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Plum Tree Size

Plum tree (Prunus spp.) Size varies, depending on the species and cultivar. The rootstock onto which a tree is grafted also impacts the height. The adult size of this tree may also be affected by growing conditions. Some plum trees boom and easily reach their entire size in dry soil with an alkaline pH, while others will fight to live and could be stunted.

Drought-Tolerant Plum Trees

Wild or American plum trees (Prunus americana) and also chickasaw plums (P. angustifolia) are drought-tolerant species which grow well with supplemental moisture or at dry conditions. American plums can grow to a mature height of 20 to 40 feet but usually top out in a height and canopy width of 25 feet. They produce fragrant, white flowers with a pale pink blush at the spring, followed by 1-inch diameter burgundy, red or yellow-brown plums. They’re hardy at U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8. Clay, loamy or sandy soil with acidic, neutral or alkaline pH is fine using a full or partial sunlight exposure. Chickasaw plums vary in their adult height. They can grow in shrub form using a mature height of 4 to 10 feet or in tree form, to a height of 25 feet. These are late-winter blooming plums that produce fragrant, white flowers followed by tart, 1/2-inch diameter reddish to yellow plums. Chickasaw plums grow in USDA zones 6 to 9 and grow well in acidic clay, loamy or sandy soil that drains fast. Full sun is best, however they will grow in partial shade.

Dwarf Plum Trees

European plum trees (P. domestica) usually grow to 25 feet tall. They produce fragrant, white spring flowers followed by an abundance of edible black, yellow or green 1/2- to 1 1/2-inch diameter plums. Clay, loamy or sandy soil with acidic, neutral or alkaline pH is great for this particular tree having a full sun exposure. It grows best when the ground is kept uniformly moist. The “Stanley” dwarf plum cultivar (P. domestica “Stanley”) comes at three heights. The standard height is 15 to 20 feet while the semi-dwarf is 12 to 15 feet tall and the dwarf is 8 to 10 feet tall. They all develop a canopy width very similar to their height. The species and dwarf cultivars have comparable growth requirements in addition to flowering and fruiting habits. They are usually hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9, though that varies depending on the cultivar and rootstock.

Plum Trees With Burgundy Foliage

Cherry plum trees (P. cerasifera) may grow into a mature height of 15 to 30 feet and canopy width of 15 to 25 feet but typically grow to 15 to 25 feet tall with a canopy width around 20 feet. In the spring they produce white flowers with a pink blush, followed by an abundance of blue, crimson, 1/2- to 1 1/2-inch diameter plums. The leaf is burgundy- to bronze-green. The “Krauter Vesuvius” cultivar (P. cerasifera “Krauter Vesuvius”) rises to a height of 20 to 25 feet using a 15-foot-wide canopy and deep burgundy foliage. In late winter or early spring, “Krauter Vesuvius” trees produce fragrant pink flowers, but a few, if any, 1 1/2- to 3-inch diameter purple plums. Cherry plum trees are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8. They grow best in loamy, acidic soil that drains fast in sunlight but will also grow in clay and sandy soil or using a partial colour exposure.

Plum Trees With Big Fruit

Japanese plum trees (P. salicina) and Mexican plum trees (P. mexicana) produce big, creamy plums which may be around 3 inches in diameter. Both species grow to a width and height of approximately 25 feet and produce white spring flowers. Japanese plum tree fruit can be green, purple, yellow or red. Mexican plum tree fruit is purple or red. Both species grow in clay, loamy or sandy soil using an acidic, neutral or alkaline pH in full sunlight and are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 8.

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Can You Water Your Tomato Plant Right When You Plant It?

Appropriate watering technique is among the most important components of growing tomatoes. Watering too much or too little can cause poor plant health and diminished yield. During planting, it is important to provide the plants plenty of water to allow them to establish roots in the new soil.

Planting Tomatoes from the Ground

When planting tomatoes directly into the ground, it is ideal to plant while the ground is moist but not soggy. This enables the initial watering to drain more easily through the ground. Directly after planting, water the area around the bottom of the plant until it begins to puddle on the surface, then enable the standing water to soak into the soil. Water once more, again, allowing to puddle marginally before draining through. This will ensure the plant has enough water while it sends its origins in the new soil.

