Safe Operation Of Compact Tractors
The authors would like to express their appreciation for the review and comments made by Glenn Chappell, Extension agent, Prince George County; Samuel M. Johnson, Extension agent, Westmoreland County; Tom Stanley, ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Be On Guard Against Invasive Plants
Gardeners are called upon to take a personal role in controlling the spread of invasive plants. Even reputable garden companies will offer many of these plants, or government agencies will recommend them for ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Invasive Exotic Plant Species Identification
Invasive exotic species are plants that are not native to a given area and have the ability to out-compete indigenous plant species. Invasive exotics are often brought into their non-native surroundings by humans with good intentions. For ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Conserving Energy With Landscaping
Shrubs can also help reduce energy use by shading walls in summer, but don't allow tall-growing shrubs to block the winter sun from your windows. In summer, deciduous vines on trellises can be used to cool walls ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
The Value Of Landscaping
Landscaping conserves natural resources. Properly placed deciduous trees reduce house temperatures in the summer, allowing air conditioning units to run 2 to 4 percent more efficiently, but allow the sun to warm the ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Planting On Your Septic Drain Field
Prepare the soil for your trees before planting. Roots tend to grow along impermeable surfaces until they find a crack or other "path of least resistance" where they can penetrate. If you plant a tree in shallow ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
The Storm-Damaged Landscape After A Disaster
New flower and shrub beds can be established now. When soil is workable, cultivate to a depth of eight to 12 inches. Work in two to three inches of peat moss or compost. Spread 1/2 cup of 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 per ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Composting
Composting is a degradation process brought about by bacteria and fungus organisms. Large amounts of organic kitchen, garden, lawn, and/or farm refuse can be reduced in a relatively short time to a pile of black, ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Urban Water-Quality Management: Rain Garden Plants
A rain garden is a landscaped area specially designed to collect rainfall and storm-water runoff. The plants and soil in the rain garden clean pollutants from the water as it seeps into the ground and evaporates back ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Problem-Free Trees For Virginia Landscapes
Cornus kousa (kousa dogwood) is a small-size tree native to China and Japan. Although it is no replacement for the native flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, kousa dogwood has resistance to Discula anthracnose, the fungal disease that has killed ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Problem-Free Shrubs For Virginia Landscapes
Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (English boxwood) tends to suffer from root diseases, including Phythophthora root rot, English boxwood decline, and nematode feeding. Minimizing cultural and environmental stresses can help prevent these ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
The Effect Of Landscape Plants On Perceived Home Value
The value of an attractive landscape to a home's perceived value has often been stated at 15 percent. Is this figure reliable, and what landscape features do contribute to the value of a home? How does a landscape contractor convince his/her ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
