Spring Time Plans for Trees

Spring has seemingly sprung in parts of the southeast as temperatures are on the rise and gray clouds disperse. Now is the perfect time to perform professional tree care maintenance on your trees to ensure a healthy growing season. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to get you on track.

Start from the Bottom

Your trees’ root system is vital to a healthy appearance and mature growth. Taking care of these fragile lifelines is essential throughout the year, but spring has the most ideal weather conditions. The mild climate of Georgia thaws the soil and allows pesticides to absorb more effectively. Making sure roots are watered adequately and fertilized appropriately will help keep them strong and resistant to harmful insects and bacteria near Roswell. Using a mixture of water and pesticides that are specific to the types of trees in your area can also prevent tree diseases from spreading.

Work Your Way Up

Though most trees are trimmed in the fall when they’ve lost all of their leaves, early spring is still an ideal time to trim trees. Trimming off overgrowth gives the tree’s new blossoms room to breathe and corrects any abnormal growth patterns. It’s also best to cut away any broken, rotting, or diseased portions of the tree to maintain the trunk’s integrity. Average temperatures in Marietta give trees enough time to scab and heal before harmful insects take harbor. With newer trees, it may be time to trim lower branches to create proper height.

Eliminate the Middle Man (or bug)

Spring is the best time for burrowing insects to emerge, feed and breed. Protect your trees from the inside out to prevent defoliation and tree disease. Tree spraying in Marietta is the optimal safeguard for trees, plants and shrubs. Pesticides, insecticides and fungicides are all easy to administer to the soil around the tree’s root ball. Taller trees that are susceptible to defoliation may require professional tree spraying to reach the canopy.

Enlisting the expertise of a professional arboreal team will ensure that your trees get the proper treatment. Call on Premiere Tree Services to secure the health and well-being of your landscape through this spring and the next.

The History of Charleston's Palmetto Tree

Since the Revolutionary War the palmetto tree has been synonymous with South Carolina and a symbol of victory against the British. After Col. William Moultrie’s heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s island in 1776, the palmetto tree became an indelible emblem of triumph. In 1775 the original state flag depicted a crescent moon against a dark blue background, but was redesigned a year later to include the palm. The flag was adopted with its amendment in 1861. To this day, South Carolinians harbor a profound gratitude towards the tree that helped them fortify the coast and ward off a British invasion.  

Palmetto logs were used to construct the fort at Sullivan’s Island because they grew in abundance along the coast. Little did the troops – on either side – know how defensible the resilient trunks would be against British ammunition. The hearty stalks absorbed cannonball fire and sustained only minimal damage, leaving the fort intact. The British eventually retreated in 1782 and South Carolina laid claim to the city of Charleston.

Official State Tree

In 1939 the palmetto, also known as a sabal palm or cabbage palm, became the official state tree of South Carolina. Undoubtedly recalling the rich history of the state, the palm represents the fierce independence of the people who settled there.

Palmetto Tree Facts

Palmettos grow tall and lean, reaching heights of 40 to 50 feet. And though the tree can grow straight or curved, the fibrous trunk is surprisingly sturdy. The root system is equally strapping, making it easy to adapt to salty or dry soil conditions. A native to Spain, the palmetto could even thrive in desert landscapes such as Phoenix or Reno.  

Indicative of the coastal lands in and around Charleston, the palmetto also grows in parts of Georgia, Florida and North Carolina. Among the species of plants native to the southern United States, the palmetto is nearly hurricane proof, often the only tree standing after heavy rains and sea swells have snapped live oaks and pines. For that, it has become a favorite among coastal residents, often lining streets and shading homes.

Citizens of Charleston turn to professional tree services to trim the tall branches, which are susceptible to roaches and other sub-tropical insects. Palmetto trees are not only an important landscape feature throughout the city, the leaves are often used for salads and pickling.

