fresh mulch = spring

Fresh mulch and sunshine! Both have been hard to come by here in the Rochester area this April. We've had record rainfall this spring which has made it difficult to clean gardens, cut new edges and apply fresh mulch. It sure makes a difference though for freshening up the garden, not to mention weed control and moisture retention!

EAB - the time is coming!

Attention homeowners, citizens and town officials in the Rochester area! Beginning with the warm weather we expect to occur sometime soon, it will be time to inject ash trees to prevent or limit infestation by Emerald Ash Borer. In mid-May, as the leaves of the ash trees are beginning to unfurl, conditions are prime for certified arborists to begin injecting ash trees. Let's work together to save our ash trees instead of cutting them down!

For more information please see the Emerald Ash Borer page on our website: summittreeandlandscape.com

Water! The Fingerlakes! Lake Ontario!

I'm really enjoying learning how to navigate and use Twitter. I'm following astronaut Douglas Wheeler who posted this photo of the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario from space. What a great place we live! We must take measures to preserve our environment and save our water. How can we help as individuals? From turning off the water when we brush our teeth to using water carefully in the garden by using rain barrels and soaker hoses, we can all work together to keep our water clean. Today environmentalists are travelling to Albany to present their views on hydrofracturing. What are your views?

So sad!

Here is a photo of a park in Ohio where the city has decided to remove these ash trees. They will replace the trees, but it will take many many years for the new trees to achieve this height and provide shade to the park. If they decided to treat these trees they could be saved and the park as well as the environment would benefit.

Trees want to live!

It's hard to believe, but this tree is alive. While it is still winter and the leaves are absent the tree is budded up and ready to go in spring. It is amazing that this tree can live with its roots exposed and so little root mass even in contact with soil! Ah nature!!

Early Garden Cleanup - Don't Risk It

While the first sunny, warm days of spring may entice you outdoors, it may be wise to resist the temptation to start gardening. When the soil in your garden beds is coming back to life, it is best to stay out of them to avoid compacting the soil. Standing or walking in the wet soil compresses the soil and squeezes out the air vital to the plants. This is especially true in clay soil. So, view the snowdrops from afar and wait a little longer to cut back any perennials and grasses or rake away winter debris and leaves. Your garden will appreciate your patience!

Value of Landscaping

According to the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, good landscaping can increase the resale value of a home by 14%! In addition, improving curb appeal may speed up the sale of a home by as much as six weeks! Beautiful landscaping makes a great first impression!