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!
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.
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.
Read MoreProtecting Yourself From Mosquitoes in New Jersey & Pennsylvania
Few things turn an outdoor gathering from memorable to miserable faster than pesky – and disease-carrying – mosquitoes. Learn the things you can do to minimize the risk of mosquito bites, and how we can help.
Read More5 Worst Tree Diseases in Central NJ & Eastern PA
Our area is home to a number of damaging diseases that injure, deform and kill trees and shrubs. In this article, we share five tree and shrub diseases commonly found in our area and describe what to look out for, the trees or shrubs that are typically infected, and available treatment or control options.
Read MoreWhy Use Green Prism Traps to Monitor Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?
Collecting EAB population data using prism traps plays a critical role in improving EAB treatment outcomes and minimizing your management costs. In this article, we describe how prism traps work, where they’re placed, and exactly how they help save your ash trees from the destructive emerald ash borer.
Read MoreRejuvenation or Renewal Pruning to Restore Overgrown Shrubs
One of the things you might want to consider doing this spring is rejuvenation pruning (basically, cutting shrubs down to the ground). Done every three to five years, this extreme method of pruning can rejuvenate an overgrown or unsightly shrub. But, to be successful, it should be done at the right time, in the right way, and to the right shrubs.
Read MoreWhy Do Some Trees Hold Onto Dead Leaves In Winter?
In the fall, leaves fall – usually. But what does it mean when it’s winter and there are still leaves on your tree? Why don’t they fall off? And is it bad for the tree?
Read MoreNotable Christmas Trees from Around the World
Christmas trees may be one of the most recognizable parts of the holiday season – but that doesn’t mean that they have to all look the same! We’ve compiled a list of some of the most unusual, beautiful, excessive, or famous Christmas trees from around the world.
Read MoreWhy Are Woodpeckers Making Holes in My Trees?
If woodpeckers are drilling holes in your trees it’s likely to indicate a much bigger problem, such as an insect infestation or dying tree. For example, it’s often the first visible sign of EAB infestation in ash trees. Find out why and how woodpeckers peck trees and what you can do about it.
Read MoreRemoving Dead Ash Trees: Not a DIY Job!
The emerald ash borer (EAB) has been infesting and killing ash trees in central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania for several years, leaving behind acres of dead and dying trees. These dangerous trees should be removed ASAP. Here’s what you should know about how to do that safely, quickly and cost-effectively.
Read MoreAre Your Trees Suffering From Summer Heat Stress?
During the summer, trees sometimes suffer from heat stress. In this article, we go over what exactly it is, how you can spot it, and how you can keep your trees healthy and stress-free throughout the worst of the summer heat.
Read MoreThe Problem With Lawns in New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania
Beautiful, lush green lawns – what could be wrong with that? Learn why we have lawns, the problems with lawns and the reasons for those problems. How do you avoid the issues? Keep reading …
Read MoreProtect Yourself From Over-Wintering Deer Ticks
Did you know that our cold winter temperatures here in New Jersey do NOT kill off the deer tick population? Many of them manage to survive over the winter and come back in the spring hungry and ready to start feeding.
Read MoreNJ Fertilizer Law – How It Applies To You
In 2011, New Jersey enacted a law that governs the application of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizer in the state of New Jersey. This law applies to both homeowners and landscape contractors. Here are the details you need to know.
Read MoreOPC Earns TCIA Accreditation
OPC earned Accreditation from the Tree Care Industry Association, making us one of only 8 companies in New Jersey to meet the stringent criteria for professionalism, employee training, state and federal safety regulations, business ethics and consumer satisfaction.
Read MoreBenefits of Winter Pruning (For Your Trees & Your Wallet)
Did you know that pruning trees in winter has many benefits? In some cases, it’s the only time of year to prune safely. Here are the details …
Read MoreDoes Deer Repellent Really Prevent Deer Damage?
We’re often asked if deer repellent spray is a good way to stop deer from eating plants and shrubs, particularly during the tough winter months when it seems like deer will eat anything they can reach. Here’s the straight answer and our application advice.
Read More