Question:
I’m considering installing an artificial lawn and removing my grass. Would the artificial turf interfere with the plants growing nearby?
Answer:
There should be no compatibility problems with plants growing next to an artificial turf. As for grass verses an artificial lawn, this is a no brainer for me. I’d always choose grass over the fake stuff. There is something wrong with replacing living plants with plastic. This is why I always buy a cut Christmas Tree for the holidays. Now, I also have to confess that I’m in a minority when I say I enjoy making long grass short. But setting aside, my personal bias. Lets consider the pros and cons of each. Artificial turf is far more expensive to installed and last indefinitely with little to no maintenance costs. Grass requires constant attention with water, fertilizer and mowing. Grass has a cooling effect, along with being soft to walk and lounge on. Artificial grass is stiffer, has a non-natural, synthetic or plastic look. It absorbs heat making it hot to walk on at times and the color could fade over time. You should expect to pay somewhere between ten and fifteen dollar a square foot for artificial grass installed. I’d get several quotes and try to see what it looks like installed. Another consideration is how it fits into your neighborhood especially if you’re looking to market the property soon. The question is weather the property value will suffer with a fake front lawn. An artificial turf could very well have a negative effect on the appreciation of a property as it could look out of place compared to the surrounding properties. I’d replace the grass with water-wise plants or install solar panels before considering an artificial turf as a cost cutting solution. They are a better investment and or selling point with a potential buyer. I don’t have a problem where it’s used around a pool, for a putting green or under kids play equipment. Ultimately, the choice boils down to your own individual tastes and preferences. You just need to weight them all carefully.
Question:
I have an olive tree growing indoors in a northeast window. Some of the old leaves are turning brown at the tips, curling and dropping off . What can I do to prevent this?
Answer:
Olive trees are not normally used as a house plant as they prefer a sunnier location. The brown leaves and the associated curl could also be a watering problem. Olives don't require much moisture as they are considered a drought tolerant tree. Indoors, I'd probably water them once every two to three weeks. You do need to make sure that the entire root ball gets wet every time you water and remove all the excessive water from a saucer or other container. Also, the older leaves will drop off naturally. I try moving it to a sunnier location and see what happens; otherwise, you might have to live with it.
