Perhaps you need more natural shade or our blog post on the Tree of 40 Life has inspired you to plant a few fruit trees. No matter what the reason when you are ready do your homework to ensure you're planting the highest quality tree possible.

For most people there is just something about being outdoors that brings joy. The fresh air, sunshine, green trees and flowering shrubs make you glad to be alive and puts a positive spin on your day. In fact, the effects of nature on health have become a very hot topic of research among everyone from landscape architects to medical professionals.

We all have a general idea of how a tree grows but there is so much more going on inside that most of us aren't even aware of.

Mulch can be a costly part of your home care, so the last thing you want is to improperly use it or apply more than is needed. Most tree maintenance experts say optimal mulching depth is between 2 and 4 inchesif you're focused on properly caring for your trees. Many homeowners and landscapers are guilty of what is known as volcano mulching, where huge piles of mulch are installed around and up the base of the tree. This is not only both a waste of mulch but also an invitation for fungus, insects and small burrowing animals to move in.

Trees serve so many useful purposes. From lumber and paper to supplying all the necessary nutrients for growing a plethora of fresh fruits, trees really are magnificent. Trees in Kansas City provide many amenities and benefits to humans overall.

Syracuse University art professor and contemporary artist Sam Van Aken was born and raised on a farm and while his early career focused mainly on academics and his art, he never strayed far from his roots when it came to seeking inspiration. The result is a very unique tree that can grow 40 different types of fruit.

The month of August can certainly take a toll on your landscaping, especially your trees. It's hot, it's either too wet or too dry, pests and insects are out in full force... and did I mention it's hot? Here are some important care tips for your trees which can make those trees more comfortable and perhaps even stave off future problems.

After having that old damaged tree taken down, you're feeling pretty good about making the decision not to spend the extra money and have the stump removed. But as you walk around the yard you glance over and see new growth sprouting out of the stump and the surrounding roots. The last thing you want after going to all the trouble of getting rid of the tree is to have another one grow back in its place!

As you mow the grass or just sit out on the patio enjoying this wonderful summer weather, you glance around and realize your trees could use a good pruning. But before deciding this is a job you could easily tackle yourself please keep reading to learn why it's not always the smartest idea to trim your trees yourself.

In the past we have discussed how devastating the Emerald Ash Borer beetle is to our area's ash trees. Recently Joe Skinner, with the Missouri Department of Conservation, has determined people are quickly becoming the number one reason the "Green Menace" continues to spread. The experts are now asking that homeowners no longer move firewood in an effort to contain the spread of this insidious disease.