Winter 2021
The science of preserving nature since 1964
Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly
Beware of this Beautiful Insect...
We’ve been raising the alert on Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in this newsletter since 2019 — but recently the pest has become a matter of great concern throughout our region and beyond. SLF typically infests plants in very large numbers and sucks the sap from stems and leaves. This results in weakening the plant or tree and making it susceptible to other pests and diseases. The insect is a significant threat to a wide range of agricultural crops including walnut, grapes, hops, apples, and blueberries that could cost state economies hundreds of millions of dollars.
Almstead has available treatments for controlling SLF. Please contact your local branch office right away if you see them on your property.
Wave Hill Gardners' Party
Almstead sponsored the Gardners’ Party, for the 9th consecutive year, at Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center in the Bronx. This year’s event included a tribute and toast to Louis Bauer, Senior Director of Horticulture of Wave Hill, who has been at the Garden since 1994.... (more)
Air Spade Demonstration for Students
Almstead VP, Michael Almstead and Connecticut Branch Manager, Gary Norman, conducted an Air Spading and Soil Biology class for students at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Connecticut. It included a live demonstration of root collar excavation.... (more)
Safety Training at Rockefeller State Park
Almstead VP, Michael Almstead, and safety specialist, Jonathan Olsz conducted a safety training workshop at Rockefeller State Park for grounds-staff of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation.... (more)
WATCH A VIDEO OF SAFETY TRAINING AT ROCKEFELLER PARK BELOW
A New Unexpected Pest
Recent storms have carried Armyworms, a grass-destroying pest, from the South to our region. Almstead lawn care technicians have already found them on several properties we service and they can be very destructive to our lawns in a very short period of time.... (more)
Winter Storms & Tree Damage
Winter storms can be very destructive for trees. If you haven’t already, please have your trees and shrubs inspected by your arborist to avoid the chance of tree failure in extreme winter weather. Some ways to reduce winter damage include Tree Removal, Pruning, Cabling and Bracing and Lightning Protection... (more)
Winter Pruning Can Benefit Your Trees and Save You Money
During the winter months, deciduous trees and plants go dormant, lose their leaves, and stop growing above ground. This time of season can be a very good time for pruning many species of trees and plants. There are several... (more)
Places to Visit: Winter Village at Bryant Park
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is now open (for the 20th season) and offers free admission to an ice-skating rink, open-air holiday market, curling cafe, delicious food offerings, and more. The 17,000 square foot ice rink is completely out-doors and guests... (more)
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Letter from the CEO
I remember the feeling of uncertainty we faced last winter and for the early part of this year.
We did what we could to keep our customers and employees safe while providing uninterrupted services in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, even during the height of the pandemic. I’d like to thank all our customers for your patience with scheduling your service and our employees for responding to the challenges we faced 2020 and still maintaining the highest level of service... (more)
Tree Risk Assessment and TRAQ
Almstead offers advanced Tree Risk Assessment services for our customers. All our arborists have training and experience in tree risk assessment. In addition, most of our arborists have also undergone the more extensive Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program offered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Based upon our clients’ requests and access provided... (more)
Trees to Consider:
Japanese Cedar
Japanese Cedar, also known as Sugi, is a slender, pyramidal, evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching, which is slightly pendulous at the tips. It is the national tree of Japan where it is often planted at temples and shrines. It has a strong, dominant central leader with reddish brown bark on the main trunk. During winter, the foliage can develop a bronzy-purple winter hue (see image), especially when exposed to cold winds.... (more)
Winter Protection for your Evergreens
During winter, your evergreens are the showcase of your landscape. However, winter can also be very stressful for them. The cold, winter wind, and extreme fluctuations in temperatures can result in moisture-loss, leading to dieback (the progressive death of twigs and branches which generally starts at the tips). Without winter protection, even if evergreens appear green in winter, they could turn brown by spring as it gets warmer... (more)
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