I used to always prune and trellis toms but it is a lot of work and I'm tired of it. For the last few years I have been letting them ramble unpruned in large cages. I get the 10'x5' concrete slab mesh (I guess that is what they are calling CRW) from the lumberyard. All one has to do is roll the two ends together and hook the wire and you have a large cage of six-inch mesh heavy wire 5'high. The diameter is big enough that I just set the cage on the ground and that's it. If it will be exposed to possible high wind with a big plant on it then I put a couple stakes at the bottom to prevent flipping over. They cost about $7 apiece around here (probably cheaper most places) and will last a long time. It also comes in 100' rolls, which may be cheaper and in my experience is a heavier gauge and is a bit difficult to deal with. You need heavy bolt-cutters to cut it and the snap-back can be dangerous. Unroll it a bit at a time on a large flat area and pin down one end with heavy weight and stand on the other end while cutting.

how about 1 to 3 gallon pots.. with a good tree media .. and place the pots in bright shade.. and water them once in a while.. and.. it might depend on what kind of trees.. by name ... ken

I'm sorry about the loss of your mom. I know you will miss her for the rest of your life. That being said, I think that you should go with your dad to plan his funeral. It most likely will be years before it is needed. However, if he died suddenly, you would feel horrible that you did not do this for him. You would also spend your time second guessing what he would want you to do. It is much harder to plan a funeral when something happens suddenly. Your dad is looking for some peace to know that his final plans are made, and you know what he wants. It will be hard on you, but having to make those plans in a hurry can be so much worse. Think about it -- how many times have you planned for emergencies that don't happen? You take an umbrella, but it doesn't rain -- things like that. I would make the plans hoping that I wouldn't need them for a long time. It is kind of an insurance policy. (This is how I mentally prepare for things). Now, as hard as it might seem, picture yourself making your dad's final plans in 2 scenarios. 1st, with him with you, letting you know what he likes and wants. Then, with him not alive, and you trying to remember what he said that he wanted. I promise you, that when he does go to join you mom, you will be comforted by the fact that you helped him make his arrangements. Remember, this is a gift you are giving him. Bless you.

Bronzino Thank you.....I knew the father the best. Since he was the Principal for 5 years at our school I spoke with him a lot. I did some cleaning to help with tuition and when I worked on Saturdays he would come in with two of his kids and the kids would watch me run the floor scrubbing machine. Then when I remarried and became the parent of my SD she ended up in the same class as his daughter. I kind of take on the burdens of those that are suffering at times like this. I cry for them a lot. I know that a lot of people feel the same way. My heart breaks for them. I am not so sentimental about things but I am about memories. These people shared their lives with us. During some Chapels at school the Principal would bring his little son up on stage with him and the boy would crawl around while his daddy spoke to the school. Every one knew them. It makes you see how fleeting this life is and how short our time is with our kids. I have a DD20 that is talking about moving out and although we have had our issues she wouldn't be leaving under bad circumstances, if she goes now. We could use the extra room but gosh I wish she was 5 years old again for a day here and there. There are days when I wish they would all leave and times when I cry for days that are long gone. Having this funeral in a few days is making me very emotional....how does a parent part with a child like that. lamom....should you read this.....my heart aches for you. You and your dear son are in my prayers. I must blow my nose now....sigh.