Archive for the ‘Arborist’ Category

Irene Aftermath & Resources to Help Those In Need

Published by Mrs. Chippers on September 1st, 2011 - in Arborist, Crane, Land Enhancement, Landscaping, Plant Health Care, Storm Damage Assistance, Trees, Turf

Unlike many of our friends, neighbors, employees and other businesses, our VT Chippers location suffered relatively minor property damage. We appreciate the many expressions of support and concern coming our way but others are in far greater need. Our crews are currently assisting our communities with all phases of property clean up, debris removal, land restoration, lawn rebuilding, tree re-planting, water distribution, etc. If you want to donate or help, below is a list with a myriad of ways to contribute either time or money. We have several employees who have been displaced from their homes – please email contactus@chippersinc.com or call 866.683.6222 if you have a temporary housing lead in the greater Woodstock area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DONATIONS

  • Text FOODNOW to 52000 to donate $10 to Vermont Foodbank. The Foodbank will turn each donation into $60 for families in need.

  • You can donate to the United Way’s Vermont Disaster Relief Fund online, or buy sending a donation to your local United Way. Just make sure your donation is marked for the “Vermont Disaster Relief Fund”.

  • You can also donate to the American Red Cross of Vermont and the New Hampshire Valley. The Red Cross set up shelters immediately after Irene hit for flooded-out families to stay in. (Note: While all donations are appreciated, financial donations offer the Red Cross the greatest flexibility for response in this crisis. Donations can be made at www.vermontredcross.org or by calling 800-660-9130. For those who are interested in volunteering, they can contact their operations headquarters at 802-773-9159.)

  • The VT Irene Flood Relief Fund is raising money to help people and communities affected by flooding. 100% of all donations will be distributed to businesses and families. The fund is being administered by Todd K. Bailey.

  • Vermont Baseball Tours has set up the 8/28 Fund to raise money. Donations of $20 or more get you a cool t-shirt.

  • The MRV Community Fund has been reestablished to help Mad River Valley farmers who saw devastating crop losses due to the flooding.

  • Independent Vermont Clothing is selling a special “I’m With VT” t-shirt. All profits from sales of the shirt will go to relief efforts.

  • I am Vermont Strong is selling t-shirts with that slogan, and all profits from the sales of the shirts will go to the Vermont Foodbank.

  • Across the lake, upstate New York got hit hard by Irene, too. Donations are being coordinated on the Irene Flood Drive Facebook page.

  • Burr and Burton Academy has started a fund to help relief efforts in the Manchester area.

  • The Preservation Trust of Vermont is taking donations to help rebuilding and cleanup efforts for the historic buildings and bridges damaged by Irene. Make a donation on their site and be sure to note “Hurricane Relief” in the Comments section.

  • The Intervale Center has started a fund to help the farmers at Burlington’s Intervale who lost their crops to flooding. To make a contribution, donate to the Intervale and designate your donation to the “Intervale Center Farmers Recovery Fund.” Or mail a check payable to Intervale Center Farmers Recovery Fund to the Intervale Center, 180 Intervale Road, Burlington, VT 05401.

VOLUNTEERING

  • VTResponse.com is working to connect volunteers ready to help with those that need assistance. If you want to help clean up and rebuild, let the folks behind this site know.

  • Woodstock VT Flood Response is coordinating volunteer efforts in that town through their Facebook page.

  •
  • Montpelier Alive is coordinating volunteer efforts in that city through their Facebook page.

  • Volunteer and cleanup efforts are also being coordinated on Twitter via the #VTresponse hashtag.

  • The Vermont Flooding 2011 page on Facebook is functioning as a community bulletin board of sorts.

  • Vermont Helping Hands is also coordinating relief efforts via Facebook.

  • The Red Cross is in desperate need of blood donations. Stop by their donation center at 32 North Prospect Street in Burlington, or the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital Blood Donation Center at 125 Mascoma Street in Lebanon, NH.

  • Upper Valley Haven is operating with considerably fewer volunteers due to road closings. They’re looking for volunteers who are able to travel there.

MORE RESOURCES

  • If you need assistance or information from the state, dial 211 or visit vt211.org.

  • The Help Vermont Facebook group is another place to share recovery information.

  • Sublet.com will provide free access for people who are displaced from their homes. Call their customer service line at 1-877-367-7368 for more information.

For child care providers who have been affected by Irene, check out the Resources for Relief (Child Care Providers of VT) page on Face

This listing provided in part by the VT Democratic Party.