Weed Out Invasive Missouri Trees

Ozark National Park - Vintage Photo

The state of Missouri may have one of the best conservation departments in the country, but not even these professionals can completely eradicate the threat of invasive trees by themselves. Preserving the thousands of spectacular Midwest conservation areas requires the utmost cooperation between wildlife officials and Missouri citizens, starting with the most important piece of the puzzle: homeowners.

As buds begin to break open this spring, be on the lookout for one of many detrimental invasive species that could pop up in your yard. Undesirable seeds can be carried from miles around, and could eventually end up in one of Missouri’s prized conservation areas where the MDC is involved with an expensive and never-ending battle against invasives that threaten the biodiversity of our state.

Callery Pear

The callery pear remains one of the most popular ornamental trees in Missouri despite the fact that they spread like wildfire. These highly tolerant plants take over and replace native varieties because they have no natural checks and balances within the ecosystem. Once thought to be sterile, callery pears actually crossbreed with similar varieties to create thorny, unattractive nuisances that require heavy tree maintenance.

Amur Maple and Norway Maple

The Amur and Norway maple is another set of invasive species that can thank unknowing homeowners for their devastating spread. Both are loved for their hardy nature and ornamental properties, but these trees are known as invasive in much of the Midwest. The Norway maple is especially malicious: these trees actually secrete a chemical that kills undergrowth, resulting in barren and muddy forest floors. Homeowners who plant these trees run the risk of pulling up new sprouts for years to come – the same can unfortunately be said for the entire neighborhood.

Missouri is truly blessed with a spectacular variety of native specie that should not be taken for granted. Most invasive species have not even documented yet: the public rarely recognizes them until a major outbreak has occurred, when it is already too late. Certified arborists and local service professionals should be able to identify and remove any “pest trees” on your property – a priceless step toward conserving Missouri wildlife.

Fighting the Good Fight: Eradicate Privet Naturally

Chinese Privet Hedge

The Chinese privet is one case where looks certainly are not everything! Although it is infamously invasive to the southeastern United States, many homeowners choose this species because of the rapid growth, dense foliage, and good looks.

Unfortunately, two out of three of these benefits end up biting the hand that feeds! Chinese privet certainly grows fast and with dense cover – which can quickly overcome a yard and eventually causes a nuisance to the entire neighborhood.

Removal and eradication are known to be all but impossible: it requires dedication, patience, and plenty of manpower. Because this species is exotic to the southeast, there are no pests or plants to keep growth in check.

Beating Back the Bush

The removal process for Chinese privet begins the same as any other shrub: all branches and shoots are to be pruned and removed, with only enough of the stump left to make for a good handle. While some homeowners prefer to chop a few cuts into the stump and apply chemical herbicides, this cannot always be accomplished in sensitive ecosystems or near other valuable plants and trees.

These rough cuts can still be left behind to encourage pests and rot to infect, and eventually kill, the stump. Otherwise, manual removal can be accomplished with standard garden tools, but every piece of root must be removed to prevent new sections from growing. Be aware the privet is still vulnerable to crown root rot – play this card to your advantage!

(Almost) Never-Ending Upkeep

The berries of the invasive Chinese privet carry very little value in terms of nutrition, causing hungry birds to consume more than necessary. These unwitting carriers can spread these seeds for miles! New sprouts will pop up periodically, and must be removed as soon as possible. We have heard of homeowners fighting the privet battle for more than thirty years this way! That’s why many people choose to call in a tree service professional! But if you’re dedicated, privet eradication is possible on a do-it-yourself basis!

Remember that Chinese privet is incredibly fond of disturbed soil: that means that the site of a removed privet stump is just perfect for new shoots! Keep an eye out for any new “volunteers”. If the site of removal is close to established trees, gardens, or building structures consider taking advantage of a local tree care professional to assess the options available.

Companion Planting for Organic Fruit Tree Care

Organic gardeners and environmentally conscious homeowners will do anything possible to avoid spraying trees with synthetic chemical compounds - especially fruit trees. Thankfully, anyone has the potential to combat common tree health problems while increasing yields with a simple method called companion planting.

What is Companion Planting?