Planting Tomatoes in Pots

Tomatoes grow well in containers and also you should care for them in a similar manner as when you plant them directly into the ground. After planting, soak the ground surrounding the plant thoroughly until the water begins to run out the bottom of the container. This means the water has drained all of the way through the ground.

Future Water Care

In general, tomato crops thrive when watered deeply and infrequently. Supply 1 to 2 inches of water per week, whether through rainfall or supplemental watering. Every time you water, soak the soil thoroughly to allow water to reach the roots deep in the ground. Potted tomato crops require more frequent watering than those in mattresses because the soil loses moisture faster.

Water-Related Issues

Incorrect watering is a most important cause of disease in tomato plants. Light, frequent watering will lead to poor root systems and poor plant health. Inconsistent water, whether to little or too much, could cause blossom-end rot, a disease which causes large dark spots on the seams of their tomatoes. Mulching the area around tomato crops can help maintain a more even level of dirt.

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How Close Can You Plant a Sand Cherry to Additional Plants?

While there are several factors to consider when making decisions concerning plant spacing, regard the minimal distances for plant health and cultivation. Sand cherries are vigorous, distinguishing shrubs that aren’t hard to develop, but they do require sun to retain their best characteristics. Avoid crowding and shading from company plants.

Plant Spacing

Space plants at a space that allows room because of their height and spread at maturity. For instance, if a tree reaches 5 feet in height and spread, then plant it a minimum of 5 feet from an adjacent tree that also grows to 5 feet, or further if the nearest tree is broader. If planted close to a tree, the tree canopy should have a clear distance of 5 feet from the bottom. Just shade-tolerant plants can be planted under a tree canopy.

Sand Cherry Shrubs

Western sand cherry (Prunus bessayi) is a winter-hardy tree for USDA planting zones 3 to 6, as wide as it is tall, with an open, spreading habit. A favorite ornamental hybrid is the “Purpleleaf” sand cherry (Prunus x cistena), which includes reddish-purple foliage. It is among the first shrubs to bloom in the spring, with the blossoms appearing before the leaves. It is possible to plant mud cherries as a hedge, massed for border planting or where the purple foliage will comparison to surrounding plants. Sand cherries require full sun and moist, well-drained dirt conditions.

Sand Cherry Spacing from Shrubs

Sand cherries are usually 5 to 6 ft in width and height, although there is some variation, depending on the cultivar. When planted as hedging, or in circles, space them in 5 or 6 feet on center from each other. If planted near another species, then add half the spread of this second species to half the spread of this sand cherry. That means you should plant a 6-foot mud cherry situated alongside your honeysuckle (Lonicera species, zones 3 to 7) with a spread of 8 ft, a minimum of 6 1/2 feet from the honeysuckle.

Sand Cherry Spacing from Trees and Perennials

Because they don’t tolerate shade, plant sand cherries away from the canopy of a tree. When you plant the 6-foot mud cherry close to a tree with a canopy of 20 feet, then it is spaced at a distance of 13 feet. The exact same process applies to perennials — planted next to a perennial with an 18-inch spread, space the sand cherry 45 inches from the perennial. Monitor all crops as they develop, and adjust as necessary to accommodate individual plant growth.

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Reviews of Landscape Fabric

Even though you’ve got a range of different protective mulch choices to choose from for your topsoil, you may want to think about using landscape fabric as an alternative. Available in rolled sheets, landscape fabric provides a barrier to weeds and creates a brilliant aesthetic for a garden border or shrub grouping. Fabrics vary in depth and material type, but each provides a valuable usage in your home garden.

Non-Woven

Usually made of polyester or polypropylene, non-woven landscape fabrics offer a permanent solution to weed management. Although they do allow some water movement and drainage to the soil below, non-woven fabric may suffocate plant roots if used in a flower bed since it does not have a highly porous construction. This fabric type works nicely under gravel or stone landscapes. The fabric prevents weeds from overrunning a gravel trail or desert landscape and also prevents the gravel by settling into the soil.

