Tick and Mosquito Treatment Plans

While it is true that warmer winters lead to an increase in ticks and mosquitoes (Proof = Last Summer), unfortunately, the opposite does not hold true.  Despite the fact that we experienced some seriously low temps this winter, it's predicted that we will still see a large influx of ticks and mosquitos again this spring. 

Why you ask?  According to Paskewitz, Dept Chair of  Entomology  at the University of Wisconsin,  "Pesky bugs like mosquitoes and ticks have different ways of dealing with the cold. Ticks are extraordinarily good at burrowing under leaf litter for the cold season, finding a relatively warm spot to hang out in until the cold passes. For these animals, plant debris on a forest floor is as cozy as curling up under a blanket to watch the snow fall outside. And speaking of snow, that just adds another layer of insulation to bugs like ticks that burrow underground for heat when the temperature drops outside." 

Plan Ahead and Save 15%. 
As soon as temperatures start rising, ticks and mosquitoes will come out of their hiding. If you sign up for a tick and mosquito spraying program before April 1st, not only will you save 15%, but you will be one step ahead, treating the problem before it's a real problem.  To sign up or add to your existing plan, call us today at 914-725-0441.  

Plant Site Analysis

Picking the right tree, or the right spot for your tree requires a great deal of thought and research.  Many homeowners don't realize all the factors that can contribute to a tree's success or failure.  When you enlist our certified arborists to conduct a plant site analysis, we carefully examine the following factors: 
  • Amount of space available for the tree to mature.  This includes visible structures such as garages, sheds and sidewalks, as well as underground objects like pipes, septic systems and bedrock. 
  • The topography of the land. Steep hills, ditches and slopes are all an important factor in the ability of a tree to remain nourished and stable. 
  • Soil composition is a vital element of plant site analysis.  Knowing and understanding how differences in nutrient makeup effect certain species of trees makes all the different when selecting the right tree.  
  • Your location and the recommended hardiness zone for the particular tree of interest is also an importance factor to examine.  Just about every type of tree has a recommended growing zone where they will prosper best.  Unfortunately, not all trees will survive in our zone (Zone 7a).  Hardiness Zone Map.
  • The amount of sun and shade an area receives is key. Sun and shade patterns change with time of day, as well as time of year.  
  • Other things to consider would be exposure to elements like harsh winds, sprinkler systems and heavy foot traffic.  
Seems like a lot of work doesn't it?  Not necessarily for the trained eye. Our arborists have a vast amount of experience with different types of trees and landscapes. Even when working with a landscape designer, it is important to have an arborist walk the property and review planting plans.  The extra time and energy put into planning, will prevent you from wasting your time and money on the wrong tree. 

Do you remember that strange week of high 70's we experienced back in the end of October?  While what the New York Times dubbed "Hotumn" was certainly a treat for all of us beach bums, it was a serious setback for local trees that had already began the process of entering dormancy.  When trees should have been halting their growth cycle and building a reserve of nutrients to last all winter, they were tricked into thinking it was Spring and likely used their food and energy supply to begin producing new buds.  Uh Oh!

But that's not all, we've also experienced much lower temps than usual this winter. What does that mean for trees?  They are working overtime during their off-season trying to prevent their insides from freezing. These extreme highs and lows mean your trees will be running on empty come Spring Time. We are urging homeowners to give their trees a healthy dose of fertilizer this Spring because their nutrients will be more depleted than usual.  Injecting a custom fertilizer blend into your tree's root zone will help promote growth and ward off diseases. The ideal time to do a spring fertilization is very dependent on the weather and temperatures.  The ground must be thawed enough so that the roots can access and absorb the nutrients being supplied. For more information, or to sign up for a spring fertilization visit, call Emerald Tree and Shrub Care at 
914-725-0441


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About Emerald Tree & 
Shrub Care Company

Emerald Tree & Shrub Care Company in Scarsdale, NY is Westchester and Fairfield Counties' leading arboriculture services provider, offering expert care to residential and commercial clients since 1996. Lead by a trio of Master Arborists from Westchester, NY, with over 100 combined years of tree care experience and an immense understanding of our geographical area.  Steve Farrelly, Bill Demarest and Kevin Wyatt bring exceptional knowledge and passion for arboriculture that have earned them clients like Fordham University, NYBG and prestigious area golf courses and estates.