Offending Trees at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Dense shade often can be ameliorated by cutting some of the lower branches off offending trees. If this is intelligently done it may improve the appearance of the landscape immensely. There are few prettier garden effects than sweeps of green lawn beneath high-branched trees, trees with their lowest branches so high that you can easily see beneath them. Remember, light from directly above is not necessary for a good lawn, that which comes from the side is equally stimulating to growth of grass. As with lawns anywhere the quality of the soil is of great importance in shaded areas, even more so than in sunny places. It must not pack down and become pasty and "puddled" under the influence of heavy drip from leaves and branches. If it does, air cannot enter and grass roots die.

In a rustic garden the trees should be fruit trees wherever possible, or at least blossom trees of some kind. Apples, pears, plums, and cherries will all help to create the right atmosphere, as will nut trees such as hazel or almond. If there is space for a large tree, a Walnut might do.

Velop unhindered and avoid planting ecimens that will outgrow available space, onsider the habit of the trees as well as eir flowers, foliage and berry color, and ant them where their form can be ipreciated. In confined spaces fastigiate olumnar) trees are best, but where space «ds to be filled those with spreading anches are ideal. For small backyards, lect trees with several attractive features tiich can be enjoyed for much of the year, ther than those that have only a ectacular but brief blossoming period, rergreen trees provide form and interest all ar around although many deciduous trees : attractive even when bare. Trees can affect nearby buildings, sating shade and extracting water from the bsoil, which brings the risk of subsidence. ant large trees away from buildings if issible. The ground under deciduous trees 11 have to be cleared of leaves in the fall, ir this reason, do not position pools or ndboxes under their canopies.