Can I cover tree roots with landscape fabric before adding decorative stone? Will this damage the tree?

Is it to early to prune oak trees in Bettendorf

Do I cut back Spirea bushes for the winter? and when is the best time to cut back these shrubs?

Thank you for the info you provide online. I was reading about pruning Forsythia bushes. What I want to do is a pretty substantial or total restart of a row of shrubs in my yard. Your advice includes “A more severe approach is to cut all of the branches to the ground and let the shrub resprout. This type of total rejuvenation can be done every three to four years in order to keep growth in check and achieve the tidiest possible look to the shrub.” I intend to go this route. What is the best time of year to do that? I am inColumbus, OH, Hardiness zone 6 and I see that Durham is 6a, so fairly comparable?? Thank you, Mark

Hello, We're seeking solutions to mitigate stormwater runoff that runs from uphill properties through ours, causing erosion in our backyard. We are planning to submit an application for the Howard County Cleanscapes program and have received quotes from two approved vendors - one suggested a conservation landscape adjacent to and slightly uphill from the pictured wash out area (would be on the left side in the attached image); one suggested a rain garden through the trees following the path of the storm water. We're concerned that digging a rain garden may significantly harm established trees by cutting roots. The vendor was unconcerned and said the trees have enough other roots that this wouldn't be a problem, but we wanted to ask a second opinion. Would you be concerned about digging a rain garden through the path pictured? Thank you!

Our back yard is on a slope. Through the years stiltgrass took over and now we have bare ground. I am interested in what we should do to cover this area that will require minimum maintenance because we are not getting younger. No history of chemical use, I have not had the soil tested in years. It’s mostly shade from tall white pines on the property behind us. I would enjoy a meadow but it seems they require quite a lot of maintenance. I appreciate any assistance.

Hello, I live in Monroe, Oregon and I have noticed that my grape hyacinth bulbs that are planted in a pot are going into bloom. After searching online, this does not seem to be ordinary, as everything I read said they will only bloom in spring. I was curious if this may be an effect of climate change and our unseasonably warm temps we've been having? Sorry if this is a repeat message, I tried to submit this and it was unclear if the submission worked. I thought the plant people would want to know! I have attached a picture of the bloom starting, taken November 6th. Thanks for your time!

Hello - I have a beautiful potted hibiscus plant. I understand it is perennial? How can I preserve it over winter so it blooms again next summer? Should I plant it in the ground, bring it inside (if so what kind of light does it need)? Thank you

How deep do raspberry roots go in Minnesota? To keep my basement less wet, I'm considering placing membrane sloped away from the foundation underground. I want to go deep enough to prevent common plants from pushing through it. We grow raspberries along the sides of the house. I know native Minnesota plants can grow roots over 10 feet deep, so I cannot plan for that. I have 3 different basement contractors say I cannot simply dig next to the foundation and place waterproofing there because the 100+ year old foundation would not survive - its fine if left alone. I'm open to other design considerations. Feel free to direct me to any other resources.