The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has greatly revised a standard regarding the management of shrubs and trees during site planning, site development, and construction.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture reports that "all ash trees native to Kansas are susceptible to infestation by the emerald ash borer." Emerald ash borer are beetle larvae that bore into trees, tunneling between the bark and wood. Ash borers impede the movement of water and nutrients, eventually killing the tree.

Storms certainly can do a lot of damage in the Kansas City area. But emergency tree care can help salvage your trees and yard, leading the way to future growth. Cartwright Tree Care, a family-owned full-service tree care company, is fully licensed and insured for emergency tree care. Our tree care professionals stay on the job until that last piece of debris is removed from your residence, business or development site.

Annuals are like fun pieces of costume jewelry -- exciting and relatively easy to change. Here are some beautiful annuals that generally work well in Kansas City's climate.

The beautiful Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens employs deliberate landscaping that respects the surrounding ecosystems. About 85 percent of the 300 acre park near Kansas City is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of eight natural ecosystems.

"Symptoms of pine wilt begin to occur in mid summer and continue into early winter in Kansas," the Kansas Department of Agriculture states. Pine wilt disease is caused by a pine wood nematode, a type of parasitic roundworm. Pine wilt disease is commonly seen in Scots pine, especially in the Eastern part of the state.

Loose Park is the third largest park in Kansas City, at 75-acres. The calm, pleasant landscape was a golf course at the turn of the 20th century.

• Balance. According to National Geographic, good compost contains carbon-rich "browns' (long-dead items like dried leaves) and nitrogen-rich 'greens' (fresh materials like grass clippings).
• Moisture. Home compost piles whould contain 40 - 60% moisture, according to the University of Washington.
• Aww, manure. The old tales are true...this stuff works. Plus, it is low-cost.
• Aeration. Proper aeration helps composting microorganisms grow, according to the University of Illinois. Aerating a pile can be as simple as turning it with a pitchfork or punching holes. There are also good, more complex mechanisms on the market.
• Avoid. Try not to use smelly materials that take a while to break down. This includes diary, meat, and bones. Also, avoid non-organic content. And don't have a compost heap too close to open water or wells.

Powell Gardens in Kansas City presents "Fairy Houses & Forts," running through October 7, 2012. The exhibition includes seven large-scale fairy houses and fanciful forts to inspire the whole family. The whimsical garden displays ignite an interest in exploring the great outdoors. Also featured is a charming indoor display of small-scale fairy gardens and houses.

Which perennials bloom the best in Kansas City? Our research revealed some beautiful local flowers: