Flashback to your elementary school science classes. Remember learning about stormwater runoff? In case you need a refresher: whenever it rains, water runs off hard surfaces in your yard like rooftops or driveways. Instead of soaking into the ground, that stormwater travels along the landscape, picking up pollutants like fertilizer, oil, or chemicals as it …
How to Build a Rain Garden to Filter Stormwater Runoff Read More »
When forsythia shrubs bloom, boy do they stand out. The brilliant burst of golden flowers is simply one of the most gorgeous sights in springtime. That’s why it’s a real let down if your forsythia is not blooming for some reason. Why does this happen? And, more importantly, what can you do? Let’s run through …
One day, your tree looks completely normal. Then the next, it’s draped in creepy-looking webs. Why is that? That, friends, is what happens when fall webworms or Eastern tent caterpillars pay a visit. They spin showy nets that sort of make it look like a tree is covered in spider webs. Read below for more …
What Makes Webs in Trees: Webworm vs. Tent Caterpillar Read More »
Without a doubt, you’d never put your tree in harm’s way. Or at least, not on purpose. You might be unaware of some small actions that can hurt your tree big time. And, that’s OK! The important thing is that you find out what is bad for trees now so you can make the best …
Shades of green can be spotted all around your yard; from lawns to leaves, to vines or vegetable gardens. While tree trunks and branches aren’t typically a place you expect to see green, that’s exactly what happens when lichen or moss crops up. You might assume green spots on tree bark are a sign of …
Thinking about planting a garden? There’s inspiration everywhere! From magazines to Pinterest pictures and even your neighbor’s front yard, checking out the gorgeous gardens around you can really help get the creative juices flowing. When you’re ready to bring that inspiration to life, this blog post has you covered. Keep reading for all the flower …
Ah, springtime. The sun’s peeking out more often, the birds are back to singing their morning tunes, and your trees are ever so slowly sprouting new flowers and fruits. And then…the temperature takes a turn. A late freeze in spring is troublesome for all trees, but fruit trees are especially vulnerable. That’s why it’s important …
Tree transplanting takes much more time and expertise than your typical tree care duties. Why? Well, transplanting requires tampering with tree roots. Sprawling roots have lots of responsibilities—like anchoring a tree in place, transporting water and storing nutrients. That’s why cutting roots before transplanting can do some serious damage, and in the worst case, even …
As much as we all love to see beautiful blooms right at the start of spring, sometimes a tree just isn’t quite ready yet. Trees have the ability to “sense” that it’s time to grow in spring by measuring the duration of light in a day and detecting a change in temperature. If the environment …
If you haven’t heard of the spotted lanternfly, or you don’t know too much about it, let’s get you up to speed on this invasive insect. There’s a lot of ground to cover when it comes to this pest. But, it’s very important for fellow tree owners to know all about the appearance, damage, and …
When you plant grass seed, you want your new lawn to grow in green and healthy. How can you make that happen? Well, timing plays a huge role. Planting grass seed at the right time of year is one way to make sure your lawn can flourish. Let’s talk about one particular time—April. Is April …
How do trees survive winter? They have a few tried and true techniques. Most trees drop their water-loving leaves in fall so they can conserve as much water as possible before winter starts. Also, trees undergo a few fascinating biological changes to stop their cells from freezing. But despite these efforts, winter weather is relentless. …
How do trees survive winter? They have a few tried and true techniques. Most trees drop their water-loving leaves in fall so they can conserve as much water as possible before winter starts. Also, trees undergo a few fascinating biological changes to stop their cells from freezing. But despite these efforts, winter weather is relentless. …
Growing fruit trees in your yard comes with an awesome reward. Tasty treats like tart plums or sweet peaches are right at your fingertips! But getting your hands on these goodies takes some work, particularly in springtime. Essentials like proper pruning and feeding fruit trees with the right fertilizer make all the difference in the …
The time your trees break bud is mostly up to Mother Nature. But proper spring tree care also supports the growth process. That’s where you come in. Water is incredibly important for trees as they work to establish new leaves and flowers. When you water trees at the right time in spring, you help make …
When Should I Start Watering My Trees in Spring? Read More »
Most of the time, tree care is pretty hands-on—pruning branches, spreading mulch, watering roots, you name it. But if your trees are bent over by ice, the best thing you can do is: nothing at all. Well, at least to start off. While you shouldn’t take action the moment you spot ice on your tree, …
Bark is known as the tough armor that shields trees from outside stressors, like extreme weather or disease. But what happens when bark needs protection? During winter, sunscald and frost cracks can injure tree bark, which in turn threatens the health of our trees. But with your help, bark damage can be prevented. So let’s …
The emerald ash borer: it’s a small pest with a big appetite. For nearly two decades, this tiny terror has destroyed hundreds of millions of ash trees across the country. And unfortunately, the pest isn’t slowing down. When EAB first appeared in the U.S. in 2002, Michigan was the only state affected. Fast forward to …
You know those winter days when the sun breaks through to give a little dose of warm weather? For us, it’s nice having a moment to soak up the sun before frigid weather returns. But when temperatures are mild for a bit and then make a quick change back to chilly, it can be a …
Even though trees take a rest and slow their growth in winter, us tree lovers aren’t off the hook when it comes to caring for our plants. In fact, taking proactive steps to maintain your trees during winter is crucial to ensuring they’re all set for a successful growing season. Don’t let tree care get …