Companion planting is a technique that takes advantage of the natural properties of certain plants, flowers, and weeds to combat pests and disease. Although it requires a little preliminary research and an understanding of local plant life, companion planting is one of the cheapest and most ecologically friendly methods of tree maintenance.

The key is to plant only native companions to avoid the threat of overgrowth or attraction of unfamiliar bugs and predators.

Naturally Improve Soil and Deter Pests

Many gardeners and homeowners have a somewhat unreasonable fear of weeds – spending hours uprooting and destroying each and every one. Next time, carefully select the varieties that are less of a nuisance and consider leaving them behind. Many small weeds present no competition to nearby native trees, and their presence and lifecycle actually help to improve soil conditions by preventing compaction and increasing water and air penetration.

Clover is a popular choice for companion planting with fruit trees – it provides essential nitrogen for neighboring plants, while inhibiting aphid spread by attracting desirable ground beetles. The flowers are also one of the main nectar sources for honeybees. Garlic is another popular favorite: it’s not only delicious, but also helps to accumulate sulfur as a natural fungicide to protect from diseases. Comfrey accumulates phosphorus, potassium, and calcium while keeping the soil rich and moist.

So, want to save money on maintenance, fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides by next year? Start researching native companion plants to improve tree health today! Whether you want to plant a new tree or rejuvenate an old one, there is no such thing as too late to introduce some beneficial plant life companions!

Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids: Trees and Spring

Fresh spring air, blooming flowers, busy wildlife, and bright soft grass make a wonderful playground for children - but convincing kids to get a nice healthy dose of the outdoors each day is a whole different story! Despite the enticing indoor entertainment options available to today’s youth, there remain plenty of great outdoor ideas that can only be enjoyed once a year: during the beautiful season in which life awakens!

1. Flowerblossom Flipbook

Flipbooks are collections of pictures that, when flipped through rapidly, produce the illusion of an animated picture. There are two ways to tie this fun little project in with springtime environmental education. One involves technology: youngsters may be supervised with a camera, taking one picture of the same emerging tree bud or flower blossom each day. With a little editing and cropping by mom or dad, the flipbook will look fantastic.

An alternative (since cameras are not toys!) can be to show children how to sketch out the bud or blossom each day to the same effect. Not only will a curious young mind learn about a crucial function of plant life, but the neat little keepsake will delight family members and friends.

2. Spring Scavenger Hunt

Do you know anything about the native plants and wildlife in your backyard? Send energy-packed kids outside with an illustrated list of natural objects to find. This may include objects that can be gathered or even immovable items that can be noted by location. Some good ideas for a scavenger list may be: species-specific seed pods, leafs of different sizes, beneficial insect hideouts, and any other safe objects that are native to the ecosystem of your yard. This is the perfect chance to open a dialogue about how all organic matter, living or dead, plays a specific role in the life cycle of the environment.

3. Plant a Tree

Parents who have never successfully planted a tree before may find this experience will be educational for all involved. Not only is the choice of species extremely important, but so are the location and surrounding objects. The family’s need for shade or wind block may also play a role here. While children may not be able to be involved in the grunt work, there are still many choices and small tasks associated with planting a tree that any kid would be proud to be a part of.

Reducing, Using, and Removing Kudzu

Once referred to as the “King of the South”, kudzu has become more of a destructive tyrant. Introduced to Pennsylvania in 1976, this invasive vine was originally a gift from the Japanese government to commemorate the 100th birthday of the US. Hailed as a revolutionary erosion control method, this plant became a popular crop with support from the Soil Conservation Corps.

Despite the good intentions, kudzu has become an expensive burden to much of the southwestern United States. Practically invincible, it can take a homeowner up to ten years to eliminate these rapidly spreading vines – provided that surrounding property owners take the same measures!

If You Can’t Beat It – Eat It!

Although seen as a largely useless plant, kudzu is actually quite nutritious and considered a delicacy to areas that have not yet been overrun by smothering tendrils. Kudzu is actually a legume, and the roots, flowers, and young leaves can all be used to make some delicious treats. From blooming tea to crispy fried leaves – this plant is well worth culinary experimentation since it will not be going anywhere any time soon!

