During the winter the physiological process of tree growth slows or stops entirely. This dormant period is the ideal time to prune trees for deadwood, improve vistas, or to improve branch structure. Tree growth occurs in cycles: During the spring, energy stored from the prior fall will be called upon to produce the first leaves…
Tree pruning provides a variety of benefits to your trees and landscape. Pruning doesn’t have to be a complicated or long process. All you need is the right tools and if you don’t have them then you can just ask your neighbor as they might have bought an affordable pole saw to look after their…
Hackberry Hackberry is a very vulnerable tree that is known to have splits during to major wind and ice damage. Also, hackberry bark is very thin, susceptible to disease and will eventually rot with catastrophic limb loss. Roots can raise sidewalks and interfere with lawn mowing. Cottonwood Cottonwood is not recommended for residential planting. It…
This week, 90 degree temperatures are expected to deliver the warmest and driest conditions for summer. Even for many that have been “wet” this season, but are already seeing dry areas, expect more drying to occur. As Labor Day weekend approached, USDA top soil moisture shortages continue to grow. “Normally we would recommend renovation…
Whitetail Deer mating season is typically referred to as “The Rut”. During this time period male deer (bucks) testosterone levels will increase as they begin to look for mates. This period can last anywhere from 1-3 months depending on location and environmental conditions. In most states in the Northeast and Mid Atlantic we will see it…
Bermudagrass is currently on the minds of many property owners. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), which is also called wiregrass, is a warm season perennial grass found throughout this region. This grass is showing up on many landscapes. It has been able to grow exceptional well with the abundant moisture. Some feel the temperatures are not warm…
The rains from last week have provided some relief for many drought-stressed turf, but the eastern edge of the region along the coast remains very dry. Many areas received slow-soaking rain events, but a few experienced some intense downpours that mostly ran off and was not available to replenish soil moisture. Consequently the Northeast US…
Birch trees can be a beautiful and productive asset on many landscapes. However, like most landscape plants, species have varying nutrient, light and moisture requirements and will only thrive on the right site with adequate care. For the most part birch species have interesting and attractive bark colors and textures ranging from pure white to mahogany…
While it may be nicer to go without knowing this, especially as this bitter winter drags on, apparently spring is getting shorter, by 30 seconds to a minute, each year. According to scientists at the National Weather Service (NWS) and Gavin Schmidt, Director with the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, when the Earth’s axis reaches…
While flowers, specifically roses, are a beautiful and traditional gift for Valentine’s Day, they are not particularly environmentally sound and only last a few days. Giving plants can be an alternative to candy or flowers which may be more romantic and representative of your affection. Gifts on Valentine’s Day are supposed to show love and affection…
