Lace bug continues to be a problem for azaleas, rhododendron, sycamore and broad leafed evergreens, especially andromeda. The first signs of lace bugs are yellow spots on leaves, similar to mite damage, only much larger.  As lace bugs feed, they produce brown varnish-like droppings that spot the underside of the leaves. Advanced damage from lace bugs results [...]

Even if you haven’t seen White Tail Deer on your property, you will know they’ve been there if the leaves or needles on the lower five feet of your ornamental shrubbery are missing. Tree damage from White Tail Deer is becoming an increasing problem in our area. With their habitat becoming smaller in suburban areas, a lack of [...]

Homeowners Fall Tree & Shrub Check List: Tree Pruning: Good time of year for pruning. Prepare your trees in the fall for the winter snow and ice storms so the damage will be minimal, if any. Come spring, they will be healthy and looking good! Tree Removal: If you have trees in your yard that [...]

Fall is a good time for planting trees and shrubs due to cool temperatures and ample rainfall. The ideal time to plant trees and shrubs is actually early September to late October, depending on the planting location. Soil temperatures should be well above 55 F at a depth of 6 inches at planting time. Trees [...]

Many people are familiar with using compost as a fertilizer to improve plant health. However, compost has many other beneficial uses such as erosion control and turf remediation, just to name a few. According to the Department of Agriculture, the U.S. loses more than 2 billion tons of topsoil each year due to erosion. Erosion [...]

The Whitetail Deer. Even if you haven’t seen them on your property you will know they’ve been there if the leaves or needles on the lower five feet of your ornamental shrubbery are missing. Deer damage is becoming an increasing problem in our area. With their habitat becoming smaller in suburban areas, a lack of [...]

Arbor Day is coming April 29 and for many of us that brings to mind planting trees. Planting and caring for trees is something all of us can do to improve our community and the environment. Trees conserve energy, reduce soil erosion, clean the air we breathe and help protect rivers and streams. Trees also [...]

You bought a fresh cut tree for the holiday season. But now the festivities are over and it’s time to take down the tree –  what do you do with it? According to “The Care of Trees” organization, there are several environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your Christmas tree. Here are a few: Make [...]

Most people think of planting trees and shrubs in the spring. Fall can also be a good time to plant due to cool temperatures and ample rainfall. Trees and shrubs planted in fall may require extra attention. It’s important to note that plants need enough time to establish a good root system before winter hits. [...]

The Longhorn Asian Beetle is once again in the spotlight in Massachusetts, as the devastating insect was recently discovered in six red maple trees on the campus of Faulkner Hospital in Boston.  The Department of Conservation and Recreation has issued an indefinite quarantine on 1.5 miles of land surrounding the infestation.  The infested trees have been [...]