When March rolls around on the calendar it is time to get out your pruning shears! On warm days it is nice to start a spring clean up.

Make sure your saw or loppers are clean and sharp to prevent disease.

First cut off any damaged wood on trees and shrubs. Then step back to see what it looks like and if you need to cut other branches to improve the shape. This will be much easier without leaves that will appear in April and May.

After you are pleased with your pruning, sprinkle 10 -10 -10 fertilizer at the base of the trunk, which will seep into the ground during spring rains. Then spread mulch on top to keep nutrient stealing weeds and grass away.

For many years I have I have sent a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation and have received small tree cuttings and shrubs to plant that are good for the environment. Most of them have done very well and are now growing into nice little specimens.

I recently received from my garden club in Bedford, NY, a list of the best trees “To Plant for The Planet”.  The little ones from the Arbor Day Foundation and the trees Penni Sharp and I had planted in the three Fishers Island Cemeteries are all on the list below, which I was pleased to see.

The Best Trees for the Planet A few examples; click any tree for a larger image.

A celebration of Mr. Harvey’s life will be held at the Church of the Redeemer on Saturday, March 26 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to the Lake Roland Nature Council for a “Jack Harvey Memorial Bench.”

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