Fall is the Perfect Time to Plant a Tree

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For those who think spring is the best time for planting – we have news for you – it’s the perfect time to plant trees and shrubs. And it all comes down to roots.

Unlike flowers and vegetables that thrive in spring and summer weather, trees and shrubs use the dormant time of fall and winter to establish their roots. Planting trees and shrubs from September through November enables their roots to grow strong before spring and summer return. 

There are quite a few benefits to planting in the fall:

  • Cooler, wetter weather means you’ll need to water less.
  • As the tree won’t be growing above ground in fall and winter, its roots can take advantage of the warmer temperature underground to establish itself.
  • Trees planted in fall are better able to adapt to the heat of summer.

Did you know that Augustine has a tree farm that you can visit? We grow more than 20,000 trees in hundreds of varieties over 60 acres right in Kingston. For those who don’t want to wait a decade to have an established tree in their yard, we are experts at planting large trees. Plant now, and wake up in spring to a beautiful tree full of leafy beauty.

And there are lots of choices for fall planting including maples, buckeyes, ash, chestnet, crabapple, and elm to name a few. Trees planted in fall need little maintenance. Just water about once a week and mulch. 

And while you’re in planting mode, don’t forget to plant some spring-blooming bulbs before the ground freezes.

Our Favorite Plantings for Fall Beauty

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Sweater season is almost here and there’s nothing better than being able to throw it over your head, grab a cup of hot apple cider and sit out on your porch to take in the beautiful colors of fall.

Most homeowners think about spring and summer as the seasons for yard beauty, but if you plant with fall in mind as well, you’ll be highly rewarded.

Here are some of our favorite fall trees and shrubs:

  • Sugar Maples make a stunning addition to your yard, offering that bright red and orange of fall that we know and love. 
  • Ginkgo trees are elegant to behold. Their fan-shaped leaves turn a remarkable gold. And, unlike most other trees that lose their leaves slowly as the season progresses, Ginkgos will remain full and golden, losing their leaves all at once overnight. 
  • Oakleaf Hydrangea are a great choice for summer and fall. Named for its oak-shaped leaves, this hydrangea has cone shaped blooms. In fall, its leaves turn a gorgeous dark burgundy. 
  • Burning Bush is perfectly named for its dark green leaves that transition to bright fiery red in fall. 
  • Viburnum is a shrub that has fragrant white flowers in spring. In fall, their bright clusters of berries will not only bring color, but birds to your yard. 
  • Chokeberry shrubs produce small, glossy, red berries that will last way into winter. Although the berries are edible, they are quite tart and astringent. They are better used to make jam, syrup, and tea. And the birds love them too. 

Having a yard full of blooms in summer is a wonderful thing. However, with a little planning, your yard can continue to provide you with joy all year round. Don’t be afraid to ask us for help. We’re happy to help you grow your year-round landscape.

Ginko tree

What Made Those Holes in My Lawn & Who Ate My Flowers?

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Any time we are cohabitating with wildlife, there are going to be clashes. Many of the things we do to make our landscape beautiful and productive are the exact things that attract wildlife. But, there are ways to live side-by-side without them ruining our lawns or eating all the veggies from the garden.

Aside from deer –  the ultimate nuisance – rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, moles, and some bird species all contribute to the unraveling of all your hard work. This is especially true in early fall when many animals try to fatten up in preparation for the cold winter ahead. 

Animals will live where there is food, water, and shelter. And, because we are continually encroaching on their habitats, they learn that where there is people, there is abundance. 

Well-maintained lawns that are rich in soil and nutrients is the perfect environment for moles and voles to tunnel in. There are plenty of worms, grubs and insects for them to feast upon. Fruit trees and vegetable gardens are a dream come true for raccoons, woodchucks, rabbits, and squirrels. The deer will eat practically anything when hungry enough. 

