December Customer Appreciation: The Zierolds in Hillsborough

December Customer Appreciation: The Zierolds

 

The Zierolds live in Hillsborough, NJ. They had moved into a new development and had us work on their property. In June 2010, Ralph did computer image designs for them and upon approval, he created the landscaping, as per that design. This included the front landscape, walkway and wall.

In 2011, they asked Ralph back to plant a perimeter of trees in the back yard and also hedges. This year, they decided to finish the backyard landscaping and also add a new staircase off the back of the house and a walkway. It was a wandering walkway, using Belgard portage stone in Tan/Charcoal blend.

 

Were you satisfied with the overall work that Truesdale did?

Yes.

How did you find working with Ralph?
He was awesome - a man's man. He tells you right up front what will work and what won't. He takes your ideas, listens to them, and then turns them into reality. He is very honest. Even after we agreed with the pavers for the back patio and walkway, he had thought about it more and came back with an even better idea. He never stopped thinking about what would look best for our property.
Even after this past storm, Ralph was here in a few days staking up our trees and cleaning up our yard.

How was the office staff?
Paula was very knowledgeable on the phone. She always followed through.

How was the crew?
The crew were very clean, polite and thorough.

Is the end result what you had envisioned?
It was even more than what we had envisioned. We love it!

Is there anything our company couldn’t provide you with?
The only thing was the iron railing, but we needed a custom one and had to go to an iron works place.

How is Truesdale different from other companies you have worked with?
We like that the owner comes out at the start of the job and at each new stage. Ralph actually gets on the machine and works, too. We never felt that he sold the job and was now at the next customer. He continually kept in touch and stopped by during the process.

Any other comments you would like to share?
The computer imaging really helped us get an idea of the final product and that is what sold us. We had originally gotten an estimate from the local landscaper and it looked like everyone else's in the development. We didn't want that, we wanted a park like setting and Ralph achieved that for us. Our neighbor used him, too, and we sit on the patio together and say how much we love our patio and landscaping. Ralph did a great job!

BEFORE TRUESDALE LANDSCAPING



A BEAUTIFUL TRANFORMATION
BY TRUESDALE LANDSCAPING



 

2012 Truesdale Employee of the Year: Ray Merrill

Ray Merrill, 2012 Employee of the Year

Ray Merrill has worked at Truesdale Nursery & Landscape Services for 12 years and is this year’s Employee of the Year. Ralph Dinizo, President of Truesdale, said the reason he chose Ray this year was because of his commitment to constantly improve his knowledge and skills, the care he takes with each job, and the dedication he has shown to Truesdale.

Ray’s dedication to Truesdale’s customers is shown by the nice words they have for him:

“When I look out my window and see the Truesdale truck, I know that, by the end of the day, everything will be beautiful. And, if I see Ray, I know that every detail will be remembered and handled in an efficient way. Ray has the professional knowledge and skill needed; he goes about his job with strong, quiet and effective leadership.” – Mrs. Margaret Tunstall, Summit

“Ray has helped with the landscaping of our garden for many years. His expertise, helpfulness and friendliness have contributed to the excellent relationship we have fostered with Truesdale. We value his commitment, and look forward to working with him for many years to come.” – Mrs. Ingrid Flannery, New Providence

Ray was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and grew up in Basking Ridge. He has been working in the Horticultural Business all of his life. He had started at Wightman’s Farm and worked there for 25 years. After that, he worked for a few other growers around NJ, working with annuals and perennials, before finally finding a home at Truesdale.

Ray began his career at Truesdale assisting the Nursery’s clients and eventually he became the buyer of the Nursery stock. Ralph had noticed his skills with plants and moved Ray out of the Nursery and into the field. Now, Ray’s main job includes going to our clients and doing selective pruning and trimming of their properties. His knowledge of plants and trees is extensive. Not only can he properly prune your trees and shrubs but is able to analyze them while he is there. He notices when they are diseased and what would be necessary to treat them. He will see how the soil, moisture, and other external elements are for your plant and make suggestions or give solutions to different problems.

Not only does Ray bring all of his many years of knowledge to each of his clients, but he is an avid reader and continues to enhance his knowledge.

Ray prides himself on his honesty and has said that he tries to do the best job he can in the quickest time. He also has been amazed over the years at how many landscape companies have no insurance, no licensing, no plant knowledge and how they are not honest. He says that when you use these types of companies “eventually you will pay the cost because of the damage done and, because of that, you will lose your plants.”