Woven

Generated from linen or polypropylene, woven fabric offers miniature holes within the material’s construction for nutrient and water exchange with the soil. This landscape fabric is ideal for garden beds, trees and shrubbery. It’s vital, however, to refill and until your soil prior to applying the woven fabric, since it might need to be taken up in order to do this after it’s installed. As soon as you cover the amended area, you create holes in the fabric which are big enough for your plants to grow into the soil. Water readily penetrates to the ground and disappears naturally for a wholesome garden ecosystem.

Thickness

Each manufacturer offers a different material thickness for each fabric type; thicker stuff will last longer, but costs more initially. Your lawn program dictates the depth level. As an example, fabric underlying heavy stones needs to be somewhat thicker than material used in a herb garden. Although landscape fabric’s main job is to prevent weeds, a thin material may allow tough weeds to penetrate upwards, especially if the fabric gets damaged or torn.

Ultraviolet Damage

Irrespective of the program, landscape fabric has to be covered with synthetic or natural mulch. However, a drawback to organic mulch throughout the fabric is new weed seed germination; it could be required to pull weeds in the flux should they have a chance to sprout over the fabric. But allowing the fabric to weather the elements with no protective mulch layer reduces its lifespan. The ultraviolet radiation of sunlight contributes to the fabric’s decline. Manufacturers do offer some fabrics with UV treatments to stop chemical breakdown, but it is still good practice to maintain sunlight from the fabric.

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Arborvitae PH Levels

Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) are evergreen members of the cedar family and are native to the eastern two-thirds of North America. Translated from Latin, the name means ” tree of life” Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is sturdy across USDA zones 2 to 8 and is most commonly planted. Giant Red Cedar (Thuja pilcata) is sturdy over USDA Zones 5 to 8 and can be widely planted. Both are widely tolerant of a wide range of climate and soil conditions, but perform best in well-drained, loamy soil with a rather impartial pH.

Importance of pH

Soil pH is a main concern when planting arborvitae. Acidic soils have a lower pH value, from 0.0 to 6.9, and alkaline or basic soils have a higher pH value, from 7.1 to 14.0. A value of 7.0 indicates neutral soil. Essential nutrients in the soil are more readily available to arborvitae origins once the soil pH falls at an optimal range of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are most easily transferable in soils with a pH selection of 6.0 to 8.0, as are most secondary elements such as iron, magnesium, sulfur and copper.

Testing Soil pH

Prior to planting, a soil test will identify your land’s pH. The best pH for arborvitae is 6.8 to 7.2, as stated by the University of Texas in Austin. However, many members of the species will tolerate a pH range from acidic to alkaline, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Highly acidic soils may be neutralized to the desired pH with lime or dolomite. Highly alkaline soils can be neutralized with sulfur derivatives.

Improving Problem Soils

Arborvitae specimens will flourish when planted in soils that are high in organic material and well-drained. If your soil is loam or sandy loam, then it may not need to be amended. However, silt beds or tight clay soils may be improved with the incorporation of organic matter. Working at a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost, aged manure and melted pine bark to a depth of 18 inches will help get the tree’s roots off to a strong start by increasing aeration. This practice will also improve transport of pH-adjusting alterations more extensively by improving drainage.

Additional Factors

It is also important to site your arborvitae nicely. Thuja species and cultivars are tolerant of a mild quantity of shade but favor growing in full sun, if possible. Always dry soils or areas that are densely shaded are not conducive to healthy development. Arborvitae selections can range in height from 8 feet to more than 150, so look at the mature height you’d like to achieve with your plantings and choose varieties carefully.

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The way to Troubleshoot Magnolia Tree Leaves Turning Yellow

Magnolias (genus Magnolia) are a family of flowering trees and shrubs which are among the first to bloom each spring. Hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, magnolias open their huge, distinctive, saucer-like flowers prior to their leaves grass. These trees make striking ornamentals but also are sensitive to change, so monitor your magnolia carefully for signs of infection or injury.

