, you must consider portability. A lightweight platform helps you move fast, especially if you are a travelling nomad. It also allows you to carry more essentials.

Above all, you need to consider product aesthetics. Do not buy a hammock because you must. Purchase the item after viewing its design. Top-rated manufacturers produce exquisite pieces that can withstand the test of time. Excellent designs also ensure that you get the best outdoor experience by making desirable photo compilations. 

Finally, you must identify the best hanging technique for your bed. Platforms created for the wilderness require robust cords and hooks for easy installation on trees. Beach hammocks, on the contrary, come equipped with self-supporting props. 

why the hammocks so expensive

The Bottom Line

Hammocks come in different shapes and sizes. They cost differently, too. The best beds, although costly in the beginning turn out to be affordable over the long haul, and here is why.

They are more than durable, meaning they reduce the number of trips you make to the retail store. Second, they are products of superior engineering. Their unique designs promote longevity and make hammocking fun.

Moreover, top-rated beds come fully equipped with their supportive elements. You, thus, have no reason to worry about un-boxing an incomplete package.

Last, top hammocks on the market get produced from high-quality materials. The materials are not only tough to withstand a lot of abuse but also strong enough to support heavy loads. 

Filed Under: Outdoor Activities

Black Fungus on Grass

Black Fungus on Grass

September 21, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Lawn fungal diseases come in different forms especially in visible spots like black spots on the grass. The black fungus on your grass is unsightly since it makes a poor appearance of your otherwise beautiful lawn. Apart from that, the black fungus can affect the health of your lawn and weaken its growth structure.

The presence of black fungus on your grass signals some health concerns about your grass which require quick attention to help control it so that it does not spread to other parts of your lawn. Treating the fungus will help your grass regain its health as well as natural color.

However, if you practice good care for your lawn, then it can help prevent it from being attacked by such fungal disease. Treatment can help prevent spores from spreading across your lawn and there are also other measures that you can take to solve the problem.

Causes of Lawn Fungal Disease

black fungus on grass blades

Black spots are mainly caused by fungal diseases like leaf spot, slime mold, Pythium blight as well as leaf smut. Leaf smut is usually common on bluegrass as well as perennial ryegrass. On the other hand, slime mold usually occurs during warm seasons on certain grasses while it rarely affects grass in cool seasons.

It is also common that some fungi and spores are natural and can be found on your lawn and some are problematic while others are harmless. Grass fungus can lead to harmful diseases though and they are caused by different factors.

Drought, compacted soil as well as improper mowing can significantly contribute to grass fungus. Using the wrong kind of fertilizer or too much use of it together with overwatering are some of the factors that can also contribute to black fungus on your grass. In some instances, the wrong type of grass can also be another factor that can contribute to black fungus on your grass. Weather conditions that include high humidity and temperature are also causes of black fungus on your grass.

How To Prevent and Treat Lawn Fungal Diseases

black spots on grass blades

As you can see, improper practices of caring for your lawn significantly contribute to black fungus so you can easily prevent it by changing your approach to the way you look after your lawn.  If you care for your lawn in a better way, then it can be able to handle certain conditions that are natural which also cause black fungus.

For instance, your area can experience a heatwave in summer or soggy spring and these conditions are natural and unavoidable. Unhealthy grass is likely to catch black fungus disease under such condition but if it is well maintained, it can resist it. Therefore, best lawn caring practices are very important in preventing fungal diseases.

There are also other steps that you can take to be in control of fungal diseases in your lawn. It is imperative to conduct a soil test since it helps to identify factors like nutrient deficiencies. This can lead to stressed lawns which in turn cause diseases like black fungus on your grass. For more information, you can check with local offices that specialize in lawn services.

You must try to aerate your lawn so that the roots get sufficient and air and water which can help to promote healthy growth of your grass. If the lawn is stressed, then it can be susceptible to diseases like black fungus. On top of that, you should also improve the drainage system. Waterlogging is problematic on your lawn so try to address this issue before your grass is affected.

You must also consider the type of grass that you grow in your yard to prevent certain conditions that can affect it. You must make sure that you get grass that is suitable to your climate, soil, and environment which can also resist certain fungal diseases. Exotic grass can be susceptible to fungal diseases so you must prevent this scenario.

Treating Black Fungus

black spots on grass tree leaves

You can also treat the problem of black fungus on the grass by practicing good management of caring for your lawn. For instance, you can avoid practices like overwatering, using excessive fertilizer to promote healthy growth of your grass.

It is also essential to mow your grass and leave it at a slightly higher level so as to reduce stress. However, if these practices do not bring any noticeable change, then you can try some registered fungicide to apply over the infected areas. You must get the right fungicide from lawn specialists.

Alternatively, you can also try natural methods to treat the affected grass. Organic Treatment can be effective in dealing with the problem of black fungus on your grass.

You can apply organic treatments such as compost tea, neem oil or weak baking soda since they help to detoxify your grass against fungi.

Filed Under: Gardening

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