Imagine the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain during the spring of 1607. With sails billowing, the Susan Constant, piloted by Christopher Newport, cruised toward the future Jamestown. The surrounding forest understory was covered with native ferns, waxmyrtles, and winterberries. Flowering dogwoods, native redbuds and serviceberries were erupting with color, the luxuriant leaf litter was thick and abundant, […]
Free Wood Chips, the Easiest, Cheapest, Environmentally-Friendly Mulch
Mulching wide around your trees (and other plants) with 2 – 4 inches of organic mulch will always be preferable to a carpet of grass or weeds surrounding your trees. Scientific research has shown that mulch conserves soil moisture and reduces competition with weed and turf roots. If you want healthy trees, you need healthy […]
Why Mulching Correctly Is Important
Mulching correctly at the base of a mature tree is the single most important step that a home owner can take to improve a tree’s overall health. Good soil conditions for root growth are essential for a healthy tree. Mulching correctly is one step that can improve soil conditions. Incorrect mulching practices usually cause more […]
Proper Mulching Technique
Proper mulching technique will enhance the appearance of your property and significantly improve the health of your trees. Trees and turf compete for the same water and nutrients. By eliminating competition with turf grass and weeds, trees roots will have more access to water and essential elements. Additionally tree roots will be denser in the […]
Follow-up Care for Newly Planted Trees
Wanting their newly planted trees to thrive, smart gardeners will provide proper follow-up care. Cultural practices that mimic natural forest conditions will create ideal conditions for the tree to become established. As a general rule native trees will require much less attention than alien species once established. However, after installation all trees need a little help […]
Ultimate Fighting: Trees vs. Turf
Trees don’t grow on the prairie, grass doesn’t grow in the forest. That’s almost true; nature rarely lacks exceptions. Nevertheless we don’t typically see thick, verdant grasses growing in the deep shade of our eastern deciduous forest. Most suburban dwellers have never paused to think about this obvious yet overlooked fact. Our neighborhood trees are […]