Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) continues to spread across our region and the country wiping out ash trees. It is a metallic green insect that feeds on the layer of the tree just under the bark and prevents the movement of life-sustaining sugar, water and nutrients through the tree. Most trees die within 2-4 years after being infested with EAB.

The first New York infestation of EAB was discovered in 2009 and has since spread to more than 30 counties. According to the The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), identifying current infestations is critical to stopping its spread. If you see these small, metallic-green insects on your property, contact your arborist.

Almstead is currently inoculating hundreds of ash trees against EAB for city, state, and private customers. If you haven’t yet identified and qualified ash trees that are worthy of preservation with your arborist, do not delay any longer!

 

Spotted Lanternfly is another invasive pest that has been spotted in our region. Originally from Asia, it primarily feeds on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but can also feed on a wide variety of plants such as grapevine, hops, maple, walnut, fruit trees and others. The DEC has announced the start of an outreach campaign encouraging New Yorkers to look for and report sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly. Nymphs are black with white spots that turn red as adults, which are approximately 1 inch long and ½ inch wide at rest, with eye-catching wings.

If you spot a Spotted Lanternfly on your property take a picture and send it to your arborist or report it to nyimapinvasives.org.

Almstead Around Town

Our founder, Richard Almstead, started the tradition of celebrating Arbor Day twenty-five years ago and we’ve been doing it as an annual event ever since (see Gold Leaf Award article)... (more)

Tree Risk Assessment

Tree Risk Assessment (TRA) is one of the most valuable services we offer our clients. Our arborists receive ongoing in-house TRA training and it is part of their continuing education to maintain certifications and licenses. TRA helps identify potential issues with trees in order to best evaluate associated risk...” (more)

Keeping your grass looking greener for longer...

Our lawn care programs are designed to keep lawns looking lush and beautiful while keeping pests and weeds in check. However, what happens to your lawn after we leave your property is also as important... (more)

Almstead Receives NYSA’s Gold Leaf Award

The New York State Arborists (NYSA) International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Chapter, Inc. presented the 2017 Harry J. Banker Gold Leaf Award to Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co. and its founder Richard Almstead... (more)

Kudos

Congratulations to Almstead climber, Jonathan Peragine and Nick Coons from our Hawthorne, NY branch... (more)

Places To Visit

Montgomery Pinetum is a 91-acre park in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich, CT. The property, formerly known as “Wild Acres” became the home of Colonel Robert and Nell Montgomery in 1922... (more)

Ticks and mosquitoes are not just a nuisance. They also transmit deadly diseases such as Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Heartland Virus, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis and Relapsing Fever.

The C.D.C. says that tick and mosquito infections are spreading rapidly (The New York Times, May 1). You can protect your family and pets with safe and effective tick and mosquito control from Almstead. We can custom-tailor a program and frequency based upon your situation and budget. We have organic options available as well.

 

 

 

 

 

The Asian Tiger Mosquito (above) is large and spotted and active during the daytime in full sun -- while the native Northern House Mosquito (below) is much smaller and active in the shade and at dusk.

 

 

 

 

 

Call your branch office for more information or visit almstead.com/tick-mosquito-control.