Here are some solutions to these pesky creatures:

  • Fencing goes a long way toward keeping critters away. For those that tunnel and dig, fences should be buried into the ground a bit. 
  • Keep your yard free of debris like piles of branches and overgrown shrubs. This provides cover and nesting sites for many animals. And if they decide to live in your yard they’ll eat your plantings. 
  • Don’t overwater your lawn. It attracts the grubs which are a favorite treat for moles and raccoons. 
  • Wrap the lower parts of trees to keep animals from stripping the bark. 
  • Don’t keep pet food and water outside. Bird feeders are also an attractant as seeds fall to the ground, small mammals find and eat it. 
  • Plant items with strong smells that herbivores dislike such as lavender, rosemary, and marigolds.  
  • Install a motion-detector sprinkler or light. 

Place a realistic owl decoy in a shrub near plantings. The more realistic it looks, the better. Hunting stores have ones with plumage.

Preventing Winter Damage to Your Trees and Shrubs

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The trees and shrubs in your yard are similar to people. We both require a certain amount of water, nutrients, and rest to remain healthy and productive. While people require these elements on a daily basis, plants are more seasonal. For example, they sleep each winter instead of daily at night. This dormancy period is just as important to their health as a good night’s sleep is to ours.

Cold isn’t the worst challenge faced by our plants. Shrubs and trees hardy to our region can endure our normal winter temperatures with little trouble. Here is why they need winterizing to help them through their dormancy:

  • Cold spells that appear before trees and shrubs have had a chance to harden off for the winter can damage plant tissues.
  • Midwinter thaws can send the wrong message to plants, fooling them into coming out of their dormancy too soon only to be damaged when it turns cold again.
  • Bark that warms up during the bright sunlight of day can quickly freeze and crack when temperatures drop after dark.
  • Deer, mice, and other animals gnaw leaves, bark, and twig as their winter food becomes scarce.
  • Frozen soil makes it difficult for trees and shrubs to take up enough water.

Best Ways to Help Your Shrubs and Trees through Winter:

  • Don’t prune shrubs past mid-summer because it stimulates new growth which delays dormancy.
  • Water plants throughout the fall months (until the ground freezes) so they have adequate moisture to see them through the winter.
  • Protect the root system of any young or small plantings by spreading a layer of mulch, straw, or compost to insulate them.
  • Wrapping the trunks of young trees up to their first branches helps several challenges – It keeps the trunk warm during temperature fluctuations and keeps critters from chewing on them. Leave wraps on until the last frost has passed.
  • Wrap delicate shrubs such a rhododendron with burlap to protect them from wind.

Make this the year you properly and lovingly tuck your landscape into bed for a long winter’s sleep. They’ll be sure to show their gratitude when spring returns.

 

 

 

Helping the Pollinators That Help Your Landscape

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So many of the trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables we love and care for thrive because of the pollinators that do their work so well. Without them, the diversity and availability of the beauty and sustenance around us would be in decline. We owe a lot of gratitude to those creatures whose work goes mainly unnoticed.

Pollinator populations are in decline around the globe, primarily because of habitat loss and pesticide use. Like all living creatures, they need food, water, and shelter to survive.

You may think that what little we can do in our own backyards may be inconsequential. But even small gestures such as creating a pollinator house where these creatures can overwinter will help them survive to pollinate our gardens and multiply so we can ensure a brighter future for all who benefit from their hard work.

Bees are the most well-known pollinators. There are over 4,000 species of bees native to the United States. From fuzzy bumble bees and metallic green sweat bees to honey bees, they pollinate millions of plants when collecting pollen and nectar as food for themselves and their young. Many live solitary lives and it is these bees that benefit the most from a pollinator hotel.

Building a DIY Pollinator House

Building a DIY pollinator house is something you can do right in your backyard with everyday tools. It can even be a fun family activity. 

Four Rules

  1. Your house must have a sloped roof to deflect the rain.
  2. You cannot use treated wood.
  3. The house should be placed in full sun with the open side facing south to get the most warmth from the sun. It must be firmly placed so it does not sway with the wind.
  4. Fill your hotel completely. If you leave empty areas, paper wasps will move in and build their own home.

