In like a Lion...

Well, it's been much too long and hard of a Winter for everyone, and with our thoughts on Spring and better weather, we have the news of another incoming storm Sunday into Monday. Just what we needed, more snow and cold temperatures. Boo. Despite the bad news, I encourage everyone to stay positive and think warm thoughts! Maybe we can 'rain dance' this Winter away!

Spring WILL be here before you know it, and we are planning on a robust schedule of pruning, planting and tree care, so a word to the wise… Book us now to get in before it gets crazy!

Think Spring, it will be here soon!

Spring projects and better weather!

We've been super busy with various projects, as well as just gearing up for Spring in general. It always seems like the planting season comes and goes so fast, and preparation is so involved that you can get behind the 8-ball in a hurry. Now is a really good time to plan and design for your planting projects, because the best plant material always disappears from the nurseries first! We'll be planting 15 large trees as well as about 70 or 80 smaller plants at Cass Park in Woonsocket as part of a RITree ARRA project. This planting should really add to the park's long term beauty and make it a more welcoming and comfortable space. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post them here when we're done. I hope I don't jinx it, but it looks like the good weather is FINALLY here to stay! I'm sure there will be April showers, but I can live with that... And so can all the trees we're planting!

Tree pruning at Olga's - Saturday 3/26

We were lucky to have the opportunity to work on the trees at Olga's Cup & Saucer this weekend... If you don't already know, Olga's is a great little bakery/eatery/coffee shop at Point and Richmond Streets in Providence's recently re-named 'Knowledge District' (aka Jewelry District). The landscape was designed and installed by Michael Veracka a dozen or so years ago, and is anchored by a large pre-existing Siberian Elm. Two beautiful Apricots grace the entrance, and pear trees, viburnum, and an evergreen Magnolia round out the larger plantings. The Elm needed lots of deadwood removed, as well as some structural cables installed. The ornamentals received some crown cleaning and clearance and structural pruning. It turned out to be a nice day (eventually), and I am very happy to be able to care for such landmark trees in Providence! Check out our photos at: https://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=120817834652032&aid=33452

Spring tree needs part I

So, Spring is just days away, and it's time to start thinking about the yard and garden. A big problem for the past few years here in Rhode Island has been the winter moth. Read about them here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Moth

Luckily, they can be controlled with a natural product called Spinosad (There are at least two trade names for this product including Conserve and Comfortis). Spinosad is a chemical derived from a unique form of bacteria that affects the nervous system of target insects, and has virtually no non-target effects, which we like.

Other concerns this year are broken off stubs or snags left from storm damage. It is important to prune these out to allow trees and shrubs to compartmentalize wounds and limit future decay. There seems to be alot of storm damage this year, so if you see a broken branch on the ground, look up. There's probably a wound or stub left behind in the tree. Early Spring is a good time to prune most trees, before many functions involved with flowering and leaf production begin. Structural pruning, sucker/watersprout removal, crown cleaning and crown raising are a few of the most common types of pruning. Most trees in the built environment (most of our neighborhoods) can benefit from one or more of these practices.

With Spring coming on Sunday, and the warmer days on the way, it's time to get outside and breathe in the sweet Spring air! Go on, now, get out there!

Winter blooms, good news!

The Witch Hazels and Parrotia are in full bloom, which always gives me a twinge of optimism around this time of year... Even if the average RI snowfall total for March is five inches!

Keep your eyes peeled for crocus and daffodils, and don't forget the Silver Maple flowers, coming soon!!!

Snow, snow, go away!

With literally feet of snow piled up out there, it is nice to finally see some melting... The heavy snow and ice caused a good deal of tree and limb damage unfortunately, and alot of that is only now visible as the arctic snow pack recedes.

Evergreens in particular do not like the snow loading, because the winter foliage gives more surface area for snow and ice to adhere to. If possible, give your evergreens a shake or tap them with a broom to knock off ice and snow before limbs bend excessively or break. Trees that are left bent over can be guyed or staked, and corrective pruning can help restore a tree's crown after storm damage.

I, for one, have had enough of winter... But I'm being realistic. I know spring is still a ways off...

Happy Holidays (and more wind!)

It seems like every year there are a few epic windstorms that manage to rip every last bit of fall foliage off our trees before winter comes. As much as I don't like the loss of the fall color, it seems appropriate that Mother Nature would make sure all the leaf surface is gone before the snow flies... I'm going with that for now, anyway!

Hope the Holidays are fun and safe for everyone, and here's hoping Rudolph can keep the sleigh right side up with all the crazy wind and weather!