Consider seasonal shift. Deciduous species of magnolias naturally change colour and lose their leaves in the autumn, and might occasionally start this process early when there’s a sudden drop in temperature. Magnolias also shed a small number of leaves naturally during the year, as older leaves eventually become worn and are replaced with fresh growth. In case a few person leaves are yellowing, with no sign of spread throughout a larger area of the tree, there’s ordinarily no need for worry.

Assess recent weather conditions. If there has been a sudden frost, a heat wave or a lengthy period of drought, then the magnolia leaves might be turning yellow due to weather damage. Though mature magnolias do not ordinarily need hand-watering, they should be watered during periods of low rainfall to help reduce wilting leaves. Make sure that the soil around your magnolia is well irrigated, as poor drainage can also bring about leaf discoloration.

Check your tree for signs of harm. Splits or cracks in the tree’s bark can lead to infection and make the tree more vulnerable to changing weather conditions. Prune back any snapped or dangling branches to the collar of the branch, making clean, diagonal cuts to encourage rapid healing.

Examine your soil using a soil test kit purchased from a nursery or garden center. Leaf discoloration can occasionally result from nutrient deficiencies or chemical imbalances in the ground. Iron deficiency is a frequent cause of yellowing leaves in magnolias. If your land has a high pH level, making iron less available, reduce the soil alkalinity using peat moss or another organic fertilizer.

Discontinue use of deicing solutions or other goods containing salt which may leach into the soil around your magnolia tree. High salt levels can inhibit the tree’s ability to take in water, resulting in yellow and wilting leaves.

Prevent problems before they start by supplying your magnolia tree great care during the season. Make sure that your tree contains affluent, well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Mulch around the base of the magnolia each spring to help keep moisture and keep down weeds. Avoiding heavy pruning, whenever possible, since pruning causes the tree more vulnerable to injury and infection.

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Asparagus Bean Plant Problems

Also known as yardlong bean, asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. Sesquipedalis (L.) Verde) is distinguished by the edible bean pods that frequently reach lengths of up to 36 inches. The plant, which grows to 9 to 12 feet, is also planted for its ornamental qualities and violet flowers. Asparagus bean is at precisely the same plant family as the black-eyed pea. Although the plant is a legume, it is not related to snap beans or pole beans.

Bacterial Blight

Halo bacterial blight (Pseudomonas syringae pathovar phaseolicola), shows up as wilted foliage and brownish spots that appear on the leaves and pods. The blight is readily recognized because every brown spot is surrounded by a distinct yellow halo. Halo blight often occurs as a consequence of damp, cool weather, as asparagus beans need warm, well-drained soil. Treat affected beans with a copper-based fungicide. To prevent halo bacterial blight, avoid using sprinklers. Instead, keep the foliage dry by watering in the base of the plant. Alternate planting locations at least once every three decades, as the blight stays in the soil for two decades.

Root Rot

Root rots are brought on by fungi that live in the soil. When asparagus beans have been implanted in affected soil, the beans frequently fail to germinate. If they do emerge, then the leaves turn yellow and the plant finally rots and dies. The primary rots affecting asparagus beans are Fusarium root rot (Fusarium solani) and Rhizoctonia root rot (Rhizoctonia solani). Both produce mushy, rotted stems and yellow, withered leaves, as well as red spots at the base of the stems, or on the stem just below the soil. To prevent root rot, find a new spot to plant the seeds following year, as the fungi can dwell in the soil as long as six decades. Keep the region around the plants clean and remove infected leaves. Plant asparagus beans at well-drained soil or raised beds.

Fungal Diseases

Asparagus beans are vulnerable to many fungal diseases in addition to root rots. Fungal diseases include white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotioru), suggested by a fuzzy white material that develops on the stalks, leaves and pods. Likewise powdery mildew isn’t difficult to spot from the white, powdery coating on the leaves and pods. Sometimes, a strong stream of water directed at the affected region removes mould and powdery mildew. Some types of fungal disorder cause dark spots on the leaves similar to halo blight, but without the yellow halo. To manage bacterial disorders, prune and dispose of affected regions. Make sure the plants are not crowded, as asparagus beans requires air circulation. You might need to use commercial fungicides if the disease is severe.

