INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Whenever you are planting, envision the height of your cedar tree when mature.  Cedar trees can grow very large.  Depending on the specific type of cedar, they generally grow up to 50ft. (15m), but can be over 100ft. (30m) tall.  Look for a clear area that has nothing hanging above where the tree might grow.  Find a location that is not directly below electric or cable lines, roofs or existing trees. Ensure you aren’t planting directly above a septic system or well.  The roots will reach deeply into the ground. Plant small trees at least three feet apart, but preferably up to five feet apart.  The trees need space between each other so they aren’t fighting for the same water and root territory.  Calculate the space you have, especially if you’re planning a hedge or border, and ensure you have enough room to have enough spacing for the number of trees.  If you are growing a cedar hedge, the outermost branches of the bottom foliage should be roughly an inch apart when the trees are planted. When planted near fruit trees (e.g. apples, crabapples, pears, quince), a rust disease can infect the nearby trees.  There are multiple varieties of the disease, usually the name of the tree followed by the suffix “rust.”  For apple trees, it would be cedar-apple rust.  Look for yellow or reddish lesions, gelatinous shapes, or other fungus. The rust disease doesn’t kill the trees or the fruit, but it does cause an eyesore. Prevention of the disease can be accomplished via adequate pruning and fungicide application. The roots will need plenty of space to dig into the surrounding area.  If the tree roots are too close to the water, or are in water too long, they may not have the support they need to grow new roots.  When it comes to excessive water exposure and flooding, cedar trees are one of the more intolerant species of trees.  Death of the tree can occur in less than a month if the water exposure is significant. Younger trees are more susceptible. Healthy trees stand a better chance of avoiding water damage.  Stressed trees are more likely to suffer damage. Although they can grow in partial sun, they will grow faster in the sunlight.  There should be at minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.  Cedar trees can actually benefit from full sun exposure, so choose a location that doesn’t have significant eastern or western sunlight blockage. While most cedar trees can thrive in a variety of climates with minimal interaction, a lack of moisture could impact their health.  Some trees that have not received appropriate moisture become more susceptible to insect infestation and disease.  Very hot locations should receive extra watering whenever possible to prevent the trees from going into shock and dying. Very cold locations should receive extra layers of mulch in order to protect against frozen root systems.

SUMMARY: Choose a location that doesn’t block vertical growth. Provide enough space for horizontal growth. Avoid locations near fruit trees. Choose a spot away from large amounts of water. Select an area with significant sun exposure. Adapt your plan to suit your climate.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Ensure that your food is chewed thoroughly, which helps to ease digestion and may help relieve IBS-related symptoms. You can also prevent yourself from overeating, which could make symptoms of IBS feel worse.  It may help to monitor how you feel after you eat. This should be done approximately 1 hour after eating. This way, you can track the foods that worsen your IBS symptoms and those that alleviate your condition. Note any effects of food in your body including: gaseous discomfort, abdominal pains, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Small, more frequent meals as opposed to fewer, larger meals can help to reduce diarrhea and cramping pain. With smaller meals, the abdomen is emptied more frequently, which relieves symptoms caused by IBS. Ask your doctor if probiotics may be a good option for you. Probiotics ensure there is enough “good bacteria” in the stomach and intestines to help break down food. You can find tablets, capsules, as well as yogurt drinks at your local health food store or pharmacy. Note that foods can make IBS worse by causing severe gaseous pain and discomfort, and should be eaten in moderation. Use your own discretion before eating foods like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and milk products. Other gas-inducing foods include beans, cauliflower, carbonated drinks, hard candy, lettuce, onions, and whole grains. Avoid foods that are extra spicy or greasy, as they may cause your symptoms to flare up. Additionally, avoid foods or drinks with artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, which may make your IBS symptoms worse. Some other common triggers include dairy products, carbonated drinks, apples, watermelon, pears, cole slaw, sauerkraut, soy beans, chickpeas, lentils, baked beans, pizza, and fried food. Switch out your normal bread and grain products for gluten-free alternatives. Even if you don’t have celiac disease, you may find that your symptoms improve when you don’t eat as much gluten on a daily or weekly basis. Note that gluten can be found in unexpected places, like soy sauce and salad dressing, so be sure to double-check your food labels. You may need to try this diet for several weeks before you see any results. Note that FODMAPs, or certain carbs and sugars, may be making your IBS symptoms worse. Opt for foods like bell peppers, kale, celery, and squash, which are all naturally low in FODMAPs. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols.

SUMMARY:
Eat slowly to help your digestion. Have small, frequent meals rather than fewer large ones. Try probiotics to support healthy gut bacteria. Limit foods that are known to cause gas. Reduce or eliminate common food triggers for IBS. Try a gluten-free diet to ease your symptoms. Experiment with a low FODMAP diet to find relief.