RELATED: The #1 Lawn Alternative to Plant This Spring for a Bloom-Filled, No-Mow Yard.

If you’ve ever marveled at a patch of pretty flowers, there’s a good chance you were gawking at zinnias. The brilliant blossoms are native to Central and South America, and originally became incredibly popular with breeders due to their vibrantly colored flowers, according to American Meadows.

These days, you can get a full spectrum of colors in your yard just by including different variations, many of which include multiple gradients in one bloom, per the Chicago Botanic Garden. You can also select them based on their height, with Zinnia elegans (or the most common planting) growing as tall as 14 inches to dwarf zinnias that are half the height. Keep in mind that those variants with the longer stems make them perfect for vases and a must-have for anyone who likes to decorate their homes with flowers from their own garden.

Zinnias are an annual flower, meaning they won’t grow back from the same roots as previous seasons. However, they’re incredibly efficient at spreading their own seeds—and even getting some in the ground as late as April will all but guarantee flowers by the time summer arrives.

Part of the reason for this is the plant’s incredibly speedy germination time. Zinnias begin germination once soil temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Homes & Gardens. If you’re confident your area has its freeze snaps behind it, that tends to set up April as prime time for planting! Once underway, there’s a decent chance you’ll have flowers in eight to 12 weeks.

The best part? Once they’ve grown, these flowers are known as some of the most low-maintenance plants around, thriving in full sunlight with occasional watering, per Homes & Gardens.

RELATED: The #1 Tree Experts Say Is Best for Backyard Privacy Year-Round.

Depending on your region and level of enthusiasm, there are a few ways to go about getting that color into your gardens. If you’re more worried about lingering cold snaps or ensuring proper germination and growth, it’s best to plant zinnia seeds in a biodegradable planter and store them in a warm, bright area, such as on a sunny windowsill, according to Homes & Gardens. To avoid disturbing their roots, you can then just transfer the entire planter into the ground when ready to go.

Otherwise, you can also plant seeds right into the ground. Just dig about a quarter of an inch into the dirt and drop in a few seeds, giving each planting about 10 to 12 inches of space. Then, water and wait for the magic to grow!

Of course, you’re not just limited to zinnias to bring out those blossoms. Flowers like marigolds and dahlias are equally fantastic for April plantings

Known as a hardy and easy flower to grow, marigolds can go into the ground in early spring, according to Gardening Know How. They take just weeks to go from seed to producing brilliant yellow and orange blossoms, all while being naturally pest-resistant!

Dahlias have also earned a reputation among gardeners as a great spring grower. By getting them in the ground now, you should have dazzling blossoms by mid to late summer, according to the National Garden Bureau.

The post The #1 Flower to Plant This April for Blooms That Last All Summer appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: The #1 Tree Experts Say Is Best for Backyard Privacy Year-Round.

When it comes to spring flowers, everyone’s mind tends to jump to the daffodils and tulips that are among the first bits of color to push their way up through the ground. But if you didn’t get around to planting those bulbs last autumn, hellebores are your last-minute option to bring some early life to your garden as soon as this year.

Also known as the “Lenten rose,” Helleborus orientalis is a hardy perennial originally native to Eurasia, according to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. The species gets its name from its habit of blossoming in early spring, which typically coincides with the Christian observance of the lead-up to Easter.

Even as an import, the Lenten rose is quite adaptable to much of the U.S., suitable for cold climates and performing quite well through Zones 4 and 5. But where this plant really stands out is its ability to perform during the chillier months when most other specimens remain mostly or fully dormant. By late winter and the earliest bits of spring, the plant begins to blossom with impressive flowers, often just before or right around the same time as daffodils, tulips, and other bulbs.

“The cup-shaped blooms come in a wide range of colors, from white to nearly black, and in solid, speckled, and striped patterns,” Janet Loughrey of Garden Design previously told Best Life.

Once they’ve opened, the flowers stay in bloom for a month or more before they dry and are replaced by thick, green foliage. The bonus here is that you can likely expect that color to stick around.

“The foliage remains green year-round except for in colder zones,” Loughrey told Best Life.

RELATED: What Is Mulch, and How Can It Transform Your Garden Into a Paradise?

In terms of timing, you’re fine to pick up the trowel and start planting hellebores in early spring to take full advantage of those early flowers. Try to pick a spot that receives partial shade (even though places that get full light during the winter when trees shed their leaves are fine, too). Just make sure it’s in a spot that receives direct sunlight for less than half the day during the hot summer months, according to Southern Living.

If you’re bringing multiple plants into your garden, you can also bunch the flowers into groups of up to half a dozen and space each cluster about a foot and a half to two feet apart. Make sure the area has good soil drainage, too!

While they require plenty of water right after being planted, another perk of Helleborus orientalis is that it hardly requires any extra maintenance for the rest of the typical growing season. Of course, this changes during periods of intense heat or drought, so be sure to give them plenty of water when the mercury rises or the weather dries out, per Southern Living.

Of course, hellebores aren’t the only options for spring planting that can get your garden looking lively before the season really kicks off. Flowers like pansies and violas can be planted in the ground by March for colorful flowers, and creeping phlox and bleeding heart can be planted as late as early April, according to Gardenia.net.

The post The #1 Plant to Put in the Ground This April for Fast Spring Color appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 4 Trees and Shrubs You Should Not Prune Until Spring. 

1. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

If you’re a home gardener, there’s a good chance you’re well acquainted with dogwoods. The hardy plants have an impressively broad natural habitat across North America that helps them thrive in a wide range of weather conditions—and even provide a pop of color during the dreary winter months with their bright red branches, according to Gardening Know-How.

Besides looking their best, red-twig dogwoods are also incredibly frost-resistant and will even do just fine under a blanket of snow. Just make sure not to prune until spring if you want to get the most out of those brilliant blossoms the following season.

2. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

While most plants are hunkering down and going dormant during the colder months, winterberry holly (also cheekily known by the nickname “Berry Poppins”) is thriving and putting on its big show for the year. As its name suggests, the plant is exceptionally cold-tolerant and adapted to most climates—especially through zones 3 through 9, per Midwest Living.

Besides providing those striking scarlet clusters (which are also great at attracting winter birds to your yard) while the rest of your garden lies bare, this hardy shrub’s branches also make for great DIY winter decorations in pots, floral arrangements, or wreaths.

3. Hellebore (Helleborus orientalis)

Also known as the “Lenten Rose,” this impressively hardy flowering perennial is one of the plants that hold onto its thick, glossy, green leaves all winter long. Similar to winterberry holly, this plant also enjoys a broad habitat and will particularly thrive in zones 4 through 9, according to Nature Hills nursery. True to its name, it will also produce its flowers very early (either in late winter or early spring), including when there might still be snow covering the ground.

RELATED: 4 Common Yard Mistakes That Can Kill Your Lawn Over Winter.

4. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

With its striking silvery appearance and truly soft, silky texture, there are many reasons gardeners love planting Lamb’s Ear in their yards. Part of that includes its adaptability to cold, with its hardy leaves providing frost resistance that might kill other species, according to Nature Hills nursery. And while they’re well adapted to zones 4 through 9, those planted in warmer climates might never completely lose their green coloring over the winter.

5. Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

As an evergreen, even novice gardeners might suspect that juniper is able to withstand freezing temperatures. The berry-producing shrubs can both stick low to the ground or grow up taller as a shrub, withstanding temperatures as chilly as -30 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the gardening website Live To Plant. And not only will they survive the winter, but they will also keep their bright color throughout the colder months.

6. Peony

There’s nothing quite like having peonies in bloom in your garden. But those large, lush, colorful flowers aren’t the only upside to planting them: Once frost forces their roots to go dormant for the season, they are still able to shoot back up early the following spring, according to Plant Glossary. Just make sure you place them in full sun with well-drained soil so they can truly thrive.

The post 6 Outdoor Plants That Can Survive a Sudden Freeze appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 3 Plants You Should Prune Before Winter Begins.

1. Common Chickweed

Just because it doesn’t look like there’s a ton of activity in your yard during the colder months doesn’t mean plants aren’t still at work. In fact, weeds like the common chickweed (Stellaria media) follow a life cycle that includes mature seeds dropping from plants and germinating over the cooler months, according to Preen. They then shoot up early in the spring, according to Preen.

While that might not seem strange in and of itself, consider that a single chickweed plant can produce a staggering 10,000 to 20,000 seeds each season. That’s why gardeners need to tackle the issue the right way by interrupting the germination cycle before the next round of plants can spring forth when winter ends.

Removing plants by hand is always an option, but doing so can risk missing one of the tens of thousands of seeds that may have already made their way into the ground. What’s worse is that seeds can lie dormant in the ground for a few years up to a few decades until the right conditions are met for them to shoot up.

Applying a weed preventer will help ensure the cycle will be broken by preventing them from sprouting come springtime, per Preen.

RELATED: 4 Common Yard Mistakes That Can Kill Your Lawn Over Winter.

2. Henbit

This purple flowering plant is another winter annual that follows a similar cycle to common chickweed. After dropping its seeds and dying off in the summer heat, germination begins once the weather has cooled and moist fall conditions set in, per Preen. By spring, their early blossoms come as a sign that your weeding the previous year was not sufficient.

Removing the weed by sight during the fall is a true and effective way of stopping a major source of seeds. But since even leaving behind a small piece of root can allow henbit to regenerate itself, making it important to use a digging tool or trowel to help ensure you remove all parts of the plant from underground, per Preen.

