Blog - Organic Plant Care LLC

Protecting 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.

5 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.

Why 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.

Rejuvenation 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.

Why 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?

unusual remarkable famous Christmas trees

Notable 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.

Why 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.

Removing 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.

Are 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.

The 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 …

overwintering tick on leaf emerge early spring

Protect 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.

NJ 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.

TCIA accreditation for Organic Plant Care LLC

OPC 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.

Benefits 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 …

Does 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.

Leaf Mulch & Leaf Compost: Turn Fall Leaves into Garden Gold

Fall leaves are powerful garden allies. Most homeowners rake and bag them without a thought, but why not turn them into superb, sustainable, organic mulch or compost instead? Leaf mulch and compost are free, beautiful, and rich in organic matter. You’ll save money, and your garden will thank you.

5 Best Trees for Fall Color in Central NJ and PA

Fall is a great time of year for many trees, especially those with gorgeous fall color. We share our favorite trees with the best fall colors that do well in the eastern Pennsylvania and central New Jersey areas.

Mushrooms In The Lawn? Could Be A Fairy Ring

We have received several questions this summer about mushrooms growing in your lawns. If you’ve noticed any it’s probably a fairy ring. But what causes these strange rings, and what can you do if you spot mushrooms in your own lawn?

Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Options In NJ & PA

There are several available EAB treatment options but they vary immensely in terms of effectiveness, safety and environmental impact. Learn about the available options and why we only recommend trunk injection with TreeAzin to treat emerald ash borer.

6 Worst DIY Tree Pruning Mistakes

It doesn’t take a trained tree expert to spot a bad pruning job but it does take one to do the job right.

Unfortunately, we’re often called in to fix a DIY pruning job gone wrong – and sometimes we even have to remove the tree entirely because it can’t be saved.

If you plan to do some tree pruning around your property (or hire someone to do it for you), here’s a list of the top 6 tree pruning mistakes and how you can avoid making them.

Covid-19 Updates

On Your Property

Our Crews

In the Office

OPC Blog - Organic Care For Trees, Lawn & Landscapes