Azaleas and Evergreens Fall Prey to Lace Bugs in May

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 [...]

Can Restoration Pruning Help Your Landscape?

Tree Pruning Often times the older trees and shrubs in many landscapes find themselves mishandled, improperly pruned, overgrown, out of proportion, congested, damaged or lacking shape and form. Property owners would consider these plants to be unsalvageable and without knowing alternatives, remove them from their landscape. Depending on the type and the degree of damage [...]

Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plant Species in Massachusetts

Invasive plant species are plants that are not native or naturally from an area. An invasive plant will out-compete native species for habitat and food. Invasive plants are problematic because they can grow rapidly, spread quickly, and flower or set seed over a long period of time. Many are difficult to control. There are over [...]

How to Detect and Treat Tree Diseases: Fungus and Canker

Most tree and shrub diseases affecting plants are fungal in nature. Fungus emits spores that travel from plant to plant by vectors such as wind, rain and bees. Different fungus attack plant tissue in different ways. Some attack stems and trunks of plants, these are known as cankers. Canker is primarily found on the trunk of [...]

What is the Role of a Cerified Arborist?

Our ISA certified arborists are trained in the art and science of tree care and dedicated to the long term health of your trees and shrubs.  Arborists can access a plant’s health and provide a range of tree care services including the diagnosis of tree diseases, insect control and evaluating site problems that can affect [...]

Unique Ways to Reuse or Recycle Your Christmas tree

Unique Ways to Reuse or Recycle Your Christmas tree 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 [...]

Tips for Planting Trees and Shrubs in Fall

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 [...]

The Dangers of Oriental Bittersweet and Japanese Knotweed

Oriental Bittersweet, an exotic vine from Eastern Asia is just one of many plants on the USDA’s list of invasive plant species. Other commonly used names for this plant include Asiatic bittersweet, round-leaved bittersweet, Oriental staff vine, climbing spindle berry. Originally introduced as an ornamental, Oriental bittersweet is a vine that smothers plants and uproots [...]

Tree Trimming Tips from Massachusett’s Tree Service Experts

The work involved with trimming and pruning trees is often underestimated. The appearance and ultimately the success of your landscape, depends largely on arboriculture knowledge. Proper tree trimming techniques remain the same whether it’s done by a professional or an amateur. If we care for trees right and space them properly, our trees will thrive [...]

Plant Treatments for Scale Insects and Meeley Bug

Another pest affecting the similar plants to those afflicted by lace bug are “scale” insects and meeley bug. These “sucking” insects are common to holly, rhododendron, yews and azalea. The injury to these plants are caused by the insects piercing, sucking mouth parts. The draining of vasular fluids is stressful as is the blackcoating on [...]