By late fall, applying weed preventer can provide an added layer of protection, preventing any seeds left behind from sprouting back up.

RELATED: 4 Winter Birds You Can Attract by Prepping Your Yard Now.

3. Canada Thistle

While it might look beautiful above ground, this invasive winter perennial weed has even more going on below ground. That’s because Canada thistle (as well as other species like field bindweed) springs forth from a rhizome with deep roots that can be difficult to remove entirely once they’ve taken hold, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Removing these plants during the fall is ideal because this is when the plants begin to move the carbohydrates they produced during the warmer months down into their roots for the winter.

This means that applying herbicides and weed killers at this point will transport them down into the deepest parts of the plant and effectively kill them without the extra effort of digging them up, per the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The post 3 Weeds to Remove Before Winter So They Don’t Spread in Spring appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 3 Plants You Should Prune Before Winter Begins.

1. Lilac

The first sign of these pretty purple flowers blooming is one of the best reminders that spring has arrived. However, you might not have as many colorful flowers in your garden if you start clipping them during autumn or winter.

That’s because, as a spring-flowering shrub, lilac bushes actually start showing their buds late during the summer or early fall, according to BobVilla.com. This makes it very easy to mistake a fully functioning branch as dead wood and cut it off, resulting in many fewer blooms come springtime. In this case, it’s best to wait until everything has begun flowering to remove any excess with your shears.

2. Forsythia

Much like lilacs, forsythia bushes also begin preparing for next year’s bloom sometime before mid-autumn. According to HGTV, the species produces buds on old wood, which means a seemingly defunct branch could be carrying plenty of potential flowers.

Also similar to lilacs, you should plan to prune your forsythia bushes until after the season’s flowers have already faded. This will make it easier to see which parts have actually stopped growing, not to mention reduce the likelihood of missing out on all those brilliant yellow blooms.

RELATED: 4 Common Yard Mistakes That Can Kill Your Lawn Over Winter.

3. Viburnum

Many gardeners choose to plant viburnum shrubs for their gorgeous early spring and summer flowers that give way to brightly colored berries later in the season, and stark foliage in the fall. However, if you’re not careful, you might miss out on this spectacular display.

Some varieties of viburnum are similar to lilacs and forsythia in that they form buds on old wood, according to Gardening Chores. This includes the popular Korean spice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii), doublefile viburnum (V. plicatum f. tomentosum), and snowball viburnum (V. opulus ‘Roseum’). Instead of ruining their appearance next year, mark your calendars to prune them during late summer.

4. Red- and Yellow-Twig Dogwood

Dogwood trees are beloved for their hardy, adaptable nature and their brilliant flowers that arrive as early spring blossoms. However, depending on what species you’re dealing with, you might want to hold off on clipping their branches over the fall or winter.

According to HGTV, red-twig and yellow-twig dogwoods are best left uncut until their dazzling spring flowers have already faded. Ultimately, you can keep them looking their most colorful by ensuring you remove any branches that are more than three years old.

The post 4 Trees and Shrubs You Should Not Prune Until Spring appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 3 Plants You Should Prune Before Winter Begins.

1. Mowing your grass too short.

If you’re giving your grass one final trim before packing it in for the winter, you might want to hold back on taking too much off the top.

Like other plants, grass enters dormancy once temperatures are consistently cool (in most cases, 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below) and begins to grow more slowly, according to the lawn care company TruGreen. This means you should ideally cut your grass down gradually instead of taking too much off at once, which might force it into shock from increased root exposure to cold temperatures (or allow heartier weeds more access to sunlight that helps them grow).

So, how much should you cut it back? According to LawnStarter, the “one-third rule” says you should take off the top one-third of the grass once it grows 50 percent taller than your ideal height.

This process offers a few extra benefits for your yard’s dormant season, including reducing the likelihood of rodent infestation, lowering the risk of winter fungal infections like “snow mold,” and helping new grass grow faster in the spring.

RELATED: 5 Plants You Should Move Indoors Before Winter.

2. Not raking up leaves.

It’s surprising how quickly the joy of looking at fall foliage can melt away when you have to start picking up after the trees. But while raking and leafblowing might be some of the more frustrating chores, they’re essential for lawn health over the colder months.

While there are some who argue that letting leaves lie for the winter can help provide some insulation against frost and hard freezes, the reality is that all of that accumulating dead foliage is creating a serious hygiene issue for your grass, according to the Mississippi State University Extension.

The layer of decaying organic matter promotes insect or microbial infestations, trapping moisture in the soil and preventing you from noticing any issues before it’s too late.

Looking to turn a problem into profit? Consider using a mulching mower to transform them into precious fertilizer for your garden. If you’re working without one, you can still compost them yourself by raking them to a shaded corner of your property without grass and turning them periodically.

RELATED: The #1 Tree to Plant in November for Stunning Spring Blossoms.

3. Walking on your frozen or snow-covered grass.

You’ll want to think twice about traipsing across your yard in frigid conditions. While making that snowman might seem like a good idea, grass actually becomes very fragile when frosted over or frozen, Homes & Gardens reports. Even the quick pressure from your (or your pets’) footprints can have noticeable effects down the line.

“Walking on frozen grass puts pressure on and compresses the soil underneath,” Donna Ryan, an erstwhile landscaper and lawn consultant, told Homes & Gardens in an interview. “This compression can affect root development and make it more difficult for the grass to regrow in the spring.”

If you’re super concerned about your lawn, the best option is to avoid stepping on it altogether. However, if you can’t (or simply choose not to) avoid it, you can still repair the damage relatively quickly by reseeding any high-traffic areas, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

RELATED: The #1 Shrub to Plant This Fall for Beautiful Winter Color.

4. Entering winter with a dehydrated yard.

We’ll admit, the idea of grabbing the hose in January might seem like it’s a little far-fetched. But even when your lawn is dormant, it still requires plenty of hydration to stay healthy both leading into winter and over the colder months.

While it’s not as frequent as spring and summer, taking the time to rehydrate your lawn roughly once every month is vital—especially if there’s been a long stretch of dry weather or you live in a naturally arid area, according to lawnscape supply company Landzie.

However, it’s crucial to time your watering right based on weather conditions, typically by waiting until air temperatures are 40 degrees or above and ensuring the soil isn’t frozen before you start.

You should especially take time to water if you notice your grass blades have changed to a bluish-gray color, or if you notice that footprints are visible in the grass longer before bouncing back. Just remember to keep an eye on that forecast and try to wait until the afternoon (when the air temperature is the highest) before grabbing the hose.

The post 4 Common Yard Mistakes That Can Kill Your Lawn Over Winter appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 3 Plants You Should Prune Before Winter Begins.

1. Herbs

Having an herb garden you can pluck from all spring, summer, and autumn long is a great way to save money and ensure you’re never caught without that crucial sprig of basil you need for the recipe you’re whipping up. However, you might want to consider bringing your operation inside if you don’t want to replace them come spring.

Even if you don’t live in an area with a particularly harsh winter climate, delicate herbs like basil, oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, and lavender will be more likely to survive the season if they’re not battling the elements—especially if a surprise frost or hard freeze comes through.

According to Gardenary, it’s best to dig up the items using a trowel, check them for any pests, and place them in pots that are large enough to accommodate their roots. Then, give them a solid watering and place them somewhere with plenty of light, such as a kitchen windowsill. This way, you’ll still be able to get the benefits of having your essential ingredients at hand without having to gamble with the weather.

2. Citrus Trees

Even at the deepest latitudes where they can typically survive outdoors year-round, bringing your citrus trees in from the cold can be one of the only ways to ensure they’ll see another harvest. The best way to do this involves moving your orange, lemon, or lime tree into a shaded area once fall starts, or at least two weeks before you’re planning on taking it indoors, according to Four Winds Growers.

Once it’s had time to acclimate, check it for any pests and remove them with soap and water before plopping your plant down inside in as bright a spot as possible (ideally, a south-facing window) away from drafts or harsh heaters.

It’s also best to place their pot on top of a tray filled with gravel and water to help provide the higher humidity they crave. Once spring arrives, you can reverse the process and slowly move it back outdoors.

RELATED: 11 Best Deer-Resistant Plants to Protect Your Yard This Fall.

3. Begonias and Geraniums

Thanks to their bright, beautiful flowers, these perennial plants are popular picks for porches and gardens everywhere. But unless you want to replace them each spring, you’ll want to consider giving them a winter away from the chilly outdoor conditions that can damage or kill them.

Of course, this process is easiest if you already have your geraniums and begonias set in separate planters you place around your yard. But if not, simply dig up and transfer the flowers ahead of the first frost of the season, check them for pests or infestations, and trim the stems back by about one-third or one-half before taking them inside, per The Spruce.

Once they’re indoors, it’s best to find a place where they can get plenty of sunlight and ideally stay around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Once winter has passed, put the plants back outdoors away from any direct sunlight to help them harden before putting them back where you’d like them.

4. Succulents and Cacti

While there are a few of these plants that are native to northern latitudes, the vast majority are susceptible to extreme cold. Bringing them inside involves holding back from watering for a bit before checking them for pests and infections, and removing any fallen leaves or dead material to help ensure their soil can stay dry, according to Plath Hill Nursery.

From there, what you need to do will depend on which type of plant you’re working with. While some require plenty of light and will be best perched on a windowsill, some will go dormant and require low light and even less watering than usual. Aloe vera, on the other hand, works in reverse, going dormant in the summer and waking back up again in fall and winter to grow. In either case, ensure you’re not overwatering your plants by allowing their surface soil to completely dry out between dousings.

