The major questions on pruning are: how to prune when to prune, why prune, and when to stop pruning. The how and when vary, depending on the species, but December through January is a good time for pruning trees and most shrubs. So prepare yourself.

The “why” is for the shape of the plant, the seven-foot rule, the health of the plant, and the protection of surrounding structures. The shape and health of the plant can go hand in hand, but try not to have trees that look like broccoli. The seven-foot rule (in case you’re wondering) is the minimum height above the ground for the lower branches of a tree. Pruning plants to avoid damage to your house is at the top of the list. This brings me to the Crape Myrtle. Once again, I (along with Neal, Howard, and countless others) urge everyone, do not top the Crape Myrtles. The only case when a Crape Myrtle should be topped is when it can cause damage to the house.

The “when to stop” and “how-to” are the big questions. The stopping is as much of an art form as the how-to. The only answer I have is “it’s always easier to take more off than it is to stick it back on”. Go slow and think beyond the cuts. So, if you are a do-it-yourselfer, educate yourself, get after it, and be careful. For me, I gave up climbing trees with sharp tools and chainsaws years ago. I now hire a professional. Yes, it can be expensive but it’s so much cheaper than an ambulance ride. Before hiring a tree trimming company, please check them out first. If you pick the best, that’s what you’ll get. As a general rule, I don’t plug companies, but the guys at Advance Tree Care have always done a sensational job at my house. And don’t forget Arborilogical Services, they are another company with phenomenal service.

November is a month rich in history. From the founding of the Mission at San Juan Capistrano to the meaning of Thanksgiving Day, there is plenty of interesting facts for all your history and trivia buffs!

November 4, 1862, Richard Gatling patented his first rapid-fire gun which used revolving barrels to load, fire, and extract the cartridges.

November 4, 1979, Iranians stormed the U.S. Embassy in Teheran. They took 90 hostages and held them captive for 444 days, in what is known as the Iran Hostage Crisis.

November 11th, the USA celebrates Veterans Day (formerly called Armistice Day).

November 13, 1942, the cruiser USS Juneau was sunk by the Japanese at Guadalcanal. The five Sullivan Brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, died as a result of the attack. Their deaths prompted the U.S. Navy to adopt the Sole Survivor Policy.

November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.

November 22, 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President John F. Kennedy. Or did he?

November 26, 1789, President George Washington proclaimed the first American holiday to be a day of prayer and public thanksgiving for the successful establishment of the new American republic. Thanksgiving Day.

November 29, 1864, 500 Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians were massacred by U.S. Army troops at Sand Creek, Colorado.

November 30, 1782, a provisional peace treaty was signed by Great Britain and the United States ending America’s War of Independence. The final treaty was signed in Paris on September 3, 1783.

Here they come again, migrating ducks.  The fall waterfowl migration is in full swing with ducks and geese landing anywhere they please. This includes your backyard especially if you have a pool. Ducks and geese are federally protected so disturbing them can get dicey.

If the ducks take up residence in your backyard, you will have your work cut out for you. If you have a pool, try filling it with large inflatable snakes, beach balls, noodles, and other such floaties. Apparently, the ducks will think it is too crowded and will go, instead to your neighbors. Folks also use bird netting and owl decoys as a deterrent. The ducks may, be getting a short rest on their southern migration trip, or they can also be shopping for a nesting area before the mating season. The other news (good or bad) is once they find a nesting spot they tend to return to it every year. Try to enjoy them and watch Mother Nature at her finest. But be advised, Mother Nature is a cold-blooded woman and you will see the natural selection process first hand.

Ducks have been feeding themselves and their duckling for millennia. Even though they don’t need our help, some like to help Momma Nature out and feed the ducks. Almost anything is better than nothing but pick the feed carefully. Ducks will eat almost anything as the term “duck on a June bug” suggests. However, in the wild, they have a bigger feeding area than your backyard. I am not a big fan of cross-species feeding. For this reason, dog and cat food are out. Folks will also feed the ducks corn, bread, and chicken food. Feeding such products will not allow them to reach their full potential. It is, however, preferable to starving to death (but they won’t). Obviously feeding a complete diet, engineered for waterfowl is preferred. Mazuri’s Waterfowl feed is designed for ducks, geese, and swans. Wells Brothers sells Mazrui Waterfowl Maintenance feed and it’s the best of the best you can feed our feathered aquatic friends. We also carry Duck Pond Medley.

Duck hunting season opened on October 31, 2020. Make sure you are up on all the rules and regulations for 2021. Click here for duck recipes