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.
Archive for the ‘Firewood’ Category
Look for Invasive Insects In Your Swimming Pool
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
Comments Off
Be alert to what’s happening in your landscape….
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)
Comments Off
From Firewood Pile to Greenhouse in a Weekend!
Those driving the Pomfret Road in Pomfret, Vermont this past week may have noticed the disappearance of the giant firewood pile at our Chippers headquarters… and the subsequent appearance of a production greenhouse.
With the advent of our gardening division and the hiring of Greenhouse Manager and Garden Designer Liz Krieg, formerly of Rising Sun Landscape Company, we plan to grow for the wholesale market, and to offer educational opportunities to the community.
Liz is a NOFA Accredited Land Care Professional and plans to focus on growing native and organic woody and herbaceous ornamentals and edibles, for the enjoyment of both humans and wildlife.
On Friday, May 20 from 5-7pm there will be a community open house and mem0rial dedication ceremony at 6pm for our company’s founder, Will Russell, 1241 Pomfret Road, Woodstock, VT 05091. Please RSVP to Danielle if you plan to attend at 457-5100 or danielle@chippersinc.com.
We are ready for the green season!
Comments Off
Seven Weeks Until Spring Is Still Plenty of Time for Winter Tree Work….
Top 10 Benefits to Performing Tree Work In Your Landscape During the Winter Months:
- Improve Your View: Enhancement work during the dormant season is ideal when leaves aren’t blocking the vista potential.
- Your Lawn Will Thank You: Frozen ground allows large equipment to access your site while minimizing damage to lawns, gardens and the forest floor.
- Prevent Distress: Cold weather prevents the spread of tree disease as well as minimizes shock due to leaf loss.
- Timing Is Everything: February and March are preferred times for orchard and fruit tree pruning, and for many other species.
- Peace of Mind: Know your trees and shrubs are prepared for fast re-growth during the coming spring, no matter what Mother Nature brings.
- Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance: Allows you to begin other spring landscaping projects earlier.
- Seeing Is Believing: Identify potential hazards or problems while the entire woody structure of deciduous trees is visible without leaves.
- Walk or Talk: Discuss your 2011 goals and plans for your landscape with your representative, either on site or via email/phone.
- Our Time Is Yours: Take advantage of more flexible scheduling.
- 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?
Find A Need, Plant A Seed: Our 2010 Community Beautification Initiative
We believe in contributing to the communities that sustain us. Although we always sponsor and donate to many local causes and charities throughout the region, this year we also want to make a direct contribution to the beautification of our community spaces with the actual professional green care services we provide: tree, turf, soil, land and forest. Projects can range from tree planting to natural turf enhancement, from pruning and cabling to field mowing.
Project requests for up to a day’s worth of gratis Chippers work should be submitted in writing to Mundy Wilson, Business & Marketing Manager, Chippers Inc., 1241 Pomfret Road, Woodstock, VT 05091 or via email: contactus@chippersinc.com, by May 1, 2010. Please put ‘Plant A Seed’ in the subject line of your email.
Suggested projects should fall within a 10 mile radius of each of these towns: Meredith, New London and Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Woodstock, Vermont; all requests must be for properties within the public domain; and all requests should fall within the scope of services we provide. Please be as specific as possible in your proposal. Visit our website www.chippersinc.com for ideas about what we actually do before you make your request, please! Accepted projects will be notified by June 1, 2010.
Bring on the beauty of 2010!
Comments Off
How to Stack Firewood Like a ‘chipper’… and ALB Info Link
We handle approximately 250 cords of firewood a year!
We cut and stack a lot of firewood at chippers. Dan Johnson, employed with us for nine years this coming January, has a personal record of stacking over 350 cords of wood! To end up with a sturdy wood pile that won’t fall over, you just have to stick to some basic rules as demonstrated in the video link below. High speed internet recommended.
How to Stack Firewood Like a chipper
Speaking of firewood…. Please don’t transport it across state lines, e.g. from Massachusetts to New Hampshire or Vermont. We need to keep the Asian Longhorned Beetle out of our region! Visit http://www.beetlebusters.info/ for more information.
Hello World!
Welcome to This Old Yard, the blog for Chippers Inc. Here you will find conversations about a variety of topics related to tree, turf, soil, land and forest care in Vermont and New Hampshire. Ask us a question, send us your information, share your thoughts about our blog – we’re available!
