Evergreen Tree Watering and Fertilization

Little Boy Watering Plants

In our last blog, we talked about soil types affecting the availability and uptake of plant nutrients.  Sandy soils , which drain quickly, may not have sufficient N, P and K due to leaching, as the water rapidly leaves a sand area. Over the years rains can remove a lot of nutrients from a porous area to the garden. Regular watering is needed to establish new trees and may move materials away also, from sandy planting mix. If you could see a cross section of the soil draining, the water you are applying moves rapidly out of the sand in a more pointed, dagger like profile.

Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

U. S. National Christmas Trees in 2012

Picking out a live Christmas tree has become a tradition for many families. Oh the fun in walking amongst the trees to find just the right one to fit the space and have the perfect shape. Getting the tree home and to stand up right in the stand without falling over well, that can be … Continue reading Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

Organic Soil Amendments

Organic Mulch delivery to the farm

At our evergreen tree farm, we experimented with different soil types and potting mixtures over 20 years ago for organic soil amendments. Leafgro, which is manufactured by the state of Maryland, proved to be an excellent addition to the planting medium. Made of leaves and grass clippings collected from the surrounding cities, it is professionally … Continue reading Organic Soil Amendments

Fall – A Time for Lawn Maintenance

Lawn Maintenance Time for Turf

Late August through mid October is the ideal time for lawn rejuvenation in our transition zone. Wait until after a rain to core-aerate or verti-slice the cool season turf grass areas. This way, the soil is soft enough for the machine to penetrate 1/2″ to 1″ deep for the seed prep work. Soil to seed … Continue reading Fall – A Time for Lawn Maintenance

MD Department of Agriculture Re-certification Time

Recertification-class-in-2017

By practicing good environmental stewardship we can reduce fertilizer runoff into our creeks, rivers and Chesapeake Bay.