ScapeMail
Volume 9, Issue 7 March 18, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE:
Mulch Madness
Tree of Heaven
Estate Management
Happy Spring!
As the chill of winter is fading and we await the arrival of the spring season at 5:01AM on Thursday, the vibrant colors of spring are already beginning to emerge at HQ. We are excited to start working outdoors again and helping our clients transform their outdoor spaces into stress-free, lush paradises that everyone wants to spend time in, while also bringing them closer to nature.
Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and there’s no better season to refresh your landscape. Whether you’re looking to plant new trees and flowers, revitalize your lawn or add hardscaping, our team is here to help realize your visions.
Let’s celebrate the beauty of spring together and create outdoor spaces that you’ll love all year round. -Shayne
Mulch Madness
Expert mulch application is necessary to obtain the many benefits a proper layer of mulch can provide.
Mulch helps soil retain moisture by reducing evaporation. This is especially important during summer dry spells.
Mulch acts as a barrier, blocking sunlight and preventing weeds from germinating, reducing the need for herbicides and hand-weeding.
Mulch helps to regulate soil temperatures by keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in the winter months providing a more stable environment for healthy and strong root growth.
Organic mulch, such as wood chips and compost, enriches the soil as it decomposes adding essential nutrients.
Mulch helps to prevent soil erosion by reducing the impact of rainfall and wind on the surface of the soil, especially on slopes.
Cedar and cypress mulch have natural pest-repelling properties to help reduce the presence of pests in the garden.
Mulch looks neat and tidy increasing aesthetic appeal. The type of mulch used, and the amount used is critical for plant and soil health. New garden beds should receive two inches of fresh mulch while an established garden should only have a 1″ layer of new mulch to “refresh” the bed.
If applying a chemical weed deterrent (pre-emergent), it should be applied on TOP of the mulch so that it can create a chemical barrier that stops weeds form emerging in the first place.When mulching around a tree, you must first clean the grass, weeds and rocks from around the base of the tree. The mulch should be medium sized to best allow rain and air to reach the soil. Too small of a mulch will become compacted and starve the roots of oxygen and mulch that is too large may not retain enough moisture. Most importantly, avoid the “mulch volcano” around the tree by leaving a gap of about 1-2 inches between the mulch and the trunk.
Regularly check the mulch layer and replenish as needed to maintain a 2″- 3″ depth. Also, make sure the mulch has not compacted and allows for proper water and air penetration.
Eradicating the Tree of Heaven
The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a very invasive and fast growing, deciduous tree native to China and Taiwan. It will grow almost anywhere and can soar up to 80 feet tall and up to 6 feet in diameter. It may possibly be the fastest growing tree in North America. It is also favored by another invasive species, the spotted lanternfly.
ToH also has some native look-a-likes such as staghorn sumac, black walnut and hickory, but their leaf edges all have serrations while ToH’s leaf edges are smooth making it easy to identify.
Established trees will continue to spread by sending up root suckers that can pop up as far as 50 feet away! The female trees have the potential to produce more than 300,000 seeds in a year that are dispersed via anemophily (which was a trivia question in issue #4!).
Due to the extensive tangle of its root system, ToH can be very difficult to control.
Using several different methods together at specific times and following up the next year can yield the best results.
Cutting and mowing are ineffective as the tree will respond by producing larger numbers of stump sprouts and root suckers. If cutting is necessary, it is best to treat with a herbicide, wait for it to work, and then cut.
Pulling young seedlings by hand can work if you do so when the soil is moist, allowing for the entire root system to be removed. You’ll know the difference between root suckers and seedlings because the root suckers will be almost impossible to pull out.
Targeting the roots with herbicides, spraying carefully with a foliar herbicide or applying one directly to the tree trunk are all methods in removing Tree of Heaven. Proper timing of treatments is important as is following up to make sure they are working.
ESTATE MANAGEMENT
Choosing YardScapes to handle all the tasks on your property ensures comprehensive and seamless estate management. Our team of experts is equipped with all the knowledge and skills to address every aspect of your landscape needs, from routine maintenance to intricate design projects.
By entrusting us with the full spectrum of work, you benefit from a cohesive approach that guarantees consistency and quality across your entire property.
One of the key advantages of having a single company manage all your landscape tasks is the streamlined communication and coordination. With us, you won’t have to juggle multiple contractors or worry about miscommunication between different service providers. Our integrated team works together seamlessly, ensuring that every project is executed efficiently and to the highest standards. This not only saves you time and stress but also results in a more harmonious and well-maintained landscape.
Moreover, our comprehensive services are tailored to meet the unique needs of your property. We take the time to understand your vision and preferences, creating customized services that enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor spaces.
Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations to protect your investment regarding the long-term health and aesthetics of your property, ensuring it remains a stunning and enjoyable environment for years to come.
COMING SOON!!
