Author: John Fech

John Fech is a horticulturist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. The author of 2 books and over 200 popular and trade journal articles, he focuses his time on teaching effective landscape maintenance techniques, water conservation, diagnosing turf and ornamental problems and encouraging effective bilingual communication in the green industry. He works extensively with the media to extend the message of landscape sustainability, making over 100 television and radio appearances each year.

Summer Pruning of Fruit Trees

There are 2 windows of time that are best for pruning fruit trees. Most fruit tree growers are well aware of the first timeframe, which is late winter. The benefits of pruning at this time include the ease of seeing the flaws without the leaves in the way and close proximity to the point in the season when a healthy tree will naturally close the wounds made when branches are removed.

Groundcovers Are Great!

There are lots of locations in a landscape where turf and large trees just won’t grow well – too much shade, steep slopes and narrow spaces are just a few. Installing groundcovers might be the solution to some of these challenges. Of course, they’re not maintenance free, but considering the various options of better adapted plants can improve the appearance and function of the site.

Got an Ugly Landscape Feature?  Half Hide It!

When you think about it, there are quite a few items that landscapes commonly have that – well…a homeowner would rather not be all that visible to visitors or themselves. They include cable boxes, electrical pad mounted transformers, dog runs and water hydrants.

Pre and Post Emergence Herbicides – A Key Lawn Maintenance Tool

The best weed control in a lawn is to create a thick, dense turf that naturally outcompetes and prevents weed invasion. There are many steps involved, including proper fertilization, irrigation, species selection, mowing and cultivation. Another useful tool is the use of herbicides.

Pruning Broadleaf Shrubs

The month of March and throughout the rest of spring is a good time of year to prune shrubs in the landscape.

Easy to Care For Houseplants

By now, in early February, “Cabin Fever” is raging amongst Midwesterners. Perhaps you’ve even been somewhere warm (south Texas, Florida, Arizona), seen green plants outdoors and are longing for that kind of greenery at your residence. To help overcome the winter blues, try these easy to care for houseplants; it will help scratch the itch and not require a lot of resources to do it.

2025 Gardening Resolutions

Since January in the Midwest is usually not all that favorable for outdoor activities, we can grab the trowel by the handle and think ahead and backwards. Asking the question, “what didn’t go so well last year?” is a good one to springboard forward, or to borrow from the world of personal finance or fitness, to make new gardening resolutions.

January Gardening Tips & Techniques

January is a month filled with reflections of the previous year and notions of looking ahead. These are great fodder for coffee time with friends where you share notes and observations and also make intentional plans for modifications and improvements.

Fall Color in the Landscape

As you drive around the highways and byways, or even just the various neighborhoods, some of the most enjoyable views out the window glass are heavily influenced by the fall colors of trees and shrubs in the landscape. The reds, oranges and yellows of fall show off Mother Nature’s pageantry in its finest form.

Fall Tree and Shrub Care

Most of our area experienced a spring season which was a little on the moist side. Summer and early fall have turned the spigot off, resulting in a dry root zone for many trees and shrubs. But, how do you know if your tree(s) are part of the many or part of the moist? Ya gotta check.