Mulch covers the soil and helps it retain water, stay frost-free, and keep nutrients. There are several different mulch types, each one with a somewhat different function. Cedar and pine mulches are both wood-chip mulches. However, the difference between pine and cedar mulch are significant, as they benefit the soil differently and have to be used in separate sections of your landscape. Advantages of Mulch Mulch comes in several forms, acting as a defensive layer for both the plant's roots and the soil. A few inches of mulch placed on the ground before the first frost will shield your plants' roots and guarantee that they live through the winter. Also, wood mulch breaks down and reloads the soil's nutrients that the plants use to thrive and flourish every year. A generous amount of mulch around your trees also deters weed growth. Pine Mulch Pine is a soft wood that breaks down easier than hard wood. This means that the soft wood mulch created won’t last as long as a hard wood mulch made with cedar. Pine mulch is best used in places that have a good number of plant turn-over, are replanted every year, or in spots with a considerable amount of plants where the plants are taking in a significant number of nutrients. Cedar Mulch Cedar mulch is a hardwood mulch that doesn’t break down quickly. It is best used on plants that grow gradually and in spots where there isn’t a lot of plants turn over. Cedar mulch is typically used around grown trees and shrubs. Also, cedar mulch is suitable for lining your garden paths, since it won't break down when you step on it. Cedar mulch lasts a very long time. How to Use Wood mulch is best used in autumn to safeguard your plants from frost and heavy rain. It shields the soil and halts a snap freeze from destroying the roots of your plants. You must cover all unplanted and exposed ground with around two inches of mulch. You can get organic, fresh mulch from any Rochester stump grinding business. Tip Pine is an acidic wood. Even though it breaks down gradually, it could still affect the pH balance of your soil. Therefore, be careful not to apply it around any plants that are sensitive to acidic soils. 10/26/2019 Halloween Ideas for your LandscapingHalloween night brings plenty of foot traffic to your house, making it one of the best holidays for decorating. It’s also the heart of fall season, which is why so many Rochester homeowners are thrilled to give their yard a festive facelift as soon as October comes. If you’re looking for some Halloween ideas for your landscaping, here are a few tried and true favorites. Countryside Porch The porch is the best place for mums, pumpkins, mums, and other fall goodies. If you’re not the one who likes goblins and ghosts, an old-school country porch is an excellent way to ring in the fall season. Your decorations will be right until Thanksgiving. Keep your pumpkins upright on your porch using mulch. You can find mulch at any stump grinding business. Spooky The best Halloween decorations don’t have to be the scariest. Keep your props lighthearted and cute, instead of putting the highlight on fall annuals and a bright green lawn, with your house as the centerpiece. Halloween Scene If you’re going to go all out for Halloween, have a good time. Don’t stop at just decorations. Picture your yard as a blank canvas to produce an entire Halloween landscape. The more you can pull everything together, the more exciting your final presentation. Pathway to Patio If you have a patio or backyard, you can imitate a haunted house with a dimly lit path with scary surprises. Safe by the Fire There’s no better time than now to have a fire pit built so you can enjoy it through the cold months. Contact a local stump removal company if you want help getting wood for your fire. Most significantly, have fun and don’t forget to get lots of candy and goodies for the trick-or-treaters. There are lots of fun ways to assimilate some spooky ideas into your landscape. From witches to ghosts to skeletons, there are plenty of ways to have some fun with your outdoor space while delivering some frightening fun. Regardless of how old you are, Halloween decorations can help you make the most of your landscape. If you want to get trick-or-treaters to come by, you want your outdoor space to catch everyone’s attention. People love a good scare this time of year. 10/19/2019 Improving the Clay Soil in Your YardIf your yard has heavy clay soil, you understand what a challenge it can be for plants. Heavy clay drains gradually. This means it remains wet longer after rain. When the sun dries the soil, it forms a hard surface. Below are some ideas about improving the clay soil in your yard. On the positive side, clay soil has more minerals than sandy soil. And clay's inclination to hold water can be an advantage. Healthy soil possesses clay particles, sand, and silt. Heavy soil has too many particles and not enough sand or silt to give plants the nutrients and moisture they need to grow. Soils with too much clay in them get waterlogged when wet, choking out the oxygen to plant roots. When dry, it compacts easily, stopping roots from getting into the soil and withstanding drainage. Amending the soil correctly enhances texture and reinforces plant growth. Improve Your Clay Soil Dig the soil and do a soil test to get the pH and nutrient level of the soil. Spread some compost over the soil and work it in with a spade or garden fork, breaking up any chunks of clay. Put on