Let only a certified arborist near your trees

Q: My neighbor had a man chop all his trees back to a stump and now the man is knocking on my door to do the same. What should I do?

A: You are probably dealing with a "fly-by-nighter," or someone who is here today and gone tomorrow. Would you pay a plumber to clog your drain or a mechanic to break your car? Why pay for this "tree-hacker" to destroy your trees?

Get a certified arborist, one who is qualified to improve the quality of your trees through selective pruning, not a random hacker. Search for an arborist who is proud of his background and can back it up with a certification to indicate his competence. This person has achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. Go to www.treesaregood.com for a certified arborist in the Las Vegas Valley.

These professionals will provide an accurate estimate of cost and a work guarantee in writing -- which assures you adequate protection -- along with a local license and insurance. Also, ask anyone who wants to touch your trees for local client references with phone numbers to check out. Any hesitancy to provide this information will serve as a red flag.

Q: At the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, we saw a stunning shrub loaded with bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. What is it called?

A: It is yellow bells, part of the Tecoma stans shrubs. Orange jubilee and gold star are also equally eye-catching. As a group, Tecoma shrubs have very showy trumpet-shaped clusters of yellow and orange flowers, with the shrub getting 6 feet tall or higher. They may freeze during our winters but recover rapidly next spring, so wait until next spring to plant them.

Q: I understand there is a shrub that looks like oleander, but is not poisonous and does great.

A: Yes, it is the Arizona Rosewood or Vauquelinia californica. It is a very versatile large evergreen shrub or a small tree with several trunks, depending on how you like it. It has leathery leaves much like oleanders but hardier.

Q: I was getting some supplies to repot my houseplants and the nurseryman told me not to put gravel in pots for drainage. Is he right? My mother always did it.

A: Your nurseryman is right. Layers of gravel, broken pottery and other materials actually impede drainage of excess water. Water does not flow from one texture (potting soil) to another texture (gravel) as you think it does. Cover the drainage hole with old window screen or coffee filter before filling the pot with soil.

Q: Why are my pyracantha berries so scant this year? I carefully manicured it into a nice hedge.

A: Pyracanthas produce berries on last year's growth. Keeping your hedge "manicured" removed that growth. Next spring, leave the new shoots to produce those much-desired berries.

Q: I have a white fungus substance on my prickly pear cactus. I tried spraying it off with water and put insecticide around its base, but the fungus is now spreading to other cactuses.

A: It is not a fungus, but an insect called cochineal scale. It is a tiny black bug that produces the white substance to protect it. Press the substance and it will produce a brilliant red matter. The American Indians use it to produce a fine dye. A large infestation eventually harms plants. Spray the entire plant with soapy water (one tablespoon of liquid detergent in a gallon of water). You'll notice as the white stuff begins to dissolve, it exposes the little black insect hidden beneath. Follow with a blast of water to knock off scales. Keep a close eye out, and repeat until the problem is under control.

Q: Just what does xeriscape mean? I hear the term, but don't understand its meaning.

A: Xeriscape is an alternative landscaping method to promote creative approaches to reduce water, maintenance and other resources. It is a combination of xeros (Greek for "dry") with landscaping. It incorporates seven basic principles: planning and design; soil preparation; practical turf areas; appropriate plant selection; efficient irrigation; use of mulches; and maintenance. Despite some misconceptions, xeriscape is not lava rock and a lone cactus in a yard; it includes colorful flowers, plants and trees, with grass limited to family activity areas.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority calls it "Water Smart Landscaping." You can earn $2 per square foot rebate to replace grass. This has created a significant savings of water in converted landscapes. The Garden at the Springs Preserve is a prime example of water smart landscaping.

Q: Is there a pest control company that controls pests in homes without using pesticides?

A: "Most of us are now using environmental friendly products that are safe around humans and pets," said Ray Way of Ace Pest Control and a member of the Nevada Pest Control Association. "We, too, want to protect the environment; however, the new products break down sooner, which is good, and have very little odor. We also want to do our best, as we know that any complaint filed by a customer, the Nevada Department of Agriculture is on us." Go to the Yellow Pages for a list of companies to contact.

Q: Why aren't my split-leaf philodendron leaves splitting anymore?

A: I suspect you moved it from a well-lighted situation to where it is not getting enough light.

Q: Will Camellias grow here? I have a corner in my backyard that is constantly in shade.

A: It is considered "not adaptable" because of our warm summers and alkaline soil. Your location might work, but it needs morning sun and acidic fertilizer. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't make it. There are lots of other beautiful, fragrant plants that don't require as much fuss. And if it makes it, you probably have an extremely green thumb and can grow anything.

'WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL'

The Springs Preserve proudly presents its first Winter Lights Festival beginning Friday, with festivities continuing through the end of the year. The light display of more than a half-million LED lights throughout the Preserve will be illuminated by solar power, a leading example of a sustainable holiday celebration. Go to springspreserve.org for events and performances to take place during the festival. It is open Fridays through Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m. It will open daily starting Dec. 24 through Dec. 30. Cost of admission to the gardens is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 5 to 17. For the rest of the galleries, it is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children 5 to 17.

Linn Mills writes a gardening column each Thursday. You can reach him at lmills@reviewjournal.com or at the Gardens at the Springs Preserve at 822-7754.