Aphids and Spider Mites

While asparagus beans are affected by various pests, most are nuisances that cause little harm. Aphids and spider mites can cause damage to the plant if left untreated. Spider mites are tiny and difficult to see, but they abandon a fine webbing on the undersides of the leaves. The leaves of a badly infested plant might look scorched. Spider mites frequently appear on plants that are not adequately watered, as the insects like dry, dusty conditions. Aphids are tiny bugs, but they are sometimes seen on the undersides or joints of leaves. Aphids suck the sap from the leaves, leaving a sweet material that frequently develops black sooty mould. Light infestations of aphids and spider mites are sometimes removed with a strong stream of water. Treat heavier infestations with insecticidal soap spray.

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The way to Expand Snails to Your Pond

Aquatic snails add a fantastic deal to your backyard pond health and water quality. Oddly attractive, snails function as nutrient recyclers that encourage clear water. They perform highly supportive functions in populating brand new and established aquatic ecosystems with beneficial bacteria. Snails have traditionally been somewhat overrated as top-notch pond scavengers. While they eat their fair share of algae, decaying leaves, and rotting leftover fish food, they do not eat fish waste, blue-green brown or algae pond scum. The secret to introducing snails for your pond lies in selecting varieties that complement the ecosystem.

Evaluate your garden pond’s features to determine which variety and the number of snails will work nicely for you. Take into account your winter climate and the size of your pond. Water gardeners cherish their own water garden plants, which most snails devour with relish. Nearly all pond snails are hermaphroditic (both female and male, self-fertilizing), a particularly unappealing trait which allows them to breed prolifically in will and overrun a pond very quickly.

Select Japanese black trapdoor snails (Viviparis malleatus) in climates with harsh winters. Also acceptable for warm areas, Japanese trapdoor is the only freshwater snail species which doesn’t eat live pond plants. These snails are not quite prolific, require both female and male to reproduce, and breed just twice annually. They do not litter the pond with eggs as they bear a few live young every year. A couple of members of this mystery (Ampullaria) and ramshorn (Planorbidae) snail groups are not as destructive to plants as several other snails, however they breed and reproduce so prolifically that they are frequently regarded more as pests than creatures.

Purchase snails from reputable suppliers. A good guideline for deciding the number of snails to buy is no more than 1 animal for approximately every square foot of pond floor surface area.

Float the clear plastic bag of snails in the pond water for approximately ten minutes to permit them to slowly acclimate to the temperature. Open the bag and fill it halfway with water. Close the bag and let it float for another 10 minutes as the snails adapt to this change in water composition. Dump the snails to the shallowest portion of this pond. Snails lock themselves up in their shells when angry or afraid, so that they may appear lifeless or lifeless. They’ll soon begin poking their way across the pond floor.

Put a large lettuce leaf to the bottom of the pond and then weigh it down with a stone if you have not seen your snails within several days of releasing them. This is typical of this mollusks, which are hard to see because they mix in with stones, the pond floor. Return in two or three hours and scoop out the lettuce leaf. It ought to be covered with aquatic snails.

Supply your pond snails with a supply of calcium for shell health in case your water pH is below 7.0. Calcium deficiencies cause shells to eventually become pitted and thin, and are detrimental to their general well-being. These deficiencies do not occur in difficult water conditions. Pet and pond provide retailers offer appropriate calcium supplemental materials including dolomite, limestone and coralline stones and gravels. Granular calcium carbonate functions nicely, also. Follow the packaging instructions for amounts and frequency of use.

Feed your snails regularly if you are not feeding any fish which are leaving uneaten food supporting. While snails eat plenty of algae, the plant doesn’t constitute a nutritionally complete diet for them. Offer a large lettuce leaf or 1/4-inch piece of raw zucchini once or twice weekly. Weigh the veggie down with a stone. Contrary to many traditionally held beliefs, snails aren’t pooper-scoopers and will not absorb the waste products of other river residents. In the absence of adequate food, almost all of snail species may turn to eating crops, alternative snails and even little fish to survive.

