Scarsdale, NY (PRWEB) March 28, 2016
Emerald Tree & Shrub Care Company—Westchester and Fairfield counties’ leading arboriculture services provider, offering expert care to residential and commercial clients since 1996—is celebrating its 20th anniversary by answering the top questions posed to its master arborists and offering springtime tips. Headquartered in Scarsdale and founded by ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Steve Farrelly in 1996, Emerald and its highly-skilled and accredited team have a reputation for customer service, environmental sensitivity, and exceptional knowledge of the region and its indigenous wildlife.
What does a mild winter mean in terms of insects?
Mosquitoes, fleas and ticks will likely be out in full force far earlier than usual this spring because of the mild winter. Freezing temperatures typically kill off insects while mild winters allow them to remain alive and multiply. Every time the temperature rose above freezing this winter, these pests would emerge and reproduce, and if the temperatures remained mild enough, their eggs would remain viable, creating a surplus ready to hatch come spring. When insects emerge early like this and the weather stays moderate, a perfect storm is created, giving them a longer time period to reproduce and thus, higher pest populations over the spring and summer.
ZIKA has been confirmed in Westchester County, how can I best protect my family and myself from mosquito-borne illnesses?
Soon temperatures will begin rising above 70 degrees and that’s when mosquitoes will begin emerging. Here are three things residents can do to prevent and control mosquito populations in their backyards:
1) Remove any standing water from their property as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Standing water can be found in in gutters, old tires, garbage cans, and poor drainage areas.
2) Trim their trees and shrubs to improve air circulation on their property, which will physically push mosquitoes out of that area and remove the environment they thrive in.
3) Residents who are uncomfortable using repellents with active chemicals on their bodies or feel natural remedies don’t work should implement a larger defense against mosquitoes like a property treatment program that prevents and controls them. Generally, we recommend programs from April to October.
How can I increase the health and well-being of my trees and shrubs?
A combination of pruning, fertilization, and insect/disease control should be implemented during the spring months to reinvigorate your plants. Keep in mind that many plants have particular care requirements and it is critical to have a certified arborist do an inspection, evaluation and perform recovery care and maintenance to treat and prevent future health issues.
Generally speaking, pruning out winter dieback should be the first step. We stress the importance of hand pruning and surgically removing certain branches to redirect growth patterns so that plants can best perform within its particular landscape. Then, a proper watering regimen should be implemented throughout the spring and summer seasons. Next, a dormant oil application should be used to protect your trees and shrubs from early hatching foliar insects and fungal diseases. And finally, a fertilizer should be applied to increase plant vigor, appearance and vitality. Emerald’s custom organic fertilizers are designed to increase beneficial soil organisms that enrich poor-quality soils.
I’m interested in adding to my property. How do I select the proper plant and what factors do I need to consider?
Different plants require different types of soil, so the first step is to measure your soil’s pH level. Next, think about the purpose for this addition. The top five reasons to add plants to your property are the following: to add shade, color, beauty, screening (blocking the view of something), or to attract certain wildlife. Once this is determined, educate yourself about the watering requirements for your top choices. These requirements should also match the location of your planting. If the plant requires a lot of water, setting it at the bottom of a hill is a natural choice. If it requires little water, atop a hill is best. Location is also important when considering the life of your new plant. Think about the size of the location and whether it will be a suitable home years down the line when the plant grows. Finally, you should consider the plant’s susceptibility to insects and disease.
About Emerald Tree & Shrub Care Company
Emerald Tree & Shrub Care Company in Scarsdale, NY is Westchester and Fairfield Counties’ leading arboriculture services provider and has been offering expert care to residential and commercial clients throughout these counties and parts of New York City since 1996. Founded by ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Steve Farrelly, Emerald and its highly-skilled and accredited team have a reputation for customer service, environmental sensitivity, and exceptional knowledge of the region and its indigenous wildlife. With accreditations by ISA, the Tree Care Industry Association and an impressive roster of master arborists and ISA-certified tree care professionals, Emerald is the most accredited company of its kind in New York and Connecticut. The team’s passion and dedication to its work has earned it commercial clients with marquee properties such as New York Botanical Gardens and Fordham University, and prestigious golf courses and estates throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties.