One day you come outside and notice the oak tree in your yard has white webbing covering most of its trunk and some branches. Your first reaction is, "What is this on my tree and how do I get rid of it?" Well most people would have that reaction, but the good news is it is an overreaction. What you are seeing is the protective webbing of psocids, commonly referred to as bark lice. Believe it or not, this is a good thing. Bark Lice, aka Tree CattleBark lice show up on trees during the summer and early part of fall. Tree cattle eat algae, mold, fungi, lichen and dead insects that are in and on your tree's exterior. Most of these food sources are plentiful when given heat and excessive humidity which is why southern Louisiana is home to large invasions of psocids. They typically feed on hard wood trees and palms. I personally believe their tree of choice is an oak tree since it is what I have seen bark lice on the most. The good news is bark lice does not do any damage to the tree. By eating these foreign objects on the hard wood trees and palms, they are actually cleaning the tree. Be sure to thank them. How to Get Rid of Bark LiceBark lice will go away on their own. After they have gone, the bark lice webbing will dissolve over the next few weeks. If you just can't stand the sight of the webbing in your tree, a soapy water solution may encourage them to move along. Mix three tablespoons of dish soap per gallon of water and apply it to the infested area. If this does not work, you will have to learn to live with the tree cattle until they move on to their next tree. GreenSeasons is glad to help with any concerns regarding your trees you may have. If you would like for us to come out and perform a tree inspection, tree pruning, tree fertilzation, tree removal, or any other tree work, just click here and we will give your a call.
If you would just like some more advice on trees, please contact us.
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There are trees all over southern Louisiana and most likely in your yard. Trees provide shade, privacy, nuts, fruit, animal habitats, a way to get out the heat and more. With all the benefits trees give we should take our natural job as caretakers seriously. Below are a few easy to spot problems with trees that you should call in an arborist or tree company to analyze. Tree with Dead or Broken Branches Trees that have dead branches or partially broken branches should be looked at by an arborist. These branches are only a strong gust of wind away from falling. Branches falling from this height can damage cars, damage homes and injure or kill someone. Taking care of these branches before they fall could save some money or a life. These type of problems should definitely be taken care of before hurricane season each year to help reduce the chance for damage at your home. Tree with a Clear Break This one is really a no-brainer. If you have a tree trunk with a complete break, have an arborist see if your tree needs to come down. Usually this happens when other symptoms are ignored beforehand or a very strong hurricane comes. Tree with a Thin Canopy A tree where the leaves are getting sparse when other trees of the same species have dense foliage is a sign for alarm. If taken care of early, these trees have a good chance of becoming healthy again. An arborist will be able to diagnose if the tree has a lack of water, nutrition, fungus or insect problem. They will then go through steps with you on how to correct the problem if possible. Tree with Mushrooms There could be a dead spot on your tree if there are mushrooms growing on the bark. The mushrooms grown there since there is extra nitrogen from the decaying plant material. If the dead spot is large enough, your tree has a greater chance of falling. Get this checked out soon. Tree Missing a lot of BarkA tree that has lost a little bark is usually not a big deal. A Tree that has a 2 foot wide area or larger of missing bark is a big deal. It could be insect damage or a lightning strike. Get in touch with an arborist to identify the problem. Tree with No Leaves Unless it is winter, a tree without leaves is most likely already dead. Have an arborist look at it to be certain, but chances are you need to take it down. A tree with all brown leaves when it should be green is another large indicator of a serious problem. GreenSeasons is glad to help with any concerns regarding your trees you may have. If you would like for us to come out and perform a tree inspection, tree pruning, tree fertilzation, tree removal, or any other tree work, just click here and we will give your a call. If you would just like some more advice on trees, please contact us.  Home vegetable gardens do not take a lot of your time and provide a solid reward for the work your do. Gardening can really help households come together have a hobby together. Especially consider a vegetable garden if you:
Vegetable Garden AdviceSunlight
GreenSeasons is glad to help with any gardening needs you may have. If you would like for use to install, maintain and plant a vegetable garden for you, just click here and we will give your a call.
If you would just like some more advice on vegetable gardens, please contact us.  Watering grass is simple right? Grass + Sunshine + Water = Healthy Grass Basically, this is right, yet there are a few tweaks needed to have healthy green grass. Here is answers to the grass watering questions when, how often, and how long. When to Water Your Lawn
How Often to Water your YardIn a drought, water your lawn twice a week with about three to four days between each watering. If there has been a lot of rain, do not start watering your yard until is dry and just begins to look a little stressed. If you have an automatic irrigation system installed with a rain sensor, your rain delay should be at least three days, preferably four. Watering your lawn infrequently allows for deeper root development which makes for healthier grass. This means your grass will look good and survive even when everyone else's lawns are struggling. So fight the temptation to water every other day. How Long to Water Your LawnStart by watering your lawn for 15 minutes per area. If you have an underground irrigation system, this will be easy since you can adjust your controller. For everyone else, you can just set a timer to remind you to move the sprinkler every 15 minutes. Test an area 24 hours later by digging a small 9" deep hole. If the soil is moist 8 inches deep, you are watering the correct amount of time. If the moisture is only reaching three to five inches, you will want to change your watering routine. This time water 15 minutes, wait 15 minutes and then irrigate the same area for 15 more minutes. GreenSeasons is glad to help with any irrigation needs you may have. If you want new irrigation, irrigation repairs, drainage or landscaping, we will be happy to give you a quote, just click here. If you would just like some information on irrigation, please contact us.  Working around your home garden during the summer can be exhausting. The hot summers in south Louisiana can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke even for people who have never had either before. Both younger and older people are more susceptible to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. They, and those caring for them, need to be fully informed on the symptoms and ways to prevent it from occurring. Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion Prevention
Symptoms of Heat StrokeThese are the symptoms you will notice for the onset of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The further down the list you get, the more severe the situation. In my experience, red, hot dry skin is one of the first sure signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke that is definitive and would not be confused with symptoms of some other ailment.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke TreatmentCall 911 if the person has any of the following symptoms:
Lower Body Temperature
Rehydrate
Rest
See a doctor
GreenSeasons is glad to help with any pest control or landscaping needs you may have. If you want help, please contact us. |
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