Platanus x acerifolia

Yarwood London Planes 4-4.5"

There are few shade trees that can rival the London Plane Tree (Platanus x acerifolia). It has some great features that make it a worthy street tree from small towns to large cities, front yards to city parks.
It is a cross between Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore) and P. orientalis (Oriental Plane). It was first recorded in Spain in the 1700s where both species were found planted in proximity to each other which explains why it is sometimes refered to as Platanus x hispanica. Unlike the American Sycamore, this hybrid is tolerant of compacted, clay soils (either wet or dry), restricted root growth and urban pollution.
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Who doesn't love a new tool? Click on the pic for look at some old-school tools

As your cleanups begin and you find your tool supply lacking, come on over! We have well-stocked showrooms for you full of shovels & edgers, pruners & replacement blades, spring & landscape rakes, spreaders & sprayers, wheelbarrows & tarps... the list goes on! Felco, Corona, Robert S. Histand & Spyker are just a few of the brands we carry.

Also, remember the deer repellents - it's prime time for them to move in closer to landscaped properties and munch away! Choose from Bobbex or Repellex concentrates in assorted sizes plus the RTUs. Remember to apply early then re-apply as the new growth follows. When mixing the concentrates follow directions on the label for spring/summer rates.  

Daffodil bulbs

Nothing says spring better than blooming Tulips, Crocus and Daffodils!  These long-lived bulbs can potentially bloom for years but to assure this, the best thing you can do for them is feed them every year right after they bloom. Using a fertilizer like Espoma Bulb Tone will give them a boost for next year's flower production and general plant health. The 3-5-3 Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium ratio is exactly what bulbs need as it provides a complete feeding. Apply this at a rate of 4 lbs. per 60 square feet. 

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Snow Mold on turf grass

It may just be Snow Mold!

 

This time of year, as the snow melts you may encounter a turf disease called Snow Mold.

Often times a layer of wet slush keeping the ground and grass saturated for extended periods of time promotes the disease. Typically the crown of the grass plant does not die as does the leaf blade, but the condition does look quite bad. If you can, try to remove some of the snow from plowing operations so the grass and ground dries a little quicker. Then, as soon as possible rake off any dead matted grass being careful not to pull up the crown and roots of the grass plant. It may look dead but it is most likely still alive. As things begin to warm and excessive water has dried, consider an application of a spring turf fertilizer such as Proscape's 20-0-5 with 1% Iron. You will be very surprised how well lawns can recover from snow mold once given a little TLC!