Blog - Organic Plant Care LLC

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.

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.

OPC Blog - Organic Care For Trees, Lawn & Landscapes