TREE CARE by Lehigh Lawns & Landscaping

Fall and Winter are the best times to prune…

The late fall or winter is the best time to prune most trees. Pruning during this dormant period minimizes sap loss and subsequent stress to the tree. It also minimizes the risk of fungus infection or insect infestation as both fungi and insects are likely to be in dormancy at the same time as the tree. Finally, in the case of deciduous trees, pruning when the leaves are off will give you a better idea of how your pruning will affect the shape of the tree. Some fruiting and flowering trees should be pruned at other times of the year, depending on whether they flower on the previous year's growth or not.

Proper pruning enhances the beauty of almost any landscape tree and shrub, while improper pruning can ruin or greatly reduce its landscape potential. In most cases, it is better not to prune than to do it incorrectly.
Pruning cuts, crown thinning, and dead wooding are just some of the items we look at when we evaluate a tree. Difficult removals are our specialty. Stump grinding available. We also provide 24 hour emergency storm response as well.

Why Is Fall Clean Up Necessary?

A Fall Clean-Up is the systematic collection and removal of any leaves, sticks, and debris littering your property as a result of the changing seasons. Your open areas of turf, landscape beds and hardscapes, are all included in our Fall Clean-Up Package. This service is primarily performed using a variety of backpack and wheeled blowers, though certain areas may require us to rake them by hand.

Fall Clean-Ups are performed on a first come first serve basis, and in conjunction with our current lawn care customer’s routing. Fall Clean-Ups are typically performed when the weather conditions permit and debris can be moved to an available wooded area, hauled away for a small additional charge, or left along the roadside if you live in a township that provides leaf disposal.

Reap the benefits of a clean, neat lawn and landscape appearance at your property. Not only will your property look pristine but it will be healthier. Removal of debris from your lawn will help its health by avoiding the problems associated with leaf compaction and added acidity to your soil base, which can destroy your turf and increase broad leaf weed activity. In addition spores found on leaves can infect your soil and re-infect trees and shrubs year after year.

A clean lawn area is essential to attain the maximum benefits from other important Fall services such as lawn fertilization, liming, tick control and core-aeration as well.

Fall Is The Best Time For Landscaping!

Why is fall the best time? Unlike the tops of ornamental plants that go dormant and cease growth for the winter, roots of ornamental plants continue to grow throughout the winter months. Fall planting allows all the energy produced during the previous growing season to be directed to root growth because there is little demand from the top of the plant. So when spring arrives, a well-established root system will be prepared to provide the necessary water and nutrients for optimum growth.

Lehigh will make sure your planting is done correctly in order to ensure that the root systems of your new plantings will obtain sufficient oxygen and water which will help avoid long-term plant stress. Finally we will add a 2 inch layer of mulch around the base of the planting which will keep roots moist and prevent weeds. Don’t forget to play your part and give new plants water about once a week in the absence of rain for the next six to eight weeks until they become established. Keep in mind that a rotary sprinkler running 15-20 minutes may not be enough to wet all the roots. Hand water plants long enough for the water to soak down to the entire root ball and help draw the root base downward. Call us today for a consultation or to schedule your fall planting project, take advantage of the best time of the year to plant!

Why Lime?

Nearly every homeowner desires an attractive lawn because this is one feature which most enhances the appearance of the average home grounds. Healthy, attractive lawns are not an accident but the result of a regularly and carefully executed maintenance program. This applies to the soil as well as to the turf grass itself. Here at Lehigh it is serious business.

It is known that turf grasses will not grow well in highly acid soils and most well established lawns will require applications of lime. Acid conditions of soils can be brought about by the leaching out of calcium and magnesium. Acid soils are commonly referred to as "sour," whereas alkaline soils are called "sweet." The reaction of soils is measured by the quantity of hydrogen ions in the soil which is expressed by numerical units numbered between 1 and 14. Acid soils are not necessarily infertile but an indication that the supply of calcium and magnesium is low and needs replenishing. More importantly, high acidity or low pH levels may also cause other nutrients to be unavailable to the turf. The general rule is, the greater the acidity of the soil, the greater the need for lime.

Lime is primarily a soil amendment or conditioner and not a fertilizer. Lime performs several important functions including correcting soil acidity, furnishing important plant nutrients by supplying calcium and magnesium, reducing the solubility and toxicity of certain elements in the soil such as aluminum, manganese, and iron. This toxicity could reduce plant growth under acid conditions. Liming promotes availability of major plant nutrients. Calcium acts as a regulator and aids in bringing about the desirable range of availability of many plant nutrients. It increases bacterial activity and hence induces favorable soil structure by the addition of decayed organic matter. Because of this the soil becomes more porous, increasing air circulation and the ability of the soil to absorb and hold moisture.

When you contact Lehigh about our Liming program, we will perform a PH test of your soil to determine the correct amount of lime needed for optimum benefit to your soil and turf. To obtain maximum efficiency and faster action, we recommend liming in the fall, which is the best time to apply lime to your lawn. Although it can be applied in the winter or spring, if there is a need to do so. Lime will be spread evenly and at the proper rate over the entire turf area to insure maximum distribution and effectiveness. Call us today to make sure your lawn is provided all the nutrients it needs to be healthy and always look its best!

