Happenings in July

Well "normally" July is a good month to kinda sit back, relax and enjoy some of the fruits of your labors. However, with everything happening a month earlier this year together with the excessive heat and dry weather pattern, sitting back and relaxing is anything but a "good thing" to be happening.

1. Realizing that we just received at least an inch and a half of rain the most important thing for you do be doing is still going to be to water your plants. This is especially true for any newly planted and/or young trees and shrubs. Older plants will also need to be watered although not as often. The entire month of June was basically without rain and the little bit we just received will not last long if it even soaked in deep enough to do any good. For a further explanation of proper watering techniques you can refer to our archived Newsletter from August 2011 by clicking here.

2. If you cannot water your lawns then by all means make sure that if and when you do mow that you mow no shorter than 3". It may be a little bit scraglier ( is that a word?) looking than you would like but it will provide some shade to the roots, help keep weeds to a minimum, and hopefully keep your grass from dying.

3. We are still getting calls from people who have just noticed the black, yukky branches on their Tulip and Magnolia trees. This is caused by a "sooty black mold" that is attacking the "honeydew" being given off from the insect that is attacking your trees. It is called Tuliptree Scale and this year it has been running rampant throughout the state. You can read more about this critter in our archived Newsletter from September 2011 by clicking here. It is possible to kill the males by spraying with an insecticide ( look like white dashes on the leaves ) but the females as seen below must be "smothered" with a horticultural oil or be given a shot of insecticide up through the tree. This can be done in two ways. 1. Prepare a soil drench using an insecticde with the active ingredient "Imidicloprid". Follow the label directions as the amount and concentrations are based on the overall size and diameter of the tree. However, the ground will need to have been well irrigated prior to application ( due to our incredibly dry weather ) or you will be throwing away your money and labor. This will take about 2-3 weeks to reach the tree canopy so be patient.  Or, the second alternative is to have the insecticide injected into the tree itself. This is the same professional process we use for treating trees for the Emerald Ash Borer ( EAB). Although this method is the most effective means for larger trees that cannot be easily sprayed with an oil, it can only be done by a state licensed pesticide applicator with proper equipment. Total time to reach the canopy is two days as opposed to 3 weeks. Hint: We are state licensed applicators with the proper equipment.

Tuliptree scale and Black Sooty Mold...YUK!

and

Forth and final thought for July is to be on the lookout for the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth! It is a cool little guy / gal  and should be hanging around your butterfly bushes. They seem to especially enjoy the new Lo & Behold dwarf series of butterfly bushes. You can read more about this "fun bug" in our August 2011 Newsletter titled "What is it?" or by clicking here

Stay Cool,

Keep Watering

and......

Have a Safe and enjoyable

4th of July!!!

This is a shot of the front before.   Overgrown shrubs, windows blocked, little or no color,      no rhyme or reason. Aesthetically unpleasant.

Space is opened up and given a "simple" and  "uncluttered" look with class!    Focal point is the (to be) Serpentine Boxwood hedge kept at 18" with an eye catching Limelight hydrangea (tree form) in the center. The Knockout roses together with the Lo & Behold dwarf Butterfly bushes will provide season long color. Just a touch of varigated Liriope along the sidewalk and Skypencil Hollies in rear. This will never look overgrown and will provide continual beauty for years to come.

Again, extremely overgrown and unmaintained shrubs. Windows and air conditioners completely blocked. Sidewalk feels narrow. Aesthetically - Very unpleasing!

 AFTER

Again, Space opened up and given a "things can breathe" look.  One of six Chameacyparis is left as a focal point on a would be large, bare wall... and prunned. Bloodgood Japanese Maple on corner will contrast with the brick color. Sunjoy Gold Beret barberry surrounding will provide a bright contrast to the Bloodgood, remain small and continue the yellow color throughout this side.

 

Even the air conditioners can "breathe" again not to mention ease of maintainence! Employees and Patrons alike will no longer feel "blocked in" and the additional light provided will be welcomed.   Limelight hydrangea (shrub form) with their lime green blooms and extended bloom time provide contrast to the Knockout roses under windows.                  Rose thorns will also provide second thoughts for possible intruders.             Upright Fountain grass will eventually provide some visual cover to the  A/C units.                                                                                                                               Picture does not appropriately show the sweeping curved beds which not only provide ease for mowing but the  contours break up the straight lines of the building. Note: Grass has gone completely dormant due to lack of rain