Six Steps

  1. Build or recycle an open-faced box.
  2. Add a sloped roof using additional wood. Add a few roofing shingles for extra protection from the elements.
  3. Use wood to break up the singular space of the box into a few fillable sections. Collect logs or blocks of wood at least 7 inches long. Drill holes that are 1/2 inch in diameter and 6 inches deep. Make sure the circular openings are smooth and free of splinters, or the insects can get injured when entering.
  4. Place your drilled logs or blocks into the box.
  5. To fill the areas between your blocks or logs, buy tubes at your local garden center or roll cardboard into tubes. You can even use stalks from daylilies, which are hollow. Place the tubes into the open spaces.
  6. Save some room for beetles and butterflies. Beetles love pine cones and straw. If you save a section that you can fill with pine cones or straw, you’ll be attracting beetles as well as the occasional butterfly to your hotel. You might even find ladybugs taking advantage of that area.

Five Reasons Fall is a Great Planting Season

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Fall is a great time to…

When fall rolls round most gardeners begin to wind down their gardening activities to start getting their landscape ready for winter. Time is spent mulching, raking leaves, and cleaning tools before setting them aside til spring. 

What is often overlooked is that fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs! Here’s why.

Moderate Temperatures

Warm temperatures coupled with cool nights are the perfect conditions for both gardeners to work without the searing summer sun and for new plants to begin to establish themselves. Planting in fall will yield wonderful surprises in spring. 

Fewer Plant Pests

Pests like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles are nowhere to be found creating a healthier environment in which plants encounter fewer bug assaults. 

Roots Take Hold

Planting trees and shrubs in fall gives them a  month or so of growing time before turning dormant for the winter. But you might not be able to see that growth because its not the usual above ground growth. Roots can grow in soil as cool as 45 degrees so fall provides root systems to expand. Plant a tree in your yard in fall and they will be well-established by the time summer comes around.

More Spring Perennials

Divide your perennials in fall and make a  new garden bed. Perennials sometimes have a way of spreading out beyond the borders we’ve created for them. Dividing in fall will give you more time in spring to do other tasks. Cover with mulch to insulate your bulbs.

And, don’t forget to plant new bulbs that will brighten up early spring with color and beauty.Tulips, daffodils, and crocus should be planted before the ground freezes.

Competition-Free Seed Starting

While the soil is still warm and the ground has adequate water plant grass seeds. They will germinate quickly and have no competition from weeds.

Rhodies & Azaleas

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The Enduring Popularity of Rhododendrons and Azaleas

There are many good reasons rhododendrons and azaleas have remained two of the most popular home ornamental landscaping plants: 

  • They are varieties that are native to the Hudson Valley.
  • They have beautiful flowers that come in many color choices.
  • They are an easy to care for perennial that can outlive us!
  • They come in both evergreen and deciduous varieties.

And, here’s something most people may not know – All azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. These two plants are closely related to each other. Rhododendron varieties are usually larger in height, leaf size, and flower size while azaleas are more petite. In addition, most azaleas are deciduous while most rhododendrons are evergreen. 

No matter which you choose, their flowers are fulsome in spring and their leaves provide interest once the blooms are gone.

Their growing preferences are few. They both do well in partial shade in a spot that shields them from the wind, and they prefer acidic soil. Mulching is recommended. Deadheading helps redirect the plant’s energy into next year’s blooms instead of seed production.You can’t go wrong when choosing azaleas and rhododendrons. They will make a striking addition to any landscape whether planted by themselves, in a grouping, or formed into a hedge.

Welcoming Spring with Fabulous Forsythia

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While most modern homeowners believe forsythia is too ubiquitous to plant in their yard, it really is a bright harbinger of spring at a time of year when spring is desperately needed. Among the first flowers to bloom, they provide a joyful bright appearance for several weeks leading up to Easter.

Their reputation suffers because they often appear gangly and weedy. But periodic pruning, done right after they bloom, will help shape this shrub, not only eliminating its unkempt appearance through summer, but right up to its next spring bloom. With a little care and attention, forsythia make a nice hedge whose leaves take on a beautiful deep red color in fall.

forsythia and wallA Few Forsythia Facts:

  • The shrub was discovered by William Forsyth, a Scottish botanist, and member of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • It is also known as the Easter tree.
  • Forsythia also comes in a white variety. The white forsythia blooms a week or two earlier than the yellow variety.
  • Forsythia blossoms are edible. A bit bitter, they add color to salads and make a cheery garnish.
  • Forsythia buds are fully formed by autumn and can be easily forced indoors.
  • Cuttings from a parent plant will root and grow after being simply stuck in the ground.
  • They are deer resistant. Perfect for the Hudson Valley.

