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Top 10 Highest Oxygen Producing Indoor Plants

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December 19, 2025

Top 10 Highest Oxygen Producing Indoor Plants

Indoor plants work their magic through photosynthesis. The process of photosynthesis uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce energy and releases oxygen into the air. This oxygen makes the air indoors better, making your space feel fresher and healthier.

Bring in these special plants to clean up your indoor air. These plants bring natural beauty and also improve air quality which makes them ideal for any space. Here are some examples of oxygen-producing indoor plants – Snake Plants, Spider Plants, Peace Lilies, and Aloe Vera.

Benefits of Growing Oxygen-Producing Indoor Plants

Ever considered having nature’s helpers right in your home? Oxygen-producing indoor plants do more than just look pretty – they offer you a bunch of perks. These plants freshen up your indoor air and even make your sleep better. Let’s see what more benefits it gives us –

1. Breathing Boost

Indoor plants that produce oxygen are your secret to effortless breathing. As these plants begin their work through photosynthesis, they increase the oxygen levels around them.

These oxygen-producing plants act as natural air purifiers, helping to clear away dust, pollen, and other irritants too. They create a healthier environment where you can breathe with ease.

2. Air Purification

Indoor plants play a vital role in enhancing the quality of the air we breathe by eliminating harmful substances like formaldehyde and benzene. Indoor plants also reduce harmful pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carbon dioxide.

This cleaning action is achieved through the process of photosynthesis, where plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

3. Enhancing Focus

Oxygen-producing indoor plants help you concentrate better too. When they release oxygen, your brain gets a boost of freshness. This can make you think clearer and stay more alert, making work and tasks easier to do. Being around these plants can make you feel better and less tense. It’s like they bring a touch of calmness and happiness into our lives.

4. Stress Relief

Oxygen-producing indoor plants help us feel more relaxed and less stressed. This calming effect is really helpful, especially in places where stress is common like offices or hospitals. It’s like having a little piece of nature that brings us peace.

Top 10 Highest Oxygen-Producing Indoor Plants

If you’re considering adding a greenery touch to your home as well as improving the air quality then check out these 10 highest oxygen-producing indoor plants –

1. Spider plant

Keep your spider plant content with indirect light, well-draining soil, and a comfy spot away from extreme heat.

Guess what? Your spider plant is a natural air fellow. It gives oxygen and tackles harmful stuff like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It’s like having a mini-cleaner for your air. So, enjoy its beauty and breathe easy with this simple yet super plant.

2. Snake plant

The snake plant also called mother-in-law’s tongue and an excellent houseplant with tall, bold leaves that stand out. Even before its oxygen-boosting fame, it is already a beloved choice for indoor spaces.

This plant takes in harmful substances like formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, xylene, benzene, and trichloroethylene, giving you cleaner air to breathe.

Moreover, it’s a daytime photosynthesizer and a nighttime breather. While it releases oxygen by day, it takes it in at night. So, as much as we love it, it’s best to give it a different spot than your bedroom.

The snake plant is easy to handle. Put it in a sunny window or a spot with not too bright sunlight. You don’t need to water it all the time – it’s cool with dry soil. Just be careful not to overwater it.

3. Peace lily

With their stunning white blooms, peace lilies are more than just beautiful – they’re also considered lucky and a sign of good fortune. These captivating plants bring charm and a touch of prosperity. Not only are they beautiful but they can also improve your air indoors.

Peace lilies contribute to cleaner, oxygen-enriched air in your living space. Studies by NASA have shown that peace lilies are particularly effective in removing pollutants like benzene and trichloroethylene, which are common in homes and offices.

4. Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant is a silent air purifier and oxygen generator. Aloe Vera’s unique ability to eliminate toxins like aldehydes and benzene makes it a standout choice for cleaner air.

What sets Aloe Vera apart is its night time talent – while most plants rest, it’s busy releasing oxygen. That’s why it’s perfect for a bedroom. Having an aloe vera plant also means having a handy natural remedy. A quick snip of a leaf reveals the clear, soothing gel within, a natural balm for soothing burns and minor cuts.

5. Pothos

Pothos is a beautiful and easy-care plant that is also one of the best oxygen-producing plants for indoor spaces. Pothos is a great choice for people who are looking for an oxygen-producing plant as it can produce up to 20% more oxygen than other plants.

So, whether you place it in your living room, bedroom, or office, pothos is there, quietly purifying the air and ensuring you’re breathing in cleaner, purer oxygen.

Also Read: Why Are Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow?

6. Weeping fig

Weeping fig, also known as ficus – is a fantastic option to clean indoor air. Purify your air by removing trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from your home. while it’s not more demanding than other plants, the weeping fig does crave a bit more attention.

Consistent bright light, without being too intense is ideal. It’s not a fan of cool spots or drafty corners, so keep that in mind to ensure its healthy growth.

7. Philodendrons

These plants are your natural air cleaners, helping to remove things like formaldehyde and other air pollutants for better air quality. What’s great is that philodendrons are easy to take care of. They’re not picky about light – whether your spot is sunny or not so bright, they’ll do fine as long as it’s not too hot. Just keep an eye on the soil – when it feels dry then it’s time to water.

8. Arcea palm

Golden palms, butterfly palms, and yellow palms – all of these are names for the same plant that is Areca palms. These tropical trees are like nature’s oxygen generators, giving your home a breath of fresh air.

when you put two big Areca palms close to each other, the oxygen in your home gets a major upgrade. They clear out bad stuff like formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and toluene from the air, making your space cleaner and healthier. So, having these palms around is like having your natural air-purifying team right at home.

9. ZZ plant

ZZ plant is an indoor air-purifying plant that flourishes in bright light and thrives in medium to high humidity. It’s like the perfect plant companion for a cozy and stylish indoor space.

The ZZ plant is not just about looks. It’s like your air’s natural purifier, working hard to cleanse your indoor environment. This plant gives your space a breath of fresh, clean air.

Check this: How Much Light Does ZZ Plant Need?

10. Chrysanthemum

With their vibrant petals in a variety of hues, chrysanthemums are the ultimate mood lifters. It’s like having a little burst of happiness right on your windowsill or table.

Chrysanthemums are like your air’s personal cleaners. They’re pretty skilled at removing harmful pollutants like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. So while they’re making your place look cheerful, they’re also giving you cleaner and fresher air to breathe.

Indoor Plants for Oxygen Without Sunlight

Who says you need sunlight for a breath of fresh air? These indoor plants are like your personal oxygen suppliers, even in low-light spaces.

1. Boston Fern

Boston fern plant clears the air by reducing small amounts of formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. When it comes to sunlight, it’s all about finding that perfect balance – not too bright, not too dim. And when the air gets a bit of moisture, this plant feels right at home.

Where should you put it? Well, it’s versatile enough to hang, stand tall, or simply put it on a shelf.

2. Bromeliad

When it comes to sunlight, most Bromeliad species thrive in the embrace of bright, indirect light. However, they prefer a little shade from the direct rays. That’s why you’ll often find these plants flourishing on shelves or adorning tabletops. A bit too much direct sunlight can harm their captivating leaves. So, give them a cozy spot with a gentle, filtered glow to keep them at their vibrant best.

3. Peace lily

Peace lilies are versatile when it comes to light. They do well in spaces with low to medium light levels, and they’re also quite adaptable to artificial lighting. If you offer them a bit more light, you’ll be rewarded with the beautiful white flowers they’re known for.

Moreover, as already mentioned above, peace lily effectively filters out small amounts of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia from the surrounding air.

4. Chinese Evergreen

If you’re new to the world of indoor plants, Chinese Evergreen is your go-to choice. These plants are like the ultimate beginners’ guide – they don’t demand sunlight and need so much care. Plus, they help in clearing away small amounts of benzene and formaldehyde from the air. It’s like they’re here to make your plant-parenting journey a breeze.