He wanted me to pass on to whomever reads this article, that you should never wait too long to prune because when it is done too late, you just have to start all over. Protect your investment now.

If you want Ray to come out and evaluate your trees and shrubs, give us a call and we will send him out to meet with you. 

November Customer Appreciation: The Beckers in Summit

November Customer Appreciation:
The Beckers in Summit

 

 

 

The Beckers live in Summit, NJ and are relatively new Customers of Truesdale. In 2011, they called us to help them after they did a major renovation on the front of their home. We designed and installed a beautiful landscape. They were so pleased with the outcome that, after doing renovations to the back of their home, they asked us to return and do the back yard. We finished this in the Spring of 2012.

On October 26th, we asked Andrea Becker a few questions on what she thought of the work Truesdale did and how it was dealing with all aspects of the process.

Andrea, were you satisfied with the overall work that Truesdale did?

Yes, I was.

How did you find working with Ralph?

Ralph was very knowledgeable, an old school businessman. A man with a lot of integrity. If he said that he was coming, he did. If he said that he was going to do something, he did.

How was the office staff?

Paula always responded. She is very professional and sent and answered emails on time.

How was the crew?

They were very polite, very courteous and clean. They took down a fence and delivered it down the street to my mother’s house. I was very appreciative of that.

Is the end result what you had envisioned?

Yes, beyond what we had envisioned. We are very pleased with the results.

What kind of feedback have you received?

People comment on the texture, color and mixture of the plants.

Is there anything our company couldn’t provide you with?

No, nothing.

How is Truesdale different from other companies you have worked with?

Ralph has the ability to really see the finished project and what it will look like each season. I like that the owner is involved from start to finish and is easily accessible. I also loved the before and after digital prints – that was a major reason I did the project.

Any other comments you would like to share?

Ralph is a true artist and he is painting with the landscape he does. He treats my home like it was his home. He has an innate ability to plant something different and work with the architecture of the home. He uses color and texture to create a beautiful landscape. You can’t put a price tag on creativity. I love that he was here a lot of the time and even got on the machines, when needed. 

I think it is great that most of the crew have been with Ralph for years. I highly recommend Truesdale and would never use another company.
 

Getting Ready for Winter

As we approach winter, there are quite a few things you should do to protect your property and investment. Your trees, shrubs, lawn and perennials need help and the following are a few things that you should do. Perennials – cut them back now as the plants shut down and turn brown Remove leaves from the lawn and garden. Leaves left over winter can cause damage to your lawn and perennials. They harbor diseases, can cause fungus, it hides mice and, if left on the grass, will cause it to become brown. Bulbs – plant bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and crocus Mulch – apply a small amount of mulch around your perennials and shrubs to insulate them from the winter frost and help them retain moisture. Water – until the ground freezes, it is good to make sure that your plants and trees have enough moisture to help them through the winter. Thoroughly soaking them once a week is recommended. Weed – if you do weed now, it stops them from developing further and gives your beds a good start for the spring. Cover – in windy areas, you will want to cover your newly planted evergreens with burlap to prevent chilling winds from drying out and causing winter burn on your plants or you can spray them with an anti-desiccant (see below) Dormant oil – use this on deciduous trees to prevent spring insect damage Anti-desiccant – spray this on your trees and shrubs to help prevent water loss during the winter Glenn Koleda, our agronomics specialist, highly recommends the Anti-desiccant to help your trees and shrubs maintain moisture during the winter months. With the ground frozen and long dry periods that occur in winter, your plants will start to dry out and get winter burn. If this happens, you will notice that their needles and leaves will start to turn brown and die. Glenn applies anti-desiccant when the daytime temperatures consist of 3 days of 35 degree daytime temperatures. This is a good time to prune back your ornamental grasses. An easy way to do this is to use a bungee cord or duct tape, wrap the cord or tape around the grass about 8” up from the base. Truesdale’s Shrub & Bed program includes us coming out the beginning of November to cut back your perennials and get your beds ready for winter. If you do not have this service, give us a call. Doing a little preventative maintenance now can help ensure the health and beauty of your landscape. Email or call us today.

Great Idea: Fall Planting

Did you know that fall is one of the best times to plant trees, shrubs and perennials? 

