Have you noticed something a little odd about how your Boxwood shrubs have been looking lately? They may be experiencing a condition that has become known as “Boxwood Blight.” This infection begins in mid to late summer with circular dark spots appearing on the newest growth. As the days go on, these spots will continue to grow and a form a ring-like pattern. It forms a lesion that eventually will engulf and kill the leaf causing it to drop to the ground. You may also see black streaks on the nearby twigs. You may also notice white fungal formations mainly under the leaves as well as on infected parts of the stems.

Unfortunately, when this popular landscape plant becomes infected with Boxwood Blight, the disease spreads rapidly to other Boxwoods and destroys them within a few weeks. The disease is so contagious it can even be spread by seemingly harmless activities such as gardening or your dog running through the bushes! The spores attach to clothes, shoes, tools, or an animal’s fur so it is best to reduce this type of contact. Another factor may be watering practices, such as sprinklers, because wet and humid conditions are also known to facilitate its spread as well.

So what can you do? There is currently no cure but there are several treatment options. Mulching, removing the infected plants, and some fungicides have shown varying levels of success in preventing the spread of the disease. However, the best thing to do is contact us at Westchester Tree Life, Inc. and we will have one of our certified arborists come and assess your current situation. Visit us at www.westchestertreelife.com or call at 914-238-0069!

Summer has finally arrived and it’s nice to step outside into our backyards and enjoy the fresh air. Our privacy is always an important topic so let’s look at some ways to gain the privacy you long for without installing unwanted fences. Besides, fencing can be too short to achieve the private feel and they can be quite expensive! Also, fences have an expensive up keep and usually run into situations where repairs are needed. Have you considered what a “natural border” can do for your property?

Planting trees as a privacy border has many benefits. It is also quite obvious that a fence doesn’t provide the same peaceful aesthetic as trees. Planting trees for privacy will help block noise, clean the air, and provide privacy for decades.  Also, watch your property value rise up as well!!  Once you’ve figured out the best layout for your privacy trees, it’s time to look at what trees will best suit your property. Certified tree experts recommend certain species of trees or shrubbery over others to create the perfect “privacy screen”. Let’s take a look at some of your options:

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Emerald Arborvitae is a brilliant choice due to its vibrant green foliage all year round. They are a selection of White Cedar and prosper in urban settings.  They even do well in clay soil and are very fast growing.

The Emerald Arborvitae makes the perfect natural border offering extensive privacy.  They are very space conscientious as well as they typically grow to 3-4’ wide which is great because they won’t take over your yard. Their coloring is unique compared to other Arborativae so this addition to your landscape design will be visually pleasing as well.  Tree experts have also noted that they typically retain their bold green color year round better than most trees of its kind. These gorgeous trees make a beautiful backdrop to a perennial garden while providing your family with the privacy that you are looking for. 

The Leyland Cypress

If you are looking for one of the fastest growing privacy trees then the Leyland Cypress is for you. It can grow 3-4ft per year and can surpass 50ft in 15 yrs. Its upright growth produces very soft foliage of mid hue greens. They can thrive in most soil conditions and even survive drought.  The Leyland Cypress remains attractive year round which is always a plus when picking out your trees.  Once planted, these trees will spring up into a beautiful solid privacy wall before you know it! 

The Spartan Juniper

If your are looking for more of a hardy evergreen then turn to the Spartan Juniper.  They will survive in most conditions and even thrive in times of drought. Even when left to grow naturally the Spartan Juniper grows into a visually pleasing shape. However you can easily clip them into hedges or trim them into columns. These trees can also thrive is decorative pots so they can accent your pool area or be used purely as decorative additions to your yard.  The Spartan Juniper is highly resistant to pests and common tree diseases which make them an extremely low-maintenance evergreen!

Be sure to contact Westchester Tree Life when making these decisions. A certified arborist is key to the success of your new landscape.  Take down the fences and plant some trees as they will quickly spring up into living walls. It’s time to get outside in the fresh summer air,and you deserve to enjoy it in privacy! Turn your yard into your own private sanctuary with a natural border and keep unwanted eyes out!

Trees are very beneficial to the environment in many ways, such as cleaning the air, adding beauty to our communities, providing shelter to wildlife and more.  However, sometimes it is necessary to remove a tree from your property for a variety of reasons. The most common need for tree removal is that the tree has died and has become a safety threat to its surroundings. Other reasons for tree removal include pest infestation or change in landscape design. Tree removal is a technical skill that needs to be carried out by a licensed arborist.

If you find yourself in this situation, you should schedule an appointment immediately before disaster strikes. After the initial inspection, a crew will remove larger sections of limbs first, cut the trunk of the tree into sections, and then haul them away. The tree’s stump is chopped as close to the ground as possible.  Arrangements can then be made to grind the stump away and complete the job. Most of the branches are put through a wood chipper to create mulch.

Tree removal is a very dangerous undertaking.  Trees that have been damaged by insects or disease, are close to power lines, or are more than 20 feet tall require special equipment, skill, and experience to remove.  You should always hire a professional, certified arborist to ensure the highest level of safety.

At Westchester Tree Life, we take great care to plan for the safety of property and the safety of our crew.  Our expert tree removal specialists carefully assess each situation in order to remove a tree with minimal impact on the surrounding vegetation and without risk to nearby structures and power lines. If you have a tree on your property that you suspect is in need of removal, give us a call TODAY at 914-238-0069!

After a long day, taking a walk may be the last thing on your mind, but maybe it should be the first.  Did you know you can ease stress with nature?  The benefits of surrounding yourself with trees and plants are endless.  Here are some ways to ease stress with nature.

Parks & Rec

If you are feeling overwhelmed, perhaps the answer lies in nature.  Take a walk in your local park, go for a hike on a favorite trail or plan an outing to a farm in Westchester county.  Exposing yourself to the serenity of nature is a great way to relax and reconnect with your inner peace.  A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that “viewing tree canopy in communities can significantly aid stress recovery.”

Spending time in your local Westchester parks is also a wonderful way to familiarize yourself with your community.  The more you explore, the more you may become inspired to take action.  What are some ways you have found peace in a local Westchester park?

Plant an Indoor Garden

Give your home or office a touch of greenery with an indoor garden.  An indoor garden is a great way to incorporate a little bit of nature into your everyday life.  Maybe your indoor garden will help you explore the green thumb you never knew you had.

Read Green

Exercise your imagination with a great nature-themed book.  Simply imagining yourself in a natural environment is an awesome tool for relaxation, and reading makes this even easier!  American Forests shared this great list of nature-inspired books from Goodreads.

For more ways to ease stress with nature, check out this article from American Forests.