Spring is Here

We have had a very early Spring this year (2013) and the trees and plants are showing it. The trees have budded or bloomed months earlier than normal and pollen sufferers are feeling it. Tent caterpillars are everywhere and the lubber grasshoppers are out and feeding. Now is a good time to "feed" your trees and aerate the ground if necessary. If you have blooming trees or shrubs, fertilize them after the flowering is finished. If you had twig borer damage last year to your Maples, Redbuds, or even Oaks, now is a good time to treat preventatively. Don't forget to pickup and remove the leaf and twig litter underneath these trees. Sanitation is a good way to help remove the eggs left behind.
Trees are Good. Remember to keep looking up.

Fall

The calendar says October, but it still feels like summer. Hurricane season has been good to us this season again. Twig borers were bad this year as was Oak tree mortality through diseases and heavy rainfall. Continued care should be taken on all Palm trees as they are vulnerable to diseases and nutritional deficiencies.

Spring has Sprung

Winter is gone and Spring is here. Be careful though, it will be gone in the blink of an eye and Summer will bear done on us with vengeance, so enjoy these cool mornings and pleasant afternoons.

They're everywhere, they're everywhere. Caterpillars are invading the trees and Lubbers are already hatching, so be on the lookout for chewed leaves and webbing in the trees. Mature trees can handle most outbreaks, but young trees can defoliate with some degree of harm.

Laurel and other Oak trees have tasseled and are putting out new growth, but the Live Oaks are just now dropping their leaves. One more month of sneezing and watering eyes for those who suffer.

Mistletoe can still be easily seen now and should be removed if possible. Moss should be treated now if so desired. Remember, moss is not a parasite and does not feed on the tree.

Fall

Fall is finally here and I for one am enjoying the cooler weather and the seasonal change. Yes, we do have trees that show us that summer is over. The Sycamores, Sweetgum, and American Elms are already losing their leaves and if you're fortunate enough to have a Maple, then you hopefully had some nice color already. Not too many insects this time of year that infest the tree catagory, but we will update you soon on some of the Palm diseases that you need to be aware of. It has been a light hurricane season, but still be mindful of tree limbs touching the house.

Are You Ready?

Now that hurricane season is here and confirmed with the passing of Irene, it is imperative to make sure your shade trees are healthy and prepared. Urban trees give us aesthetic value along with a cooler environment, but if diseased or injured, can be a liability and accident waiting to happen. It is prudent to have an inspection made once a year to evaluate the care needed for your trees. Call us for an appointment.

Friend or Foe

Be on the lookout for silk webbing on the bark of Oak Trees. This is evidence of the psocid or bark lice and they do not harm the tree, in fact they help clean the tree of lichen, pollen, and fungi. It is a seasonal occurrence and the webbing can be removed with a garden hose and water if found aesthetically displeasing.

Summertime

Summertime is here with warm nights, hot days, and the rainy season. The usual Spring draught caused routine damage to plants and trees with turgrass showing the worst for wear. We have seen Pine trees stressed to the point that Borer beetles have attacked and warranted treatments and removals. With the start of hurricane season, now is the time to evaluate the condition of your trees and trim, treat, or remove potential problems. Call us if you need that consultation.

The city of Tampa has recently implemented their non scientific fertilizer restrictions as did Pinellas County 2 years ago, so be on the look out as it starts next year. Hillsborough County did their homework and are in line with the State of Florida in terms of water quality and fertilizer regulations. PHS has a solid fertilizer program to fit each requirement utilizing more organic type products and longer residual Nitrogens. Contact Greg or Michele to find out how you can stay in compliance and still maintain a beautiful lawn.

Which brings me to that exciting news I spoke of earlier. Greg and Michele Deiser are the newest additions to Professional Horticultural Services although they are certainly not new to the industry. They will be running the Turf and Ornamental side of the business allowing me to concentrate more on the Arborist end. They will also be growing the residential customer segment, so tell your friends, look at the website and give them a call.