Making Killer Compost

Notorious for overtaking beautiful stands of native trees, running over carefully tended gardens like wild fire, and literally climbing up the walls of local homes – it may be surprising to find out that kudzu can be used for good instead of the evil it is so widely known for. Trimming back the vines is necessary for removal anyways, so why not remove the edible parts and compost the rest? If you have a chipper or shredder, this plant will make fine compost that can be used once your garden is finally free of this aggravating weed.

Professional Removal

If you’re tired of winning small battles and want to end the war – it may be time to finally give in and call a local tree service or kudzu removal professional. Any southern landscape service worth their salt have the tools, expertise, and trained eye necessary to rid your property of this invasive monster weed once and for all! Every day that the vines are allowed to grow is another chance for the Kudzu to throw down new roots – not a pretty prospect!

Recycling Valentines Day Waste

For such a romantic holiday, Valentine’s Day sure does leave a pretty big mess in its wake! After the gift giving and sweet snuggles, you may find yourself standing knee-high in unwanted flowers, cards, candy wrappers, wrapping paper, and a variety of other waste products. Many of these items are made of more than one material, so how do you dispose of this junk in a green and eco-friendly way?

Cards

While some people manage to hold on to every card they receive, others of us have the guilty habit of keeping the special messages while throwing out the rest. Instead of trashing these sentimental items, consider re-purposing them for scrapbooking. If a card particularly catches your eye, put it in a frame to keep on a desk or table. You will always remember the card and its contents this way!

Candy Wrappers

When I decide to eat candy, I rarely enjoy just one piece. That leaves a whole lot of trash behind – much of which cannot be traditionally recycled. Cellophane wrappers are the most difficult to get rid of. This thin plastic can be washed and used for a variety of different purposes: if you’re crafty you can create a collage with a piece of glass and some heat-resistant gloss coating – it will look a lot like stained glass and is the perfect project for the kids. Aluminum wrappers may be recycled with the rest of your tin cans, and paper wrappers can go right in the compost.

Flowers

Old flowers can be put to much better use than simply being thrown in the trash can. Flowers are the perfect candidate for the compost bin. That's right, your dead flowers can contribute to the health of your garden and freshly planted spring trees. If you don’t want to get rid of them, there are other options available. Hang the flowers upside down and they should try after a few weeks, at which point you can remove the petals and make a charming homemade potpourri.

Attracting Georgia Wildlife with Native Fruit Trees

Although every state has a variety of interesting wildlife, Georgia remains one of the most versatile planting regions for attracting beautiful and beneficial birds, insects, and mammals. Nothing is more relaxing than sitting quietly by a window and enjoying the free entertainment of thriving animals enjoying a harvest of fresh fruits.

The benefits are obviously mutual – you can support your local habitat while still having plenty of produce left for yourself. Ask your local tree service professional about the following varieties of fruit trees that act as wildlife magnets:

Persimmon

The diospyros virginiana variety of wild persimmon is native to Georgia and can even be found growing uncultivated in many areas around the state. Although the fruit is not very desirable for human consumption, many animals especially enjoy the taste. Female trees must be planted near a male to achieve fruit.

Blueberry

Okay, so blueberries don’t really grow on trees – they grow on shrubs. The berries are so delicious though that the distinction will not matter for the purpose of this article. Blue jays, brown thrashers, and mockingbirds will all be eager to split your crop. Climax, Triumph, and Tifblue blueberries are readily available, though any edible variety will be well appreciated by local wildlife.

Plum

Prunus Americana is Georgia’s native plum tree. Showy white flowers will beautify your property in the springtime, which will later produce fruits that are valued for nutritional value to many species of animal. If your home is positioned on the outskirts of town, even wild deer may stop by to graze on this tree’s foliage.

Dogwood, serviceberry, red buckeye, sumac, mulberry, and oak are all great trees that attract wildlife for different reasons and may make a great alternative if edible fruit is not what you are after. Planting native Georgia trees is always recommended, but now you have even more reason to get out there and start spreading the good Earth love. Good luck and happy planting!

