Surface Roots Under Trees

Trees are great – they produce shade, create framing for a house or building, provide shelter for songbirds, slow down the wind and snow and so many other benefits…but they can create a few problems, one of which is surface roots.   Surface roots are not to be taken lightly – they create a tripping…

Mulching – Timing and Products

Weeds are a given.  They’re a true guaranteed item in a field of gardening and lawn care variables.  In lawn care, common sense turf practices and herbicides can be used to create a relatively weed free part of the landscape.  In landscape beds, we turn to mulch. The key to mulch effectiveness is to apply…

Much Mulch

Are you kidding?  Seeing a mound of mulch piled on a tree trunk conjures up images of a volcano with a tree sticking out of it.  Why does this happen?  Three reasons: If a little is good, more is better. Just like with adult beverages, potato chips, pop and buying clothes, excessive amounts are not…

Follow Up Care for Newly Planted Trees – Mulching

Mulching If a little is good, much more is better is not a good mantra for mulching.  For the overall sense of proper mulching technique, take a cue from Mother Nature.  In a forest or natural setting, you’ll commonly see a 2-4 inch layer of fallen leaves, stems, fruits and bark, often referred to as…

Newly Planted Trees, Shrubs, Perennials – Aftercare

You’ve installed some new trees, shrubs and perennials…now what?  In order to keep them looking great, there are a few simple care steps that should follow planting, especially in June.   A thorough soaking of water, followed by moisture monitoring. Nothing special here; use a sprinkler can to place water evenly throughout the entire root…

Warm Season Veggies

Cool season veggies are great – cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and George Bush’s favorite – broccoli.  As the soils warm however, the time for planting warm season veggies is upon us.  Crops such as peppers, eggplant, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers thrive on warm growing conditions – 75 to 85 degrees F.  Hopefully, your weekend project…

Mulch Refresh and Expansion in Mid-Summer

Mid-summer brings lots of good things to experience in the Midwest.  Picnics in the park, 4th of July celebrations, cook-outs and barbeque, sweet corn and watermelon, lighting bugs, vacations at the lake and watching your favorite baseball team.  Unfortunately a few bad ones come with the good, one of which is summer heat and wind. …