Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer has arrived in Western New York. This devastating pest will, over time, decimate the ash tree population in New York State as it has done in Michigan. As I write this in early October, it is easy to identify ash trees as they are exhibiting their yellow fall color. Imagine that many of the yellow trees you see now will be gone! Individual trees can be saved with pesticide injections, however. Spring is the best time to inject, giving individuals time to prepare. Get ready! And, please do not transport firewood! This is one of the ways EAB is spread.

Rainy days

Rainy days in Fall (while not as exhilarating as sunny days in Fall) offer some benefits. After a summer of hot days, the extra moisture of a Fall rain benefits new as well as existing plants. Colors in the landscape can be so rich in the soft light of a cloudy Fall day, and some plants just shimmer with collected raindrops as is the case with this hypericum Albury Purple.

Spectatular Fall Plant

Sweet Autumn clematis - so well-named - is in full bloom now. Masses of tiny white flowers float on this very vigorous climber. If you cut it back in spring you'll have flowers like this along the entire plant. Remember this for next year - be fearless! Cut it back!!

Fall Planting

Why is fall such a great time for planting? Trees, shrubs and perennials benefit from the warm soil and additional water available in fall. They will become established before the soil freezes and have a head start in spring!

Water quality

We who live in the Finger Lakes region might not be aware that the richness of our water resources is a factor in the need to protect our lakes from pollution. It's easy to understand that areas affected by drought should make every effort to conserve water. Why should we bother when we live in one of world's water-rich regions? Aging stormwater and sewer systems cannot handle the influx of water from development - all the impervious surfaces that have replaced woodland and farm land. By retaining and reusing rainwater we cut down on the amount of water entering the sewer system, saving the expense of replacing the infrastructure. Permeable pavements with collection systems are a fantastic way to save rainwater for future use - to wash cars, irrigate lawns or planting beds, even provide water for a garden waterfall!

Landscaping with greater purpose

As winter wanes and spring approaches the time is perfect for planning. Consider combining the perfect design for your property with the added benefit of protecting our precious water supply. Sustainable landscaping takes into consideration alleviating storm water runoff from surfaces such as roofs, walks and driveways. Utilizing rain water gardens and permeable surfaces will help reduce the amount of pollution that goes into our waterways by filtering the water into the subsoil instead of allowing it to drain into storm sewers. Beautiful!

Winter Pruning

Winter is an excellent time for assessing the health of trees and shrubs, as their structure is clearly visible without the presence of leaves. Removing dead or diseased limbs, crossing and rubbing branches and renovation of shrubs is best done in winter. This is due to the absence of pests and organisms that could enter the plant through cuts in the bark. Also, at this dormant time, plants will not expend energy to recover from pruning - this will happen in spring with the flush of new growth.