Redecorate For Wildlife - Feed Wild Birds

Now that the holiday season is over, it’s time to start taking down the lights and decorations that adorn our trees and shrubs. Soon we will be left with nothing but bare branches until the leaves come in during the spring, left with nothing to do until the all-important tree maintenance season. Wouldn’t it be nice to fill that empty space with something beautiful and beneficial to local wildlife? Consider swapping out those holiday ornaments for some tasty bird snacks that look great and are definitely fun to make!

Popcorn Garland

Remember sitting at home on those chilly winter evenings stringing popcorn garland to adorn the tree? Well, that favorite family activity can be adapted to entice all kinds of winter birds to your yard. These attractive and nutritious decorations simply require threading your standard unsalted popcorn through a string of raffia with a large needle. Raffia is attractive and durable, but also safe for birds to peck. To make the popcorn more appealing, you can roll the kernels in peanut butter and coat with all-natural wild bird feed, or even tie sprays of millet for a more ornamental approach.

Seed Bulbs

This one takes inspiration from the decorative bulbs often hung on holiday trees. Spruce up your hedges with pinecones rolled in black sunflower, corn, millet seed, and safflower for a colorful outdoor ornament. Remember to hang any decoration with raffia, which will degrade over time unlike fishing wire which presents an entanglement hazard. If you want to get creative, hang festive looking apple rings for color, or hollowed out half oranges filled with unsalted peanuts.

Be Creative!

Anything that is safe for birds to eat can be smeared with peanut butter and covered in quality birdseed. This may include stale bagels and grapes that have gone past their prime. To really spice up your gorgeous trees, add sections of winterberry, staff vine, and holly sprigs. Birds will seek out anything fresh and full of moisture- since water is much harder to come by in the winter than food is. Regardless, your outdoor visitors will absolutely love livening up your property with the cheerful chirping of full bellies!

Unusual Green Christmas Gift Ideas

It may seem like every website on the internet comes out with a green gifts guide every single year, full of products that may look great, but aren’t really that green. I’ll tell you why: although a product was “responsibly crafted” with “recycled materials”, they’re still going to have to ship it a great distance to get where it’s going. Nothing against the products- they’re usually wonderful and unique gift ideas. But those who really want to go green for the holidays need to be a little more creative.

Experiences

Don’t you hate it when you’re trying to shop for somebody that seems to have it all? An environmentally friendly solution to this common dilemma is to forego the traditional gift altogether. That sounds crazy, right? Instead of actually wrapping a present this year, a great alternative is to purchase tickets to a local event, or a gift card to a nearby restaurant. 

Not only will these experiences last much longer in the memories of the recipient but the travel required for them to get to their destination will take a load off the environment compared to the shipping and manufacturing resources consumed with a traditional gift. This could be a great chance to stimulate the local economy while showing support for grassroots businesses of the area! Local businesses are already hard-hit during the holiday season, when consumers choose to buy from lower-cost mainstream retailers.

From the Heart

Hand-made gifts have a bad reputation for being cheesy, but that’s only because of the immediate mental images that depict macaroni-postcards and popsicle-stick picture frames. These gifts are cute coming from a kid and unfortunately that’s not the impression that most of us want to make. Instead of going the craft route, try a more thoughtful idea. Collecting pictures of the recipient and making a scrap book using recycled scrap paper, or creating a gift basket full of candles, homemade candy, and dried aromatic local flowers may be a great choice. 

Don’t forget the power of words: instead of sending out the usual Christmas card, make your next batch personal and special. Even if you can’t write poems or draw, a funny story or anecdote from shared experiences may make the recipient smile with a gift from the past. A checklist of favors that can be claimed at any time, including babysitting, lawn care, or dog-walking duty, can really mean a lot to busy working couples or the elderly recipient of the family. Those who haven’t broken into the green lifestyle yet may appreciate a few seeds and a little equipment to start a garden.