5. Dracaena

Dracaena air-purifying plant that effortlessly cleanses your indoor space. This plant helps in getting rid of toxins to give you fresher air.

When it comes to light, they thrive in the gentle glow of bright, indirect light. But don’t worry if your space is a bit dim – these plants are survivors in low light too.

Also Read: Why Dracaena Leaves Turning Yellow and Brown?

6. Philodendron

Philodendron is a natural air purifier that effectively eliminates traces of formaldehyde from your surroundings.

Also, this plant thrives in moderate to low indirect light, making it easy to fit into various spaces. With its heart-shaped leaves and rapid growth, the Philodendron brings a touch of natural charm to your indoor environment.

Important Tips While Growing Oxygen-Producing Indoor Plants

When it comes to nurturing indoor plants that boost oxygen levels, a few key points can make all the difference. Let’s see what it is –

Water Wisely – Overwatering or underwatering can hinder their growth. Strike the right balance to keep your plants thriving and contribute to a fresher atmosphere.

Good Drainage – Proper drainage is a must. Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging which can further cause problems.

Avoid Overcrowding – Overcrowding can hinder air circulation and growth. Ensure that each plant has ample room to flourish and grow.

Prune and Trim – Prune dead leaves and trim excessive growth to encourage healthy development and maximize their oxygen-producing potential.

Humidity Matters – Some oxygen-producing plants thrive in higher humidity levels. Be mindful of your plant’s preferred humidity range to ensure optimal growth.

Feeding Routine – Provide appropriate fertilization according to the plant’s needs. Balanced nutrients contribute to vigorous growth and increased oxygen.

Pest – Keep an eye out for pests that can hinder growth. Regularly inspect and treat your plants to ensure they remain strong and vibrant.

The right amount of light – Most oxygen-producing plants need bright, indirect light. Nevertheless, certain plants can withstand low-light environments. It is important to find a spot in your home that gets the right amount of light for your plant.

Conclusion

Indoor plants that produce abundant oxygen, it’s clear they offer more than just showing off beauty. These special plants help clean the air and provide us with a fresh supply of oxygen, making our indoor spaces healthier and more vibrant.

Whether it’s the peace lily, spider plant, or snake plant, each one plays a crucial role in enhancing our surroundings.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal (With Pears And Pecans)

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December 18, 2025

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Make this easy Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal featuring warm spices, oats, and pears. It’s a satisfying, make-ahead friendly breakfast perfect for cozy mornings.

Pull Up Assistance Resistance Bands – Long Loop Power Bands for Men and Women – Strength Power Flexibility Training at Home & Gym – Ebooks & Workout Chart Included by Iron Core Fitness

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Pull Up Assistance Resistance Bands – Long Loop Power Bands for Men and Women – Strength Power Flexibility Training at Home & Gym – Ebooks & Workout Chart Included by Iron Core Fitness

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AliveCor KardiaMobile Card Wallet-Sized Personal EKG Device – Record Single-Lead EKGs On The Go and Detect Irregular Heartbeats

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Transgender youth face national ban on medical care under rules expected today : Shots

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December 18, 2025

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Transgender youth face national ban on medical care under rules expected today : Shots

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz (right) will announce new restrictions to gender-affirming care for minors Thursday.

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

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Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

The Trump administration is expected to announce several moves Thursday that will have the effect of essentially banning gender-affirming care for transgender young people, even in states where it is still legal.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be announcing the measures in a press conference at 11 a.m. at the headquarters of the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Dr. Marty Makary, who leads the Food and Drug Administration, and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who leads the National Institutes of Health, will all be at the press conference.

In October, NPR exclusively reported on two new proposed rules for hospitals that Oz is expected to announce Thursday. The first would prohibit doctors and hospitals from receiving federal Medicaid reimbursement for medical care provided to transgender patients younger than age 18. The second would block all Medicaid and Medicare funding for any services at hospitals that provide pediatric gender-affirming care. Medicaid provides health care coverage to low-income children and adults in the U.S. Medicare is the health program for Americans over 65 and disabled people. Virtually every hospital in the country takes Medicare and relies on it, so the rule would have a wide-ranging effect.