another layer of organic matter, including fertilizer and work the mixture into the soil with a spade. Turn the soil until the compost is distributed evenly. Rake the area smooth and plant according to the spacing and depth for the specific plant. Construct raised beds. Since clay soils hold water, build raised beds can help perfect drainage by making the water runoff. Raised beds can be just a pile of dirt or can be made out of stone, wood, or brick. To reduce compaction, measure the beds so you can get to the middle without walking on the bed. Mulch beds over the wintertime. Heavy rain hardens bare soil. So, beds should be applied with eco-green mulch both in the winter and the growing season. You can get organic mulch from a stump grinding business. Putting some straw over the beds will reduce erosion and safeguard the soil from compaction. It can also aid in reducing weed growth. 10/12/2019 Common Diseases of the Ficus TreeFicus trees are grown for their fantastic foliage and are standard houseplants. The species include the Weeping Fig, Fiddleleaf Fig, and the Rubber Tree. Ficus trees are simple to maintain. Avoid over watering or wetting the leaves to help stop diseases. Below are some of the common diseases of the ficus tree. Fungal Leaf Spots Ficus trees that are set outside during warm weather could develop fungal leaf spots, but they never happen inside. Leaf spots usually aren’t harmful, though they affect the look of infested trees. Care for leaf spots with a fungicide particularly for ficus trees. Anthracnose created by Glomerella fungi or Colletotrichum darken yellow spots to brown and produces hordes of spores. Botrytis blight creates large brown or tan spots with concentric rings and multitudes of fuzzy gray spores. Little raised red or dark green spots on the bottom part of the leaves are symptoms of Cercospora leaf spot. These spots emerge on young leaves as red spots. Fungal Diseases Many other fungal diseases influence ficus trees. Twig blight makes small twigs turn brown and die. Twig cankers produced by fungi are lesions that can encircle and destroy the infested limbs. Trim and extinguish infected plant material to stop the spread of disease. The fungus Sclerotium rolfsii produces Southern blight. Loads of white cottony mycelium develop on the leaves and stems of infected plants and make them die. There is no treatment or for Southern blight. Infected trees have to be destroyed. Contact a tree and stump removal company to get rid of the diseased tree. Bacterial Diseases These maladies are deadly to ficus trees. Galls on ficus trees are created by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Swollen areas on infected stem, roots, or develop and get corky. No chemical control will work. Affected trees have to be destroyed to stop the spread of infection. Xanthomonas leaf spot starts as little water-soaked spots on the tree. The spots multiply and might produce yellow margins. Using bactericides according to the manufacturer’s instructions can stop Xanthomonas leaf spots. Infected trees and their stumps have to be cut down so the disease won’t spread in your lawn. 10/5/2019 How can I get my Magnolia Tree to Bloom?Magnolias are a desired tree among many gardeners. They are simple to maintain, needing just a good start in most cases to thrive into a self-sustaining, healthy tree. Though, magnolias have been known in some cases to have a hard time flowering. There are many things to consider when you want your magnolia tree to bloom. If your tree isn’t growing, there are reasons you can explore that may help the tree start to grow once again. If your magnolia tree hasn’t ever bloomed, you may be in for a long wait. Magnolia trees are grown from seeds that could take up to 20 years to bloom. It will probably be close to three years after planting before the roots are set enough for the tree to flourish. Verify Your Variety Flowers are a fragment of the reproductive cycle of plants. Based on the variety and type of plant, flowers come forth at various times of the year according to the climate. Magnolia trees early-blooming happens in late February or March. As such, it can be vulnerable to harmful late frosts that can disturb flower blooming. Test the Soil Nitrogen-rich soil assists magnolia trees in producing beautiful vegetation but could constrain the number of blooms the tree makes. You can call your local tree care and stump removal service business to test the soil and decide whether you have too much nitrogen. You may need a more significant amount of phosphorus or other nutrients that will invigorate the roots and help the magnolia tree to develop more flowers. Feed the roots by creating some deep holes near the drip line of the tree. Put the holes at least six inches apart. You can make the holes with a crowbar, and they have to be big enough to add the nutrients. Add phosphate to the holes. You also can use the holes to put in any other micronutrients that are suggested based on the outcome of your soil test. Eliminate any barriers that could block the magnolia tree’s sun. Magnolias require at least six hours of full sun every day to get to their full potential. Contact Rochester Stump removal if you have any questions about the health of your trees. 