Our big tree recently had several major (rotten) branches break off. I want to take down the entire tree because it looks compromised now, but my husband wants to just top it to a lower level. I don't like the look of a tree that's been topped. What do you recommend?Topping is a technique that is no longer performed by reputable tree service companies because the new growth that it stimulates is weakly attached. It actually makes the tree weaker and unsafe. However, there are other techniques for lowering a tree. You can contact tree service companies with an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture to assess your tree, typically at no charge (though they do charge for work done). You can locate an arborist at treesaregood.org.My Magnolia soulangeana was so beautiful one day and so brown the next! It killed me to see the frost "toast" the flowers. How can I prevent a repeat?Your options are to replace it or move it. The "Little Girl" series of tulip magnolias developed by the National Arboretum blooms later in the spring than this species by about two weeks. Using this variety would reduce the possibility of frost damage. Cultivars include 'Ann,' 'Betty,' 'Jane,' 'Judy,' 'Pinkie,' 'Randy,' 'Rickie,' and 'Susan.' Also, you will get the best flower success with a tree that is not planted on the south side of buildings. Southern exposure creates a microclimate around the tree that warms them up early, causing early blooms that are subject to frost damage.Eastern or wild columbineColumbines are outliers in the flower crowd, what with their crazy shape.Columbines are outliers in the flower crowd, what with their crazy shape. Like little five-peaked jester caps in multiple colors, they truly provide spring entertainment. The native Eastern or wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) sports cherry red and yellow flowers, rising 2-3 feet on slender stems from tidy clumps of soft, bluish-green, paw-shaped foliage. Not only do columbines attract hummingbirds and butterflies, but the Eastern columbine is particularly resistant to the leaf miner insect that harms other columbine species. Classified as an herbaceous perennial, columbines live about three years. They seed themselves freely in ideal growing conditions, naturalizing to form happy colonies. Give them sun to part shade in soils that are moderately wet to dry. Adding some compost to soil and a light layer of mulch will help keep them moderately moist.—Ellen Nibali