Spring might seem the best time to plant, but it can also result in a competition between roots and new shoots for water and nutrients. Because the tops of the plants are dormant and not growing during the fall and winter, they direct their energy reserves towards root growth. As a result, fall-planted trees and shrubs will have better established root systems when spring arrives, making them more able to support the new growth and foliage that comes in that season. As long as the soil temperature is above 40 degrees the roots will continue to grow. Fall planting takes advantage of favorable soil temperatures and moisture conditions that promote the root growth needed to sustain plants through their critical first year in the landscape. 

The added root growth also aids the plants during the stressful heat and drought of the summer months, potentially reducing the amount of supplemental water required to keep the plants alive. There are usually not enough roots on newly planted ornamentals to satisfy the water demand of both the shoots and leaves, and wilting may occur. This is called transplant shock and this condition requires frequent watering and diligence to prevent the plant from dying. During the fall and early winter months, the soil temperatures and moisture levels are usually in range that promote rapid root development. 

Plant health often depends on root health and, in the fall, the warm soil encourages root growth until the ground freezes. In early spring, the roots begin new growth and continue to develop before the top of the plant begins to develop leaves, flowers and new stems. This gives fall planted plants and advantage. Their roots are well-established before summer arrives and are far better equipped to deal with heat and drought. 

Most container-grown and balled and burlapped deciduous trees and shrubs are excellent candidates for fall planting. These plants usually possess well-developed root systems. 

One last point is that since people don’t think of planting in the fall and nurseries don’t have a large stock to choose from, the best buys can be found in nurseries at this time. So if you are price savvy, this is the perfect time to buy.

Email or call us today. Just to summarize, the main advantages to planting in fall are: More root growth than in spring.  Head start on Spring for establishing roots.  Moisture is less of a problem, therefore plants need less watering.  Less competition between roots and new growth.  Transplant shock is reduced.  Soil temperature is conducive to root growth.  Lower prices on nursery stock.

The Process of Lawn Core Aeration and Overseeding

With this summer’s cruel heat, lawns are taking a major hit. To keep your lawn looking beautiful, lush and green, core aeration, a process highly recommended by industry professionals, may be necessary to revive a stressed out lawn. The process essentially provides the lawn roots and soil with oxygen that will stimulate healthy growth by: Improving water infiltration Loosening compacted soil Increasing oxygen to roots Improving nutrient availability Stimulating root growth Reducing thatch Culprits of a Dry Lawn Foot traffic will compact the soil over time, this squeezing of soil chokes the lawn and it becomes starved for water, nutrients and air. Any lawn that receives a high amount of foot traffic is most at risk of depleting the root systems essential nutrients. Dry heat and insufficient watering can also stress a lawn. Depleted moisture levels over a long period of time will surely cause a lawn to have a scorched earth look and feel. The Process of Core Aeration Core aeration is mechanical processes performed in the late summer or early fall. The process removes plugs of soil from the ground and leaves them on the surface of the turf. These holes allow the roots to breathe receive air and water and immediately stimulates root growth. The plugs themselves contain microorganisms that will feed on the organic matter and aid in the prevention of soil compaction. It’s not the prettiest sight but after a couple of weeks your lawn will regain its health and look – your property will be completely transformed. Over-Seeding Option It’s highly recommended to use the small holes created by core aeration to your advantage and over-seed the lawn immediately after any core aeration is performed. This will eliminate any bare spots, revitalize grass growth and implement new disease and bug resistant grass. After Care for Recently Aerated Lawns After aerating a lawn, continue giving the lawn one inch of water twice a week. Also, do not cut the lawn for two week. Aerating your lawn at the right time with the proper equipment can ensure that you have a beautiful yard, every season of the year. The Result Core aeration will give your property a second chance after being affected by the harsh climate or other environmental factors. Core aerating your property is an important step to ensuring your lawn has a beautiful and long lasting life. Truesdale Landscape Services will make sure your lawn is aerated at the right time of year and with the best care. We have professional equipment and expertise that will provide your lawn with all of the essential support it needs. Email or call us today. Keep These Tips in Mind If dealing with newly planted lawns, wait at least a year to aerate so that the grass is well established. Avoid aerating during drought or high heat. Aerating in these conditions, will stress the lawn by allowing the soil to dry.  Aeration can spread weed seeds and portions of weedy roots so make sure to control weeds before beginning to aerate.  Aerate prior to fertilizing or reseeding your lawn because aeration creates openings for nutrients and seed to penetrate soil.

