Nothing says “summer” like the feel of bare feet on grass. Whether it’s in a park or your own front yard, the sensual feeling of that cool, spongy, green carpet against our skin is often just what we need to lift our spirits and reconnect to the earth. It helps us to clear our mind…
It happens. When trees are not properly pruned or trained when they’re young, they can grow in such a way that they simply cannot support their own weight. Mature multi-trunked trees are particularly susceptible to this condition, as are open-canopied trees with limbs that grow horizontally or downward. Additionally, newly-planted trees can sometimes be weak-trunked…
Using ground-covering plants in tree, shrub, and flower beds provides many of the practical benefits you’d get from the application of mulch chips, but does it one better: they look great! The benefits of applying mulch material to tree and shrub beds are many. However, ground-covering plants are a terrific substitute for layers of mulch…
Spring is the time of plans and projects. — Leo Tolstoy (from Anna Karenina) Oh, joy! Warmer days, open windows, and that blissful anticipation of summer just ‘round the corner. Here are some best practices to ensure your landscape is a healthy and beautiful backdrop for your outdoor living. Spring Lawn Care Tip #1: Clean Up…
When it comes to the practice of mulching, property owners should take a page from Hippocrates’ book: First, do no harm. How Mulching Can Help The benefits of mulching are many. The proper application of mulch will suppress weeds, help soil retain moisture, lower soil temperatures during periods of extreme heat, and slowly add nutrients…
Was the winter tough on your landscape? Here you can see some winter damage to boxwoods. Now is a great time to do an early spring assessment.
When living with wintry snow and ice conditions, the safety of roads and pedestrian walkways are the first priority. However, application of de-icing salt can wreak havoc with the health of your property’s lawn, trees, and shrubs. How Salt Damages Plants and Lawns Sodium chloride — refined rock salt — is the cheapest and most…
Ah, the beauty of a mid-winter snowfall. Curled up in the easy chair with a hot cuppa, gazing out the window as your trees and shrubs are transformed into frosted confections. But wait. What’s this wintry mix doing to my trees and shrubs?! Of course, the best defense against snow damage to your landscape is…
We thought you might enjoy reading a post we wrote about firewood: we address the ongoing debate about whether it is best to stack firewood bark up or bark down. For additional information, please visit the USDA’s Forest Products Laboratory website. Are you curious about how firewood compares to other energy sources? Try the Forest Products…
There is nothing like the smell of a real evergreen tree in your home for the holidays. But if you don’t like the idea of cutting down a live tree year after year, you may want to try a potted living tree as your holiday tree of choice. After the holiday is over you can…