Wondering about what to do with your cacti? In some cases, moving them to a garage with minimal light and holding back on watering to just once every month is ideal, according to Chinle Cactus and Succulent Society.

RELATED: The #1 Tree to Plant in November for Stunning Spring Blossoms.

5. Tropical Plants

Some tropical plants are perfect even in milder climates, due to the fact that many thrive in lower light conditions and make fantastic houseplants. Because of this, taking them inside for the winter can be ideal for protecting the plant and a relatively easy transition.

In many cases, you might notice that outdoor tropical plants like birds of paradise will start struggling when temperatures dip to 50 degrees and below, per Gardening Know-How.

Once you get them into your home, check to see if the plants will require indirect light or more direct sunlight near a window or in a brighter room. Regardless, it’s also best to try to keep conditions as close to their native habitat as possible by picking a room with temperatures that are 65 degrees and above (and away from drafts or harsh heaters, naturally).

The post 5 Plants You Should Move Indoors Before Winter appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 3 Plants You Should Prune Before Winter Begins.

1. Cyclamen persicum

Even though winter is typically the time of year when plants drop their colorful flowers, not all species follow the same spring and summer blossoming cycles.

This perennially popular perennial (which is also known as “florist’s cyclamen“) activates in the opposite order of most plants, going dormant in the summer before coming back in the fall and winter with bright pink, white, red, and purple blossoms along with its heart-shaped leaves, according to The Spruce.

Cyclamen only need bright, indirect light during the winter when they’re actively growing, meaning you don’t need a windowsill space to keep them happy. However, they also grow best in cooler conditions, ideally in the range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. That’s because warmer temperatures will shock it back into dormancy, so try to find someplace where a heat source won’t be beating down on it too hard.

When warmer weather arrives in the spring and summer and the plant shuts down again (although it might never go fully dormant if you run air conditioning), the plant can be kept in a cool area of the house with low light and decent air circulation, per the Spruce.

When properly cared for, cyclamen blossom for up to three months and can grow up to about eight inches tall, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison horticulture extension.

Because these plants also require high humidity, some struggle to keep their plants alive and instead use them as temporary decoration. Experts suggest bottom watering (which involves keeping the potted plants in a tray and pouring water into it so the roots can soak up water) and setting the pot in wet gravel to provide the constant humidity it craves.

RELATED: 9 Houseplants That Will Help You Breathe Better.

2. Christmas Cactus

Interestingly, the Christmas cactus’s name is both correct and a bit misleading. Native to South America, this plant blossoms with brilliant pink, red, or white flowers around Christmas time (or from November through February) in the Northern Hemisphere, according to Lively Root. However, unlike its title suggests, the plant is actually a succulent and not a genuine spiny cactus.

It’s important to note that distinction because, unlike hearty, spiny cacti that can go long periods without water or much maintenance, Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera bridgessii) require some finesse to keep healthy.

Like cyclamen, they require bright but indirect light, but shouldn’t be placed directly where sunlight can damage their leaves. In fact, it’s recommended that plants sit near a window for a few hours in the morning before placing them in a dark, cool space around 50 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 13 hours per day to help kick-start their flowering.

If you’re looking for a good place for your not-quite-cactus to thrive, a somewhat bright bathroom can often be an ideal location—especially because they also prefer humidity, according to The Farmer’s Almanac. During the summer, it’s best to store them on a shady, unheated porch out of direct sunlight until the weather dips to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit again.

RELATED: The #1 Shrub to Plant This Fall for Beautiful Winter Color.

3. Peace Lily

In yet another slightly misleading name, the peace lily technically isn’t a lily at all. However, these perennials (which get their names from their wide white sheaths that look like surrender flags) can bloom throughout the year when properly cared for, according to ProFlowers.

Since these plants typically grow on rainforest floors, they’re best kept in indirect light, and can sometimes even thrive in entirely windowless rooms. Otherwise, putting them six to eight feet away from a north or east-facing window can help them flourish, per ProFlowers. They also prefer warmer, humid environments, so finding someplace away from drafts or intense heat is also ideal.

To encourage blossoming, make sure the plant’s soil is always moist (but not waterlogged) and keep it near a window for a few hours each morning, according to The Farmer’s Almanac. Indoor versions of the plant can also grow relatively tall to around 18 inches, making them a great floor ornament or bathroom decoration.

The post 3 Winter-Blooming Houseplants That Thrive in Low Light appeared first on Best Life.

If you’ve got your shears at the ready, but need more guidance to get going with confidence, a little information goes a long way. Here’s a simple guide to pruning three key plants this fall, before winter can damage your most prized perennials.

RELATED: The #1 Tree to Plant in November for Stunning Spring Blossoms.

1. Roses

Why prune roses for winter?

Pruning roses before winter helps protect them from damage and sets them up for strong, healthy growth in the spring.

As temperatures drop, unpruned roses with tall or leafy canes are more likely to suffer breakage from wind or heavy snow. Trimming them back reduces this risk and allows the plant to focus its energy on root and crown health during dormancy.

Stopping deadheading and fertilization by late summer also signals to the plant that it’s time to slow down, preventing tender new shoots that would be killed by frost.

Overall, winter pruning keeps roses compact, reduces disease risks from dead or damaged wood, and ensures that energy is stored where it’s most needed for next season’s growth.

How to prune roses for winter:

Experts from Washington State University say you should begin in early November by removing at least the top third of the plant’s growth to prevent snow or ice from weighing down and breaking the canes. Cut back long canes to about 12 to 18 inches and remove any dead or crossing branches.

Focus on cutting out any dead, diseased, or weak stems, and make clean cuts at a slight angle. Save major shaping and thinning for spring, when the danger of frost has passed and new growth begins to appear.

After pruning, apply a thick layer of mulch—such as straw, compost, or leaves—around the base of the plant, covering the graft or root crown to insulate against freezing temperatures, WSU advises. Finally, ensure the soil remains moist before winter sets in, as this helps protect roots from drying out during dormancy.

RELATED: The #1 Shrub to Plant This Fall for Beautiful Winter Color.

2. Hydrangeas (certain varieties)

Why prune hydrangeas for winter?

When neglected, shrubs like hydrangeas can become “leggy”—meaning their stems grow long and spindly and their foliage grows sparse. To prevent this and promote healthy new growth, it’s important to prune your plants in the fall while also ensuring that they get plenty of light and fertilizer.

How to prune hydrangeas for winter:

Before you get started, it’s important to determine which type of hydrangea you have in your yard. Only certain types—panicle (Hydrangea paniculata) and smooth (Hydrangea arborescens) varieties—should be pruned in late fall. Others bloom on old wood and shouldn’t be trimmed before winter begins.

If you’ve identified that you have one of those two types, you can cut back your stems by about one-third. Gardening experts from the plant nursery store Proven Winners say that any more will compromise your plant’s structural integrity, making it unable to stand upright.

“The plant needs to retain enough foliage to make an adequate amount of food to support the root system,” they explain.

They add that while routinely planned pruning is effective and necessary, pruning to reduce size as your plant grows too large could backfire: “Pruning your hydrangeas to reduce their height isn’t effective because they will grow right back to their original size, or even larger because the act of pruning stimulates new growth. Instead, transplant your too-large, still-dormant hydrangea to a new spot in early spring and replace it with a variety that naturally stays shorter.”

RELATED: 11 Best Deer-Resistant Plants to Protect Your Yard This Fall.

3. Ornamental Grasses

Why prune ornamental grasses for winter?

Ornamental grasses can add visual intrigue and texture to your garden, and because they’re often regionally native and perennial, they tend to be hardy and easy to care for. Yet come winter, they can also cause soggy, matted clumps under snow—leaving unsightly spots in their wake.

According to The Spruce, this is why many people choose to prune their plants as soon as the foliage turns brown. However, other gardeners leave tall grasses standing for winter interest, trimming them later in mid to late spring as they begin to see new growth in the warmer weather.

How to prune ornamental grasses for winter:

To prune your ornamental grasses, bundle them up with wide tape and cut them using pruning shears. You can cut them back to four to six inches above the soil line once the foliage turns brown. Using a biodegradable tape makes for easy composting, The Spruce notes.

The post 3 Plants You Should Prune Before Winter Begins appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: The #1 Shrub to Plant This Fall for Beautiful Winter Color.

What is a flowering dogwood tree?

There’s a decent chance you’re already familiar with the flowering dogwood tree (officially called the Cornus florida), at least by sight. The species is native to most of the eastern half of the U.S., but has expanded into more areas of the Midwest and southern states, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Besides their broadly adaptable growing zones, they can thrive in full sun and partial shade, making them a popular option for planting in all types of places.

Part of their popularity, of course, has to do with their appearance. In a YouTube video posted last year, Connecticut-based Down to Earth Gardening and Design said they provide a range of “seasonal curb appeal” once planted.

“They’re all very hearty, [and] they flower mid-spring,” they explain, pointing out a native Cornus florida in their yard in springtime covered in blossoming branches. “The flowers are about 3 inches across and tend to last for at least a couple of weeks. So it is a long bloomer when it comes to flowering trees.”

RELATED: The #1 Plant to Give Your Yard a “Mass of Blooms” This Fall.

Why should you plant flowering dogwood trees in the fall?

Planting from October through December comes with plenty of unexpected benefits—especially with flowering dogwood trees.