Drastic Dry Heat

Plants and lawns have taken a major toll this summer due to the drastic heat waves. The combination of high temperatures and lack of rain this season have been putting properties under a tremendous amount of stress. For those of you who take pride in having a green lush yard you need to double your effort when dealing with this summer’s heat. With the temperatures being as hot as they are, 50 percent of water actually evaporates before it soaks into the ground so watering at the right time for the right amount of is a must. The best thing to do is water early in the morning and/or late in the afternoon when the sun is low. 

When a lawn appears to be straw colored and crispy you should attend to it right away because the growth tends to be stunted. A sure sign that any lawn is suffering will be the appearance of brown spots where the water is not reaching. The easiest solution to keeping your lawn green is sprinklers. If you do not have in ground sprinklers, the generic hose fitting sprinklers work just as well. 

Not only are lawns taking a major hit this summer but so are everyday plants. It can be easy to forget that plants need just as much water as a dry lawn. Not only do newly planted items need to be watched carefully but so do well-established trees and plants. This means that the plants you have had for years and normally never had to worry about are even at risk. If you start to notice your plants yellowing starting from the bottom up, that is a sure sign it is water deprived. Other signs of dehydration are wilting, dropping, and browning leaves. Homeowners in the New Jersey area should be extra concerned if they have evergreens or a Japanese maple on their property because these are especially sensitive to the summer heat and are vulnerable to sun burning. 

Keeping your yard healthy is not a complicated task; the simple fact is your property needs hydration just like every other living species. Watering is an easy job that only takes a short period of time from your day. Leave your sprinklers on 30-40 minutes a day in each spot and you will have a stunning healthy property. It is easy to forget to water but scheduling it into a daily plan will ensure your yard will stay beautiful, even during the driest temperatures. 

Perennials That Pop

Now that summer is in full bloom, perennial gardens are starting to pop! This is the time perennial gardens take center stage with vibrant, long lasting flowers that can handle the summertime heat. The key to a perfect perennial garden is balancing color and size. The more colorful and vibrant your flowers are the more noticeable they will be. Truesdale Landscape Services can provide a perennial garden that will be planted with tender care and precision. Types of perennial gardens include: pool scape, patio scape, and every day scape garden that flourish during the summertime.

Poolside Perennials

The Hogan residence, pictured above, is a beautiful example of what a thriving poolside perennial garden should consist of:
Coreopsis Lilies
Ferns
Shasta Daisies
Salvia plants
Veronicas

The hydrangea bush adds a touch of elegance to the area as well. Not only is this family able to enjoy their beautiful pool during the summer days but they also get to enjoy the gorgeous blooming flowers and shrubs that are planted around it.

Every Day Perennial Gardens

Everyday perennial gardens can make a property look like something straight out of a magazine. The Dinizo residence has let their perennials transform the yard into a colorful oasis. Although in every perennial garden you want to have plants that are meant to flower for fall, spring and summer, summer is the time where perennial gardens start to really catch the eye. Some plants that endure the summertime climate very well are:
Shasta Daisies
Asiatic Lilies
Coreopsis Moonbeam
Enchinacea
Beebomb flowers

Blacked-eyed Susans and day lilies also are very common in summer perennial gardens. Truesdale master gardener, Linda Dinizo mixes catmint in with her flowers to spice up the garden. Perennial gardens can work with either shade or sun depending on the flowers. Whatever your preference, Truesdale can plant a garden that will bloom throughout the seasons!

Patio Perennials

The Delmauro residence showcases a patio perennial garden. When dealing with perennial gardens like this one, it is best to plant them in height order so that the tall plants are towards the back and the small flowering plants are in the front. For the best outcome, the flowers should be planted in clumps so that it’s an eye pop full of color. As you can see, this is a great way to create privacy and offer a warm secluded space to enjoy.

Truesdale offers a wide variety of perennials that can transform your property into your long awaited dream. We have advanced knowledge and expertise dealing with plants; we will make sure that you are satisfied along every step of the way. Our shrub and bed care program involves three yearly visits, one visit per season - spring, summer, and fall. Our crews will make sure your property is cut and cleaned to perfection. We are experts in perennial gardens and would love to give you a show off worthy property.
Email or call us today.