Combining Core-Aeration & Slice Seeding This Fall!

Combining Core-Aeration and Slice Seeding gives your lawn twice the soil exposure. In addition, it relieves soil compaction so that new roots can easily penetrate and establish.

What about thatch?

Thatch is the layer just above the soil of decaying plant life- mainly dead grass stems, crowns and roots. Even if you use a mulching mower, thatch continues to build up, forming a habitat for insects and disease. Aeration is an easy way to break through the thatch and open up the soil beneath.

How about your soil composition?

Soil, especially if it has a lot of clay like here in the Hudson Valley, can become compacted and dense. It’s hard for anything, including roots of plants, to get through. Taking out plugs gives the soil a new lease on life. Soil and roots can expand into the created spaces. Every lawn benefits from aeration at least once a year.

Core Aeration

Core Aeration can open up your lawn to getting a lot more of what it needs for recovery from summer stress. An aerator pulls out thousands of plugs of thatch and soil from your lawn. The hollow blades of the aerator cut through the thatch layer and into the soil, the leave the plugs to decompose on top of the ground. The wide open paths where the plugs used to be allow for easy penetration of life-giving air, water and nutrients.

Slice Seeding

Slice seeding is the method of actually applying seed but also creating “proper” growth pockets for new seedlings. You’ll gain maximum germination as well as all of the benefits of Core Aeration. After such a hard summer on lawns, renovating your lawn in such a way dramatically improves your turf stand for years to come!

Call (845) 463-4400 Today For An Estimate!

Get Fired Up For Outdoor Living!

Lehigh Lawns & Landscaping has been designing and executing stunning outdoor living spaces for over 25 years. Nothing accents these spaces like pergola or fire pit!

They complete both form and function all at once. A pergola is an outdoor room with cross rafters and no walls that provides a light, airy and inviting space to relax, dine or just admire. It will provide shade from the sun and can be stunning with the addition of a climbing vine.

Fire pits add a visual point of interest as well as a place to keep warm when your event extends through the evening hours.

Sitting walls can be added for a more permanent seating area around your fire pit. Imagine dining under the shade of your new pergola or sitting by the sparkle of firelight while roasting marshmallows and talking with friends.

Our talented designers will help you realize your dream outdoor living area for relaxing, entertaining and the maximum enjoyment of your property.

So call us today for an estimate and consultation. Call on Lehigh Lawns & Landscaping‘s established, professional and dependable service!

It's Time For Spring Clean Up

Robins are in the lawn so that surely means that spring is here in the Hudson Valley! After such an intense winter it is a welcome sight! Lehigh Lawns & Landscaping recommends that you take some time to prioritize the needs of your landscaping in regards to spring cleaning.         

Fortunately the experts here at Lehigh Lawns & Landscaping Inc. have compiled a list of the most important things we offer to ensure a healthy and prosperous growing season for your landscaping!

1. Clean up your mulch beds! We will remove fallen branches, leaves and debris left over from fall and winter.
2. Edge, weed, and re-mulch areas in existing landscape and beat the weeds! The sooner we do, the more suppressed the weeds will be giving your landscape a cleaner, neater appearance, while saving hours of maintenance removing weeds.
3. Trim back ornamental grasses to 2–3 inches to allow new growth to shoot up and trim perennialsto a height of 4–5 inches.
4. Shape shrubs and prune back branches to live stems where they have been damaged. Make clean cuts on ornamental trees with broken or damaged limbs. This will help prevent both disease and insect infestation to your trees and shrubs.
5. Amend beds with rich organic soil.
6. Assess beds for expansion, plant additions and the thinning out of overcrowded flower beds.  
7. Add mulch, of course, we recommend 2” of hardwood timber mulch, for protection against weed growth and aiding in plant water retention. 

The early bird will also avoid damaging emerging bulbs, perennials and buds on your trees and shrubs. If you can get into your gardens and landscapes before the delicate growth of your plants begin you can avoid damaging your plants most sensitive areas.

Call Lehigh Lawns & Landscaping today for a free review of all your landscape areas!

Pruning Spring Bloomers

When you can't wait to get started in the spring garden, a good task to undertake is pruning trees and shrubs. Most (not all) benefit from annual pruning. It gets rids of dead and diseased wood, encourages new growth and keeps them in shape. Some trees and shrubs should not be pruned early, especially some of the flowering ones.

Early spring bloomers set their flower buds the fall before. Pruning them in early spring could mean losing some blossoms which may be why you find yourself asking "Why don’t my flowers bloom?”  Most of the time this is not what you want. However there are exceptions. It is often easier to prune when you can see the shape of the tree or shrub, before the branches are masked by leaves. Trees and shrubs that are in need of a good shaping could sacrifice a few blooms to be invigorated by a spring pruning.

