LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, December 31

What to do with your old Christmas tree?  Best Practices

Chipping and shredding discarded Christmas trees is a best practice.

Christmas is winding down. After enjoying a live, cut Christmas Tree (and supporting GeorgiaChristmasTreeGrowers.org) there is the challenge of disposal. 

CrabappleLandscapExperts maintain a large green recycling program to turn trimmings and yard waste from the properties we manage into rich brown compost that can be added to flower beds or used as a nutritious organic mulch. Read more about how Crabapple LandscapExperts upcycle green material. 

Find a Christmas tree recycling program in your municipality and contribute to the solution. 

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, December 24

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Watering Tools Needed

Hose – 5/8 inch, non-kink, rubber hose

Water-Breaker Nozzle -- nozzle produces a gentle flow like a shower for deep hand-watering of roots, particularly excellent for keeping transplanted material moist

Water Wand -- extends reach

Sprinkler – oscillating sprinkler selected to cover required area, adjustable left, right, center or overall (not to be used during heat of the day) 

Timer – reliable timer to shut off sprinkler after a designated time period. Timers range in sophistication from simple and inexpensive wind-up versions, to battery-operated computer controlled

(See your Crabapple Rep to discuss an: automated in-ground watering system)

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, December 17

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Tools Needed to Move Plants, Soil, Mulch, Supplies

Wheelbarrow with Solid Tire -- single wheel makes maneuvering easy, solid tire never goes flat and reduces repair

XL Double-wheeled Barrow -- for hauling lightweight but bulki materials such as straw, pinestraw, mulch

Garden Cart -- 4-wheeled cart for hauling heavy statuary, equipment

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, December 10

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Pruning Tools Needed

Bypass Hand Pruners – fine pruning, removal of crossing branches, maintains graceful shape of the plant

Ratchet Lopping Shears – 2-handed pruners for thicker stems and branches, ratchet provides extra power to get through 2-inch branches

Pruning Saw – cutting through small limbs

Pole Pruner – reaching branches high up in shrub or tree

Hedge Trimmer – create smooth topiary surface in small-leaved evergreen shrubs

Traditional Butterfly Bonsai Shear – fine cuts that redirect branching in herbaceous perennials, small shrubs

Bonsai Convex Cutter – remove branch at base, leaving smooth cut that readily heals over without stubs or scarring

Sharpening File – essential to have sharp pruning tools

Alcohol or 10% Bleach Solution – sanitation between cuts to prevent spread of disease

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, December 3

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Digging Tools Needed

Pick -- useful for breaking through hardpan

Round point, long-handled Garden Shovel – primary digging tool for all-around general digging

Flat Garden Spade – for edging and outlining

Spading Fork – flat tines for digging, separating  

Hand Trowel – small handtool for planting bulbs, annuals, veggies, groundcovers