Makary and Bhattacharya are also expected to make announcements about health care that transgender young people receive.

Legislative action

The pivot to the topic of transgender minors comes one day after Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a package of health care bills that do not extend subsidies for people who buy health insurance in Affordable Care Act plans.

The legislative package included a bill, introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga., that makes it a crime to provide gender-affirming care to transgender minors, punishable by a fine or prison time of up to 10 years. It passed on Wednesday.

Another bill, introduced by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, would prohibit Medicaid reimbursement for gender-affirming care for youth. It is scheduled for a vote on Thursday. Both bills would also have to pass the Senate to become law.

Supporters and opponents of transgender rights agree that, taken together, the forthcoming hospital rules could make access to pediatric gender-affirming care across the country extremely difficult, if not impossible. The care is already banned in 27 states. The proposed rules will start a comment period after they are entered into the Federal Register; they will not take effect immediately.

This story will be updated later Thursday, following the official announcements.

How to Compost Wood Ash from Your Fire

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December 18, 2025

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Adding Directly to the Garden

If you have determined via a test that your pH is low – below 6.5 – you can also choose to add ashes directly to the garden to reduce acidity.

A close up of a gloved hand from the top of the frame spreading ash from the fire around strawberry plants growing in the garden, pictured in bright sunshine.

Incorporating ashes can also increase the bioavailability of potassium, phosphorus, and various micronutrients, thereby increasing fertility.

A Note of Caution:

Never mix ashes with nitrogen fertilizer, it can cause a reaction that releases ammonia gas. Always wear eye protection, a face mask, and gloves when handling wood ashes.

Spread on calm days to prevent it from blowing around and scattering to unwanted areas – including all over your clothes.

Apply in moderation, lightly dusting a small amount on the garden surface and working it into the soil several inches deep with a fork.

According to Rosie Lerner, Horticulture Specialist at Purdue University, “Acidic soils (pH less than 5.5) will likely be improved by wood ash addition.

Soils that are slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 6.5) should not be harmed by the application of 20 pounds per 100 square feet annually, if the ash is worked into the soil about six inches or so.”

Be sure to test the soil again the following year. You can reapply if the pH is still too low, but if it has reached 6.5, don’t add any more.

If you raise the pH too much, this can deplete the bioavailability of essential nutrients.

Do not apply to acid-loving plants such as blueberries, rhododendrons, or azaleas.

Continue to test your soil every few years and amend as necessary.

Ashes to Dust

While it is never wise to dump a whole bucket on your compost or in the garden beds, used in moderation with careful planning and an understanding of your soil, wood ashes can be repurposed as a useful amendment.

A close up of a trowel scooping wood ash out of a fireplace for placing on a compost pile.

Though my wood stove churns out far more than I can safely use each winter, I am still able to recycle much of it back into my compost.

Have you used wood ashes in your garden? Please share your experience in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this article, you can learn more composting tricks in these guides:

Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Kielbasa And Vegetables

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December 18, 2025

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Make this easy sheet pan gnocchi with kielbasa and veggies for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner. One pan, minimal prep, and ready in just over 30 minutes.

KardiaMobile 1-Lead Personal EKG Monitor

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December 17, 2025

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Psychologists are increasingly using – and worrying about – AI tools, poll finds : Shots

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December 17, 2025

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Psychologists are increasingly using – and worrying about – AI tools, poll finds : Shots

Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images

Psychologist Cami Winkelspecht decided to familiarize herself with artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, after patients started asking her for advice about how they could use the technology responsibly.

“One of the interesting questions that kids and teenagers, in particular, brought in is how can you utilize AI to help support ideas or editing process or things like that for papers and assignments and presentations, but also make sure that you’re not utilizing it to write something for you, [so] that you’re not violating your school’s honor code” says Winkelspecht, who is a child and adolescent psychologist with a private practice in Wilmington, Delaware.

