Blog - Organic Plant Care LLC

6 Best Trees to Plant in NJ / PA

We’re often asked to recommend a good tree to plant in your yard. Here are our 6 top choices for great-looking trees for properties in central NJ/PA.

Update on Emerald Ash Borer (2016)

We continue to keep you updated on the arrival of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) into our area. Here’s the update on Emerald Ash Borer for 2016: While Pennsylvania has been dealing with EAB for several years, New Jersey will start seeing, first-hand, the devastation that it brings in 2016. Native to Asia, Emerald Ash Borer…

Gypsy Moth: How to Protect Your Property

Gypsy moth is one of the most destructive forest insect pests to infect woodland areas & shade trees. Here’s what to look for and how to stop their spread.

Why Leaves Change Color in Autumn

Weekend chores can wait, but the Autumn colors likely won’t. So, …. whether by foot, bike or car, make plans to get out this weekend to enjoy the peak display of fall colors. We are fortunate to live in a part of the country that gets to witness this rainbow of colors. Due to the…

Deep Root Fertilization Builds Healthy Trees

Deep root fertilization helps keep trees healthy and improves the health of struggling trees by delivering nutrients directly to the root zone. Learn how it works and see it in action!

5 Simple Grass Mowing Practices for a Healthier Lawn

Simple mowing practices that can help your lawn be healthier, reduce weeds, lessen the need for fertilizer and develop deeper, more drought-resistant roots. Best of all, they don’t cost you a dime!

Plant Nutrients: Calcium & Boron

Profiling Essential Nutrients for Plant Health: Calcium & Boron A good analogy in the mineral world is that Calcium is the trucker, in that it moves all the other minerals, but Boron is the truck driver. A boron imbalance appears as if the truck has driven off the road.…

Beneficial Insects – The Hoverfly

Hoverflies are tremendous beneficial predators to attract into your landscape, as their larvae are voracious aphid-eating machines. They resemble a cross between a fly and a small yellow jacket at first glance. Besides their favorite snack, aphids, they provide excellent control ofscale, thrips, tiny mites and small caterpillars, like the cabbageworms that devour your broccoli…

Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs

Heavy snow and ice, as well as frozen soil conditions, can damage cherished trees and shrubs in residential landscapes. Even areas without major snowfall experience high winds and huge fluctuations in temperatures during winter. But homeowners can lessen the adverse effects of winter weather with preventive maintenance.

Weed of the Week: Hairy Bittercress

Hairy Bittercress, (Cardamine hirsute), is a winter and summer annual that germinates from seed during cool moist conditions, like spring and fall. It is a prolific seed producer that explodes at the slightest touch, sending tiny seeds flying in all directions when the seedpods mature. Once established, it is VERY difficult to eradicate.

Why is My Tree Dying? What’s Killing My Tree?

New customers often want to know why their tree is dying – and the answer is often the same… You’ve probably seen many cases of a mulching technique called “mulch volcanoes”. You may have even done it yourself. But did you know that it could be the reason why your tree is dying?

bat hanging upside down - scary or cute?

Bats – Scary or Cute?

Bats may be the most misunderstood, under-loved and under-appreciated animals in the United States. But, as the main predator of night-flying insects (including mosquitoes!), they should really be a desirable and welcome addition to your property.

Control Lawn Weeds Organically: Core Aeration & Overseeding

Good fall lawn care sets your lawn up to be its healthiest next spring. Growing thick, dense grass is your best offense and defense in naturally crowding out and controlling weeds.

What’s That Green Worm On My Tomato Plant?

Wondering what the green worm is on your tomato plant?…. Now’s the time to inspect your tomato plants closely for the presence of large green worms. You’ll likely see foliar feeding damage or frass (poop) on leaves before you actually see the horn worm since it camouflages itself well among the leaves and stems. If you do find…

Emerald Ash Borer Identified in New Jersey (2014)

A sad development for New Jersey’s trees…. Breaking news from the: NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0330 www.nj.gov/agriculture For Immediate Release: May 21, 2014 INVASIVE EMERALD ASH BORER DETECTED IN NEW JERSEY State Agencies Implement Action Plan

Spring Tick Control

You may have heard us say that effective deer tick control starts early in the Spring, before ticks can multiply and infest your property…. This past Sunday after a nice day playing lawn bocci with extended family, we’re sitting at the dinner table and they point out a small nymph deer tick crawling up my…

Update on Emerald Ash Borer in NJ (2013)

Emerald Ash Borer Update: October 2013 Please see our 2016 Update for up-to-date information on the spread of Emerald Ash Borer in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This invasive insect is threatening the extinction of Ash trees in states and areas that it has moved into. Prior to June 2002, it had never been found in North…

Lace Bugs: Identification, Damage & Treatment

Heavy infestations of lace bug weaken plant health and vigor, leaving them vulnerable to other insect damage, disease and environmental stress.

Organic Plant Care LLC cares for historic trees at Lamington Presbyterian Church

Organic Plant Care LLC was recently chosen to care for the historic trees at Lamington Presbyterian Church. These Native Red Maples have likely flanked the entry to the church since for more than 100 years. Historic shade trees like these should evaluated by a professional arborist periodically to ensure maintenance of healthy root systems…

New Tick-Borne Disease, Borrelia miyamotoi, confirmed in Hunterdon County, NJ

A new disease-causing bacterium, Borrelia miyamotoi, is confirmed as the cause of meningoensephalitis in a Hunterdon County woman. Research scientists have discovered a new illness similar to Lyme disease, which is also transmitted by the dastardly deer tick. That now makes 5 pathogens known to be transmitted by this tiny parasite, no bigger than a…

OPC Blog - Organic Care For Trees, Lawn & Landscapes