July Customer Appreciation: New Providence Neighbors

July Customer Appreciation: New Providence Neighbors

Two of Truesdale’s new customers and neighbors Lisa Hora and Steffie Adams, live on a sleepy New Providence back road. This is a nice area but it's also a severe flood zone. These homeowners were especially at risk for water damage because they live on the downward end of a slope. After Truesdale installed their drainage systems, these two neighbors have yet to see any water accumulation, water damage or even wet spots.

The drainage system installed on the Hora property in early August 2011 also included an entire landscape installation, a new walkway with steps, a driveway and new plants. This was perfect timing because when hurricane Irene hit New Jersey in late August, just a few weeks later, she had no water issues. “I was so happy, for the first time since I moved here five years ago my basement was dry.” Lisa boasted.

Lisa’s hurricane triumph sparked the attention of her neighbor Steffie Adams. Adam’s called us when she noticed wet spots in the basement after hurricane Irene. We installed a drainage system that connects and diverts water from both homes to the storm drains on the street so these homeowners no longer have to worry about water damage. As an extra precaution, a second storm drain was also installed on the Adam’s property.

Adams and Hora receive weekly ground maintenance with shrub and bed care. In addition, the Hora property receives our agronomic services for the property’s trees, shrubs and lawn. These two Truesdale customers deserve recognition for trusting us and their loyalty this past year. We are happy to help them maintain their beautiful properties.

Protect your family and pets from fleas and ticks this summer!

Summer’s here and has brought a few unwelcome guests along. It looks like nature is getting an early start on flea and tick season this year, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. With the past winter being so mild, we may be expecting an over load of these pests throughout the summertime. Eliminating flea and tick infestations requires treating your home and your lawn with the proper products that only a licensed agronomic specialist can apply safely. With Truesdale’s guidance, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape and weather without the worry of these pests. Although fleas are not harmful to your lawn these miniscule creatures from the spider family can cause trouble everywhere else. Fleas cause health problems for humans and pets since they feed on the blood of mammals to survive. It is necessary that you take the precaution and rid your lawn and garden of fleas for the protection of your family and pets. Ticks are even more dangerous because they carry and transmit aggressive and life-threatening diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are not harmful to turf but are extremely harmful to any human or mammal they latch to as a food source. It is very hard to identify fleas, as well as ticks, so it is necessary that you take the precautionary steps when dealing with these types of bugs. Spraying for tick and flea prevention or treatment will allow you and your family to be safe and healthy while enjoying the nature of your back yard. A systematic approach of several applications is required to keep your property clear of an infestation. Only two or three applications will be needed to control these pests. Our agronomic specialist, Glenn Koleda, has expert advice and advanced knowledge of bug infestation. He can walk you through our different agronomics programs and help you select one that fits your needs and budget. So don’t let the summer bug you! Contact us today for a free lawn analysis and estimate.

