What is Integrated Pest Management? Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests and their damage, through a variety of methods, such as biological controls, habitat manipulation, changing cultural practices and the use of resistant varieties of plants. Chemical controls are carried out in the form of applications, performed only by a certified technician. Pesticides are used after careful monitoring indicates that they […]
Leaf Removal and the Environment
Are electric leaf blowers better than gas blowers? More and more towns and counties are implementing bans on gas leaf blowers including Chevy Chase Village and the Town of Chevy Chase. Noise pollution is often the biggest driving concern for communities deciding to ban gas leaf blowers as noise pollution directly impacts community members. An alternative to gas leaf blowers is electric leaf blowers, which are powered by a cord […]
Fruit Trees for Zone 7
We all know how trying it can be to grow fruit trees successfully in zone 7. Our weather patterns can be quite unpredictable at times, making it difficult to maintain a steady yield year after year. But fear not! In this article we will explore valuable tips to keep in mind when growing fruit trees in our zone. There is surprisingly a lot of variety when it comes to the […]
Climbers in the Garden
By: Avery Meyers Driving through neighborhoods in DC and Northern Virginia, you will notice beautifully trained ivies and roses along walls and lattices, wisteria covering arbors, and vinca covering garden beds. Vines fill many important needs in landscaping and can be stunning when placed thoughtfully and well maintained. However, these incredible plants can have a detrimental effect on a property when used improperly or ignored. There are many diverse types […]
Getting to Know Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
By: Avery Myers If you have spent time outside in North America, you are probably familiar with poison ivy. For most people, just hearing “poison ivy” is enough to make them itchy. While we have all heard plenty of advice on how to avoid this garden terror and how to remedy the rash that follows contact with it. Today we are going to take a closer look at this plant […]
Winter Pruning
By Samantha Wright It is freezing cold outside, there are no leaves on the trees and not a flower in sight. Yet you see our gardeners in your landscape, looking up in the trees pruning with extended poles. Later in the day, our heads are in the shrubs continuing pruning. What is the point, is this really the right time? In the middle of winter? Do not be fooled by […]
Maintain to Protect Your Property
By: Andrew Obloy No one enjoys spending their hard-earned money on repairs or damage that could easily be prevented. Something that a lot of people may not think about when considering landscape maintenance is that it is far more than just aesthetics. Poorly maintained landscapes can cause damage to your property, but with the right care you will not have to worry about these unnecessary expenses. Trees are an obvious […]
Spring Clean-up
By: Samantha Wright Spring has sprung and it is time for a good spring cleaning. As we walk around the garden, we notice last year has taken its toll on the beds in one way or another. Before we start, note things that may need more attention in the future. Spring clean-up starts with cleaning out the unwanted remainder of past seasons. Pulling weeds, removing leaves, and cutting back remaining […]
Fall Edition: What’s Going on in the Garden
Written By: Renee Godfrey Quillin As temperatures begin to fall and there is a cool crisp sensation in the air, this is one of the busiest times year in the life of a gardener. As plants begin to go dormant or dieback, this marks the beginning a completely new display with the right design and type pf plants. Autumn is also the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming Spring […]
Mitigating Drainage Issues in 2019
Since 2018 provided an astounding record year for precipitation, it seems pertinent in our first newsletter of 2019 to bring up the topic of drainage. This is not the sexy part of landscaping that inspires awe and tickles the senses. Rather it serves a functional purpose to alleviate surface water and hydrostatic pressure away from our homes and outdoor living spaces so residents can enjoy them without hesitation. Last year […]