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Author: Derek Lacey

Formerly the agriculture writer for the Hendersonville Times-News, Derek Lacey’s articles have appeared in U.S. News & World Report, The Charlotte Observer, News & Observer, and The State. He has won 15 awards from the North Carolina Press Association and GateHouse Media, for pieces ranging from news features and investigative reporting to photography and multimedia projects.

Utah, California, South Carolina Best Places for 2020 ‘Naked Gardening Day’ Saturday

By Derek Lacey | Updated: June 27, 2024
City Rankings

Saturday will be a gorgeous day for naked gardening in Utah, California and South Carolina. That’s important, because May 2, […]

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Raleigh Tree Regulations: Rules for Planting Trees in the City of Oaks

By Derek Lacey | Updated: December 15, 2024
North Carolina, Raleigh, NC, Tree care

The City of Oaks takes its trees very seriously, and the reason why is clear. “Because of all the benefits […]

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5 Worst Trees to Plant in Raleigh

By Derek Lacey | Updated: November 15, 2024
North Carolina, Raleigh, NC, Tree care

Growing a beautiful tree, one that’s right for your landscape, begins before you dig a hole and put a sapling […]

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8 Best Native Trees to Plant in Raleigh

By Derek Lacey | Updated: November 20, 2024
North Carolina, Raleigh, NC, Tree care

In Raleigh, the City of Oaks, trees are a ubiquitous part of the landscape. They’re everywhere. Stately oaks line historic […]

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6 Worst Stinging Pests in Raleigh

By Derek Lacey | Updated: September 24, 2024
North Carolina, Pest control, Raleigh, NC

The worst stinging pests in Raleigh include mosquitoes, yellow jackets, red imported fire ants, wasps, hornets, and hornets.

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Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Richmond

By Derek Lacey | Updated: May 27, 2025
Landscaping, Richmond, VA, Virginia

A thick, green lawn or crowded, intricate landscaping with trees, hedges and flowering perennials — a backyard in Richmond can […]

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Weirdest, Wildest Insects Found in Raleigh

By Derek Lacey | Updated: December 15, 2024
North Carolina, Pest control, Raleigh, NC

Ticks, fleas, houseflies, horse flies, mosquitoes — we all have a list of bugs we try and avoid. But what […]

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Eco-Friendly Pest Control in Raleigh

By Derek Lacey | Updated: December 15, 2024
North Carolina, Pest control, Raleigh, NC

Eco-friendly pest control in Raleigh includes minimizing pesticide use, distinguishing good and bad bugs, and focusing on prevention.

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Deer-Resistant Landscaping in Richmond

By Derek Lacey | Updated: April 4, 2025
Landscaping, Richmond, VA, Virginia

When we put together verdant, complex and beautiful landscapes in our backyards, we’re trying to imitate our own little slice […]

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Worst Trees to Plant in Kansas City

By Derek Lacey | Updated: April 4, 2025
Kansas City, MO, Missouri, Tree care

The best time to plant a tree may be 20 years ago, but in Kansas City, it will never be […]

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