August 2023

Common buckthorn

Common Buckthorn

landscaping, Season, Spring, tree care / By

What is Common buckthorn? Common buckthorn and glossy buckthorn are shade and drought tolerant plants that can easily and rapidly grow in a wide range of habitats. Both species were introduced to North America as ornamental shrubs. Why are they a problem? Common and glossy buckthorn, as non-native species, are able to outcompete native plants, harming the environment by reducing biodiversity, degrading the quality of wildlife habitat, affecting soil quality, and impacting a wide range …

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Tree Mulch

Mulching

landscaping, Mulch, Season, Soil, Spring, tree care / By

What is mulch? Mulch is a material that is used as a protective covering for soil. Professional gardeners prefer organic mulches, which are often made up of wood chips, bark, straw, cocoa hulls, leaves, and compost mixes, as these decompose, thus improving soil structure and increasing soil fertility. Inorganic mulches, such as gravel, stone chips, river rock, and shredded rubber do not decompose, so cannot provide the same benefits to your plants as organic mulches. …

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Example of a tree infested with Emerald Ash borer

The Emerald Ash borer update

Emerald Ash borer, Pests, tree care / By

Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire The Emerald Ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) continues to present problems for ash trees in North America. We’ve covered the facts about this pest in previous articles – please see: Emerald Ash Borer and 3 Tips to Detect Emerald Ash Borer – but we have some updates about recent advancements in countering this pest. Biocontrol Biocontrol – aka biological control – Is a process by which predators, parasitoids, or pathogens reduce insect …

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