“So I have also then started to experiment with it to see what these tools will also do,” she says, so she could feel “confident and comfortable” in her own understanding of these platforms, their advantages and risks.

Winkelspecht is among the 56% of psychologists recently surveyed by the American Psychological Association who are using AI tools in their practices. That’s significantly higher than the 29% who said the same last year. And nearly a third of respondents said they use these tools on a monthly basis — up by more than two fold since last year.

Winkelspecht incorporates AI into some of her office and administrative tasks, like creating templates for letters she has to send to her collaborators — schools and pediatricians. It saves her time, but she can still write and edit the letters each time.

Most psychologists are “using AI to help write emails, to help develop homework assignments, to help maybe with some report writing or using AI scribes to assist with documentation,” says psychologist Vaile Wright, senior director of the Office of Health Care Innovation at the APA.

“Psychologists are seeing potential opportunities to incorporate AI into their practices, by making their work more efficient, which we think could have downstream effects to reducing burnout, reducing those aspects of the workplace that people don’t particularly enjoy,” she adds. “And that would then give them more time to really provide patient care. So I think that that’s really promising.”

As more psychologists adopt AI tools, Wright says there is also growing awareness about artificial intelligence tools, especially with respect to patient safety and data privacy.

A majority of psychologists said they are concerned about potential harms of this technology, with more than 60% saying they are worried about potential data breaches, biased inputs and outputs and social harms. Many also expressed concerns about hallucinations, where the platforms fabricate facts or present inaccurate information.

“What’s clear to us is that we need to help continue to provide both resources to members so that they can and effectively, responsibly incorporate these types of technologies,” says Wright. “And we have to ensure that these technologies are regulated in ways that ensure to the best of their ability, safety and efficacy.”

How to Build a Dead Hedge That Will Bring New Life to a Garden

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December 17, 2025

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How to Build a Dead Hedge That Will Bring New Life to a Garden

Messy gardening. It’s a familiar term for many of us, especially gardeners seeking to boost their garden’s ecological value. As we leave the leaves, add native plants and rain gardens, and keep those dead perennial stems standing through the winter and into spring, we’re encouraged to adopt a messier, less strict aesthetic that increases opportunities for other creatures to share the abundance our gardens can offer.

Imagine, however, ecologically friendly garden enhancements that increase the sense of order and rhythm in your yard. Even better if these creations are beautiful, dynamic, and provide shelter for birds, amphibians, and invertebrates. And the best part? The only supplies are your creative energy and materials you already have on hand.

Introducing . . . the dead hedge!

Removal of an ailing shagbark hickory (Carya ovata, Zones 4–8) prompted the creation of this dead hedge. Cutting the lengths of wood to uniform lengths and beginning the stacks with heavier pieces on the bottom will keep the dead hedge tidy.

A dead hedge is a garden structure built from dead and dormant plant material ranging from fallen leaves and cutback perennial stems to twigs, branches, and stumps. The shape is only limited by your imagination; a tidy conical heap could be a good place to start, but a sinuous curving dead hedge can be a striking garden feature.

The benefits of building a dead hedge

Dead hedges offer a myriad of benefits for your garden ecology. After spring garden cutback, loosely layering the clipped perennial debris in a dead hedge gives insects that could be overwintering in leaves and stems an opportunity to emerge as the weather warms. Other beneficial insects shelter or overwinter on bark, branches, and leaves safely tucked away in a dead hedge.

katydid eggs on a cut branch — These angle-wing katydid eggs were found on a witch hazel (*Hamamelis virginiana*, Zones 3–8) branch after pruning. Tucking the cut branch into a dead hedge provides safe shelter for the katydid eggs until the nymphs hatch in spring.

Birds benefit too; dead hedges can offer a buffet of plant fibers for nesting, while ground-foraging woodland birds like thrushes are drawn to the hedge’s shelter and snack on ants and beetles hiding underneath. Gradual decomposition within the dead hedge also builds soil, as fungi and microbes slowly break down the plant materials and return organic matter to your garden beds.