Forsythia are a tough breed indigenous to Asia. For those who like to tend to their gardens, pruning and shaping will allow you to tame this bright and cheerful shrub. And for those who prefer plantings that can take care of themselves, forsythia are perfectly happy to thrive without help as well.

Bringing Herbs in for the Winter

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Just because it’s getting cooler outside doesn’t mean gardening has to end, especially if you love to grow herbs. Bring your herbs indoors so you can continue to enjoy them through the winter months.

Rosemary, lemongrass, ginger and verbena are tender perennials, but need protection from freezing temperatures to survive. But hardier herbs like thyme, lavender, sage, and tarragon can be grown indoors, as well. It’s also an effective way to divide your herbs that grow in clumps.

It’s wonderful to be able to experience their fresh flavors and scents all winter long and potting them is so easy to do. Here’s how:

  1. Select containers that are wide and deep enough to accommodate each herb’s root ball plus a little extra for growth.
  2. Put a layer of potting soil into each pot.
  3. Place your herb on top of it.
  4. Fill in all around the herb with more potting mix.
  5. Press down the potting mix, leaving about an inch of space between the mix and the top rim of the pot.
  6. Water them thoroughly.

You can also make arrangements that place several herbs in one pot. 

Newly transplanted herbs will need a bit of time to acclimate and may even drop some leaves. While they are in this state, keep them in indirect light. Once they pick up, you can increase in increments, the amount and time of bright sunlight they get. Herbs like a lot of light so southern-facing windows are best. If you don’t have enough sunlight, you can buy a grow light.

To maintain herbs indoors, turn them periodically so all sides get to face the light. Then you can snip spring whenever you cook your favorite recipes. If you want, you can bring them back outside once spring arrives.

Fall Tree Maintenance

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Now that summer is officially over, landscaping tasks become more about cleanup, winter maintenance, and prepping for next spring. The trees are starting to display the change in seasons with foliage that ranges from bright oranges and reds to warm golds and rusts.

While many take this as a time to rest from landscaping til next spring, it is actually a great time to plant a new tree and to prep the trees you already have for winter. Your trees will be grateful for the fall TLC and will show their appreciation when spring rolls round once more.

In a forest, the soil remains quite rich in nutrients from all the organic matter present on the forest floor. These nutrients nourish the trees year round. In our yards, we have to supplement our soil to make it more like a forest floor for our trees.

Fall Fertilizing

To make sure our trees are well-fed through the winter, apply a slow-release fertilizer this fall. Slow release fertilizers best mimic the forest by providing nutrients in a slow and steady rate throughout the year. It’s the consistent access to the nutrients they need that helps trees maintain their health – growing healthy leaves, roots, and wood.

Mulch

Mulch not only makes your landscape look great but also helps your trees thrive. Mulch helps conserve moisture around trees, maintain soil temperature, and keeps the soil from eroding away. Mulch can be store bought, but it can also be made up of the ground-up leaves from your fall lawn clean-up. Just be sure not to over mulch; one to two inches of mulch is ideal. And, it’s best to keep the mulch an inch or so away from the trunk.

Water

As trees prepare to drop their leaves they need less water. This is because as temperatures cool, the trees enter a dormant phase and need less water. In addition, the soil naturally stays more moist in cooler temperatures. Continuing to water trees can result in root disease.

Trimming

Now is the time to prune dead, diseased, and unsafe branches from trees. This not only promotes better growth in healthy areas of the tree but can protect you, your home, and your car from falling branches.

Plant More

Fall is the best time of year to plant new trees. In fall, newly planted trees get a jumpstart on establishing healthy roots over the dormant season so they can then concentrate on their above ground growth in spring. Augustine has had its own tree farm for 25 years and can help you choose the right type of tree for your landscape. We carry trees of all sizes and specialize in large trees that don’t make you wait ten years before showing their full majesty. We can even deliver and plant it for you!

