Posts Tagged ‘planting trees’

Eastern Leatherwood – Dirca palustris

Published by Mrs. Flower on January 27th, 2012 - in Arborist, Garden, Landscaping, Trees

This is the third segment of our Ornamental Tree and Shrub Series….

Here is a darling understory shrub with a height of 3 – 6’ and equal width. When I first noticed this plant in the dappled light of my woodland, I was love struck. This is a native plant that is found in the eastern half of North America. The multi branched broad shrub is covered with light green 3” oval shaped leaves. This is a very well behaved shrub. In the shade the plant seems to be reaching for the sun and is thinner than the specimens located in full sun, which tend to be full rounded shrubs. I like to hike along the southeast base of Mt. Hoar on the edge of Lake Willoughby, Vermont, the understory is dense with Leatherwood. I am amazed at the width of the leaves, which seem much larger than the standard.

You cannot go wrong with a plant that is good in both sun and shade. It does enjoy moist soil, hence the species “palustris” which means “of the swamps”.  The texture is of medium quality and it is slow growing. This makes a fine plant for the landscape, although it is very difficult to find in cultivation. This makes me covetous. Fall brings forth a fine clear yellow in the leaf, with best color in partial shade conditions.

Leatherwood has no enemies to speak of.  Even deer won’t browse it (it is thought to possibly have diuretic qualities). Studies recently done show that extracts from the seeds contain linoleic and oleic acid which have insecticidal qualities for specific insects.

The bark has a leathery feel. It is not easy to snap off a branch. This quality made it useful for Native Americans to make baskets, bowstrings and fish lines. In very early spring, the shrub bursts forth with lovely perfect 4” butter yellow flowers. Each flower produces one seed. The large green seeds form and drop quickly, literally within a week all seeds will drop from the plant. The seeds need to be collected and sown fresh in late spring for sprouting the following spring. Layering works as a method, but proves difficult as one would have to work in the woodland laboratory where anything can happen. Propagation from cuttings is very difficult, which of course baits me – making it a must try!

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American Hornbeam – Carpinus caroliniana

Published by Mrs. Flower on January 7th, 2012 - in Arborist, Garden, Landscaping, Natives, Trees

This is the second segment of our Ornamental Tree and Shrub Series….

Who wouldn’t like a tree with the moniker “muscle wood”? Also commonly called “blue beech” or “ironwood”, the American Hornbeam is a medium-sized native hardwood tree that, on average, reaches 20 to 30 feet in height and width. Ironwood has a range from Nova Scotia through most of the eastern seaboard of the US, to include the topmost section of Florida, and westward to roughly the middle of the central time zone. It is hardy in zones 3 – 9.

The young bark is smooth and the subtly twisted trunk looks rather sinewy. As it ages the bark becomes fissured and fluted. The form can range from a multistemmed shrub to a single stemmed tree. The growth rate is slow – about a foot per year. Enjoying moisture places it along brooks predominately in the wild. This is a tree for the understory! It is tolerant of deep shade, but also will perform in full sun with a good deep acid soil and promise of adequate fertilizer and moisture. It is also a fine tree for naturalizing.

The leaves resemble that of beech. It is a simple leaf 3 – 4” long with sharp teeth. Fall color is exceptional, displaying red, maroon, orange and gold. The tree exhibits both male and female flowers that are lovely in display, and the resulting fruits are numerous nutlets prized by birds.

Carpinius caroliniana is one of my most favorite trees, even though I know I tend to say this many times about many trees. But, this understory specimen amid taller limbed up trees is a true delight in the fall that will yield wildlife activity further along in the season. I have seen an absolutely sublime alley made of American Hornbeam – the medium texture was kind on the eye and the fall display was robust.

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Sing (and Dance!) Out the Old & Ring in the New!

Published by Mrs. Chippers on December 31st, 2011 - in Arborist, Garden, Land Enhancement, Landscaping, Plant Health Care, Pruning, Storm Damage Assistance, Trees, Turf

Cheers to 2012!

