Bark is an often overlooked aspect of a tree that actually serves many important functions. Bark protects the delicate cambium layer from bumps and cuts. Like a scab on a wound, it protects against disease organisms.
Bark also retards the loss of water protects the tree from temperature extremes and intense sunlight and can even help the tree breathe! So next time you catch your child tearing the bark off a neighborhood tree, consider the consequences…
Have you ever wondered about that distinctive smell lingering in the air after a spring rainshower? Well as it turns out this smell could be caused by a number of things…
The smell we often notice in the woods after a good drenching is normally caused by a bacterica called Actinomycetes which produces spores in the soil. When the force of rainfall kick these tiny spores into the air they essentially act as an aerosol.
For those of us who normally notice the aroma while walking through the city the cause could be much different. Since rain is somewhat acidic, when the droplets come in contact with organic debris or chemicals on the ground, it can cause some particularly aromatic reactions. Sometimes this type of reaction is not as pleasant as that caused by the bacterial spores.
Possibly the most pleasant rain scent is the reaction of rainfall with the volatile oils that plants and trees release. The oil collects on surfaces such as rocks and when the rain reacts with these oils it can create an aroma so fresh that it has even been bottled and sold for its aromatic qualities!
While snow has evaded the midwestern part of our country for the most part this winter it is interesting how the white stuff can have an effect on the health of our lawns in spring.
Anytime snow is allowed to sit on the ground for an extended period of time mold has a potential to develop. There are two forms of the mold: gray and pink. Gray snow mold is less dangerous and occurs when temperatures are just above freezing. The mold will usually develop in small circles and can be expected to heal itself fairly quickly.
Pink snow mold can be more dangerous to the health of the lawn and can occur anytime from late fall to early spring regardless of the amount of snow. The number one way to prevent snow mold is to continue to mow your lawn in the late fall until the grass has for sure stopped growth. Winterization fertilizations can also prove an effective method in preventing this fungi from developing.
To learn more about snow mold visit http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/snowmolds.html
Come check out the Metropolitan Lawn and Garden Show… The event runs today (February 10th) until Sunday (February 12th) at the American Royal Center!
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the Kansas City Metro.
This means that critical fire weather conditions are either occuring now or will shortly. The red flag warning is in effect from noon until 6pm today. Warm temperatures, little precipitation or humidity, and high winds create ideal fire weather condidtions. Any fires that happen could spread rapidly.
Here at Ryan we understand how much time and memories you have invested into your house and landscaping. Don’t let something as small as a bbq or cigarette butt spell disaster.
Cold weather may cause the leaves to fall from our beautiful trees and much of our lawn to go dormant; however, the harsh conditions may have one benefit. Remember those pesky insects that invaded not only your lawn and trees but also your house? Ever wondered where those critters ran off to?
Well even if you haven’t ever wondered this, it is pretty amazing the variety of techniques that many insects take to survive the winter. Many larger insects will take the migration route. For example we have all heard of or seen the famous monarch butterfly migrations to Mexico. Other insects, such as honeybees, huddle together in clusters to keep warm.
While migration and clustering seem like fairly predictable ways to keep warm here are a few more extreme methods. Certain high altitude insects are able to use a state of torpor to survive temperature drops. This is a temporary state of suspension or sleep, during which the insect is completely immobile. Other insects enter diapause which is a long term state of suspension. Diapause is a phenomena very similar to hibernation. Maybe the most extreme form of winter survival for insects is the ability to create an internal antifreeze. During the fall insects produce glycerol, which increases in the hemolymph. Glycerol gives the insect body “supercooling” ability, allowing body fluids to drop below freezing points without causing ice damage.
Winter Grass. Sounds like an oxymoron right? Not quite…
Annual Winter rye grass is an example of one type of grass that will keep your lawn looking green throughout the winter months. While not as heat resistant as many midwestern lawns, this type of rye grass does seem to enjoy (or at least survive) the harsh winters.
Perennial rye is a permanent lawn choice in cooler climate areas, while annual is seeded yearly and lives for one season.
Landscape Lighting can be a quick and easy way to increase the value of your beautiful lawn. Why only enjoy your front or back yard during the daylight hours? When deciding to install lighting, ask yourself the purpose…
Maybe you want to set a nice romantic mood, or maybe you are trying to increase the safety of your house at night. No matter the reason, make a sketch of your yard and decide where to place your lighting before you begin purchasing. This planning process should ensure that your next landscaping project will be a success!
Ryan Lawn and Tree has once again won Angie’s List Super Service Award!
Angie’s List is a website that aggregates verified consumer reviews of service companies as a way to “capture word-of-mouth-wisdom“. Angie’s list has around 1.5 million subscribers throughout the United States and Canada who post about 40,000 reviews each month.
The Super Service Award is presented to approximately 5% of eligible companies. Essentially the rating is determined by the number of positive and total reports received regarding the company. A company that has strived for excellent customer service, and has received recommendations through the Angie’s List website is up for consideration.
Thank you for helping us acheive this prestigious award every year since 2005!
Visit Angie’s List!
While the midwest weather has remained fairly mild so far, we all know that winter snow and ice storms are just around the corner…
Ice storms especially can pose quite a hazard; especially when large trees overhang your house or street. Dead trees and branches are likely to pose the greatest hazard during these storms, and broken or ragged branches are the most likely to develop tree-weakening diseases.
Pruning your trees late-winter or early spring will be best for most trees as it allows the tree to concentrate its stored energy on a few branches. This time of year is also a less busy time for tree surgeons and arborists.
Make sure to call your Ryan pruning experts to help prevent any damage from this year’s winter storms!
