Summer 2021
The science of preserving nature since 1964
Pest Alert: Beech Leaf Disease
An Emerging Lethal Disease for Beech Trees
Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is a new and devastating disease suspected to be caused by a nematode, or microscopic worm. This foliar-feeding nematode, Litylenchus crenatae mccannii, causes the infected portions of the leaves to shrivel up and die, leading to a decreased ability to photosynthesize, deteriorating overall health and vigor and eventually exposing the tree to secondary insect pests and disease. Healthy trees progressively weaken from the disease and die in a span of 2-6 years (depending upon the size of the tree) from the onset of symptoms.
All cultivars of American, European as well as Oriental beech are susceptible. The disease was first observed in northeastern Ohio in 2012. Since this first detection, the disease has rapidly spread and is now identified throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Ontario – it is certain to be in New Jersey soon, if it is not already. The pest may have been present over the last 2-3 years in our region, but symptoms are only being diagnosed and seen now.
Beech is a dominant species in the forests of the eastern United States and a common feature tree in our landscapes. So, it is with great displeasure as arborists and stewards of the environment that we bring you this unfortunate alert...
Almstead Around Town
We usually celebrate Arbor Day in our communities with tree climbing stations for kids, tree plantings, participation in Earth Day and Arbor Day events, and presentations in schools, garden clubs, and other local organizations. We’ve planted hundreds of trees and given away thousands of saplings at these events.... (more)
EAB: Treatment at Liberty State Park, New Jersey
This May, for the sixth consecutive year, Almstead partnered with Arborjet to donate treatment for ash trees at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ in preservation efforts against Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive tree pest that is currently destroying ash trees in our region... (more)
WATCH A VIDEO OF EAB TREATMENT AT LIBERTY STATE PARK BELOW
VIDEO COURTESY OF ARBORJET
Ornamental Pruning
Ornamental trees and shrubs are primarily planted for aesthetic reasons. They provide an interesting focal point to a landscape and can even define the property. They are often planted in highly visible areas such as the front of a house or building for curb appeal, or near a pool or patio to add to the overall look and beauty... (more)
Storm Damage Prevention
With storm season fast approaching, it is prudent to have at least an annual inspection of your trees to eliminate hazards and reduce the chances of failure. The most simple and obvious way is to keep your trees strong and healthy long before a storm arrives. This includes providing them with enough water, fertilizer and... (more)
Fall Lawn Care Services
Fall is often the forgotten season when it comes to lawn care. However, a little bit of care in fall can go a long way towards building a great lawn in spring. A soil test, to see what’s going on below the surface, is the best first step towards a healthy lawn. These tests range from simple pH and fertility tests to more complex analysis... (more)
Places to Visit: Governors Island
Governors Island is one of the most exciting and unique day-trip destinations within New York City. The 172-acre site is in the middle of New York Harbor and was used for military training purposes for over 200 years. It is now a wonderful park, outdoor art space, cultural events center, historical landmark, and adult playground — among other things... (more)
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Letter from the CEO
What a difference a few months makes! As we enter summer, it’s exciting to see our region returning to activities that were part of our lives before the pandemic, including visiting friends, going to restaurants, traveling and attending live events. While our arborists and technicians are still following all state and local protocols for safety, it is wonderful to finally be able to interact with our customers face-to-face again. 2020 will always be remembered as the year when we were... (more)
Almstead Compost
Almstead's Organic Compost is now available in convenient 10 lb. bags at our New Rochelle and Ghent locations. Our compost is "Certified 100% Organic" in compliance with the USDA National Organic Program. It is OMRI Listed® in the Generic Material Listing: U.S. National Organic Program (NOP) under Compost, plant materials, Class: Crop Fertilizers and Soil Amendments. Almstead Compost is made with organic local source materials. It is a great source of nutrients for plant material. Full of beneficial microbiology that’s native to our region, compost creates a more sustainable soil system that requires fewer, if any, additional input.
Please visit our Nursery & Mulch Division website for more information.
Trees to Consider:
Lacebark Elm
The Lacebark Elm, also known as Chinese Elm, is a versatile and handsome tree that is truly the perfect tree for any location. It is disease resistant and tolerant of nearly any soil condition. Lacebark Elms can be found on the edge of busy sidewalks or in large open spaces. It is a low maintenance tree that doesn’t need constant care and is resistant to diseases and pests, like Dutch Elm Disease, that plague other American and European elms... (more)
Almstead Receives TCIA Safety Award for 2020
We are honored to have received the 2020 TCIA Safety Award for “Outstanding Company Contribution to Safety.” The award recognizes a TCIA member's proactive program to address safety issues. We would like to thank all our employees, especially our arborists and field staff, for their ongoing dedication to safety.
LOCATIONS:
Lower Westchester County, NY and New York City
58 Beechwood Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801
914-576-0193
Upper Westchester (North of I-287)
15 Broadway, Hawthorne, NY 10532
914-741-1510
Fairfield County, Connecticut
547 Hope Street, Stamford CT 06907
203-348-4111
Bergen & Passaic Counties, NJ
504 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508
973-636-6711
Contact us for a Free Consultation