Importance of Tree Maintenance

Keeping your yard beautiful and healthy takes time and dedication. One important aspect of yard care is caring for your trees. At Ted Collins, we have solutions for every problem that may arise. Here are a few common tactics that we use to care for trees.

Pruning

Tree pruning is a key component of keeping your tree healthy. In many cases, certain branches of your tree may cause harm to your tree if not pruned. Some branches may be diseased, dead, or otherwise structurally unsound. By pruning your trees, you can keep diseases spreading to the rest of your tree, avoid storm damage from falling trees, and keep the structural shape of your tree intact.

Cabling

Tree cabling is a process by which high strength steel cables and bolts are attached to tree branches in the upper crown of a tree canopy. This is done to support trees with splitting v-crotches. A v-crotch is an area of a tree where it diverges in such a way that the trunk begins to split. By bolting a cable between two larger branches in the canopy, it helps to bind the tree together as branches twist and turn in storms. If your tree has a v-crotch, it is important to address so your tree does not become harmed in the next storm.

Removal

Obviously the most permanent of the three options, removal eliminates any tree problems altogether by removing the said tree from the property. Removal may be necessary if a particular tree is affected by certain diseases or infestations. Removal should only be done at the recommendation of an arborist when absolutely necessary.

All of these solutions should only be recommended and implemented by a licensed arborist. If you are interested in keeping your trees as healthy as possible, Ted Collins is here to help! For more information, please call us at (585) 381-9000.

Deerproofing Your Garden

While they are beautiful creatures of nature, in Upstate New York Deer are often a nuisance. With no natural predators, deer are often left unchecked, causing problems for many homeowners. There isn’t a homeowner who hasn’t had a problem with deer eating their carefully tended plants. There are several basic steps that you can take to deerproof your property.

Pick the right plants

There are a number of popular flowers and plants found in many people’s gardens that deer are extremely drawn to. Plants such as azaleas, yews, and and Rhododendrons should be avoided. However, there are plenty of plants that deer will steer clear from that still look great. Here are a few of our favorites:

Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

Junipers(on left) are coniferous trees widely distributed across the world. They are wonderfully versatile plants, being able to act as everything from groundcovers to privacy screens. Not only are they deerproof due to the oils in their needles, they are also immensely drought resistant and resilient. No matter what

variant, the juniper is an attractive deer resistant option.

Butterfly Bush (Buddlei spp.)

Butterfly bush (on right) is a perfect candidate for a beautiful plant that deer won’t eat. Growing up to 10 feet high with a spread of 15 feet, the bush is covered with long, bright blooms in the summer. Butterfly bushes come in a variety of different varieties, each with their own unique colors of blooms. On top of being deer resistant, the honey scented blooms attract a plethora of butterfly species to your garden.

Perennial Herbs

While they may not seem to be effective, planting perennial herbs in your garden can be effective in deterring deer. Deer hate the scents of herbs such as mint, thyme, lavender, and chives. Planting these herbs can be a cheap and effective way to keep your yard or garden free of deer.

Fences

One of the most logical ways to keep deer out of your yard or lawn is to fence it in. There are several different kinds of fences that can be effective for keeping deer out. The most logical and straightforward is a wooden stockade style fence, as deer don’t jump over a fence unless if they can see what is on the other side. Double fences also tend to work, as deer do not like being trapped in small spaces. While it may seem unorthodox, patches of rock can also work as a “fence”, as deer don’t like to walk on rough surfaces. Like a lot with deer prevention, it can take time and experimentation to find the best solution for your yard.

Repellents

While planting the right plants and installing fences can go a long way to keeping deer out of your space, sometimes extra measures need to be taken. A powerful tool in your arsenal is applying a deer repellent to your plants. Many repellents use coyote urine, garlic, soaps, or other natural products to deter deer from entering an area. Most of these repellents come in spray bottles, but there are also hanging versions that can be purchased. Again, it will take time and experimentation to find the best repellent for you. No matter what kind of repellent, the key to their success is  consistency. For these repellents to work, they must be sprayed daily.

By taking all of these steps into account, you will be able to protect your garden and yard from deer.

Buddleja Davidii “Royal Red” (Royal Red Butterfly Bush)

Buddleja davidii “Royal Red” is a deciduous bush first cultivated in Ohio in 1942. The bush features many extending branches, each with its own cluster of brilliant red flowers. The Royal Red is known as one of the best and most beautiful of the older “red” cultivars. The bush was introduced across Europe after the second World War, recieving multiple awards from the UK’s Royal Horticultural society. The Royal Red is best known for its nectar rich flowers, which attract scores of butterflies, perfect for any home garden.

The Royal Red can be a part of your landscape installation from Ted Collins today. If interested in an installation, give us a call at (585) 381-9000 or visit us at tedcollinst-l.com for an estimate.

Planting a Garden

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner. For many gardening enthusiasts, this weekend is the best weekend for getting their garden planted and ready for the summer. For new gardeners, it is also the best weekend to start up your new garden. No matter what your skill level and experience, there are a few simple things to keep in mind to make your garden as best as it can be.