Summer Agronomic Problems and Solutions

Summer is around the corner which means homeowners need to be aware and prepare for the problems they may face dealing with lawn care as well as the damaging heat that may harm trees and shrubs. Chinch Bugs and Grub Chinch bugs and Grub pests can destruct even the best lawn care program. Chinch bugs use sharp mouth parts to draw sap and insert toxins into the crowns and stems of grass plants causing extensive damage to your lawn. Chinch bug infestation is usually discovered when irregular patches of grass begin to turn yellow and then straw colored. Watering is not the solution to this problem. These patches will continue to become larger even if you are consistently watering. Damage normally occurs during the hotter, dryer weather from June into September. Usually, the best timing for chinch bug control treatment is in early June. Our lawn care specialist, Glenn Koleda, will recommend a program that integrates both curative chinch bug treatments and preventive measures in order to maintain maximum pest control in your lawn. Grub pests which reside and live under the grass may pose an even larger problem to a homeowner’s lawn. A Grub pest eats the roots of your grass which may cause you to not realize its presence until the grass starts to die. Results of grub damage will include dead grass, plants and flowers. Summer Heat The oncoming summer heat may be especially damaging to your tree and shrub layout causing the infestation of Spider Mites. Early detection is essential for spider mite control. The first sign of an infestation is the damage they do to leaves. This is usually seen first as a speckling or white dotted pattern on the leaves. Underneath these leaf dots will be mites that are barely seen with the naked eye. A magnifying glass may be a good investment when detecting this infesting insect. Bronzing, stippling and burning on the top side of leaves are signs of the presence of spider mites. Damaged leaves turn yellow, dry up and drop from the plant. Another method to detect Spider Mites is to hold a white sheet of paper under a plant and shake the plant. Mites will fall off onto the paper as tiny black dots. A single monthly treatment to prevent mite outbreaks is an easy solution to this problem! Lawn and Plant Fungus Powdery mildew, caused by the microsphaera alni fungus, usually starts on older lilac leaves around July. Although powdery mildew usually won't kill your lilac bushes, it can ruin their appearance and can reduce or stop next season's blooming. Conditions favorable to fungus development include: Warm and/or humid weather Too much shade Over fertilization Crowding Over-watering Not only are lilacs very susceptible to fungus throughout the summer days, Kentucky Bluegrass does not tolerate mildew as well. If your Kentucky Bluegrass lawn looks extraordinarily dry you may have a fungus problem. Watering the infected grass will end up agitating the lawn even more. An antifungal control is the best way to solve your fungus problem. Our lawn care expert, Glenn Koleda uses a broad spectrum fungus control that will leave your lawn beautiful and green throughout every season. It is not too late to apply an application which will act as a 21 day preventative or that can cure the plant altogether. It’s always best to prevent a problem - early detection will give you the upper hand when opposing this pest. Glenn Koleda has extensive training and knowledge that can take care of any of your problems. Call us today and we will be more than happy to work with you to get the best possible outcome for your lawn. Email or call us today.

June Customer Appreciation

June Customer Appreciation

Christine Bertoni sat on her perfectly arranged cast iron furniture petting her labradoodle, Cooper, while explaining to Kathryn and me her history as a Truesdale customer, which has been 18-20 years. She laughs as she explains to us that she’s known Ralph since before we were born. In fact, she has been a customer of Truesdale before we were even Truesdale. Christine has used Truesdale’s services on two different properties for so many years that we felt it necessary to thank her for her loyalty and offer her a gift as a token of our appreciation.

The Bertoni family spends a lot of time in the backyard enjoying the flagstone patio which is surrounded by a luscious lawn, flowering azaleas, and rhododendron bushes. It’s a perfect oasis, which Truesdale designed and installed last fall. The property includes an intricate drainage system which keeps the yard from flooding. “Ralph is crazy about water and does everything he can to keep it away. During hurricane Irene, we had no flooding issues!” boasts Christine.

When asked what she loves the most about Truesdale, Christine claims, “I love the turn around, how fast this company gets the job done.”

Ralph’s philosophy is simple: when his crew begins to work at a location, they will work from first thing in the morning well into the evening or even through weekends to complete the job. At Truesdale, we never spread ourselves thin with too many ongoing projects; this is the reason many customers have to wait for us to even begin our work. We can assure you, it’s worth the wait because we will give every customer and every project the time and attention it deserves. We will also work with dedication to complete any of our projects in a timely and professional manner.

Christine’s least favorite thing about Truesdale is explained with a chuckle. She yells, “The prices!” She then explains, “I am just kidding, this is much more than a lawn care service. Truesdale goes above and beyond. The level of expertise that comes with this company is why I completely trust whatever Ralph wants to do.”

Now that the landscape installation is complete the Bertoni property receives our three times a year shrub and bed program, our tree and shrub program and our annual applications of premium lawn care services. These services guarantee the property looks amazing. Truesdale is proud to have such a wonderful customer and we whole heartedly thank Christine for her business and loyalty over the years.