According to the tree information website ShrubHub, waiting for the arrival of cooler autumn weather means your tree will be under less stress from heat and require less watering off the bat. On the other hand, the warmth retained by the soil will help provide great conditions for roots to continue growing strongly well into the season and help them get more established in time for those early spring blooms.

Of course, colder winter weather will also reduce the likelihood of pests, fungal infections, or other diseases taking hold—which is especially important for vulnerable, newly-planted trees.

But this planning ahead will also help ensure that you’re getting plenty of flowers in just a few months, as dogwoods planted in the fall tend to blossom much earlier than early spring plantings, per ShrubHub.

RELATED: The #1 Tree Experts Say Is Best for Backyard Privacy Year-Round.

Cornus florida also has other year-round benefits.

While pops of pink or white in April and May might be reason enough for gardeners to go with a dogwood, the aesthetic benefits are far from limited to springtime. According to Down to Earth Gardening and Design, there’s plenty to look forward to in autumn, too.

“They also give seasonal appeal in the fall when the leaves turn a really bright, burnt red, and they get some little red berries, which also provide a food source for the birds,” they explain. “In the winter, they have this beautiful bark. It’s slightly textured, and it’s just fun to look at. And a lot of times, you will see the branches are horizontal, and so the way the snow sits on them is really beautiful.”

You also don’t have to worry about it taking over your yard. Most Cornus florida will grow about 2 feet per year until they reach about 20 to 25 feet, making them ideal even in tight spaces. They can also help improve your yard’s soil, thanks to their relatively fast-decomposing leaves, per the Arbor Day Foundation.

The post The #1 Tree to Plant in November for Stunning Spring Blossoms appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: The #1 Shrub to Plant This Fall for Beautiful Winter Color.

What is the thuja “Green Giant” plant?

While it might look like a simple evergreen bush, there’s a lot more to the thuja plicata plant than you might expect. The Arborvitae “Green Giant” is popular with landscapers as a natural privacy shield and wind-blocking tree, capable of growing up to 20 feet high and five feet wide, according to This Old House.

Because of its dense evergreen foliage, the plants also work as great sound blockers. And it thrives in a wide range of places across the country, ideal for USDA hardiness zones three through eight. To give you an idea of how broad an area that is, it covers the vast majority of the U.S., including all but northern New York, northern New England, Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, coastal California, southern Texas, and Southern Florida.

Why are thuja plants so popular with homeowners?

While no shortage of shrubs and trees can provide privacy, Thuja “Green Giants” have more than one upside. In a recent video posted on TikTok, gardening company @FastGrowingTrees explains that it remains one of their best sellers for a multitude of reasons.

“It’s low-maintenance [and] fast growing—once established, it can get three to five feet a year,” they explain. “This is why it’s our most popular tree!”

@fastgrowingtrees

Create a natural fence with Thuja Green Giants! These fast growing evergreens are perfect for creating a privacy hedge. Click the link in our bio to get trees delivered. #fastgrowingtrees #thujagreengiant #privacyhedge #privacytrees #landscaping #hedge #landscapingideas #evergreentreesforprivacy #gardening

♬ Chill and gentle lo-fi/10 minutes(1455687) – nightbird_bgm

RELATED: The #1 Tree to Plant This Fall for Stunning Foliage Next Year.

What do thuja plants look like through the seasons?

Besides being a living stand-in for a fence, Thuja “Green Giants” can also create a nice aesthetic. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the plants boast “dense, rich green foliage that darkens or bronzes slightly in the winter.” They clarify that the fast-growing shrubs are very resistant and resilient to heavy ice and snow conditions, making them an effective barrier all year round.

Need a better idea of how your lawn will look? In a video posted by gardening influencer @LandscapeLllama, the perfectly spaced trees create a solid barrier on a property, looking vibrant and green.

“Thujas make the best privacy hedge,” they write in the caption.

Ready to plant some of your own? When planning your layout, just make sure to space them four feet apart so they can grow as quickly and hardily as possible to create that privacy barrier you’re after, per This Old House.

@landscapellama

Thuja’s make the best privacy hedge. Who agrees?#hedgetok #outdoorlivingideas #privacyhedge #OlsaSüperOlur

♬ GASLIGHT – INJI

The post The #1 Tree Experts Say Is Best for Backyard Privacy Year-Round appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: The #1 Plant to Give Your Yard a “Mass of Blooms” This Fall.

What is winterberry holly?

Winterberry holly shrubs (also known as Ilex verticillata, or even more familiarly by its cheeky nickname, “Berry Poppins”) are a hearty bush that sprouts green leaves throughout the warmer months alongside brilliantly red berries, per Midwest Living.

Once fall rolls around, the shrub begins to shed its glossy green leaves. As its name suggests, this means that by the time winter is in full swing, the bush’s branches are covered in striking scarlet clusters that stand out beautifully against dormant plants—and especially alongside fresh snowfall.

Why does the winterberry holly work well for winter color?

Gardeners who take their design plans very seriously will likely find something to appreciate about this plant. In a recent TikTok post, landscaping influencer @GardenCrossings says that winterberry holly is a great way to plan ahead for winter and beyond.

“[These are] excellent for winter interest in your landscape,” they say. “But I also like to use these as cut flowers in my winter porch pots.”

Because the plant is native to North America, it’s also particularly well-suited for a wide range of conditions. Not only can it handle different soil types (including very moist or wet ground), but it’s also well adapted to most climates, especially zones 3 through 9, according to Midwest Living.

@gardencrossings

Whether you like to use Winterberry Hollies in your winter arrangements, or you like to enjoy them in the garden, Berry Poppins® is sure to not disappoint! Use the link in our bio to order online. #wintergarden #shrub #gardens #garden #gardening #gardencrossings

♬ original sound – gardencrossings

RELATED: 7 Plants You Can Buy That Are Actually Dangerous Invasive Species.

What’s the best way to plant winterberry holly?

Beyond being a hearty shrub well-suited for most areas in the U.S., winterberry holly bushes are versatile in other ways. They work well as individual focal points as they do in clusters or groups. And with most bushes growing up to about four feet tall, they also can work well as privacy screens that flesh out with foliage in the warmer months.

However, there are still a few things to consider before getting your shrubs into the ground. As berry-bearing plants are females, they require a male pollinator plant to produce the colorful fruit you’re looking for, according to the gardening site Proven Winners.

And it’s not just limited to Berry Poppins, either. You can also opt for “Berry Heavy” (which even has a golden berry variety), “Winter Red,” “Red Sprite,” and “Blue Princess Holly,” the last of which holds onto its sturdy evergreen leaves all winter long.

The post The #1 Shrub to Plant This Fall for Beautiful Winter Color appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 12 Best Fall Flowers to Plant Now, Gardeners Say.

1. Don’t buy fully bloomed mums.

Yes, it’s tempting to pick up the densest mums with the most vibrant flowers. But according to TikToker @ncmodernfarmhouse, who shares budget-friendly design ideas, you actually want to purchase the plants that haven’t yet bloomed.

She explains that the fully bloomed mums won’t last the whole season because “they’ve already started their blooming process.” If you pick up a plant with closed buds, you’ll have a flowering plant for longer.

@elainecitrohome

Let’s talk mums… Tip number one When shopping for mums during the Fall season, do not be tempted to buy the beautiful, full and blooming ones. Although they are beautiful and will look great on your porch on day one they are already getting close to being finished for the season. You only want to pick up mums that only have buds and no blooms so they will last so much longer for you. #mums #mumcare #mumwatering #mumseason #fallplants #fallflowers #falldecorating #falldecor #howtocareformums

♬ The Less I Know The Better – Tame Impala

2. Soak your mums when you bring them home.

Before you get your mums potted in your favorite planter, soak them in a bucket of water (while still in their original plastic container) for 20 to 30 minutes, recommends decor and DIY influencer Chelsea Zutavern.

“This helps hydrate the soil and will help them last longer,” she explains in a video on her Instagram page.

Jodie Kammerer, another design and decor influencer, adds on her Instagram page that “mums soak up water from their roots so this will ensure they are hydrated.”

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A post shared by Jodie Kammerer • AMAZON HOME FINDS (@jodie.thedesigntwins)

RELATED: The #1 Tree to Plant This Fall for Stunning Foliage Next Year.

3. Choose a planter with drainage holes.

Next, be sure the pot you choose has drainage holes at the bottom. “This will give them room to grow and they won’t get soggy,” notes Rosalynn Daniels, a TikTok lifestyle influencer.

This is especially important since soggy roots often lead to root rot, which can kill a plant.

4. Water your mums at soil level.

When it comes to regularly watering your mums, Kammerer says you can continue with the soaking method: “Check your mums regularly by picking them up. If they are light to the touch, this means that they don’t have much water left in the pot. It’s time to soak again.”

Similarly, Laurie Hise, who goes by “Passionate Penny Pincher” on TikTok, says to place your mums on top of a plastic saucer filled with water so the plant can absorb it from the bottom up.

“The mums will drink when they’re thirsty, replenishing their roots,” she explains.

If you’re not able to do this—because you’ve re-planted your mums in a pot without drainage holes—Zutavern says you should be mindful of only watering underneath the flowers. This prevents disease in the flowers, which can happen when you water them directly. Therefore, it’s also advisable to move your mums to a covered location when it rains, if possible.

5. Deadhead your mums.

“Deadheading your mums will keep them healthy and blooming all season long,” says Zutavern.