3 Guidelines for Great Dead-Hedge Design

For gardeners who may be getting antsy during our long Midwestern winters, creating the framework for a dead hedge is a fun winter project. The design, materials, and goals are open to experimentation, but a few guidelines will keep your new creation functional and beautiful for years to come.

1. Consider the site and placement

dead hedge on side of slope — This rustic dead hedge is stacked into the side of the slope to break up the grade and prevent erosion.

Dead hedges can be great problem-solvers in the landscape. A vertical dead hedge can screen undesirable views like utility boxes or tool storage, and a striking dead hedge offers a great focal point in parts of your yard that lack definition and winter interest. Two parallel dead hedges can define a new walking path, while placing one perpendicular to a slope can slow down stormwater and decrease erosion.

Save steps by positioning dead hedges close to the source of garden debris; a dead hedge bordering perennial gardens makes spring cutback a breeze, while a dead hedge constructed from woody material can be a great way to skip hauling heavy trunks after a tree is cut down.

2. Build in “cues to care”

dead hedge along path with rebar posts keeping plant material in place — Vertical posts flanking this dead hedge make it easy to add material like cut grasses and perennial stems.

Especially in naturalistic gardens that tend toward looking wild, it’s important to pay attention to details that add order and aesthetic value. Before construction starts, a base of mulch or wood chips for your dead hedge provides a tidy surface to work from. As you begin stacking, place heavier materials at the base to create a stable foundation and prevent your hedge from wobbling or falling over. For more precise designs, cutting ingredients into uniform pieces before stacking can help you stay true to your vision, so keep your hand pruners and pruning saw sharp and at hand.

zigzag dead hedge in spring garden — The same zigzag dead hedge draws the eye through an abundance of spring ephemerals.

A dead hedge with a smoothly curving shape or a zigzag reminiscent of split-rail fencing can look more artful than a straight line. Plus, perfectly straight lines can be hard to achieve with natural materials, so a curve is usually more forgiving.

Consider adding wooden stakes or rebar posts along the edges of the dead hedge to make it easier to keep the hedge tidy and vertical as materials are added and the height grows. A width of about 12 to 18 inches is the sweet spot for most dead hedges. You may be surprised at how much material it takes to start building upward!

wooden rounds on top of rebar posts supporting dead hedge — Vertical posts that define and support the dead-hedge walls are topped with drilled wooden rounds . . . a playful gesture evoking a marshmallow on a stick.

3. Plant for maintenance

A little annual touch-up keeps the hedge looking sharp. As materials decompose, there may be some shifting, so adding and redistributing materials, especially after winter settling, helps keep a uniform height and appearance.

dead hedge starting to decompose in spring garden bed — After a few years, the dead hedge built into the slope blends in beautifully as decomposition creates an abundance of habitat opportunities for amphibians and invertebrates.

It may be obvious, but avoid moving materials from the base layer of your dead hedge. The base is where contact with the soil promotes development of fungal networks and boosts soil health as the hedge materials are decomposed and add organic matter into the soil.

Extend the “life” of your plants

These design and maintenance tips will make your dead hedge a creation that combines beauty and function for many years to come, with character that grows over time as it becomes one with the landscape. Keeping our organic materials on-site is just another step toward a sustainable garden. Our plants work so hard to add beauty and support other life in our gardens while they are growing, and a dead hedge is a living monument that helps honor and extend their contributions in death as in life.

dead hedge covered in snow in winter garden — A zigzag dead hedge offers winter interest during long Midwestern winters.

Find more information on wildlife-friendly gardening:

Discuss this article or ask gardening questions with a regional gardening expert on the Gardening Answers forum.

And for more Midwest regional reports, click here.

Erin Presley is a horticulturist at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.

Photos: courtesy of Erin Presley

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Gardener’s Log Book from NYBG

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· Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil
· Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds
· Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when
· Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening
· Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting
· Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.