 

 

Tags: , , ,
Comments Off

Magnolias and Scale Issues

Published by Mr. Tree on August 11th, 2011 - in Arborist, Plant Health Care, Trees

This summer we have seen many Magnolias affected by scale. You will notice mold-blackened leaves (from the honeydew) and white scale on the stems. There many be many bees, and ants too, attracted by the honeydew. Treatment includes an oil/insecticide mix ASAP, followed by a fall dormant oil. Next spring the tree should get a high rate dose of imidacloprid. If left untreated, the trees will likely die.  For more information contact consulting@chippersinc.com.

Tags: , , , ,
Comments Off

Want a Bird’s Eye View from a Tree Top? Watch This!

Published by Mrs. Chippers on July 25th, 2011 - in Arborist, Pruning, Trees

Our ISA Certified Arborists Paul and Jeremy show their efficiency and professionalism in this bird’s eye view footage. All work performed is according to ANSI 300 Standards and the standards of accreditation by the Tree Care Industry Association.

Go Climb a Tree? We Do That!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Attention thisoldyard.net Blog Readers!

Published by Mrs. Chippers on July 23rd, 2011 - in Arborist, Crane, Firewood, Garden, Green Care Industry Issues, Land Enhancement, Landscaping, Misc., Natives, Plant Health Care, Pruning, Storm Damage Assistance, Trees, Turf

Due to the huge spamming efforts directed at this blog we are no longer accepting comments at this site.  We want your feedback but we can’t be driven crazy by the hundreds of erroneous comments pouring in everyday! Please visit Chippers Inc. on Facebook or our website: www.chippersinc.com to have your questions or concerns answered.  Thank you for your understanding.

Comments Off

Look for Invasive Insects In Your Swimming Pool

Published by Mr. Tree on June 28th, 2011 - in Arborist, Firewood, Green Care Industry Issues, Plant Health Care, Trees

The following article is courtesy of the NH Cooperative Extension.

Dear Friends of Trees and Enemies of Asian Longhorned Beetles,

 

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is a serious threat to our forests and trees. As far as we know it isn’t in New Hampshire, yet. We need many people looking for it so we can take steps to limit its spread, if it arrives. ALB was found in trees in Worcester MA in 2008, but experts estimate it was in the trees for about 10 years before they identified the problem. Some Worcester homeowners subsequently reported they collected ALB in their swimming pools for years prior to the 2008 identification.

 

Because there isn’t a reliable trap for ALB and using the Worcester-experience, we are looking for ALB in swimming pools. Last summer, we tested this approach with 34 public pools. Thankfully, we didn’t find ALB, but we found many longhorned-type beetles, so we know this survey method works. If ALB is New Hampshire, we think we will find them in swimming pools.

 

Help us by looking at the debris from your swimming pools. In addition to a swimming pool, you need:

 

• A digital camera

• An email address that you actively use

• Enough computer skills to follow instructions to upload pictures to this website: http://extension.unh.edu/FWT/ALBpool.htm

 

 

Here is an overview of the project:

 

Step 1: Sign up to participate NOW by sending us your name, physical street address and town, and email address to: foresthealth@dred.state.nh.us .

 

Step 2: From July 11-August 26. At least once a week¬or whenever you clean your pool¬look at the debris you collect in your filter and skimmers. Look for longhorned beetles.

 

Step 3: Use a fact sheet (posted at http://extension.unh.edu/FWT/ALBpool.htm) to compare collected insects to common insects.

 

Step 4: Take a picture of any insect you think is a longhorned beetle. We need a good view of the insect’s back.

 

Step 5: Once a week send a picture of the insect that most looks like a longhorned beetle. We need to hear from you every week.

 

Step 6: Send the picture through this website http://extension.unh.edu/FWT/ALBpool.htm

 

Step 7: If you send us a picture, freeze the insect in a tupperware-like container until you hear from us (about a week). We will either tell you to throw the insect out or give you instructions about mailing it, delivering it or arranging for pick-up.

 

Then What?

We will post interesting pictures and sightings to the web and send you a weekly email reminder and report.

 

Questions about the project?

foresthealth@dred.state.nh.us or call Kyle Lombard at the Forest Health Office 464-3016

 

Questions about the project and the website?

karen.bennett@unh.edu or call Karen Bennett at UNH Cooperative Extension at 862-4861

 

Thank you for your interest and your help.