Though this term might sound intimidating to novice gardeners, Daniels demonstrates in her video that all you have to do is regularly pick off the dead flowers.

“This will give the flowers under them room to bloom,” she explains.

The post 5 Best Ways to Get Your Mums to Last All Fall appeared first on Best Life.

If you’re wondering what to plant for the most spectacular foliage, experts say there’s one tree that stands out among its peers: Red maple trees.

RELATED: 12 Best Fall Flowers to Plant Now, Gardeners Say.

Native to the Northeastern region of the U.S., these popular trees are known for their rapid growth, adaptability, and “brilliant deep red or yellow fall color,” according to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Red maples grow relatively quickly compared to other hardwoods, which means you won’t have to wait long to enjoy their striking autumn display. According to Better Homes & Gardens, it can take up to 25 years before a tree is fully grown, though some red maples can reach maturity sooner, after 10 to 15 years. Many retailers offer the trees at various starting heights if you’re eager to see results sooner.

Red maples typically reach 60 to 90 feet, though the largest ones can grow more than 120 feet tall, says the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

At any height, planting red maple trees in your yard is one of the most rewarding ways to embrace the beauty of autumn, with colors ranging from vibrant scarlet hues to deep crimson and even fiery orange. Besides creating a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities or a peaceful moment on your porch, they also provide shade in the summer, helping to cool your home naturally and reducing energy costs.

Their adaptability is another notable selling point for the popular tree. Red maples thrive in a variety of soil types, from sandy loam to clay, and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, the Foundation further notes. This resilience makes them a practical choice for many homeowners who want low-maintenance trees that still offer dramatic seasonal beauty.

They thrive best in hardiness zones three through nine (more on that here), and they prefer “at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day,” their experts write.

RELATED: Never Do These 4 Things to Your Garden in the Fall, Landscaping Expert Says.

And, last but not least, red maples support local wildlife: Birds, squirrels, and pollinators are drawn to the tree, making your yard a small haven for nature. “Lucky bird-watchers might see wood ducks nesting inside,” the NWF writes.

So, if you’re looking for a simple way to bring warmth, color, and life to your yard every autumn, red maples can help you turn an ordinary outdoor space into an extraordinary seasonal experience. And that’s something that your family can look forward to year after year.

The post The #1 Tree to Plant This Fall for Stunning Foliage Next Year appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: Never Do These 4 Things to Your Garden in the Fall, Landscaping Expert Says.

When choosing which flowers to plant in the fall, it’s important to select plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and can beautify your garden into the colder months. That’s why Gene Caballero, landscaping expert and co-founder of GreenPal, says pansies are a particularly great choice.

“They can survive frosts and even some freezes,” he tells Best Life. “They also come in a variety of vibrant colors, ensuring your garden remains lively even as temperatures drop.”

And they’re not just good to look at: They might also find their way into your kitchen.

“Pansies—as well as violets—can be enjoyed raw or cooked in dishes, which is a bonus to them flourishing in cooler temperatures,” says Shane Brill, campus garden director and permaculture expert at Washington College.

The vivid colors of fall foliage provide something to look forward to each autumn, but your trees don’t have to be the only source of color throughout the season.

“Lantana is an extremely hardy, sun-loving perennial that produces colorful clusters of flowers in various shades of red, lavender, orange, white, yellow, and pink throughout the fall,” says Amy Hovis, owner of Barton Springs Nursery. “We love trailing purple lantana for gorgeous pops of lavender that last from late spring throughout the summer, until the first frosts in autumn.”

Doing some more intricate landscaping work? She adds that lantana’s continuous bloom and ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators make it a favorite for planting within rocks or trails through a landscape.

Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean you can’t still have plenty of sun in your yard. In a video posted on TikTok, home gardening influencer @GardeningAddiction shares that Maximillian sunflowers can provide that bright yellow pop all throughout autumn.

While these flowers may not have the same large, broad blooms as traditional sunflowers, they do have one notable characteristic in common. “They can get really, really tall if you water them a lot!” she says.

RELATED: The #1 Plant to Give Your Yard a “Mass of Blooms” This Fall.

Vibrant pops of color don’t have to disappear once summer temperatures begin to cool off—not if you include mums in your garden, at least.

“They provide a range of striking colors from bright yellows to warm oranges and are quite iconic in the fall,” says Michael Clarke, founder of Yardwork, an online nursery and landscaping platform. “Their dense bloom structure provides vibrant, full displays in gardens and containers.”

Looking for a versatile late-season flower? Brill says chamomile is a fantastic option for gardeners who like to get a little more out of their plants.

“Chamomile prefers cool and dry conditions and is cherished by pollinators,” he explains. “The fragrance of its golden blossoms hints at the redolence of apples or melons, which is alluded to in the ancient Greek origins of its name.”

He adds that the flowers are famous for their calming effect when enjoyed as a tea and may help to improve sleep and anxiety. And the benefits don’t stop there.

“In my nutritional therapy practice, I often suggest chamomile to support digestive issues, dampen seasonal allergies, and reduce histamine response,” he says.

When planning for September and October, Hovis says she not only wants to consider a pop of color but necessary habitat and food sources for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. That’s where Gregg’s mistflower comes in.

“This perennial plant loves sun and produces clusters of small, fluffy, lavender-blue flowers,” she tells Best Life. “It’s a favorite among pollinators and can provide a burst of lavender in your garden during the fall.”

The best part? It’s a magnet for butterflies and all but guarantees they’ll flock to your garden.

RELATED: 7 Best Spots in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage This Year.

Planting perennials does double duty, readying your garden for fall and spring. That’s why Brill recommends calendula.

“This flower, which is also known as pot marigold, brings both beauty and function to the garden, offering continuous blooms in full sun until extreme cold or heat knocks it back,” he says. “It makes a great companion plant, deterring a variety of common garden pests, and reseeds itself each year.”

Brill adds that the whole dried flowers are used to make oils and salves that soothe dry and inflamed skin, and that they’re both easy and safe products for budding herbalists to make.

If you’re hoping for some stark red pops in your garden come fall, consider picking up some poppies.

Besides their brilliant blossoms, these flowers are some of the easiest to plant, only requiring you to sprinkle seeds on top of the soil where you want them to sprout, according to Birds & Blooms. In fact, since they require light to initiate their germination process, it’s best to avoid the urge to push them into the soil or bury them.

There’s also an element of surprise with these flowers, with some fall plantings sprouting before the end of the season or possibly over the winter, even in colder climates, per Birds & Blooms. And if you’re looking to expand your planting the following season, simply let some of the early-sprouting flowers dry out and scatter their seeds come autumn.

Instead of leaving the part of your yard that doesn’t get much direct sunlight bare, opt for a flower that can still flourish there.

“Turk’s cap is a favorite perennial that produces unique red, hibiscus-like flowers with deep green foliage,” says Hovis. “It’s well-suited for shade gardens and attracts hummingbirds. It’s also a wonderful plant to use under larger trees, and the bright red flowers bring great fall color to a landscape.”

RELATED: Best Reasons to Stop Raking Your Leaves, Experts Say.

Looking for a plant that looks great and is easy to take care of? Consider fall asters.

“These plants are known for their daisy-like flowers that come in shades of purple or lavender that bloom in the fall,” says Hovis. “They are easy to grow, very hardy, and drought-tolerant once established. They add vibrant color to gardens and landscapes during the fall months.”

And that’s not all: According to Caballero, they also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, that are still active in the early fall.

If you’re going for a wildflower look in your garden, Hovis recommends goldenrod.

“Goldenrods are tall, upright plants with bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall,” she says. “They are valuable for supporting pollinators and wonderful for bringing vibrant autumn color to your garden.”

But be careful if you’re sensitive to pollen—these attractive plants are notorious for making people sneeze.

Gardeners in the know love planting sedum (also known as “autumn joy”) come fall. Not only do the flowers provide brilliant pops of purplish pink, but they’re also a standout pollinator.

“I love my Autumn Joy sedum!” one happy greenthumb wrote in a discussion thread on the r/Gardening subreddit. “And to propagate it, you can just stick even the littlest tiniest piece in the ground and it will grow a whole new plant!”

The post 12 Best Fall Flowers to Plant Now, Gardeners Say appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 6 Regions Where Fall Foliage Will Peak This Month.

As Best Life previously reported, “Leaf-peeping season runs from mid-September through early November, with most regions reaching peak foliage around mid-October. Insider tip: Cities in the north, like those along the Canadian border, are typically the first to turn. As the days and weeks go by, those pops of crimson red and golden yellow will venture south.”

However, you might notice southern regions hitting peak before some cities up north. That could have to do with the types of trees planted in that area—some of which are known to produce more colorful foliage than others. This has to do with an area’s hardiness zone.

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is divided into 13 zones based on average winter temperatures (sourced using data from 13,412 weather stations). The department uses a color-coded key to illustrate the different zones.

The 13 zones are:

• Zone 1: light gray
• Zone 2: gray
• Zone 3: pink
• Zone 4: purple
• Zone 5: blue
• Zone 6: green
• Zone 7: light/yellow green
• Zone 8: yellow
• Zone 9: golden yellow and light orange
• Zone 10: orange
• Zone 11: red
• Zone 12: dark red
• Zone 13: red-brown

These zone maps are helpful for horticulturists, so they can best determine which tree species have the optimal chance for growth in a specific area. Come fall, you can reference the map to see where foliage will likely be most colorful.

