Lignum vitae is an attractive member of the small Zygophyllaceae family. Surprisingly, this wood of life tree is underused in local landscapes mostly because of its slow growth habit. This slow growth ...

If you'd like to add privacy, shade, or just a windbreak shrub to your yard, arborvitae are a great way to do that. Arborvitae belong to the cypress family and are versatile evergreen trees and shrubs ...

Left: Leaf and seed capsule of native lignum vitae, Guaiacum sanctum. Right: the non-native Guaiacum officinale seeds and capsule. Kenneth Setzer Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden The almost-mythical ...

Q. We have a row of arborvitae trees that have not done well for about seven years. Someone told me that the trees require topping after their fifth year to make them full and bushy instead of their ...

The almost-mythical lignum vitae tree is surprisingly easy to grow. It suffers from a reputation as being slow-growing and hard to find, but this native is easily incorporated into landscaping and ...

To the editor — Pyramidal arborvitae are dense trees that grow tall, providing beauty and privacy when mature; they are a favorite for privacy fencing. Young arborvitae appear to be resilient to the ...

When it comes to natural privacy solutions, two popular options stand out: the 'Green Giant' (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant') and its more compact cousin, emerald green (Thuja occidentalis ...

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. – Jeremiah 17:7-8 The arborvitae was the first North ...

Gardening columnist Don Kinzler answers questions about treating arborvitae winter damage and the best time to divide peonies. He also identifies the white-flowered trees currently in bloom around ...

If you don’t have an arborvitae tree or shrub in your yard, chances are your neighbor does. Arborvitaes are among the most commonly planted evergreens in Chicago-area landscapes. Many yards and ...