Eco-Giving

If you just can’t avoid purchasing a store-bought item as a Christmas gift, at least make the giving experience a little more green. Wrapping paper often contains harmful dyes or foils that can pollute the environment in the case that any escapes the dump. Recycling paper is always possible but why not recycle something that you already have instead? The comic section of the newspaper is a great idea for young ones, but any other section can be spiced up with a little bit of ribbon for a nostalgic effect. 

Don’t be afraid to urge your family and friends to use this advice when buying for you as well. Many environmentalists don’t know how to handle receiving a totally un-green gift, so save your friends and family the wasted money. Of course a gift can never go unappreciated, but why not give a little something back to the environment while you’re at it?

How to Attract Winter Birds

Nothing makes a chilly winter morning brighter than a yard full of colorful chirping birds. Those who don’t seem to get any wild visitors may wonder how to persuade our feathered friends to make an appearance. The truth is that they’ll come running (well, flying) once you set out the right incentives. Even those who live in the city don’t have to miss out on unexpected seasonal company. In fact, no matter where you live winter birds often have the hardest time finding quality food and water and will certainly appreciate your generous resources. Whether you are decorating a balcony window or a yard, it’s cheap and easy to attract a variety of cheerful species that will be your own personal choir for the holidays.  

Benefits

In much of North America the winter nights are long, days are short, and food is scarce for local wildlife. Insects are generally dead or dormant, inaccessible to birds that eat them at their number one fat and caloric intake. Hanging bites to eat from your native trees will encourage the spread of seeds and berries to the local ecosystem after the bird takes off, while providing safe windbreak in the mean time. Ensuring that winter bird needs are met will keep local populations well-fed and healthy, for your enjoyment on frosty winter days with the family or over a cup of coffee.

Food

To attract a wide variety of bird, you’ll need an equally diverse availability of seed. Cheap mixes should be avoided, because the cost is still much too high for the low-quality content. Fillers are often used that the birds don’t eat, which becomes food for squirrels or just rots on the ground. Black sunflower seeds are great for attracting all kinds of birds, including blue jays, goldfinches, chickadees, and cardinals. Suet is a fatty byproduct of beef or venison, unfit for human consumption but perfect for wild birds. It must always be hung as not to attract other mammals. Bird feeders can be constructed out of household waste, like two-liter bottles or biodegradable cardboard tubes.

Water

Winter birds often suffer more from lack of fresh, unfrozen water than they do from scarcity of food. A solar powered heater can be purchased for traditional birdbaths. Heat lamps are perfect for the occasional melt, if the birdbath is located under a closed roof. The hassle can be eliminated by simply pouring some warm water over the ice when the sun is the strongest and watch as the birds congregate for a nice drink and dip!

Attracting winter birds is made much easier by simply providing the all-around complete package. Planting hardy evergreen trees will ensure that birds thrive for your company and enjoyment all year long. Winter isn't the only time that our feathery friends can benefit from a little helping hand, but it certainly isn't a bad time to start.

A Sustainable Tree for Christmas

When you imagine a sustainable Christmas tree, you probably think of a plastic tree that can be reused from year to year. In all reality the greenest way to go is all natural. That's right, in order to have a sustainable Christmas I am suggesting that your family goes out to cut down a tree. Sounds counter intuitive? There are several good reasons to skip the false and go straight for what nature so graciously gave us.

Downfall of the Reusable Tree

Although this seems like it would be a great green Christmas idea, those fake trees are actually made of PVC (a petroleum product) that becomes tattered and dusty over the years. The majority of imitation pines purchased for the holidays are actually thrown out after just two years! Since they are made of plastic the tree will end up taking up space in a landfill forever. That's right, discarded artificial trees are made of material that will never degrade despite the expensive resources that went into the production.

Keepin' It Real

Real pines are grown primarily on farms, where they mature for several years before being cut down. The entire time that these trees are growing they are creating fresh oxygen and habitats for local creatures. With the rise of artificial trees these farms are being put out of business and the property ends up being paved over or turned into a less sustainable industry. Live Christmas trees can be purchased and potted whole to be replanted in your own yard, turning that seasonal decoration into a lifetime investment. Another benefit of real trees is that they they are often mulched and recycled in many communities, going to a better use than a landfill.

