Randy I have very similar tree, even lopsided like yours. The tree was getting too tall to keep inside, but luckily was not infested. I was looking for info how to prune it & that is how I found this forum. I have followed Al's recommendations to a letter (and I have never even read about root pruning/proper repotting): 1. 'inspection' of roots/flushing thoroughly/proper watering & fertilizing - all few months ahead of proper repotting; 2. then at proper time (July), root pruning (the root ball was a mess)-repotting into brand new soil mix (5-1-1); 3. continue proper watering/fertilizing as recommended 4. pruning branches approx. month later I am very satisfied with results, the tree looks much better and has lots of new leaves growing. An it is few inches shorter (more pruning next year). It took some effort, but if you really want your plant to grow well, it is worth it. I am following similar routine with all my potted plants - it will take some time since I have 'few', but by same time next year all of them will be in new soil mix, root pruned/repotted/branches pruned and I am sure growing much healtier. The info you'll find on this forum is very helpful. Al has many extremely informative threads, and I have save them for reference. Much easier for me to get infor-he does all the hard work of writing it all... Many other members have very good posts and photos too - sorry I can't think of all the names right now. Good luck with your tree. Rina

Thanks so much for the responses. sprout I had no idea Milorganite could double as a repellant! I've been shaving Irish Spring soap around the yard and hanging mesh bags of it from hydrangeas and climbing roses with some success. Just bught a scarecrow sprinkler and hope to set it up this weekend. Papou thanks for the information on sun. Some of mine were burning (maybe from the sudden change?) and had to be moved but I probably did take it to an extreme. Slugs have not been an issue for me so far (knock wood!) but it would be good to strive for slug free varieties when I buy more. I don't think I've seen that designation on plant tags though - is that something only specialty hosta growers would provide? jbranch that's a wonderful link - thanks so much - in my favorites already. Clearing out a crowded garden should be no different than clearing out a crowded closet. I regularly purge closets and drawers and call Purple Heart - I need the same approach in my yard. Thanks for that nudge!

Melissa,very nice,you have done a lot of hard work,and great planting, as you have moved forward,not always easy to do,just look at how big every thing had gotton in such a short amount of time.Thanks for sharing this with us,always so much fun to see what others have done,and the progress they have made,yours is great. Don't you just love looking at your garden from up high,it really helps you develop a plan,I think. cAROL

Here's a glimpse of my 10 y/o son's room. It needs help. After seeing your before and after pictures and actually seeing my uploaded picture, I'm strongly considering painting the slanted walls in his room. We recently replaced his carpet with the hardwood, removed popcorn texture, painted his room, and put up that ceiling fan that "he" picked out. I have not got to the accessorizing part yet, so there is not much to see (except red walls and those slanted walls that now really seem to stick out like a sore thumb). Whenever I get to that point, I will post more pictures. Again I love the color of your son's room, and I hope you will post it again after it is decorated. BTW I don't think you're nuts:)