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Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- General
- Tom's Guide
I love this tree — but I'd never grow it in my yard again
I was excited when I first planted this tree in my garden. It's a real stunner, and I love the silvery beauty of its leaves. But despite my initial joy at seeing one of my favorite trees growing in my own backyard, it soon got out of hand. Perhaps it was naive of me to think that this tree would be suitable for my yard, but now, a good few years on, and with more gardening experience behind me, I won't be making the same mistake again. When I first moved into my current house over 20 years ago, I was keen to add height and structure to my long back yard, which had only enjoyed the very barest of planting. And it seemed a good idea to plant one of my favorite trees at the far end, not only to create interest, but to add some privacy from my neighbors. However, after a few years, I could see that I'd made a big mistake. My tree of choice was a fast grower, and within a few years, it got too big to handle. The tree in question? Eucalyptus. I'd planted a eucalyptus tree, and this evergreen beauty looked perfectly innocent to start with, but it just kept growing and growing. In fact, The University of Arizona says that most species can grow at least 30-60 feet tall, with some, like the Red Gum, reaching 130-180 feet. 'Eucalyptus trees are stunning, yes, but they're not the friendliest choice for a suburban backyard because their growth rate is wild!' says Floss Kelly, interior designer and co-founder at Yabby. 'For most homeowners it's difficult to manage a towering giant that dominates not just the sky, but widely stretches their root systems aggressively into foundation, plumbing and surrounding plants.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So, to save you from hiring an arborist to remove your eucalyptus, be careful to check which specimen you plant. As a teenager, I had a weekend job in a florist store (my interest in homes and gardens started young), and I often saw how eucalyptus was used in floral bouquets. I admired the fine, elegant shape of the leaves and the silvery grey color. It was this that sparked my interest in eucalyptus. Apart from its leaves, I also admired the tree's trunk, particularly how the silvery-white bark shreds to reveal colors beneath. Eucalyptus leaves also have an aromatic scent, and when rubbed, release refreshing-smelling oils. You may have experienced eucalyptus oils being used in decongestants and cleaning products. Fiskars power-lever extendable pole saw and pruner makes it possible to cut high branches. With two cutting options, it extends up to 14 feet, while its lightweight to hold. Although not all eucalyptus trees are invasive, you do need to be careful to check what you buy before you plant. 'There are a surprising number of eucalyptus varieties, each with its own unique characteristics — from short to tall, from heat-loving to cold-tolerant and from rainforest species to very drought-tolerant ones,' says Edwin Dysinger, co-founder of Seedtime. However, he adds that there are several points you need to consider before you plant many of the common varieties. 'The leaves and roots of eucalyptus have an allelopathic effect on their surroundings — this means that the growth of other plants and trees is inhibited by chemicals released by eucalyptus leaves and roots,' Dysinger explains. This is why you do not usually find anything growing under an eucalyptus. He also mentions that black walnut, maple, and pine trees are allelopathic. You can expect eucalyptus to be a big drinker, despite it being a drought-tolerant plant. Dysinger adds that plantings of eucalyptus have even been used to dry up swamps and wetlands. 'They are known for depleting ground water resources and potentially affecting nearby water availability.' Dyser adds, 'The roots of eucalyptus will aggressively seek out water and are known for cracking and penetrating water lines and sewage systems.' 'While eucalyptus has a deep tap root, the lateral roots are shallow and spreading,' explains Dysinger. 'They have been known to lift foundations if planted too close to buildings. This usually happens when roots are seeking out a water source under a building, such as a leaky pipe or drain.' For this reason, he suggests you shouldn't plant a eucalyptus tree closer than 100-120 feet from your buildings. 'Eucalyptus trees are known to topple easier than other trees due to their shallow roots and huge canopies,' says Kelly, 'All it takes is loose soil and a strong storm to put your home at risk of damage, since their foliage acts like sails in the wind.' And Dsyinger adds that some varieties are prone to dropping limbs without warning, especially in high heat. It might sound a bit dramatic, but Dysinger says that eucalyptus trees are highly flammable due to their high content of aromatic resins and oils. 'The fumes from eucalyptus oil can be ignited by lightning or sparks," he says. "During brush or forest fires, the trees will emit large quantities of these fumes, causing the tree to explode into flames and sometimes even causing fireballs that explode in front of the line of fire.' And for this reason, Kelly adds, that you're best to avoid planting a eucalyptus if you live in an area susceptible to bush fires. The leaves and bark of eucalyptus are toxic to humans and animals, and will cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when consumed in excess. Therefore, be careful when planting eucalyptus is you have pets in your household. If you're looking to add height and structure to your garden, but want to find a tree suitable for a compact yard, you could try planting a Japanese Maple, otherwise known as an Acer. I have a dark red Japanese Maple in my garden, and it adds a splash of intense color with an interesting leaf shape. Fruit trees are also good to grow, and apple, pear, plum, or cherry trees will reward you with blossom as well as a good harvest. There's also plenty to choose from if you have a small patio garden and are looking for the best trees to grow in containers. You could try growing a citrus or olive tree, or try growing a Red Robin Photinia — it's an evergreen shrub, but works well as a compact specimen tree.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Kitchen Tile Trends On Their Way Out This Year (and What to Do Instead), According to Interior Designers
