Agua Dulce Nursery provides a variety of services for clients in the Agua Dulce, California, area. With extensive experience in landscaping and yard maintenance, Agua Dulce Nursery personnel are able to provide comprehensive, high-quality landscaping. Among other services, the company offers tree installation.

Properly transferring and planting a tree is of the utmost importance. A poorly or incorrectly planted tree can suffer long-term, negative effects on its health and appearance. Therefore, it is recommended that homeowners work with a professional landscaping company or a highly experienced individual when installing trees.

One of the most important factors in tree installation, after selecting a proper spot for the tree, is digging an appropriately sized hole. While this hole may be quite wide, it should not be too deep, since an overly deep hole can contribute to settling. It is also very important to stake and water the tree well, once the initial installation activities are completed. That will help the tree grow straight and healthy.

Agua Dulce Nursery in Agua Dulce, California, features many plants that thrive in cold desert climates. One popular example is the prickly pear cactus. This perennial, found in the American Southwest, withstands cold air and wintry precipitation.

The prickly pear grows to about three feet wide and 10 inches high, although some species can reach seven feet high. The plant features flat pads containing numerous barbs. In May and June, it displays bright yellow, red, and orange flowers. The blooms are later replaced with purple-red fruit that is a popular choice for preserves and candy.

The fruit of the prickly pears also has medicinal value. Some research claims the pectin in the fruit lowers the level of “bad” cholesterol. Other studies indicate the pectin helps reduce the need for insulin. However, confirming these findings requires further research.

This cactus does best in an environment with lots of sun and sandy or rocky soil. Gardeners have found it looks best in stone walls or rock gardens.

About the author: Operated by Brent Duplessis, Agua Dulce Nursery specializes in indigenous plants, landscaping of all kinds, and maintenance.