“As sunlight decreases and cold increases, tree growth slows, and the production of green chlorophyll in leaves begins to slow, revealing fall leaves’ brilliant hues of yellow, orange, and red,” with “oak, birch, [and] beech” trees showcasing the most flamboyant hues,” explains the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Without further ado, here are the eight best fall foliage trees to peep this autumn—plus, where you can find them based on their zone.

RELATED: 7 Best Spots in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage This Year.

Where to find them: Zones 3 to 9

Native to the Northeast region, red maple trees are known for their “brilliant deep red or yellow fall color,” according to the Arbor Day Foundation. They have a large presence, reaching up to 60 feet tall.

Where to find them: Zones 3 to 8

The award for best fall foliage goes to the sugar maple tree, whose leaves turn into a gorgeous ombré of reds, oranges, and yellows this time of year.  They’re most commonly found in New York, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Vermont.

Where to find them: Zones 3 to 8

According to the foundation, ginkgo biloba trees get a lot of city street cred because they “can tolerate a variety of urban conditions, including heat, pollution, salt, and confined spaces.” If you see a tree with only yellow leaves, it’s likely a ginkgo biloba.

Where to find them: Zones 4 to 9

Native to the U.S. eastern woodlands, the eastern redbud is famous for its rosy pink floral display in the spring. However, come summer, its leaves turn dark green before transitioning to a golden yellow in the fall.

Where to find them: Zones 4 to 9

Keep your eyes peeled for black tupelo trees, which provide “stunning” shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple, and scarlet, per the Arbor Day Foundation. The black tupelo is considered “one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color.” This species can reach up to 50 feet tall.

Where to find them: Zones 5 to 9

You won’t find shumard oak trees along the Northern Tier. The species produces bold red-orange leaves and acorns.

Where to find them: Zones 5 to 9

During autumn, sourwood trees turn crimson, purplish-red, and yellow. Fun fact: its leaves produce honey!

The post 7 Best Fall Foliage Trees to Peep in Your Region appeared first on Best Life.

Whether you’re planting a new garden, managing pets or kids, or simply want to stay safe while enjoying your green space, it’s critical to know which plants pose a threat. Here are 15 of the most poisonous backyard plants in America—and what symptoms to watch for in both humans and animals.

RELATED: These Plants Are the Hardest to Kill, According to Experts

1. Lily of the Valley

Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Convallatoxin

Symptoms: Vomiting, slowed heart rate, confusion

Of all the poisonous plants on this list, the dainty, sweet-smelling Lily of the Valley was cited most by experts.

As Amber Noyes, horticulturist and editor at Gardening Chores, explains, every part of this plant, down to the water in its vase, is poisonous. The flowers themselves, though, are the most dangerous part.

Lily of the Valley’s toxicity comes from the cardiac glycosides and saponins present in the plants.

“The severity of symptoms, ranging from digestive disorders to cardiac arrest, depends on the quantity ingested and the individual’s age,” Noyes notes.

Lilies, in general, are also dangerous to keep around pets. “Extremely toxic to cats, they can cause acute kidney failure if ingested,” says Ben Hilton, founder and editor at The Gardening Fix. “They’re less harmful to dogs…but can still cause digestive upset.”

2. Oleander

Toxic to: Humans, dogs, cats, horses

Toxin: Oleandrin

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and potentially fatal cardiac effects

Known for its striking flowers in the summertime, the oleander plant also holds a deadly secret: Every part of it is highly toxic.

According to a 2010 study published in Heart Views, parts of the oleander plant contain cardiac glycosides, compounds that can cause acute cardiac toxicity and digestive issues. Those who ingest the plant can also suffer symptoms that range from an erratic pulse to a coma.

Julia Omelchenko, resident botany expert for the NatureID app, suggests wearing gloves if you are going to plant oleander, as it can irritate the skin.

3. Rhododendron

Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Grayanotoxins

Symptoms: Vomiting, low blood pressure, heart issues, coma

Rhododendron, a plant family that includes azaleas, is another beautiful and colorful bloom that’s not as nice as it looks.

“All its parts contain a highly poisonous neurotoxin called andromedotoxin, also known as grayanotoxin,” explains Omelchenko. “If ingested, it can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, cardiovascular problems, and even death.”

She adds that rhododendron is also very toxic to pets and domestic animals, such as cats, dogs, goats, sheep, and cattle.

4. Honeysuckle

Toxic to: The berries (not the flowers or nectar) are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats

Toxin: Saponins and cyanogenic glycosides (in small amounts)

Symptoms if ingested in quantity: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

When the warm weather hits, honeysuckles might be one of the sweetest-smelling and most cheerful plants around—just don’t go near their berries.

“The entire honeysuckle plant is toxic, but the berries pose the greatest threat, especially to young children,” says Noyes. “For children under three years old, consumption of just two to three berries can result in severe poisoning. For adults, the critical number rises to 30 berries.”

Symptoms of honeysuckle poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, dizziness, fever, convulsions, or rapid heart rate, she says.

RELATED: 10 Most Beautiful Pet-Friendly Plants

5. Daffodil

Toxic to: Humans, dogs, cats

Toxin: Lycorine

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cardiac issues (in large amounts)

If you seek help quickly, ingesting daffodils won’t kill you. However, according to the National Capital Poison Center (NCPC), ingestion can be fatal to small children and pets if left untreated.

And while all parts of a daffodil contain the toxic chemical lycorine, it’s the oxalates—or toxic chemicals found in the plant’s bulb—that do the most damage to your body.

According to Hilton, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and heart problems.

READ THIS NEXT: 18 Mistakes That Are Destroying Your Garden.

6. Rosary Pea

Extremely Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Abrin

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, organ failure, death from multi-organ failure or circulatory collapse (in severe cases)

Native to tropical areas and often found in Florida, the rosary pea is considered one of the most invasive—and one of the most poisonous—plant species.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the plant’s seeds contain the toxin abrin. And it turns out, there’s enough abrin in just one seed to kill you if swallowed.

The University of Florida’s Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants notes that birds seem to be immune to the plant’s toxicity and, therefore, “they readily disperse rosary pea seed.”

They also explain that it’s so named because “the seeds of this plant are so uniform in size and weight that they are used…to make jewelry, including rosaries.”

7. Rhubarb

Toxic to: Humans, dogs, cats, and horses

Toxin: Oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seizures or kidney failure (in severe cases)

Sure, it makes a killer pie, but ingesting large amounts of rhubarb leaves can actually kill you.

“The leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to humans and pets if eaten in large amounts,” Hilton says. “It can cause burning of the mouth, throat, and digestive system, and can lead to kidney problems.”

Thankfully, experts at the University of California, Santa Clara note that you’d have to eat some 12 pounds of rhubarb to really get sick.

8. Castor Bean Plant

Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Ricin (extremely potent)

Symptoms: Abdominal pain, vomiting, severe diarrhea, organ failure

The castor bean plant is a large, fast-growing shrub. Its seeds (or beans) are used to make castor oil, which is a safe skincare ingredient and laxative, according to WebMD. However, the raw seeds are not safe at all.

Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, notes that all parts of the plant, but especially the seeds, contain the highly potent toxin ricin.

“Ricin can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, organ failure, or death if ingested by humans or animals,” he says. “Even one seed can be fatal for a child or a pet.”

Hilton adds that it’s generally safe to touch but can cause skin irritation in some people.

9. Devil’s Helmet

Extremely Toxic To: Humans, animals

Toxin: Aconitine, a neurotoxin

Symptoms: Burning in mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, heart arrhythmias, can be fatal within hours due to respiratory or cardiac arrest

Also known as Aconite, wolf’s bane, or blue rocket, devil’s helmet produces gorgeous blue-violet flowers. However, in 2014, a gardener died after simply brushing up against a plant. And believe it or not, the plant’s exterior isn’t even its most poisonous part.

“Alarmingly, every part of the aconite plant is poisonous, with the roots being particularly potent,” shares Noyes. “As little as three grams can cause death if ingested, and even contact can lead to severe intoxication. Therefore, it’s essential to wear gloves when handling this plant.”

This plant is ominously nicknamed “vegetable arsenic,” adds Noyes. “In ancient times, it was used to poison hunting tools and drinking water.”

10. Colchicum

Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Colchicine

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal distress, kidney and liver damage

Colchicum, also known as Autumn crocus, meadow saffron, or naked ladies, is another plant that produces vibrant purple and pink flowers.

“However, its alternative name, ‘dog killer,’ hints at the darker side of this plant—all varieties of Colchicum are toxic, making it lethal to both humans and animals if ingested,” says Noyes.

“Every part of Colchicum is poisonous, including leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. The plant produces colchicine, a highly toxic alkaloid with mutagenic properties,” she explains.

“If ingested, Colchicum can cause severe digestive disorders, including intense stomach pains, vomiting, and persistent diarrhea, which can lead to severe dehydration,” Noyes adds. “This can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure, potentially leading to cardio-respiratory arrest.”

“Other serious complications, such as damage to the liver and blood cells, may follow,” she says. “Death can occur up to 10 days after consuming the plant.”

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11. Deadly Nightshade

Extremely Toxic To: Humans, animals

Toxins: Atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine

Symptoms: Dilated pupils, dry mouth, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, convulsions, coma, possible death

Unsurprisingly, the deadly nightshade plant is, well, deadly. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, peppers, and tobacco, according to WebMD.

All of these plants contain varying amounts of alkaloids, they explain, but the levels found in common vegetables are considered safe for consumption (you’d have to eat roughly 12 entire eggplants to feel ill).

