Advantages of having a Mosquito System

The mosquito product market is jam packed with effective, and not-so-effective, products. From body sprays to lantern repellents to citronella candles, there are lots of choices. But if you’re committed to comprehensive mosquito control, mosquito misting systems is hard to pass up. Here’s why:

• Systems cover the perimeter of your yard, not just parts of it (depending on your installation).
• Mosquito misting devices provide automatic spraying so you don’t have to worry with daily maintenance.
• The cost for effective mosquito control is most economical long term.
• Mosquito misting is set up by licensed pest management professionals, ensuring that your solution is set up correctly with the best chance for success.
• Call Arbor Life for more information on our systems: arborlife@arborlife.com
  

Fertilizing Plants in the Winter Time

On Plants: It's a good idea to use a fertilizers with a higher potassium level because that is what plants seem to favor and protect plant cells from freeze injuries. Secondly, water your plants in the fall as needed. Give your plants a thorough watering before the first freeze. It is just as important to water your plants to protect them from dehydrating in the winter as it is to protect them from the cold.

Mulch: Make sure to add more mulch during the winter for this will help protect the roots of plants and help preserve moisture in the flower bed areas.

Deadwood Removal and Dead leaves:Break off dead leaves and any remaining fruit from stems. Late fall is the perfect time to do this. Follow the same rule as fertilization and stop pruning within six weeks of the first frost. It is also a good idea to remove any dead leaves on the ground around your plants. This will help prevent any fungal spores from taking root and growing on the dead leaves.

Christmas Lights Installed

Christmas Light Installation

This is our fifth year installing Christmas lights for our clients. We offer light installation on trees, houses,shrubs, and other items that need to be lit up. Let us know if you are interested in needing our services. We service the west, loop, and mid town areas of Houston on this service. Call us at 281-914-7788 or email us at : arborlife@arborlife.com

Check out our website for new information on services and sign up for our monthly newsletter when you email us!

Take All Root Rot

Here is a link on this problem that we have been having in the Houston and Beaumont area with St. Augustine.  It disquishes itself as chinch bugs. Please call if you need more application answers on this problem.

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0823/ANR-0823.pdf

Tree Facts you should know!

General Facts About Trees

• Trees keep our air supply fresh by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

• In one year, an acre of trees can absorb as much carbon as is produced by a car driven up to 8700 miles.

• Trees provide shade and shelter, reducing yearly heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.

• Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves.

• The average tree in metropolitan area survives only about 8 years!

• A tree does not reach its most productive stage of carbon storage for about 10 years.

• Trees cut down noise pollution by acting as sound barriers.

• Tree roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.

• Trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water as well as protecting aquifers and watersheds.

• Trees provide protection from downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail as well as reduce storm run-off and the possibility of flooding,

• Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife.

• Trees located along streets act as a glare and reflection control.

• The death of one 70-year old tree would return over three tons of carbon to the atmosphere

Southern Magnolia or “Magnolia Grandiflora”

The Southern Magnolia (Grandiflora) is generally described as a perennial tree. Magnolia has most active growth period in the spring and summer . The Southern Magnolia (Grandiflora) has green foliage and inconspicuous white flowers, with a moderate amount of conspicuous red fruits or seeds. The greatest bloom is usually observed in the mid spring, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until summer. Leaves are retained year to year. It has a long life span relative to most other plant species and a moderate to slow growth rate. It can reach up to 100 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 40 feet.

It can be propagated by bare root, container, cuttings, seed. It has a slow ability to spread through seed production and the seedlings have high vigor. Note that cold stratification is not required for seed germination and the plant cannot survive exposure to temperatures below 7°F. has low tolerance to drought and restricted water conditions. If you need any more questions feel free to contact us at: arborlife@arborlife.com

Understand Emerald Zoysia

Emerald Zoysia is a cultivar of zoysia. It has a thin bladed grass which handles drought and does well in shaded areas. This grass has a fine and soft texture

and can be left unmowed at 6-12 inches if desired. When left unmowed will form humps convoluted surfaces which is sometimes used an oriental landscape themes.

Emerald does well in humid and hot weather and used in the Southern states. Once established it requires less water than Augustine and but slightly more than bermuda. Browning may occur in triple heat digits but with proper hydration can restore its green color very quickly. Mowing can be performed at every 7-10 days with mowing height from .75" to 2" . At first I would recommend cutting at a higher level. The use of a reel mower is required because a typical rotary mower will leave grass with a grey/white tip instead of a clean cut look. Fertilization on grass should only be done twice a year with a 8-8-8 and 13-13-13 product. It is found that over fertilizing this grass can destroy and turn grass yellow. It is best to fertilize on the light side since this zoysia is one of the slowest growing grasses in the family. If you have further questions please contact us at: arborlife@arborlife.com

A good tree to plant: Texas Red Oak

A good to plant in the houston area is the Texas Red Oak. These trees do well here and have less disease problems than your non native trees that nurseries sell in the area. I like these trees because they are self pruning and do not have many root and limb problems. Here are the specifics on this tree:

Plant Habitat: Medium tree

Exposure: Full Sun

Flower Color:Red Brownish Leaf

Blooming: Spring

Height: 75 feet

Width: 60 feet

Plant Character: Deciduous

Heat Tolerance:High

Water Requirement:Low

Soil Requirement:alkaline adaptable

If you have any questions about this tree contact: arborlife@arborlife.com

Getting Ready for Hurricane Season!

It is important to remember that we are yes in Hurricane season. The scientists are predicting a bad one this year. Here is a list of things to prepare for during this time:

1.Be aware of structural limitations around your house and property. This means check your trees to see if there are sections of large overhang, decayed limbs, or trees that could be a problem if close to house. Pruning trees thouroughly can help from possible damage.

2.Check your home for loose gutters or clogged gutters to prevent flooding and possible damage.

3.Review your insurance policy for adequate coverage for storm damage.

If you ever need to ask questions for advice on your trees feel free to contact us at 281-914-7788 or via email at arborlife@arborlife.com

Welcome To the Launch of Our New site!

Hello Everyone,

We are up and running! Thanks to Denton Hew at Techtiva for all the blood,sweat, and tears! We at Arbor Life wanted to update the site for some quite time and we will be making some additional moves on helping others learn about landscaping, trees, and fertilization. Check our site and let us know what you think!