This is a tree with many great qualities that makes it an ideal tree for many landscapes. To start, this is a native tree that
is hardy to zone 4. It prefers rich, moist, acidic soil and will tolerate partial shade. Blue beeches are also known as “Musclewood” because of their unique bark and trunk. The dark bark ungulates, giving the tree the appearance of a body builder’s muscle. These beautiful trees won’t overpower a small yard because they only reach a height of 20’ to 30’.
The dark green foliage turns a combination of yellow to
orange-red in the fall.
Summer Mowing
Make sure the lawnmower
blade is sharp going into the mowing season. The lawn should be kept at 2 ½” to 3 ½” tall.
The taller grass shades the soil, keeping grass roots cool and preventing weed seeds from sprouting. Mow the grass often so you only remove one third of the total grass height with each cutting. Removing less leaf surface minimizes stress on the grass plant. When it’s ready to be cut, allow the grass to dry out before mowing. If the grass is not too long the clippings can remain on the lawn to add nitrogen.
Apple Scab
Apple scab is a fungal disease that causes damage to the apple tree and its fruit. An organic control for apple scab is simply sanitation; this method works over time and must be practiced throughout the season. Rake up fallen leaves and
apples on a regular bases. If this material is put in the compost do not spread back around the apple trees. When composting, bury the fallen leaves and apples under the compost pile to help keep the area clean. Apple trees can be sprayed with a sulfur spray, but be careful because sulfur can cause more damage if not applied properly.
Roses
Remove spent roses as the petals fall. Hybrid tea, grandiflora and floribunda roses should be pruned so that the cut is made just above an outward facing bud. The bud should be above a leaf with a 5-leaflets cluster. Continue to
fertilize the rose on a regular basis throughout the growing season,
stopping about mid-August. Watering roses should be done using a soaker hose, in the morning. One inch of water per week is needed for
continued development. Deep watering once or twice a week is better than light sprinkles every other day. Mulch the rose bed when the weather turns warm to help conserve water and cool the root zone.
Did You Know?
Potatoes are the most popular vegetable among Americans.
Second and third place goes to head lettuce and onion.
Tips
Before adding mulch, water the soil. Water the mulch
after it’s put down.
Transplant newly purchased plants in the evening or on cloudy, rainy days to settle in and grow better.
When adding kitchen scraps to the compost be sure to
cover them so they don’t attract unwanted critters.
To reduce black spot on roses, remove and discard any diseased leaves.
Water the soil early in the day and
don’t get leaves wet.
Keep plants healthy by removing infested and
diseased plant parts.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