But the nightshade plant (also known as Belladonna) has a high concentration of alkaloids in its stems, leaves, roots, and, especially, berries. Even rubbing up against it can irritate the skin, according to the Royal Horticultural Society.

Ingesting the berries “can cause vomiting, diarrhea, headache, confusion, and even paralysis or death if eaten in large amounts,” says Caballero. It would take just two berries from this plant to kill a child and between 10 and 20 to kill an adult.

And as Omelchenko notes, even the leaves and shoots of tomato and eggplant plants are toxic to humans and animals.

12. Devil’s Trumpet

Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Tropane alkaloids

Symptoms: Delirium, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, seizures

Devil’s Trumpet, formally known as Datura and also referred to as jimsonweed or (ironically) Angel’s Trumpet, is another member of the Solanaceae family. It’s a tropical plant known for its beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers. And while it’s aesthetically pleasing, the last thing you’d ever want to do is find out what it tastes like.

“All parts of the plant are poisonous, and ingestion can lead to hallucinations, confusion, rapid heart rate, and even coma or death,” Benita Middleton, head gardener at Benita’s Garden Services, tells Best Life.

As one 2008 case report published in Paediatrics & Child Health details, in the summer of 2006, four adolescent patients were hospitalized after ingesting Datura.

“All four patients had a decreased level of consciousness measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale, visual hallucinations, dilated pupils and agitation,” the report says. “The changes in mental status are characteristic of delirium.” With proper medical attention, they all fully recovered.

13. Yew

Toxic to: Humans, dogs, horses

Toxin: Taxine

Symptoms: Sudden cardiac failure, especially if needles or seeds are ingested

In ancient cultures, yew is also called the “tree of death,” as it was once used as an offering to the gods of death. And there’s a reason why: According to Cornell University’s Department of Animal Science, the yew plant, found in all corners of the world, is dangerously toxic.

No matter how you consume the plant, its toxins have the potential to cause cardiac arrhythmia and stop your heart entirely. Animals that eat the plant are often found deceased next to it just 24 to 48 hours after consumption.

14. Sago Palm

Toxic to: Dogs, cats, humans

Toxin: Cycasin

Symptoms: Liver failure, vomiting, seizures

Strangely, the sago palm is not a member of the palm family; it’s part of the evergreen Cycas revoluta family. And though it’s a lovely and easy-to-grow houseplant or outdoor plant, it’s quite dangerous.

“All parts of this plant are toxic to pets, especially dogs, due to a toxin called cycasin,” says Hilton. “If ingested, it can cause vomiting, liver failure, and death. It can also be harmful to humans if ingested, but this is less common.”

15. Foxglove

Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Cardiac glycosides

Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, heart arrhythmias

According to Hilton, the foxglove plant produces digitalis glycosides, which, as the Cleveland Clinic explains, “are [included in] medications people take for heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter.”

By ingesting foxglove, you’re essentially “taking an unregulated dose of heart medicine,” which can, ironically, cause heart failure, adds the NCPC.

“The leaves, seeds, and flowers of this plant are all dangerous if eaten by humans or pets,” Hilton says. As such, you should keep this plant far, far away from children and animals.

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16. White Snakeroot

Toxic To: Humans, animals

Toxin: Tremetol, which can pass through milk of grazing animals

Symptoms: In humans, tremors, vomiting, coma, “milk sickness”; in animals, tremors, weakness, death

Ageratina altissima, or white snakeroot, is a poisonous herb found in North America that contains a toxic alcohol called tremetol. But just how poisonous is this plant?

Well, back when explorers were first settling Indiana and Ohio in the early 19th century, it’s estimated that up to half of their deaths—including that of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln—were caused by indirectly ingesting white snakeroot.

Cattle and other livestock in the area would eat the seemingly benign herb and pass the poisonous tremetol to humans via their milk. The illness was known as fatal milk sickness.

Though it’s rare today, “Humans who have ingested the toxins by drinking the milk of cows that have eaten the plant display weakness, muscle spasms, vomiting, constipation, thirst, delirium, and coma,” according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

17. American Pokeweed

Toxic To: Humans, animals

Toxins: Phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, respiratory paralysis or death in large doses

American pokeweed is found in almost every area in the U.S., save for a few states in the northwestern region. And while the plant does produce a purple-black berry known as a pokeberry, the last thing you’d ever want to do is eat one.

According to the NCPC, consuming these can cause everything from nausea and vomiting to low blood pressure. If you have children, make sure to monitor them when they’re playing in your yard, as the NCPC notes that youngsters often mistake these berries for grapes.

18. Wisteria

Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Lectin and wisterin glycoside

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

When it comes to dangerous plants in your backyard, wisteria is one of the worst ones there is. According to one case study from the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, the wisteria plant can cause headaches, gastroenteritis, hematemesis, dizziness, confusion, diaphoresis, and, frighteningly, syncopal episodes (or temporary drops in blood flow to the brain that result in a loss of consciousness and control of the muscles).

These symptoms typically last for five to seven days after eating more than a few berries from the plant—if they don’t kill you, that is.

READ THIS NEXT: 7 All-Natural Ways to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free, According to Experts.

19. Water Hemlock

Extremely Toxic To: Humans, animals

Toxin: Coniine

Symptoms: Muscle paralysis, respiratory failure

If you know anything about water hemlock, then it’s likely that you’re familiar with the plant’s claim to fame: Killing Socrates.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this plant contains the toxin cicutoxin, which, when ingested, acts directly on the central nervous system. In the most extreme cases, that could result in grand mal seizures and death.

“[Cicutoxin] is found principally in the tubers, but is also present in the leaves and stems during early growth,” explains the USDA. “Leaves and stems lose most of their toxicity as they mature; however, green seed heads are poisonous.”

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20. Hydrangea

Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Cyanogenic glycosides

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy

As far as the poisonous nature of the popular hydrangea plant is concerned, only the flower buds are truly harmful when ingested, according to the Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility.

If consumed, humans can experience an upset stomach, skin irritation, and, in more serious cases, convulsions and coma.

21. Tulip

Toxic To: Humans, dogs, cats

Toxins: Tulipalin A and B

Symptoms: Nausea, drooling, stomach upset, dermatitis from skin contact with bulb sap

Tulips might make your garden shine, but they also have the potential to poison your pet.

According to the ASPCA, this plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses in its bulb especially, and symptoms of ingestion range from vomiting and diarrhea to hypersalivation and depression.

The NCPC also explains a condition known as “tulip fingers,” an irritating rash that can occur after handling tulips. “A chemical called tuliposide is responsible for this reaction. It is found mostly in the outer layers of tulip bulbs,” they explain. “After repeated exposures, the skin’s reactions get worse and a painful rash can occur. This rash can affect both the fingertips as well as the area around the fingernails.”

22. English Ivy

Toxic to: Humans, pets

Toxin: Triterpenoid saponins

Symptoms: Skin irritation, difficulty breathing, stomach upset

You may covet that old house with English ivy trailing up its facade, but your ivy-less abode may well be safer.

“This common vine is toxic to pets and humans if ingested due to saponins,” says Hilton. “It can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea. The plant can also cause skin irritation if touched.”

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23. Poison Ivy

Toxic To: Humans

Toxin: Urushiol oil

Symptoms: Itchy, blistering skin rash (contact dermatitis), severe reactions from smoke inhalation if burned

We probably didn’t have to tell you that poison ivy is poisonous.

Along with poison oak and poison sumac, it causes “allergic contact dermatitis, a skin reaction that results from touching the plant’s oil called urushiol,” explains Caballero. “The symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, and blisters that may last for weeks.”

“These plants can be found in various regions of North America and have different leaf shapes and colors depending on the season,” he adds.

And as the Mayo Clinic warns, “Even the smoke from burning poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac can irritate or harm your nasal passages or lungs.” This can lead to difficulty breathing.

The post 23 Highly Poisonous Plants Hiding in Your Backyard, Experts Say appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 12 Easy Houseplants That Don’t Need Sunlight.

When it comes to colorful flowers, impatiens might be the most popular low-light plant.

“They need very little sunlight to successfully bloom and are fast-filling,” says Rebecca Sears, CMO and resident green thumb at Ferry-Morse. “Impatiens produce vibrant, healthy flowers from summer to fall without much maintenance required, making them a great variety for beginner gardeners still developing their green thumbs.”

You can find this flower in shades of white, red, purple, pink, yellow, and orange, notes Erinn Witz, a garden expert and co-founder of Seeds and Spades. Their vibrant colors make them a wonderful option for a border around a tree or shrubbery, she adds.

“Pretty much every gardener has at least a few hostas, and for good reason—they look lush and beautiful, and they’ll grow almost anywhere without much effort,” explains Witz.

Ben Hilton, founder and editor of The Yard and Garden, also recommends this plant for shady gardens and adds that they “prefer moist, well-draining soil and benefit from regular watering.”

Like impatiens, hostas make great border plants and can grow in clusters. Witz prefers the variegated versions (their leaves are a mix of green, white, and yellow) for some added dimension.

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Right up there with impatiens, begonias are a colorful staple for low-light flower gardens.

In fact, Elle Meager, a qualified permaculture teacher and the founder and CEO of the website Outdoor Happens, previously told Best Life that these flowers thrive in shade and even do well in the shadows of big trees and shrubs.