9/27/2019 Ideal Trees for a Parking LotSome trees are a lot sturdier than others. Some are decorative and dainty. Others are sturdy and hearty. If you desire to spruce up your property, below are some ideal trees for a parking lot. You have to be sure that the trees are resilient. Advantages A parking lot is a big expanse of paving. There's not much to it. Trees can break up the monotony and bring some shade. Planting trees in your parking lot stop soil erosion, enhances curb appeal, and adds oxygen to your setting. Challenges One of the significant obstacles to planting trees in your parking lot is that there usually isn’t the right amount of topsoil. The part of the soil beneath the topsoil is really low in oxygen and not root friendly. The other two challenges to growing trees in a parking lot are too much heat and not enough water. Since pavement is made to eliminate water as fast as possible, it can leave trees without adequate water. Depending on the angles and pavement, your trees can become over watered with the excess water pooling near the roots. The heat is a big issue since the pavement draws the heat and light from the sun, which is also reflected from any nearby buildings. Top Trees for Parking Lots Elm - Once the most familiar street tree in the U.S., the elm was almost exterminated when Dutch elm disease struck in the 30s. When that was handled, it has been making a comeback and is perfect for parking lots. Zelkova' Green Vase' - This tree is excellent for an urban setting since it’s very tolerant of drought, compacted soil, wind, and pollution. Crape Myrtle - The Crape Myrtle has fabulous blooms in a host of colors. It might look flimsy, but it’s very sturdy. Crape Myrtles adore heat, which makes them ideal for parking lots which can get very hot. Littleleaf Linden - Regardless if your parking lot is in the shade or sun, this tree will give it a bright look and fresh scent. The littleleaf linden is unaffected by compacted soil, air pollution, or poor drainage so it will do well in a parking lot setting. Red Maple - The red maple is quite hardy and will grow anywhere. You can find it growing anywhere from dry soil to swamps. Picking the right trees for your parking lot will avoid you from having to get tree and stump removal service in the future. If you need more help, reach out to a tree care professional who can provide expert advice. Your trees will be safe and thriving as they beautify your landscape. We all realize that it’s imperative to keep your pool debris-free in the summertime. Fragments can dirty your water, block your filters, and make your pool experience horrible. If you want to create a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere at your poolside, you must learn which trees you should never plant near a pool. Keep reading to learn about some tree examples that will give you the outdoor space you’re after as well as keeping your pool dirt-free. What you want from your tree Before discussing the best trees for your poolside, review the things you’ll need to think about before selecting your trees. Consider the climate where you reside. Research what trees work best and which trees typically wither and die. It’s also critical to see which trees grow too fast or too big. For instance, you don’t want to plant an oak tree for this very reason. Acacia Acacia has little leaf shedding in the fall, making it ideal for late-summer pool planting. It won’t block your filters, and you'll be skimming the surface a little less obsessively. Also, acacia possesses a beautiful shade that is hard to beat. Its look is fabulous, craftily draping over your pool, offering a fantastic setting. Evergreen If your goal is to keep your pool area private, you need a tree that is thick and fast-growing. This is where the evergreen comes in. Its quick growth and abundant greenery make it perfect for planting around your pool. Windmill Palm Trees with seeds or fruits can be messy and create a headache for you. Windmill palms are the right combination of easy cleanup and beauty. Even though these are typically for warmer climates, they are quick growing and simple to plant for the summer. You don’t have to worry about debris with a windmill palm. Holly Holly trees are well-known for their dropping berries. Though, the berries are tiny and easily handled by your filter. They don’t shed leaves during the winter, meaning you won’t have to clean up after it. Instead, you can take pleasure in the soft, gentle, beauty it will bring to your outdoor space. If you’re still curious about which trees you should be planting near your pool, call a tree specialist. The last thing you want to do is plant the wrong tree and end up having to pay for tree and stump removal service. 9/14/2019 Could I use a Powerwasher on my TreeIt’s early November, and your trees are settling down for a nice wintertime siesta. Many creatures hibernate, sleeping away from the cold before coming back to life in the springtime. It might not seem like it, but trees are living being. Have you ever asked yourself, “Can I use a powerwasher on my tree?” Well, this article will answer your question. Not Very Safe When you use a power washer, you have to keep in mind that there is a good reason why they are called power washers, to begin with. These washers might look like your usual garden hose, but they can be up to 50% more powerful, delivering a strong and steady stream of water. It might not seem possible, but that amount of force can destroy your trees. Oops, I Used It. What Happens Next? You might want to use a standard garden hose to clean off your tree. Power washers function using components like motors. Since