Question from Priya: We live in Northern VA. We have a River birch that is 2 feet away from our foundation, but is now 15 feet tall. We planted it as a small tree couple of years ago and did not expect it to grow this fast. We chose a River Birch, because that space […]

Question from Desiree: Recently I bought three weeping willows–the After Dark Jervis Peppermint Willow tree, peppermint willow (Agonis Flexuosa), and Australian Willow (Geijera Parvifolia). These trees were purchased through a city plant a tree program. Not much inquiry was done, however I was told that these particular willows are non-invasive. I planted the smaller of […]

Question from Dave: Hi Pat, your absolutely correct. Planting the beaumont macadamias with chicken manure was a mistake. The trees grow and burn and repeat again. I’m thinking of digging them up and replacing the soil around them. Alternately, is there a mineral that can be applied to neutralize or bind up the nitrogen? Answer […]

Question from Dee: I have a small avocado plant I have grown from an avocado seed I used to have in my backyard in South Florida. They were large size but delicious! My question is do I need two trees in order for them to pollinate? My daughter also has a seed plant from the […]

Question from Gina: I’ve loved your books since I first started gardening! I would like to plant a large hillside in Topanga, Malibu CA with ‘christmas trees’. What pines/cypresss/cedars will work in this area and not get too giant. Are there dwarf specimens that will give that christmas tree look. The garden is high up […]

Question from Dan: I’m sorry, please consider this an addendum to the previous contact I just now sent you. In my excitement to read your responses I forgot question number six. The property I now own has two almond trees that quite possibly are over 50 years old. They are also producing almonds but not […]

Question from Ann: I have a few large ficus trees (25-30 ft tall) that are providing shade and a very dense privacy screen from my neighbor. I want to top the tree in the fall to 15 ft which will hopefully fill in for shade the following summer. I’m worried about fire danger since I […]

Question from Violet: I need your help to find black olive tree Bucida buceras in california. Do you know where can i buy this tree. I have been searching and all the nursery’s are in florida. I appreciate your help. Answer from Pat: Black olive (Bucida buceras) is an attractive, evergreen ornamental tree native to […]

Question from Jane: Help! We need a hardy, fast-growing backyard tree, evergreen, low-water, tolerates clay-ish soil, 30-45 ft tall. We’re in old La Mesa, zone 23. Neighbors built a tall, horribly ugly addition, right up to property lines, on their box/house. We have a split level house, 2 stories tall in back,and after losing our […]