Here is a list of commonly grown spring flowering trees and shrubs and the best time to prune them.

Trees and Shrubs to Prune in Late Spring or Early Summer (After Bloom)

• Azalea (Rhododendron species)
• Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)
• Bridal Wreath Spirea (Spirea x vanhouttei)
• Flowering Crabapple (Malus species and cultivars)                            
• Forsythia (forsythia x intermedia)
• Hawthorn (Crataegus species and cultivars)
• Hydrangea, Bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla)
• Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
• Magnolia (Magnolia species and cultivars)                                       
• Rhododendron (Rhododendron species)
• Serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora)
• Slender Deutzia (deutzia gracilis)
• Weigela (Weigela florida)           

 Trees and Shrubs to Prune in Early Spring, While Dormant

You can still shape the following list of trees and shrubs, while they are still dormant during spring.

• Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia Davidii)
• Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)          
• Flowering Plum (Prunus blireana)
• Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissiam)
• Hydrangea, Peegee (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’)
• Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa)
• Spirea (except Bridal Wreath) (Spirea japonica))
• Wisteria (Wistera species)

Is It Too Early To Start Thinking About A Lush, Green Lawn?

Why, because it’s buried in snow? March will be here before you know it, so it’s not too early to think of what your lawn might need when the weather breaks in early spring.  Consider a fertilization package to ensure a beautiful lawn all season long!

Lehigh Lawns & Landscaping has three ways to save:

The “All Lehigh” Program…

• Two crabgrass treatments with fertilizer
• Two broadleaf weed control treatments with fertilizer
• One grub control, surface insect control and our November Winterizer!
• Our most popular program with added value! Plus a free Grub Control when you sign up by May 1^st!

 The “Premium” Program…

• One crabgrass treatment with fertilizer
• Two broadleaf weed control treatments with fertilizer
• One organic fertilizer and one grub control

 The “Classic” Program…

• One crabgrass treatment with fertilizer
• Two broadleaf weed control treatments with fertilizer
• One organic fertilizer

Backyard Retreat

Check out this video of one of our 2012 summer projects.  Our customers couldn't have been happier with their new backyard retreat.

http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d7a55794f5467314e54673d0d0a&blogview=true

Protect your landscape! Deer proof your plants!

Protect your plants all winter long! With snow covering much of the vegetation eaten by deer, they will be turning their attention to your shrubbery! Deter deer before they establish your yard as a good food source, they will return until the food supply (your landscape investment!) is gone! Not to mention returning for your snowman’s carrot nose!

There are approximately 1 million deer in New York State. An adult deer can eat 4-10 pounds of vegetation per day! Deer have the ability to decimating your landscape shrubbery in no time at all! If you have shrubbery such as Arborvitae, Hemlock, Holly, Rhododendron, or Azaleas then you have a variable buffet of some of a deer’s favorite foods! Although deer will eat anything if they are hungry enough, if these plants go unprotected they can be completely destroyed!

To discourage deer from feeding on shrubs and flowers Lehigh offers Tree Guard Deer Proof spray, a deer repellent application. This liquid repellent works by being sprayed upon your plant material making it taste bad, and it contains a detection agent to let deer know that the plant is treated. Deer will either smell or taste your plantings and will opt for less offensive food in another area. The coating is creates a clear sheen and resists wash off from rain or snow. The application is NON TOXIC to both plants and animals.

So be pro-active, protect your plants and call now for a free estimate, before the deer start nosing around your property!!

Winter Tree Pruning

 

Lehigh Lawns & Landscaping Inc. is ready to take care of your tree needs!

Prune to protect your property from the perils of severe winter storms! Ice and heavy snow can cause great amounts of damage to both your trees and property! Preventative care is the best course of action. It will prevent costly circumstances such as severe structural damage, as well as insect or disease issues to your trees.

Winter is the best times to have tree work done. Technicians can prune your trees without the hindrance of leaves and without worry about heat stress affecting your specimens after the work is complete.

Our tree pruning services include the removal of diseased, broken, or dead branches on mature trees and young trees alike. This prevents decay-producing fungi from penetrating and infecting other areas of your tree.  The removal of live branches is occasionally necessary to allow increased exposure to sunlight and circulation of air within the canopy. We will perform a reduction to up to 25% of the canopy of your trees. This will allow sunlight to penetrate, and also keep wind, ice, and snow from wreaking havoc upon your trees.
  Young tree pruning, also known as developmental tree pruning, is pruning performed for structural enhancement. This important procedure helps ensure that your new plantings have desirable branch architecture and structural integrity. Proper pruning of specimens when they are young reduces the potential of costly problems and the need for structural support as your landscape matures.
  Tree pruning for appearance and restoration is essential for maximizing the beauty of formal plantings. Increase your landscape's value, beauty and safety! Prepare your property for the severe weather we are accustomed to here in the Hudson Valley! Preserve your trees for years of enjoyment!

Our fully trained professionals and certified arborists are ready to assist you whatever your specific needs may be.