 

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It’s Not Too Late to Plant!

Published by Mrs. Flower on October 24th, 2011 - in Arborist, Garden, Landscaping, Trees

Autumn is the best time to plant perennials, trees and shrubs. They can still be planted in the ground even if there is a thin crust of frost in the soil. Fall is the best time to plant because nature offers the perfect environment of cool temperatures and abundant water. Plant materials are still working to establish themselves in the late fall and very early spring and usually require little help from humans. Most trees and shrubs in late fall have fulfilled their annual growth and are shutting down for the winter. It can only benefit any plant to be set free of its pot and placed in soil. In late fall and early spring the growth of new roots happens underground before we even see any life above the soil.

Perennials can be set into the ground with great success at this time. Mulching to a depth of 2 – 3 inches will reduce root ball throw. The processes of freezing and thawing will push un-rooted root balls up and out of the soil.  This is easily resolved by visiting newly planted perennials in very early spring and pressing them back down into their holes gently but firmly with your toes. The root balls make contact with the soil again and they proceed to root out into it.

There will be some failures of course. But for the most part there is success in fall garden plantings. Some perennials are finicky and require a full summer of growth in place before they can endure a winter. Tricky plants are wonders that we gardeners all enjoy figuring out along the way. For some reason there can be more time for gardening in the fall than there is in the spring. For some, a new home only begins to settle in the fall and gardening becomes a new delight. It is not too late!

It is best not to put any soil additives in the hole or on top of the soil when planting in the fall. The plants are going to sleep and need no food. Water is still important however and keeping new plantings watered well – even in the fall – is key to success. When spring comes, keep an eye to the newly planted materials for signs of dehydration and make sure that they receive adequate water.

For more information contact gardens@chippersinc.com.

 

 

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Our Fall 2011 Newsletter – Hot Off the Press!

Published by Mrs. Chippers on October 19th, 2011 - in Arborist, Garden, Land Enhancement, Landscaping, Plant Health Care, Pruning, Storm Damage Assistance, Trees, Turf

GreenWords Newsletter Fall 2011

In this issue: Restore Your Flood Damaged-Landscape & Great Reasons to Schedule Winter Work Now!

 

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Book Winter Work Now for Savings & to Aid Flood Relief Efforts!

Published by Mrs. Chippers on September 28th, 2011 - in Arborist, Land Enhancement, Pruning, Storm Damage Assistance, Trees

OK so we’re definitely not ready yet – the leaves have just barely begun to turn in our service areas – but we know it’s coming…. Winter. Love it or not, want it or not, it’s coming, and we all know it.

This year we are trying to plan our winter work schedule way ahead, and we want to encourage you to do the same by offering you an incentive. Schedule your snow season job before December 1, 2011 for 10% discount on work performed January 1 to March 31, 2012, and we will also donate $50 per Crew Day to the Irene flood relief efforts via either the VT or NH Foodbank, based on where you live.

Accounts that are prepaid for winter work by December 1, 2011 will have a 15% total discount applied.

A Crew Day will be determined on a per project basis by your representative, based on crew needs to perform the desired work. This price reduction does not apply to snow removal services. 

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Triple Treat Blueberries

Published by Mrs. Flower on March 15th, 2011 - in Garden, Landscaping

We all know by now that if we eat loads of blueberries, we will live forever, right?

This native American plant is one of many in the genus Vaccinium that also includes the cranberry, huckleberry, bilberry, deerberry and partridgeberry. These berries are highly favored by wildlife and the spring blossoms are very attractive to numerous indigenous nectar seeking butterflies, moths, wasps and bees (and humans). Hence the trio of horticultural benefits from our point of view: they are ornamental, edible and wildlife friendly.

Blueberry is a natural and rich source of antioxidants that include flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin), anthocyanin (which gives the blue pigment to the fruit), beta-carotene, phenolic compounds, and ellagic acid (ellagitannin). Blueberry is also high in antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E, A and C and is an excellent source of fiber, no matter what life form eats them!

Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) or the low bush (Vaccinium angustifolium) are the fruits of which we humans are particularly fond. These well-behaved plants make extraordinary edible landscape shrubs that yield phenomenal fall color. The species angustifolium are the typical little Maine blueberry, and they make lovely ground cover or low hedging material. The corymbosum species can grow as tall as five to six feet and more with an equal width, and are the type of berry (for the most part) that we buy at the store.

Considering all of the obvious benefits of blueberries it is a mystery why every home does not have a few, if not several, of these plants tucked in and around the landscape. It is not necessary to have a ‘patch’. These plants are quite forgiving about location as long as they have six hours of sun. Bloom time for the plants spans from early to late spring. In northern zones, mid to late bloomers may insure that the blossoms are not killed by late frost. One should have more than one of each bush by bloom time (early, mid, late) for cross-pollination.

Blueberries prefer an acid soil in the 4.6 – 5.1 pH range. Fortunately, Vermont and New Hampshire have naturally acidic soil. The more organic matter added to the soil, and methods of organic care given, the more forgiving the plants are of any pH discrepancies. Composted coffee grounds, leaf mold, sawdust and cottonseed meal can keep the pH within range nicely. Once established all they need is an annual organic fertilizing treatment and two inches of water per week (especially for plumping up the set fruit). Once the shrubs are well established and growing for a few years, annual pruning is crucial to encourage new growth and a large berry harvest the next year.

One highbush blueberry plant, at maturity, can yield around two gallons of berries in a season. Berries are easy to freeze – no fuss required – just pop them into containers and freeze. Frozen berries have the same nutritional benefits of fresh berries and are incredibly easy to use.

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Forecasting for a Rainy Day

Published by Mr. Tree on February 17th, 2011 - in Land Enhancement, Trees

Forecasting the weather has always seemed like the perfect job, at least to me. What other profession can you be employed in where you can make a reasonably good salary (I think) and be wrong better than 50% of the time. Despite the less than stellar prediction performance, people still tune in every day and night? Is that not the best job ever? Well, not as great as a job in the “green care” industry.
Another difficult area to forecast is our nations and our local economies. Will we be seeing greater prosperity in the near future? Is the current recovery long-term or temporary? Is our financial future safe and secure? Although these questions are difficult to answer, we do listen to those that forecast. And although we can’t see the future, the current forecast looks promising. However, it is still prudent to be prepared.
During these times of economic uncertainty there are proactive steps that can be taken. One step could be to establish a “rainy day” property account. Not only can you improve the health of your property, you can improve the health of your pocket. So, how can this “rainy day” property account be established? Forest management is the answer…
There are several key things to remember regarding Forest Management. First and foremost is the health of your forest. I look at the forest just as a gardener does their vegetable garden. A gardener weeds, removing all the bad stuff he or she doesn’t want growing in the garden. Weeding helps the garden crops reach their full potential. As a result, there are more nutrients for the vegetables, flowers and herbs to flourish. Sounds pretty straight forward, right? Let’s take a look at the first step to take regarding your forest…

The best way for your Forest to reach its full potential is to consult with a forester that is trained in the art and science of silviculture. Silviculture is the care and cultivation of forest trees; forestry. The forester can with his knowledge, evaluate your forest and develop a plan that meets your Forest Management and “rainy day” property account goals. Also, your forester is knowledgeable of the log markets and would best be able to determine when to harvest selected trees on your forested property. Furthermore, the forester will have relationships with the professionals that would harvest your forested crop. And these professional relationships are paramount to the success of the forest management plan.
Overall, Forest Management can and does have multiple mutually inclusive benefits to you the land owner and your forested property’s health. Additionally, the winter season is one of the best times to perform Forest Management operations. The frozen ground allows for substantially less degradation to the forest soils and minimizes erosion concerns. So take the first step today. Consult with a forester and a reputable company who can assist you in developing a Forest Management Plan and a “rainy day” property account. The result will be enhanced forest health, additional recreational opportunities, and wildlife diversity of your forest.

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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.

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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.

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