it depends on motor power, power washers give off a significant amount of water pressure. Damage from Using Power Washers Canopies are a crucial part of keeping your trees healthy. Regrettably, power washers can damage the canopy of your tree. The leaves will be blown away, leaving your tree exposed. Also, you shouldn’t use pesticides and other chemicals. It might seem enticing to use these solutions. However, by spraying, it will affect you and anything near your tree. Tree Specialist for Tree Care A tree specialist offers stump removal services, tree care services, arborist services, tree crane services, and dead tree removal services. This expert is famous for having topnotch professionalism and skills. Most are members of a professional organization. To find out how he can help your trees, whether they are plain or exotic, give him a call or visit him online. You can also schedule a project with a tree specialist to get your trees cleaned the right way. If you are sure about how to take care of your trees, it is always best to hire an expert to do the work for you. As the saying goes, “it’s best to be safe than sorry.” One thing that’s definite about autumn is that there will be lots of leaves on the ground. Even if you don’t have trees in your landscape, the wind picks them up and carries them across communities. If you’re thinking about your options for removing leaves from your property, consider anything before you decide to burn them. Burning your leaves creates a possible fire hazard not to mention polluting the air. The smoke that it makes can produce eye and lung irritation. Also, it is not safe to burn leaves close to your property structures. Below are a few alternatives to burning leaves and will get them off your property just as effectively. Pick-Up One alternative to burning leaves is to as your municipality about leaf pick up service. They might offer the choice to pick up those leaves for you. If so, all you need to do is rake up the leaves, put them in a bag, and leave them by the curb on the day for pickup. Compost Leaves are an excellent product for beginning or adding to your compost. You'll need to add a sizeable layer of leaves to a mixture of manure and soil, occasionally mixing it, so it remains moist. The natural resources from the leaves are excellent in keeping the compost healthy. Shredding or grinding the leaves will deliver top-quality compost. Mulch Another good alternative to burning leaves is to use them to make mulch for your plants or garden. Unlike stump grinding, you can use your lawnmower to transform leaves into mulch. Once that’s done, the minerals in the leaves will help provide nutrients to your plants and veggies. Tree Care Ready to get the fantastic outdoor space you desire without all those leaves lying around? Then, it’s time to call on a professional tree care company. These experts can handle your leave problem as well as any other landscape issue you might have. Besides leaf removal, you can make an appointment for tree pruning, tree removal, land clearing, stump removal. You will be surprised at how affordable professional tree service is in Rochester. 8/31/2019 What Is Land Clearing?Have you ever wondered, “What is land clearing?” Clearing land is critical and vital to any significant property or land overhaul. It is comfortable to get complacent with the way things are and feel pleased with the way a section of land is. This is where the significance of land clearing comes in. Land clearing can turn a property around. The value of land clearing and why it is valuable shouldn’t go unnoticed. Making the Land Usable Land clearing is usually the last choice when a vacant lot, an acreage of land, or area is seen as rundown and useless. There’s no use for the land on this property. It’s just there waiting for someone to tidy it up and make it useful once again. After the land clearing job, the space is valuable and be transformed into a store, apartment building, or park. Creating Safer Land One of the most fundamental reasons why land clearing is necessary is because it makes the land safer. Typically, before land clearing, the land is filled with garbage, rotting stumps, and dead trees. Until clearing the land, the space is filled with dangers and hazards to people who come into contact with the property, neighboring properties, the property itself, and you. Disease-Free When a property gets to the point that necessitates land clearing, it typically connotates that the land is filled with disease, ready to infect anyone who may find themselves on it. Rotting trees and stumps are usually providing a home to diseases that can rapidly spread to other parts of the land and neighboring spaces. Also, they tend to entice termites and pests, not helping the situation. This is why land clearing is so vital. It creates a healthier environment. More so, then say, just getting stump removal service. Nice-Looking Land One of the top advantages of land clearing is that it delivers an aesthetic appeal to the land. Before land clearing, the acreage is typically unattractive and brimming with trash, unwanted vegetation, and dying trees and plants. Land clearing starts the cleaning process, turning the land into something that will entice anyone who comes into contact with it. |
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December 2020
CategoriesAll Insects & Diseases Questions & Answers Tools & Safety Trees & Landscaping Tree Stump Basics |