It may sound like a platitude, but 2025 kitchen design trends — when it comes to tiles, at least — are all about embracing imperfections. Several designers and decorators say that tiles like the hand-cut zellige ones, which are glossy, textured, and rebel when it comes to uniformity, are becoming favored — even over the straight-edge, perfectly symmetrical subway tiles that have reigned supreme in kitchens for years. 'Zellige tiles are so popular because of the beautiful texture, subtle color variation, and handmade look that they bring to a space,' says interior decorator Vivianne Chow of Viv and Tim Home. Similarly, Floss Kelly, the co-founder of TileCloud, says ultra-polished, high-gloss finishes are losing popularity in favor of matte and natural finishes. 'The design world is gravitating towards authenticity and materials that evoke warmth and organic charm,' Kelly says. Whether you're planning a kitchen renovation or just want the inside scoop on the design world's forecasts, here's more on what tile trends are in for 2025 when it comes to tiles, floors, and backsplashes, and which ones are on their way out, according to experts. Kelly says she's seeing a significant shift this year towards natural stone materials and earthy tones in kitchen tiles, floors, and backsplashes. 'This trend is all about bringing the outside in, creating a connection with nature right in your kitchen,' she says. The earthy tones range from soft beiges to rich browns and complement a natural aesthetic, she says, contributing to a warm, inviting kitchen. Materials like marble, slate, and terracotta, with their inherent textures and colors, are becoming increasingly popular. 'These natural stone options not only add a timeless elegance to the kitchen, but also offer durability and uniqueness, as no two pieces are exactly alike,' she says. It's early, but zellige is looking to be the darling tile of 2025. 'We are so obsessed with the hand-crafted artisan quality of zellige tile,' says Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors. 'Made from a clay mix found in Morocco and hand-crafted, glazed, and fired, each tile has its own unique quality.'Varying thickness, shape, and glaze only adds to the perfectly imperfect vibe of this tile, she says. One thing Verruto notes: Because these tiles aren't uniform, it makes for a tough DIY makeover and typically requires expert installation. Verruto notes that heavily textured tiles are a simple way to add organic movement to a room. '3D tiles easily become a conversation piece and bring character,' she says. Specifically, using them on a dining room wall or an entry wall can pack a big punch. Subway tile will likely always be around — but that doesn't mean it's got to be the same old white brick-lay pattern (more on that below!), Verruto says. 'We're seeing a creative influx of hand-pressed looks in varying sizes, colors, and shapes of the classic tile, and people are getting more playful with layouts,' she says. Whether it be a vertical stack offset, a double herringbone, or basketweave, subway tiles can be classic, yet elevated with a fresh arrangement. White, monochromatic, and minimal designs were all the rage a few years ago, and understandably so as we entered the pandemic and were craving peaceful and visually calming spaces, Verutto says. Now, bolder tiles are coming back. Color-drenching, rich textures, and invigorating patterns on bold tiles, she says, are taking center stage. 'While bold design choices are being made, they're still being balanced with simplicity and a dose of minimalism that creates harmonious and exciting spaces,' she says. Those shiny, busy backsplashes such as metallics and glass that have long been popular in new builds are officially on their way out, says Kelly Marohl, interior designer at Neutral Home Design. More homeowners, she says, are choosing to use marble slabs as a backsplash instead. It's softer on the eye, and you can get the look in your kitchen by extending the marble halfway up to the ledge or all the way up to the ceiling, she says. (Or, you could even use marble contact paper for a budget- and rental-friendly solution.) Subway tile backsplashes, known for their classic and versatile appeal, are becoming less popular as homeowners seek more distinctive and personalized design elements for their kitchens, says Mariya Snisar, the head of interior design at Renowell. Hexagonal tiles or larger-format tiles feel more contemporary, she says. Although some people are loving variations of subway tiles, like colored or gradient tile trends of 2025 are you most (and least) excited about? Let us know in the comments below! This post originally ran on The Kitchn. See it there: Move Over, Subway Tiles: These Kitchen Tile Trends Are on Their Way in (and Out) for 2024 I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It's a Game-Changer!) We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