Soil climate zones

An important thing to keep in mind when picking plants to add to your garden is the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. The Hardiness Zone Map sets the standard of what plants will survive and thrive in different areas of the country. A plant that is rated for a different climate zone will ultimately not be successful and may die.

Before you buy a plant to install in your garden, check to see if the plant’s climate zone matches with your own climate zone. Most of the Rochester area lies within zones 6a and 6b. These temperate climate zones are hospitable to many popular and beautiful plants.

Building soil

One of the key components of a successful garden is healthy soil. While it may sound simple, healthy soil takes time and skill to develop.

If you are starting in an area covered by sod or grass, it is best to cut it up into chunks or till the soil. If you’ve already started a garden, mix in a variety of different kinds of organic matter to help the soil become lush and fertile. This organic matter can include compost, worm casings, or mulch.

Keep Plant tags

While it may seem like it is OK to throw away plant tags once your plants are in the ground, keeping plant tags is very useful. This way, if problems arise with your plants or you want to buy more for the next year, you will have a permanent record. 

Brunnera Macrophylla “Jack Frost” (Serbian Bugloss)

Brunnera Macrophylla , also known as Great Forget-Me-Not, Heartleaf, and Serbian Bugloss, is a flowering plant native to the Caucuses. Its “Jack Frost” cultivar is well known for its sky blue flowers nestled on silver overlay foliage. Its leaves are large and heart shaped. “Jack” is sure to brighten any shady or woodland setting. This beautiful plant can be a part of your landscape installation from Ted Collins today. If interested in an installation, give us a call at (585) 381-9000 or visit us at tedcollinst-l.com for an estimate.

Victor Farmington Library Hosts Asian Longhorned Beetle Information Meeting

The Asian Longhorn Beetle is an invasive wood boring insect that feeds on a variety of hardwoods including maple, birch, elm, ash, poplar, horsechestnut, and willow. This beetle, native to China and Korea has been spotted in areas across the Northeastern US, in states from Massachusetts to Ohio. The species has a foothold in areas of New York, posing a threat to the health of our state’s trees.

While the beetle has not yet been spotted in Upstate New York, it is important to be informed about the species so it can be quickly stamped out if it emerges.

The Victor Farmington Library is hosting a free talk with entomologist Gene Binder, a dedicated warrior in the fight against the beetle. Binder will show how to spot the beetle and what precautions can be taken if the beetle arrives. The meeting will be on Wednesday, May 22nd at 6:30 PM in the library’s Study Room. To sign up for the event, please visit: https://victorfreelibrary.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?eventid=7435&lib=0

Tick Prevention Alert (May 2019)

Every year as it becomes warmer and the winter comes to a close, a new problem emerges: ticks. While previously a manageable problem, the tick population in Upstate New York, especially Rochester, has skyrocketed over the last few years. This has led to a spread in Lyme disease and other pathogens that ticks transmit. While it is a serious problem, there are plenty of precautions that you can take to protect you and your family.

Ticks are arachnids, belonging to the same family as spiders. These arachnids feed on blood, specifically of mammals,

by biting and attaching themselves to their victims. Ticks feed on mammals of all sizes: deer, dogs, even humans.

The real danger of these pests comes from the role that they play as disease carriers. Ticks are the primary carriers for a number of diseases, most notably Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a disease that negatively impacts the human nervous system, leading to symptoms from swelling of the joints to degeneration of the nervous system to loss of memory. While Lyme disease is the most well-known disease transmitted by ticks, ticks can also transmit other pathogens such as Anaplasmosis to Babeosis. When you or someone in your family suffers a tick bite, they become at risk for any of these diseases.

There are a number of precautions to be taken that reduce the likelihood of tick bites. Ticks reside most in areas with long and thick grass. Therefore, when entering these areas, make sure to wear pants and shirts with long sleeves to protect your skin. When going outside into any wooded areas, make sure to apply bug spray to you and your loved ones. If you have a tick problem that persists in your own yard, Ted Collins offers customizable Tick Management Programs to keep you and your family safe. For more information, please call us at (585) 381 – 9000.

For more information about ticks and tick prevention, visit Cornell’s Integrated Pest Management website. 

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Altona’

The Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Altona’ is a deciduous plant that will typically grow three to four feet in height.  Beginning its bloom in June, this hydrangea produces a colorful foliage until the first frost. The color of the bloom varies depending on the acidity of the soil. In neutral to alkaline soils, the plant produces deep pink flowers. However, in acidic soils, the flowers become blue or purple. With a colorful bloom, this hydrangea attracts bees and butterflies.

Hibuscus

Native to the tropical regions of the world, the hibiscus plant has made its way into landscapes because of its popular, showy flowers. Often in a trumpet shape, with five or more petals, the red flowers bloom for one day; only to be replaced the next day. The plant can reach a height of fifteen feet and has been made to resemble a tree with pruning near the base. Very tolerant on the sun, the hibiscus plant serves well as a street view planting. 

Heuchera Micrantha

The “Palace Purple Coral Bells”, or Heuchera Micrantha, is a uniquely colored plant that typically grows 1 to 2 feet in height. The purple foliage is harmonizing with the white flowers that bloom early to mid summer. With a medium growth rate, this perennial is perfect for containers and borders.