Thanks so much for you info, Dan...which leads to more questions. With these two large tress, 15- 18 ft.apart, it does 'look' as though there is room in the middle to plant another replacement tree. While I do consider the next generation, I need to address our enjoyment of the property for the time we have remaining. Can you recommend a tree or two for our zone 10(S.Ca.,5 miles from ocean)? I'd want a 15 gal.or better and moderate growth. Choices in nurseries are always a limiting factor, too. We now enjoy a "picnic under the spreading elms/ shade dappled lawn" kind of feel that I love, so a patio tree or birch won't do. I haven't taken my shovel out there yet, but fear the alder roots will make this an onerous job. Hope they will not interfere with new trees growth? Thanks so much in advance for ideas and information.

There is, especially if you saw green on the stems. Hydrangeas planted the prior year will typically not leaf out "normally" on the first Spring so, yes, monitor it, maintain the soil as evenly moist -not wet- as you can & maintain the mulch year around. In the very cold zones, they may leaf out as late as the end of May. Use that time frame as the cut off: if it does not leaf out by then it did not make it.

Yea, thats really strange that there is no new growth with this plant; I'm going with the lack of nutrients theory. The good news is that overall the plant does seem relatively healthy and the current pods are maturing nicely (and are decent size). I see what you are saying regarding the cycle, because the plant next to it has already started the growth cycle after its harvest and the same with one that we have planted outside (which is closer to what you were saying above in that it always as some flowers/peppers on it). I added another smaller dose of fertilizer (when normally I would have waited one more watering), so we'll see what that does. On a side note, these are Scotch Bonnets and I was expecting them to be wayyyy hotter. I think in terms of heat, the orange habs blow them away.

Have been busy getting bids! Six in 1 week! (not really how I planned on spending my vacation) The first Trane dealer is definitely out. He's the one who wanted to sell me an $11k 4 ton unit based on "rule of thumb" sq ft calculations, never climbed on my roof to see what he was replacing or looked in my attic to see the existing ductwork. No matter what the price, he's an idiot! So here's what I'm comparing now: Rheem 3 Ton 1 stage cooling & heat Variable drive Model #RRPLB036JK08X AFUE: 80 EER: 12 SEER: 14 Enlarge existing return Use existing R4 flex ducts straighten and restrap Add Honeywell 6000 Thermostat (5yr warranty) Add Honeywell Media Filter Warranty: 5yr parts/1yr labor 10yr compressor/5yr coil Lifetime heat exchanger BID: $6190.00 - 175.00 utility rebate - 300.00 tax credit NET COST: $5715.00 Trane 3 Ton 2 stage heat 1 stage cooling Variable drive Model #4CY4036A1075AA (?not a legitimate Trane#?) AFUE: 80 EER: 11.6 SEER: 14 Enlarge existing return Use existing R4 flex ducts straighten and restrap Add Trane Comfort Stat XL800 (5yr warranty) Regular Filters Warranty: 5yr parts/1yr labor 10yr compressor/10 yr coil 20yr heat exchanger BID: $8190.00 - 400.00 Trane rebate - 175.00 utility rebate NET COST: $7615.00 American Standard 3 Ton 2 stage Variable drive Model #4YCY4036A1075A (hmm, looks like the Trane# minus a Y) AFUE: 79.5 EER: 11.6 SEER: 14.20 Enlarge existing return 20x25 Replace ducts with R6 silver jacket Add VisionPro 3H2C Thermostat Regular Filters Warranty: 10yr parts/10yr labor 10yr compressor/10yr condenser(is "condenser" same as "coil"?) 20yr heat exchanger BID: $9363.81 - 875.00 utility rebate w/new ducts NET COST: $8488.81 American Standard (same model as above) except: Leave existing 14 in. return but add another one the same size Add 3 more supplies (LR, Mstr Bdrm, Lndry Rm) Replace all ducts with R6 silver jacket Use existing LUX 7 day thermostat Regular filters (x2) Warranty: 5yr parts/1yr labor 10yr compressor/10 yr condenser 20yr heat exchanger BID: $9720.00 - 875.00 utility rebate w/new ducts NET COST:$8845. SO, as you can see all bids are in the same general ballpark. Change the ducts or reuse the old ones? Change the thermostat or get a new one? Enlarge the existing supply, or add an additional one? 10yr parts and labor vs 5yr parts/1yr labor. I really think I should change my ducts. The original design was poorly planned. It looks like a roller coaster hanging from lawn chair webbing! My local utility will give a $700. rebate, so it's not about expense, it's about air flow and peace of mind. I know American Standard and Trane are the same company.I plan to stay in my home another 10/20yrs. Should I consider Rheem? It's only single stage and winters here are pretty mild. But it's the lowest bid. I could go back and ask him to quote the duct change, but he didn't seem too enthusiastic about doing it. (something about throwing the baby out with the bathwater..) He suggested I have him clean the old ones for $250. (Let's see, clean for $250 or replace for $950 minus $700 rebate? No Brainer! 3 out of the 4 contractors who bothered to do any calculations recommended replacing them. He also "boo-hooed" the utility co's protocol for duct testing...would have to drag out his Honeywell machine, takes 3 hours, yada yada yada...Kind of sends up a red flag. Are his prices lower because he cuts corners? So that would leave me debating $400 between the Am Std guy with the 10yr parts/labor warranty and the one with 5yr/1yr who wants to put a couple more holes in my ceiling but leave me with the same thermostat. WWJD? lol!