OPC Blog - Organic Care For Trees, Lawn & Landscapes
On this page, you'll find all of our many blog posts on tree and lawn care, common pests and diseases, DIY techniques, the best trees and shrubs for your property, seasonal tips, and so much more. Enjoy!
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.
Read MoreAmerican 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.
Read MoreHealthy 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.
Read MoreCopper 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.
Read MoreBacterial 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.
Read MoreSummer 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.
Read MoreAre 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.
Read MoreWhy 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.
Read MoreControlling 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.
Read MoreBest 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!
Read MoreIs 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.
Read MoreWhat 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.
Read MoreWhat 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.
Read MoreWitches’ 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.
Read MoreBest 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.
Read MoreFacts 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.
Read MoreMy 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.
Read MoreDealing 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…
Read MoreHow 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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