 

 

Kyle Lombard Karen Bennett

Forest Health Program UNH Cooperative Extension

Karen P. Bennett, Extension Forestry Professor & Specialist

UNH Cooperative Extension

212 Nesmith Hall, 131 Main St.

Durham, NH 03824

(603)862-4861, (603)312-6695 cell, (603)862-0107 fax

karen.bennett@unh.edu

www.nhwoods.org

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Be alert to what’s happening in your landscape….

Published by Mrs. Chippers on June 13th, 2011 - in Arborist, Firewood, Green Care Industry Issues, Landscaping, Plant Health Care, Storm Damage Assistance, Trees

This week our region has been hammered by intense thunderstorms and many clients have been calling regarding storm damage to trees and shrubs. Sometimes there is no forewarning about which trees in your yard may be vulnerable to high winds, but for others there are signs. Trees that are close to buildings, especially softwoods like pine and fir, are particularly susceptible to storm damage. Specimens with dead or dying limbs spell double trouble.  When you have a chance go outside and inspect your mature trees – do you see things that don’t look right to you?  If so, contact one of our arborists for a complimentary consultation.

The Color Purple May Save OUr Ash Trees!

Another question that has come up a lot is about the purple boxes hanging throughout the region near stands of mature ash trees. This year the VT Department of Agriculture and the USDA collaborated to hang 2200 traps to monitor any presence of the invasive and destructive Emerald Ash Borer. So far this destructive insect has not reached Vermont but if it does it will be absolutely devastating to our ash trees. The number one preventative measure is ‘DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD’!!! Firewood is a product that should be sourced locally to help keep hidden larvae from getting into the state. You cannot tell if wood is infected with a cursory examination so the best policy is to never import it for any reason.

Last but not least, due to the wet spring conditions we’ve had this year, anthracnose disease is affecting hardwoods such as maple, ash, sycamore and oak. The most noticeable symptom of the fungi is the  browning and curling of young leaves. The disease does not usually kill the trees but makes them unsightly and susceptible to other types of damage in the planted landscape.  We recommend protective measures performed in the fall to reduce potential exposure the following spring – our consulting arborist has more information: consulting@chippersinc.com.

Typical appearance of leaves infected with anthracnose (photo courtesy of VT Dept of Ag)

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Finally, the Growing Degree Days Begin…

Published by Mr. Tree on April 13th, 2011 - in Arborist, Garden, Landscaping, Plant Health Care, Trees, Turf

Yesterday, April 12, 2011, we finally had degree days! 6.6 per our Chippers weather station, and it was probably over 10 at lower elevations.

Growing degree days are used to predict the hatch/vulnerability of insects – in our case on woody plants. They are calculated by taking the high and low (in Fahrenheit) of each day, taking their average, and deducting 50. Negative numbers are thrown out, as happens all winter.

Insects that make an early appearance are White pine weevil (mostly a problem for spruce) and pear thrip (a problem for Sugar maples).

Today, April 13th, we had a GDD of 7.3 today. Some of what you will see up to GDD 50: Red maple, magnolia, some rhododendron, pieris and forsythia will all bloom. White pine weevil may be seen doing its dirty deeds at 60 degrees and above, and we are treating for these this week.

These insects are all vulnerable to dormant oil spray up until gdd 50: Scales, Aphids, Mealybugs, Psyllids, Aphids + Mites.

For more information on this topic, please visit our website, www.chippersinc.com.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Seven Weeks Until Spring Is Still Plenty of Time for Winter Tree Work….

Published by Mrs. Chippers on January 31st, 2011 - in Arborist, Firewood, Garden, Land Enhancement, Pruning, Storm Damage Assistance, Trees, Turf

Top 10 Benefits to Performing Tree Work In Your Landscape During the Winter Months:

  1. Improve Your View: Enhancement work during the dormant season is ideal when leaves aren’t blocking the vista potential.
  2. Your Lawn Will Thank You: Frozen ground allows large equipment to access your site while minimizing damage to lawns, gardens and the forest floor.
  3. Prevent Distress: Cold weather prevents the spread of tree disease as well as minimizes shock due to leaf loss.
  4. Timing Is Everything: February and March are preferred times for orchard and fruit tree pruning, and for many other species.
  5. Peace of Mind: Know your trees and shrubs are prepared for fast re-growth during the coming spring, no matter what Mother Nature brings.
  6. Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance: Allows you to begin other spring landscaping projects earlier.
  7. Seeing Is Believing: Identify potential hazards or problems while the entire woody structure of deciduous trees is visible without leaves.
  8. Walk or Talk: Discuss your 2011 goals and plans for your landscape with your representative, either on site or via email/phone.
  9. Our Time Is Yours: Take advantage of more flexible scheduling.
  10. Outstanding Value: Enjoy off-season rates with the same chippers commitment to the highest quality and service.