“The secret to growing begonias is avoiding overly wet soil and sunlight. Most cultivars I’ve tried react poorly to full sun, so try planting them under your front yard oak tree, alongside a building with afternoon shade, or even in your fully shadowed corner garden,” she explained.

For another pop of color in a shady garden, Hilton suggests astilbes (commonly known as false goat’s beard): “These perennials are renowned for feather-like attractive plumes of pink, white, or red flowers that bloom in mid-summer.”

He recommends them for north-facing or boggy gardens, and notes that they prefer most soil.

There are many varieties of ferns, but as Witz notes, “most of them thrive in damp, shaded areas that mimic their natural woodland homes.”

Hilton says some of the best types of ferns for shady yards are maidenhair ferns, sword ferns, and lady ferns. “Use them to fill challenging spaces in corners or under trees,” he adds. They also work well in hanging baskets on the porch.

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Contrary to its name, this plant does not produce sweet potatoes, but instead grows in long, trailing vines in hues from yellow-green to dark purple-red.

Sears shares that sweet potato vine grows well in partially shaded areas and that you have quite a bit of flexibility with where you plant it: “Its vines look great in hanging baskets, window boxes, or growing up a trellised wall.”

This plant also loves the heat and is drought-tolerant, so it’s very beginner-friendly.

Pulmonaria, also known as lungwort, grows naturally in the moist, shady environment of forest floors, explains Hilton, so they’re adaptable to a low-light garden.

“They produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers that can add a splash of color to a shady spot, and they have attractive, spotted foliage that can add interest to a shady garden even when they are not in bloom,” he says.

Yes, bee balm attracts bees—and hummingbirds and butterflies!—which is a good thing, as it will help pollinate your entire garden throughout the season.

Bee balm is also a vibrant perennial that will “bloom in partial shade and moist soil,” says Sears. She points out that these look lovely in bouquets when cut.

RELATED: 7 Plants You Can Buy That Are Actually Dangerous Invasive Species.

For something truly unique, bleeding hearts are a shade-loving perennial that does well in low-light settings provided they have moist, well-draining soil, says Hilton.

Witz explains that bleeding hearts are native to shaded woodland environments, so “they thrive in those sheltered areas where many other flowers wither away.”

They’re so named for their heart-shaped flowers that bloom in spring and come in shades of pink or white.

Technically known as Galanthus, this unique flower is so nicknamed because its white petals droop down.

Snowdrop is the only plant on this list that’s a bulb, meaning you plant it in the fall, allow it to mature over the winter, and watch it come to life in the spring.

“Thriving in cooler climates, this resilient and charming choice prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil,” Gene Caballero, co-founder of YourGreenPal, previously told Best Life. “This delicate white flower can often push through the last remnants of snow, symbolizing the onset of spring.”

The post 10 Easy Outdoor Plants That Don’t Need Sunlight appeared first on Best Life.

RELATED: 12 Easy Houseplants That Don’t Need Sunlight.

We’ve all resorted to one tactic or another to freshen up the aroma in a bathroom, whether it’s lighting candles, setting up a reed diffuser, or plugging in a scented air freshener. But in a recent video posted to TikTok, houseplant expert account @RootGrowings revealed that you can actually solve the issue by picking one of three species of plant.

The first option is English ivy, a common fixture in homes that already appreciates moisture (though note that it’s toxic to both humans and pets). According to the video, it’s also been proven to remove a remarkable 94 percent of airborne fecal particles in just 12 hours—which is a major help on the odor issue. To get the most out of it, they suggest hanging yours near the toilet.

And that’s not the only benefit they provide: A landmark study conducted by NASA also cited the creeping vine plant as a fantastic filter, finding that it was also helpful in removing 90 percent of toxic benzene from the air produced by tobacco smoke and industrial exhaust. It also slashed the concentration of trichloroethylene (which has been found to damage the immune and reproductive systems and increase the risk of some cancers) by nearly 11 percent.

Want to bring even more elegance into your bathroom? @RootGrowings says the Peace Lily is yet another standout stench-stopping plant that looks especially nice while doing its job.

According to the video, the plant “filters ammonia, formaldehyde, and other stink makers.” And of course, there’s also the added benefit of its beautiful white flowers that are a serious step up from your typical toilet decor.

And just English ivy, they’re a good air filter. The same NASA study found that the peace lilies removed nearly 80 percent of benzene from the air. It was also the most effective of any species at cutting down trichloroethylene, dropping it by 23 percent.

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Palms can be one of the best and easiest ways to freshen up a space. But according to @RootGrowings, one species is especially good for bathrooms: The Areca Palm.

According to the video, the plant “absorbs nasty bathroom odors” without resorting to expensive fans or pungent potpourri.

NASA’s research also found some major positives for having Areca Palms around the house, too. Notably, it was one of the most effective species at removing formaldehyde from the air, ultimately working just as well as a mechanical air purifier at the task.

Making your washroom smell better is already a huge bonus. But there are other plants that function as living filters to improve air quality all around your home.

If you’re trying to work with the relatively low light conditions that most bathrooms have, you might want to consider Golden Pothos. According to the NASA study, it was a fantastic benzene remover, taking out 73 percent of the toxic compound from the air, as well as formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.

“Pothos is easy to care for and it can tolerate low light well,” Vladan Nikolic, a houseplant expert and founder of the blog Mr. Houseplant, previously told Best Life. “However, if you give it more bright, indirect light it will produce new leaves faster, and the plant will be sturdier and more resilient to pests and diseases.”

Looking for something a little more stark? Ficus (also known as fig trees) are also fantastic at removing toxins from the air, cutting 48 percent of formaldehyde, 30 percent of benzene, and 10.5 percent of trichloroethylene. But their appearance can also be equally impressive.

“These plants can grow between two and 10 feet tall,” Tatyana Zhuk, expert at the Plantum app, previously told Best Life. “They prefer bright indirect sunlight and weekly watering.”

The post These 3 Houseplants Are the “Elegant” Way to Get Rid of Gross Bathroom Smells appeared first on Best Life.

And while these animals are beautiful, it can be nerve-wracking to have them on your property. It can also be a nuisance, as they love to munch on all those pretty flowers you’ve planted. But pest experts say that by ridding your yard of certain plants, you may be able to deter deer.

RELATED: 8 Plants Attracting Mice to Your Home.

According to Jim McHale, entomologist and president at JP McHale Pest Management, the biggest thing to know about keeping deer out of your yard is that the herbivorous animals are attracted to plants with a high nutritional value, as well as “starch-based plants that easily transform to sugar during winter months.”

With that in mind, first on his list of plants you’ll want to avoid are brassicas, also known as cruciferous vegetables or mustard plants. These include radishes, turnips, and kale, which you may have planted in your vegetable garden.

All the experts we consulted agreed that hostas are a big draw for deer.

Michael Clarke, landscape architect, horticulturalist, and founder of Yardwork, says this is because hostas “have tender, juicy leaves rich in water and nutrients that are easy for deer to digest.”

Tammy Sons, CEO and founder of Tn Nursery, explains that, in addition to plants with tender leaves, deer are attracted to those that “emit a mild sweet fragrance.”

“Deer have an exceptional sense of smell, and it’s how they locate food sources in the first place, so gardens with lots of sweet or fresh-smelling plants can attract deer even when they’re a hundred yards away,” adds Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention.

Therefore, your fragrant rose bushes are definitely calling to any local deer. Clarke says that roses’ flower buds and tender new shoots are both soft and sweet for deer to eat.

RELATED: 4 Scents That Attract Snakes to Your Yard, Experts Say.

While the sweet smell of roses may entice deer in the summer, in the spring, it’s flowers like daylilies and tulips that they’re after.

Clarke notes that daylilies have “fleshy leaves and bright blooms that are rich in moisture and mild in taste,” while tulips “are high in sugar and starch.”

Late-summer bloomers are no match for hungry deer, either. Clarke points out that the nutritious seeds of sunflowers are a welcome food source for the animals.

“Deer can be attracted from long distances when fruit trees such as apple or pear trees are in full bloom or shedding fruit,” Sons points out, since they love to munch on the sweet fruit.

Likewise, any strawberry or tomato plants can also attract deer.

When the fall and winter months roll around, food becomes scarce for deer, so they’ll often move to common residential evergreens like arborvitae and yew. Since these plants are tall, it’s especially common when snow covers the ground and keeps them from eating anything else.

RELATED: 5 Plants That Will Keep Bees Out of Your Yard, According to Pest Experts.

If you simply can’t resist having one of these plants on your property (after all, it’s a pretty long list), there are some easy and safe things you can do to keep deer away from your plants.

Tommy Wylde, publisher of Floofmania, a blog about North American wildlife, previously told Best Life that you can use motion-activated sprinklers or lights that “startle and deter deer from entering your yard.”

Or, you could install a fence, but be sure it’s at least eight feet high, as deer are skilled jumpers.

Homemade, natural rosemary repellent may also keep deer away since they hate the scent. “All you need to do is mix vinegar, peppermint essential oil, and rosemary essential oil in a spray bottle and spray the plants you want to protect,” Best Life reported.

Another option is to add some deer-repellent plants around your yard, especially in close proximity to any plants that cold be attracting the animals. As Best Life previously shared, the six best deer-repellent plants are:

• Bridal wreath spirea
• Lavender
• Scarlet bee balm
• Cosmos
• Ornamental grasses
• Winter gem boxwood

The post 7 Plants That Attract Deer to Your Yard, Experts Say appeared first on Best Life.