Arbor Notes Winter 2022

Winter 2022

The science of preserving nature since 1964

Pest Alert: Box Tree Moth

A new pest may be in our landscapes soon...

Box Tree Moth (BTM) is an invasive pest that can kill boxwood plants. The insect is native to East Asia, but it has been detected in Western New York in July 2021. It is now found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, and South Carolina and scientists believe it will only be a matter of time before it is in our neighborhoods.

Adult box tree moths generally have white bodies with a brown head and abdomen. Their wings are white and slightly iridescent, with an irregular thick brown border spanning 1.6 to 1.8 inches.

Click here for more >

Almstead Around Town

Wave Hill Gardners' Party

Almstead sponsored the Gardners’ Party, for the 10th consecutive year, at Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center in the Bronx. This year’s event included a tribute to Signe Nielsen, renowned urban designer and landscape architect. This annual benefit raises crucial funds to support Wave Hill's renowned gardens.... (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)

Train Show Sponsorship

Almstead is pleased to sponsor the The Great Holiday Train Show by the New Castle Historical Society from Saturday November 19th, 2022 to January 8th 2023 at Horace Greeley House 100 King Street Chappaqua, NY 10514. We believe in supporting worthwhile community events.. (more)

Winter Checklist for Your Trees

Winter is one of the most important seasons to care for the trees on your landscape. This is because cold weather and falling snow can damage your trees and shrubs. Here’s a checklist to keep your trees and property safe during the winter months... (more)

Almstead's Annual Summer Picnic

The Almstead family hosted our Annual Summer Picnic for employees and their families at Tibbits Brook Park in Yonkers, NY. It was our first picnic since 2019 — due to Covid. The event included a presentation of service awards for 5-years, 10-years, 15-years, 20-years and even some employees who celebrated their 25th, 30th and 35th Anniversary.... (more)

Organic Care: A Natural Approach

Many property owners are interested in organic care for their trees, shrubs and lawn and Almstead has some great options available. The main principle of organic care is to establish a well aerated, biologically rich soil. The goal is to create and maintain a soil teeming with the beneficial microorganisms... (more)

Letter from the CEO

Trees to Consider:

Japanese Tree Lilac ‘Ivory Silk’

Japanese Tree Lilac ‘Ivory Silk' is a small tree or large shrub which typically grows 20-25' tall with a rounded crown and has creamy white, fragrant, single flowers arranged in dense, terminal clusters. The flowers give way to loose clusters of brown capsules that persist into winter. The tree has and attractive reddish-brown peeling bark on younger branches which gradually turn gray with age..... (more)

The past year has been a mixed bag for me and the Almstead family. The year started on a sad note. We lost my elder brother, Richie Almstead, in February. When in New York, he worked alongside my dad Richard Almstead, my brother Michael and me for decades — primarily in the production field and the nursery. Richie was a colorful and larger than life character who always left an impression on anyone who met him. We are all very saddened by his loss.... (more)

Things To Do: Snow Tubing

Snow Tubing is and exciting and fun winter activity for the whole family, though kids will love it the most! Unlike skiing or ice skating, it requires no special skill or equipment.

Everything you need is provided by at the location. Many operators also offer double tubes for parents to take younger children for a ride.

There are several dozen resorts in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut that offer Snow Tubing. We've picked one from each state below. They typically open in late December or early January, depending on the temperature. Be sure to check their website for the day's conditions before starting out.

New York:

Hunter Mountain

Hunter, NY

New Jersey:

Campgaw Ski Area

Vernon, NJ

Connecticut:

Powder Ridge Mountain Park

Middlefield, CT