Plant, Insect and Disease Control

Spring is four weeks ahead of schedule and that could mean a potential pest infestation for homeowners – especially since the past winter was mild. Agronomic specialist Glenn Koleda is extremely concerned, he states, “I’ve already seen aphids and soft scale this year which means even more will hatch within the next few months.” Aphids, also known as plant lice are small sap sucking insects that cause curling, yellowing and leaf distortion. Soft scales remove sap from plants and cause yellowing of leaves and overall plant decline. Aphids and soft scale also produce sticky excrement which may grow a black sooty mold fungus. For protection against aphids, soft scale and other pests, Truesdale recommends an application of Insect and Disease Control. An I&D application is a 30-day preventative, as well as a solution to curtail pests that have already hatched. Delaying this application could result in such a severe infestation, trees and shrubs will need to be replaced. Another application recommended in May or June is a fungicide preventative to protect plants throughout the summer. All trees and shrubs are at risk of fungus during the hot humid months of July. A major fungus in our area this year will be cedar apple rust; which, presents as orange specks on the leave of crab apple trees. If left untreated the fungus will spread as soon as the environment is humid enough for it to thrive. Once this occurs, the crab apple tree will defoliate and this means in July the tree will have no leaves. This is just one example of thousands that could destroy your trees and shrubs. A fungicide application applied soon will offer protection now and throughout the hot humid month of July when fungus becomes a major issue for all trees and shrubs. Either of these applications can be applied within 10-15 minutes and they are safe for animals and children. If you have any questions about an existing condition or the Truesdale Tree & Shrub program, please call our office to make an appointment with our agronomic specialist, Glenn Koleda.

Promoting Education: The Truesdale Team Goes Back To School

Promoting Education: The Truesdale Team Goes Back To School Truesdale’s priority has always been providing superior service to our clients. We ensure our customers are getting the service they deserve by providing our staff the opportunity to receive an education and stay ahead of the industry curve. Throughout the year our crew attends seminars, workshops, classes, and trade conventions. This includes every member of the Truesdale team - office support, landscape crew, foremen and even Ralph Dinizo the company president. This winter we sent two of our up-and-comers, Kyle Gates and Carlos Martinez to The Rutgers School of Agriculture for a 12 week plant identification certification. The rigorous course covered ornamental trees, conifers, evergreens and shrubs, to name a few. At the seven week mark Kyle and Carlos were asked about the course. Kyle responded, “Because of this class I not only know how to identify even more trees based on the key ID feature overview, I also know the necessary environment every tree and shrub needs to thrive.” Carlos added, “Trees are like people, they have different hair, different skin and different needs. Now we have a greater understanding of both.” While taking this course, Kyle and Carlos, as well as other landscapers, attended the NJ Plant show, a one-day Tree Planting and Installation course at Rutgers and a Call Before You Dig safety seminar. The Rutgers course on tree planting was a one day overview of the maintenance and standard practices of tree, shrubs, and other woody plants. This included a comprehensive outline of installing, transplanting and excavating plants based on environmental factors. As well as, a guide to troubleshooting and diagnosing trees and shrubs that may be stressed or diseased. The NJ Plant Show was also a great learning experience for not only Kyle but foremen Andrew Lynch and Ray Merrill. The crew attended seminars, interfaced with vendors and even did some purchasing. Grace our marketing communication coordinator also got into the spirit of advancing when she attended the 10th Annual NJ Flower Show this past February. Truesdale has kept busy this winter and we are fully prepared for the upcoming season. Our crew has received a great education, our foremen have been training and even our office support has been immersed in trade knowledge. It doesn’t stop here, in March we’ll be sending the next wave of crewmembers back to Rutgers for pruning refresher courses. By advancing the knowledge of our team, we guarantee that our customers are dealing with professionals and experts in the field.

Landscape With Computer Design

Truesdale offers state-of-the-art computer-aided landscape design. This allows our customers to visualize their finished landscape project before we even begin. Truesdale owner and landscape design expert, Ralph Dinizo, will come out to your home, take pictures and discuss your design ideas.

Ralph will then use his expertise not only with the Computer Design program, but also his many years as a landscaper to scientifically choose the proper plants, soils, etc. for the particular location on your property you have chosen to change. He will take into consideration sunlight, drainage, wind exposure and your existing plants and landscape. And, with what you had discussed with him, he will create a visual look by working with the pictures he took of your property. 

With these pictures, you can see what can be done and how it would look. Any questions you have can be addressed at this stage – colors, type of plants, type of design, etc. You will not have to wait until the project is complete before you have a concept of how it will look.

An attractive, well designed landscape will substantially increase the value of your home and enhance your quality of life. Using the computer design process will allow you to view, make changes and have more input on how the final result will look.

Please note that our first design is free, but any additional designs will cost a small fee. This fee will be credited back upon completion of the finished project.

See your property in a whole new light and watch it come to life with Truesdale’s expertise. We are taking appointments now for early March so that projects can begin as soon as the weather permits. Call us today to set up an appointment.