PLAN, PLANT AND PRUNE Succeed with landscaping THERE ARE three basic steps to home landscaping with trees and shrubs: planning, planting and pruning. When planning, be sure to allow plenty of room for growth. When planting, dig a $10 hole for a $5 tree — ‘he hole should be twice the width of the root ball — except for heavy clay soil. In clay, dig a hole just large enough to accommodate the root ball so roots adapt to clay immediately. After planting a tree or shrub properly, it’s necessary to keep the plant under control by shaping its growth with regular pruning. Many people are hesitant to trim branches from a tree, or even remove growth that originates from the root system (called suckers), according to tree specialist Bob Tracinski. ‘‘Perhaps because they fear that any cutting could kill the tree, they ignore pruning entirely,’’ he said. Experts, however, advise judicious trimming to keep the tree healthy and to protect the lawn under the tree. Tracinski recommends removing suckers because they drain strength from the main trunk and branch network and because they look messy. Lower branches should be trimmed when the tree is young. By removing lower branches, you eliminate a lawn-mowing nuisance and allow more sunlight to reach the grass under the tree. Tracinski said that lower bran- ches of young trees can be remov- ed easily with a hand pruner or long-handied loppers. But trimm- ing larger branches from an SAFECO’ The Smart Choice. Let us Save You Money BOAT INSURANCE DAVIS INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD. 142 W. 15th, N.Van. 980-3655 6 ft. Awning from $2 5 established tree can require a chain saw. The principles of proper tree trimming with a chain saw are these. About six inches, or just about 15 cm from the trunk, undercut the branch about two to four inches, or five to 19 cm, deep. This prevents the falling limb from pulling off a tong strip of tree bark. Then about eight to 10 inches, or 20 to 25 cm, away from oS For Sales Tues.-Sat. 9-5:30pm 128B East 14th 2% N. Van. the trunk, cut through the branch from above. This eliminates most of the weight of the branch and helps prevent the falling branch from pulling away a large chunk of heartwood. Now undercut the branch stub near the trunk, but be sure to leave the thick ridge on the trunk so the bark can heal over the wound. See Prune Mondays CERAMIC TILE 988-3160 Wall & Floor Tiles [walt & Floor Installation | wpe Shisid your valuable home furnishings from the sun's damaging rays with one of our many stylish awnings. 5 a5 Oe awnings are fabricated from the highest quality materials at affordable prices right here on the North Shore. call 987-1577 ws Pacific Western Industries Ltd. 1547 Welch St. N. Vancouver 25 - Friday, June 19, 1987 - North Shore News BE ARE 7 THE FLEA a SIZE:4 mm B COLOUR: brownish, black to black 6 | LOCATION: On pets, their bedding and carpeting throughout the home Fact is: Fleas invade millions of homes each year. If you § have central heat, carpeting and a pet, yourhome has’ i the potential for a flea infestation because they provide the three essentials for flea life: heat, shelter & food. To control flea problems this summer call your professional pest control operator. For help with any pest problems call the professionals BUDGET PROFESSIONAL PEST SERVICES Ltd. 980-3735 “Maintaining a Healthy, Pest Free Environment" ; er Three Good Questions To Ask Your Realtor. Wiil your home be advertised - aside ‘from the sign on your front lawn? Where will your home be advertised? Will your home be advertised in the HOMES section of the Friday News? The HOMES section of the Friday News is the most effective advertising vehicle for your home - reaching 98% of the households on the North Shore and the HOMES section is surrounded by award winning editorial, which means more readers are likely to know your home is for sale. When it’s time to list your home, ask your realtor to advertise it in the HOMES section of the Friday News. HAVE YOUR REALTOR PUT YOUR HOUSE IN THE PICTURE. COUVER SUNDAY + WEDNESDAY © FIIDAY