Blog - Organic Plant Care LLC

Tree Root Problems

Tree root problems can cause extensive damage, especially if you have trees growing near structures like foundations, underground pipes, or sidewalks. However, there are things you can do to prevent tree roots from becoming a major problem.

American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Valued for its dappled shade and mottled, exfoliating bark, the American Sycamore is a large specimen tree that needs plenty of room to grow. Learn all about its preferred growing conditions, appearance, pest and disease issues, and maintenance requirements.

Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants

What is “healthy soil”? Does fertilizer improve soil health? Learn what you can (and cannot) do with your soil to help grow healthy plants.

Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea)

Known for its beautiful burgundy foliage that turns a lovely shade of copper in fall, the copper beech is a wonderful specimen tree for larger spaces. Learn all about its preferred growing conditions, appearance, pest and disease issues, and maintenance requirements.

Bacterial leaf scorch symptoms on elm leaves

Bacterial Leaf Scorch: FAQs

Brown, dying or scorched-looking tree leaves, especially on oaks, could be due to bacterial leaf scorch, which is fatal. Learn how to identify, control, and prevent it.

Beneficial Insects – Praying Mantis

Learn how to attract praying mantises to your New Jersey yard, which ones to buy (as an egg case), when and where they appear, what they eat, and more

a birdhouse hangs from a tree branch in the summer, green leaves from the tree are in the foreground

Summer Tree Care Checklist

What to do (and not do!) during the hot, dry summer months to ensure that your trees are healthy and beautiful throughout the entire year.

Are Beneficial Insects REALLY Good For Your Yard?

We answer all of your questions about beneficial insects in your garden, including what they do, the different types, how to attract them, their many benefits, and what not to do if you want to get these incredible insects to come over to your house.

Why Grow Native Plants in Your NJ Yard?

Native plants have many benefits for both you (e.g., lower maintenance costs) and the local wildlife and there are many beautiful plants to choose from.

Close-up of two eastern tent caterpillars, destructive pests in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Controlling Eastern Tent Caterpillars in Your NJ Landscape

If your trees have “tents” in the branches and are losing leaves, it’s probably the Eastern tent caterpillar. Learn how to identify and control this pest.

Shrubs with green, yellow, and red foliage covered in a light snow

Best Trees & Shrubs For Winter Interest

While you can’t change the weather, you can make sure your winter landscape still catches your eye. How? By planting these shrubs and trees with striking bark and branches, winter fruit, early flowers, and attractive deciduous forms!

yellow tape with the word "caution" in front of grass and trees

Is Your Tree Dangerous? How to Identify Potential Safety Hazards

Often, a tree’s internal damage can’t be fully evaluated from the outside, and the behavior of a declining tree can’t be predicted. Learn to identify signs of serious damage to help prevent your trees from becoming a hazard.

bark stripped off of a tree in the Central New Jersey area

What is Stripping the Bark Off My Trees in Winter?

We share details on the rodents and other critters that eat or tear bark off trees in winter (some also eat tree roots), which trees they prefer, and how to prevent winter tree damage from these pesky varmints.

What is a Burl?

We cover what a burl is, what it’s made out of, how it’s formed, which trees are more likely to grow burls, and what you should (and shouldn’t!) do if you find a burl in one of your trees.

Witches’ Broom in Trees: What, Why & What To Do

What is a witches’ broom, what causes it, and what should you do if there’s one in your tree? Learn about these abnormal clusters of twigs and if they’re harmful for your tree’s health.

Best Shrubs & Trees To Use For Privacy Hedges & Screening

Although there are many choices, there are some shrubs and trees that work better than others as a hedge, windbreak or privacy screen. Here are our top recommendations for homeowners in central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

Facts About Spotted Lanternfly In New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Spotted lanternfly is a destructive, invasive pest that has recently spread from Pennsylvania into New Jersey where it’s damaging crops, trees, fruit, herbs and more. Learn how to identify and report it, your treatment options and why removing Tree of Heaven is a good idea.

pinecones and pine needles on the ground in fall

My Evergreen Is Losing Its Needles! Is That Normal?

This fall, have you noticed evergreen needles (from trees like pine, spruce, fir, yew or arborvitae) turning yellow and/or falling to the ground? What does it mean? Why is it happening? Should you be concerned? Find the answers in this Q&A.

Dealing With Thatch Buildup in Lawns

Thatch is one of those turfgrass issues where a little is good for the lawn, but too much causes problems. A thin layer of thatch actually helps reduce wear and tear and can increase the life of your lawn. But when thatch is allowed to build up to more than ½-inch thick, it provides a…

compost tea in a tank truck from Organic Plant Care LLC in Flemington NJ

How Soil Conditioner (Compost Tea) Builds Soil Health For Better Plants

Healthy soil is necessary to grow healthy plants. It really is that simple. And applying a soil conditioner, such as compost tea, can make it much easier to build soil health.

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OPC Blog - Organic Care For Trees, Lawn & Landscapes