Wishing for a Green Christmas

This year, instead of dusting off the old PVC pre-lit tree, go on a family adventure to a Christmas tree farm. Everybody gets to work together to pick out the most beautiful live tree that will fill your home with a fresh pine scent that just can't be bought in a can. Technology often improves our life, but this Christmas let's get back to the basics. A live tree is a sustainable tree- nature's gift to us for the holidays.

Have a Green Thanksgiving

What is a better way to give “thanks” for our bountiful resources than by reducing the amount of environmental impact caused by the holidays? Surveys suggest that household waste increases more than 25% just between Thanksgiving and New Years. Going green doesn’t have to put a damper on the traditional aspects of the holidays: our ancestors were pretty green without even knowing it. Before the days of refrigerated semi-trucks and chemical preservatives people tended not to waste resources the way our culture tends to. That’s why it has become a growing trend to get back to the basics while still enjoying rich Thanksgiving traditions. 

Here are just a few simple ways to enjoy the holidays while saving money and celebrating sustainably: 

Eat, Drink, and be Merry

Just be thoughtful about how you do it. Purchase locally what you can because transportation used to haul out of season foods cross country around Thanksgiving makes it a wonder more of us don’t experience smoggy Christmases. Farmers markets are always hopping in the autumn making it easier than ever to serve delicious sustainable local food. Choosing organic can ensure that your leftover scraps will make great garden compost- another green benefit that arises without cutting out the enjoyable tradition of gorging ourselves. 

Make the Occasion Beautiful

Homemade decorations don’t have to look like third-grade classroom projects. Local trees can lend a hand when it comes to adding elegance to the table. Acorns may be used to adorn napkin ties or even centerpieces while dried leaves make creative place cards. Use long, flexible sticks collected from autumn tree pruning to create festive fall wreaths. Avoid using disposable plates for small gatherings and instead break out the fine china for the adults. Water costs can be saved by washing the dishes all at once to give our water supplies a much needed break as well. 

Avoid Couch Potato Syndrome

It may seem like a great idea to take a nap in front of the tube after a filling meal and good conversation. Instead, attempt to get the family outside to enjoy the fresh air before the winter chills set in. The fall can be a great time for planting trees which can be a great way to show young ones appreciation for the environment and the importance of giving back. Playing football instead of watching it is a great idea to blow off some steam and avoid some of those excess pounds of holiday “thanks”.

John F. Kennedy said it the best: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Our families and friends are worthy of celebration during the holidays, but so is the environment that makes it all possible. Going green for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean forfeiting our favorite holiday traditions- it means adapting them in ways that creates a real display of giving thanks.

Maintaining a Drought Resistant Lawn in San Antonio

San Antonio watering bans can get pretty strict in times of drought. The laws make sense, but they can be a pain for a homeowner or business owner to keep good looking lawns when you can only water once a week. One alternative is xerixcaping, creating ornamental grass-free lawns, or even making an edible landscape. For those who aren’t green thumbed or have a budget to think about, simply choosing a different type of grass can eliminate the need for constant watering and keep those brown spots out.

High Shade

Horseherb is a great variety for difficult to handle areas. It can handle high amounts of shade, constant foot traffic, and can be mowed if desired. Although this variety doesn’t get very tall, some owners still prefer the appearance of a freshly trimmed lawn. The one major issue with this groundcover is that it invades every inch of space, from your lawn to your neighbors, with almost no way to combat it from coming back after you have switched. Pruning or trimming trees to raise the canopy may let a little light filter through for more desirable strains of shade tolerant grass such as St. Augustine. 

Mixed Shade

Originally a weed, Dichondra makes a very attractive groundcover for areas that don’t take grass well. In the shade or sun, this velvety groundcover has broad leaves that cover the ground like carpet. As long as there is decent drainage, the Dichondra is hardy without needing much mowing. Zoysia needs a deep watering every two or so weeks, but also works great in dappled shade.  