Maintain your water amount as low as you can if you maintain large aquatic snails. A number of them are very adept at escaping the pond, especially at nighttime. Toss stranded snails back into the water once you locate them, even if they appear lifeless and all dried up. They’re fairly likely to survive.

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When to Prune Little Richard Abelia

“Little Richard” abelia (Abelia x grandiflora “Little Richard”), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 9, is a compact shrub with shiny green leaves and attractive white blossoms that appear in late spring or early summer. With or without routine pruning, this plant only grows to a maximum size of about 3 feet, making it a smart shrub for smaller spaces.

When To Prune

In moderate climates, like USDA zones 8 through 9, “Little Richard” will overwinter with minimal, if any, damage. Pruning done in the end of winter and the beginning of the spring will enable you to shape your plant while you eliminate some damaged, diseased or dead branches. If pruning in early spring, then do so before the onset of new growth. “Little Richard” shrubs are well-known for their fast growing addiction. Whatever is lost during moderate pruning will be regained throughout the growing season.

Rejuvination Pruning

“Little Richard” reacts well to severe pruning. Older bushes with twiggy growth or bare spots can benefit from this kind of pruning. Some gardeners cut their “Little Richard” into the bottom biennially to keep a lush, full shrub. You can perform this type of pruning by cutting down the main stem of the shrub to about 6 inches tall. As with other kinds of pruning, this must be completed in late winter or early spring, before the onset of new growth.

Pruning Tips

Sanitize your pruning tools before you use them to protect against the spread of diseases. An easy-to-make sanitizing solution combines 1 part bleach with 3 parts water. Wash the tools in the process for five minutes and then rinse them before use. For moderate pruning, you ought to examine the abelia and decide which components need to be eliminated and which components can remain. Dead, dry and leafless limbs should be your primary focus. If shaping your bush, decide beforehand how tall you wish your bush to be, and exactly what shape you wish it to take. Severe pruning is easier. After discovering the principal stem or stem, chop the tree off in the foundation, leaving approximately 6 inches of stem over the surface of the soil.

Applications

For moderate pruning, hand pruners are inclined to be all you may need. These tools can cut branches up to 3/4 inch thick. For severe pruning, in most cases the best tools to use are lopping shears. Lopping shears can cut stems up to 1 3/4 inches thick. If trying to decide between bypass pruners and anvil pruners, bypass pruners are often less damaging to the plant. Any stems larger than 2 inches in diameter might call for a fine-toothed saw.

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How to Replace Furnace Belts

Modern furnaces that depend on heat though a series of ducts and air ports to spread heat throughout the house have a powered air compressor that’s powered by an external motor. Generally, this type of fan is called a squirrel cage due to its uncanny similarity to an exercise wheel in a cage. If the belt between the motor and the blower breaks, it can be replaced with a brand new belt in about 15 minutes with some basic hand tools.

Switch off the circuit breaker to the furnace. Confirm the power to the furnace is off by setting the thermostat’s fan setting in the house to the On position, and check to see that the fan engine did not come on.

Remove the front access panel of the furnace by removing the screws that mount the panel to the unit using a screwdriver. Lift the panel off of the unit and set it aside.

Loosen the two mounting bolts securing the engine to the furnace using a socket set. Then push the engine toward the compressor marginally, and remove the damaged belt.

Put a new blower belt above the blower pulley, then above the engine pulley. Pull the motor with one hand, applying tension to the belt, and tighten the two mounting bolts to the motor’s base.

Check the tension of the belt by pushing on the belt between the two pulleys. With proper tension, the belt should deflect approximately half an inch. If the belt is either too loose or too tight, loosen the motor mounting bolts and adjust the stress before tightening the bolts once more.

Replace the access panel and tighten the mounting screws. Then turn the breaker, and analyze the operation of the blower.

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