We take care of everything green outside your door, all winter long.

What can we do for you?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
1 Comment »

Analog In A Digital World

Published by Mr. Tree on January 27th, 2011 - in Arborist, Green Care Industry Issues, Pruning, Trees

Have you ever missed seeing a clock, with hands? Hearing the tick, tick, tick as the second hand works its way around the circle. What about a little hiss (just a little) while listening to recorded music or even the notion of a space between the notes. How about a test that didn’t require a #2 pencil or a drive thru restaurant that isn’t duplicated around-the-world?

I have the antidote. Tree pruning! Pruning is all analog; every cut and snip is thoughtful and different. Each species requiring a different set of considerations; with location, age and client expectations all a part of the mix. Cookie cutter pruning just doesn’t work!

So what’s the big deal?

Our lives have been co-opted by the digital age. Think about it. Computers are everywhere. I use one at work, one for the office at home, and one connected to the television for streaming. My work phone thinks it’s a computer, telling me I have mail, an appointment or someone to talk to. And there’s an on-line social network with so many “friends”.

I’m no Luddite; I actually enjoy the anticipation of the next Apple device and how I might use it. I even plan to install an iPad in the kitchen for recipes and to Skype (live video) my mom.

My antidote? Get outside! I can’t think of a better analog activity than pruning. But a close second could include…working in the garden, snowshoeing, climbing a tree, riding a bike, badminton on the lawn, building a snowman, flying a kite, sailing, a walk in the forest – and so many more!

At chippers we mulled over creating a new tag line. I liked “see you outside”.  What could be a better yang for the yin of this digital world?

So at chippers, even though we are armed with our smart phones and computers that help keep us on time for our appointments; we understand that our real strength is when we “see you outside”. And we promise to leave the “cookie cutter” approach in the office and give you only the best analog work in your: Trees, Turf, Garden, Land and Forest.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off

Winter is the time to renew your Turf and Plant Health Care programs.

Published by Mr. Grass on January 18th, 2011 - in Arborist, Green Care Industry Issues, Plant Health Care, Turf

Long and cold winter days and nights often have me daydreaming of once green lush lawns, gardens and trees.  And despite the recent blasts of cold and healthy snowfalls, now is time to think about and prepare for your 2011 Turf and Plant Health Care programs.

Review your Turf and Plant Health Care proposals this winter

The weather plays a large role in the spring, relative to what and when certain treatments can be applied; and success or failure is linked to temperature and moisture levels.  High heat speeds up insect, weed, and disease development; and in some cases by days not weeks.  While this may not seem of great importance, temperature plays a huge role in advancing or retarding certain pathogens, ultimately affecting your landscape.  If you do not have a program “online” or ready to go, this tight window can easily be missed.  Cold weather can slow down the ability of your lawn to recover and green up fast.  The later the first application of fertilizer, compost tea, or lime is applied; the more your grass would be absent the time needed for improved color and recover from winter damage.

I have seen several years in April and May where the temperature rose into the high 70’s to lower 80’s.  This type of rapid spring warm-up can make some types of weed control applications harmful to turf without proper precautions.  The same precautions need to be taken when scheduling early plant health care spray applications.  If not prepared, you simply miss the window of opportunity for obtaining decent results relative to a variety of insect and disease issues.

Moisture content can also wreak havoc on turf and shrubs in the spring; especially if the spring is cold and rainy.  Such weather greatly advances snow molds and leaf spot on turf while creating apple scab on fruit trees.  Low moisture can reduce seed germination without proper irrigation.  Scheduling of overseeding or aeration during the winter insures completion at the proper time frame in the spring.  A great green care company will watch weather trends and activate services during the appropriate time frame.  You deserve and should demand this level of service.

Peace of mind is another reason to have your Turf or Plant Healthcare program set-up during the winter months.  You can relax and rest assured, knowing that your green care needs will be taken care of.  We will insure that all applications are timely and you will see the results.

The last fabulous reason to schedule your green care treatments during the winter includes financial incentives.  You may qualify for multiple incentives.  For example, if you prepay or return a signed contract before a certain deadline, you may qualify.  Look for these kinds of financial incentives; and look to see if you are partnering with an accredited, licensed, high quality and diversified ‘green care’ company.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off
© This Old Yard- The blog for all your green care needs
CyberChimps WordPress Themes