Calling All Lilac Lovers

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Is there anyone out there who doesn’t love lilacs? With beautiful blooms and amazing fragrance, lilacs are a perennial favorite. 

Fall is the perfect time to plant lilacs, so if your landscape is lacking this hardy and fragrant spring favorite we’ll tell you all you need to know to plant and care for your lilacs.

About Lilacs

Lilacs come in a wide range of varieties – trees and bushes, dwarf and standard sizes. Their flowers can be white, violet, blue, lilac, pink, magenta, or purple and they can bloom, giving off their incredible fragrance from April through June. 

Lilacs can take one to two years after planting to begin blooming, but once established they live for a long time. In your landscape, you can plant lilacs as hedges, foundation plants, in large borders, in groups, or as a stand alone.

One interesting and positive fact about lilacs is that they provide a great habitat for small birds and pollinators.

Planting

The best time to plant lilacs is in the fall after the leaves have dropped, but before the ground freezes. By planting in fall their roots get a head start growing before leaves start sprouting in spring.

Lilacs like areas with lots of afternoon sun and well drained soil. Planting them in a slightly elevated area is recommended as water will drain away provided the perfect amount of natural watering. 

Dig a hole large enough to place the roots in without bending them. Add a bit of peat moss, a great material for holding nutrients the lilacs can absorb over time. After planting, water well and add a layer of mulch to prevent weeks and maintain moisture.

If planting more than one lilac in the same area, space them at least five feet apart to prevent crowding, as they will bush out.

Caring for Your Lilacs

For those who are not experienced gardeners or those short of gardening time, lilacs are wonderful because they need minimum care. Fertilizing with a bit of bone meal in early spring can give blooms a boost if your soil lacks nitrogen. Otherwise all they need is a pruning after the blooms are spent. Simple cut back the tops of overgrown stems with clippers. If the bush has become dense, trimming some of the inner branches will improve air circulation.

Propagating Lilac Bushes 

Want more lilacs? Lilacs produce shoots from the base of its trunk. These shoots can be used for propagating more lilac bushes. Just dig down to expose some of the roots from the main clump and cut the shoot away from the main plant, including the roots. Then plant the shoot in a new suitable location and water it regularly until it takes hold.

Dog Friendly Landscaping

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Dog adoptions went through the roof during the pandemic.

Nearly one in five American households added a new pet to their family. Unfortunately many believe a nice yard and dogs don’t mix. However, we landscape with other members of the family in mind, why not add Fido into the mix?

A dog-friendly backyard is a place your pup can play, run, sniff, chase, and, basically be a dog.

Dog Safety

  • A fence is one of the most important elements of safety we can add for our furry family. Restricting them to your property or even enclosing a portion of your property can save them from the risk of getting hit by a car as well as the risk of a coyote attack. 
  • If your dog likes to eat plants, be aware that many common landscaping plants are toxic to dogs. This list includes hosta, english ivy, hyacinth, daffodil, and azaleas. Also, cocoa bean shell mulch should be avoided. Don;t hesitate to ask for help with plantings. 
  • Dogs that are outdoors for an extended period need to take shelter from the hot sun. Make sure you have a shade tree, pergola, or overhead canopy where they can take a break from the heat. 
  • They also need access to a source of water. A simple water bowl will do.

frolicking dog

Lawn Care

  • Hot spots are a common problem for dog parents. Two solutions are:
    • Try planting Bermuda Grass. It holds up better.
    • Create a designated dog area using an alternative to grass. Clover works well. 
    • Create a designated pee and poop area with residential artificial turf. 
  • A nearly invisible wire cage placed around trees will keep your dog from peeing on their trunks

Photo by Sebastian Comar for Pexels.

Play

  • A kiddy pool is a great addition for summer doggie fun. If placing it on grass, be sure to move it around so you don’t kill the grass underneath it.
  • If your dog loves to dig, a sandbox is the perfect place for them to do it. And, it will save your lawn and plantings at the same time.
  • A well-placed piece of agility equipment will allow your dog to climb and jump.
  • And when all the fun is done, an outdoor dog washing station will help keep your indoors clean.

Having a dog doesn’t require you to sacrifice a beautiful landscape. All it takes is a little imagination and planning.