Low/No Shade

Buffalo grass is a great idea for those who don’t need lush greenery and would rather save money and maintenance. It needs more than six hours of direct sun a day. It’s Texas native and doesn’t need any additional water. Since it is native, buffalo grass is meant to live with several other types of grasses. You may have weed problems, this is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly options available to San Antonio. Blue grama is another native variety that is beautiful, soft, and stands up against a neighbor’s invasive Bermuda grass lawn.

Native Missouri Trees for Saint Louis

The city of St. Louis forestry department plants up to 5000 trees every year in order to keep air, water, and visual appearance of the city fresh and clean. But what can your average Joe really do in response to such constructive action? Match it! Now, I’m not suggesting that every single citizen goes out and plants thousands of trees, but each neighborhood planting just one tree can really add up and eventually we can double or triple the great start provided by the forestry department. Knowing which trees to plant and how to maintain each variety may seem a little difficult. Fortunately, Missouri provides the perfect home to hundreds of beautiful native varieties. 

Sugar Maple

Sugar maples are responsible for much of the beautiful fall foliage that St. Louis is practically famous for. In fact, the range of colors that the sugar maple is capable of is very nearly a rainbow, some flaunting almost violet leaves. While these trees are slow in growing, they could eventually reach up to 115 feet tall proving a wonderful investment that is sure to increase the value of any home with the space to grow one. Keeping in mind the location will ensure no trimming will be necessary in the future. 

Flowering Dogwood

The cornus florida is the state tree of Missouri, and has always proved a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a bit of soft decoration to existing landscapes. The abundant flowers are usually white, but can be pink or even red depending on the variety you purchase. The fruits produced from flowering dogwoods are an important source of food for hundreds of species of local birds. 

Catalpa

The native catalpa speciosa has found its place around many homes in the area. These beautiful trees feature large flowers, and should not be planted near roadways because of the slick petals. Long pods of fruit hang from the trees and are considered very decorative, although some find them unattractive. The attractiveness of the large whorled leaves is undisputed though, which lends to this species overwhelming popularity.

Whichever variety of native tree you are planning to plant, consider the location of the species. A local tree service should be able to give you information about planting locations so you won’t have to pay tree maintenance fees later. Planning and proper care are both necessary to ensure that your new hardy native variety will remain a part of your home for the years to come.

How to Make a “Seed Bomb”

Don’t worry- a seed bomb is not as threatening as it sounds! These little beauties are simply balls of compressed soil and clay that contain various flower and tree seeds. They can be thrown into those ugly patches of underutilized dirt that appear in defunct parking lots and vacated building sites, and what was once an eyesore will become a thriving ecosystem of lush greenery. Similar products can be purchased from eco-stores, but they are just too much fun to make at home. 

What will I need?

-Red Clay

Red clay will protect the seed bomb, make it portable, and provide the growing plants vital minerals. It’s best to use natural red clay, and not a craft-store substitute.

-Compost

Compost can be made of fertilizer or high-grade potting soil mixed with organic material. A lot of people choose to compost kitchen scraps at home, another eco-friendly way to garden.

-Seeds

The seeds that you choose should be native varieties that will provide a pleasing aesthetic look. These must be hardy plants so that they can survive without any outside care. Be extremely careful not to introduce any invasive species to your area.

How do I make my own seed bombs?

The basic recipe for a seed bomb contains 1 part seeds, 3 parts compost, and 5 parts dry red clay. You will also need some pure water to make the mixture pliable and shapeable. The seeds and compost should be combined first, and then the clay should be added in the appropriate measure. Make sure to avoid adding too much water or you will end up with a very soupy mess. You can make a large batch and form your bombs from there. The sun is the best way to dry them, letting them sit but avoiding “baking” them. 

These seed bombs are a great way to improve your neighborhood while giving the environment a little boost. Fresher air means healthier bodies. Trees and flowers are a visual gift to almost any area.