I would think that a reputable contractor should be able to install a driveway without it heaving and cracking and weeds growing through. I my eyes your neighbour has a warranty claim. That however isn’t your question so on to your question. You could use an underlay called geotech. This is a think fabric and should aid in reducing any movement and will block weeds from pushing through. Good luck with the project.

Top them now. That’ll put more growth downward into the main trunk and make for a lush hedge. My family hails from Dundas, ON.

Yes, you can very safely cut it in late Autumn or Winter. In fact that’s the best time because the plant will be dormant.

Other Full Sun shrubs, that would get about 5 feet, would include: Cistena Cherry Ninebarks (Satin Chocolate, Tiny Wine, Coppertina) Dogwood (Ivory Halo, Red Osier) Lilacs (Wonderblue, Royalty Preston) Blue Muffin Viburnum To name a few… There are lots of options that would fit those characteristics.

This is the response from a grower in your area. We’re in Winnipeg so I wanted to get advice from someone that is more familiar with your environment. “I would say no , the plant is Zone 4 hardy and there’s lots of snow in Lake country”

I would do it now and then till some manure and peat in the spring however it’s not a must. So really it’s up to you.

Now (the winter) is a great time. The tree will be dormant and will have the best chance of survival. How big the root ball is depends on how big the tree is however the bigger the better. The less root system you disturb the better. The more roots you rip out and leave behind the more that have to re-grow and remember the root system in place has grown to support the size of the tree as it is now. So if you remove half of the root system you will have half as much root system available to sustain the canopy of the tree. So you will have to cut the tree back and then water, water & water so the roots that are left can absorb as much water as possible to support the canopy. Also using a transplanting fertilizer would help your cause 10-52-10 would be good or something akin to that with a big middle number (phosphorus).

Hi Anita, We bring in a large tropical plant order in early May. We have ordered Colocasia and Illustris Elephant Ears. If you are interested in these plants, let me know and I will be sure to order some for the store this season. Jeanne@rpgc.ca

Angel’s Trumpet plant can be planted in the area you are speaking of where a tree was taken out and the stump ground out. This is assuming the tree was not a Spruce variety – the needles make the soil very acidic and therefore not a good choice for the Angel’s Trumpet plant. Angel’s Trumpet is a self-seeding plant that likes the sun so please ensure that the area is not overly shaded by other trees. If it likes the area then you may find next year that there are more of them due to the self-seeding nature of the species. Thanks for a great question. Ron Paul Garden Centre