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.

Protect Yourself from Storm Damage

As this fall has proven, snow and ice can cause major damage to not only your trees and shrubs, but also your property. Getting an evaluation of your yard and knowing how to prevent possible damage is much easier and cheaper than trying to clean up the disaster after it occurs.

This time of year is perfect to prepare your landscape for the snow to come. A tree’s survival may depend on the care that you give it before the storm happens. This is especially true for evergreens and hedges. The high winds, heavy ice and snow of winter can cause a great deal of strain. Most of the downed wires and property damage this fall was caused by improperly maintained trees.

The removal of dead, diseased or broken branches will be beneficial to the overall health of the tree and prevent costly and dangerous storm damage. Pruning aids in maintaining the shape, vigor and health of the plant.

Your trees and shrubs are your investment. You should make sure and preserve them by taking proper care of them. For peace of mind, call Truesdale for an evaluation.

Truesdale Employee of the Year - Andrew Lynch

Meet Andrew Lynch

Andrew Lynch, a recent graduate of Morris County College, is Truesdale’s employee of the year. Andrew earned his applied science degree in landscape management and design in December of 2011. Andrew’s recent academic accomplishment is just one of many feats for this graduate. With over eight years of experience, Andrew has climbed his way up every division of Truesdale Landscape and Nursery.

Andrew is very happy working with the Truesdale family, “we have some of the nicest customers and Ralph is like family, his son is like a brother to me.”

Andrew began working every summer for President Ralph Dinizo at the Truesdale Nursery and Garden Center in Berkeley Heights when he was a 13-year old boy. His duties included watering plants and loading mulch. When he received his license at age 17, he began snow plowing. Andrew began working with the Truesdale landscape construction crew when he turned 18 years old. He stayed with the construction crew for one year before he obtained his operator license and spent one season apprenticing with Glenn Koleda, the Truesdale agronomics specialist. During this time, he learned how to diagnose lawn ailments and apply the necessary pesticides and fertilizers to achieve and maintain optimal lawn health. He then spent two years working with the Truesdale ground maintenance crew. His duties included: performing weekly lawn cutting; shrub and bed care, planting and pruning; design layout; and leaf removal for most of Truesdale’s long standing customers.

Andrew has taken courses in computer imaging design; he received his operator license and he recently passed the New Jersey Commercial Driver’s License program - receiving a CDL on his first attempt.

Andrew’s favorite horticultural area is landscaping design and construction – his current division. His future plans may include studying landscape architecture at Rutgers University.

Truesdale is dedicated to continuing education and keeping abreast of horticulture trends. Andrew is a valuable member of the Truesdale team so we extend our congratulations for his recent accomplishments and our appreciation for Andrews’s hard work and dedication to the team and the trade. 



Winter Planting, Watering and Pruning

The best time to plant a tree is when the tree goes dormant; this is when the least amount of shock would occur to it. Fall and winter planting gives roots a chance to settle in during the cooler months so the tree gets a jump on the next growing season and is better equipped for summer’s heat. When do they go dormant? For Deciduous trees, it is very obvious when they go dormant. The dropping of their leaves in autumn signals that they are entering dormancy and when you see buds on the trees in spring, this signals that they are leaving their dormant cycle. For Evergreens, you have more leeway on when you can plant. However, you will want to hold off planting until the warm weather ends and you will want to finish your plantings before the heat of summer begins. Winter Watering Although you may not think of winter as “dry” remember that you will still need to make sure that your new plantings get enough moisture. Even if there is snow during the winter, the ground does not absorb any of the water until it starts to melt. Proper Watering for Winter During dry periods in the winter, use your hose and water all of your plant materials. On a sunny day above freezing, turn your hose on a light drip and let it soak the trees for about 15 minutes. For shrub, you will want to do this for about 5 minutes and for perennials about 2 minutes. This will help root development, especially on anything newly planted. Winter Pruning Pruning deciduous plants in the winter promotes fast regrowth in the spring, as most plants are dormant during the winter. It is also easier to see the shapes of deciduous plants in the winter, since their foliage is gone. Why Prune? Reasons to prune in winter: Remove dead, diseased and damaged areas Prevent injury or damage due to weak branches Preparation for storm damage from snow and ice Better to trim correctly without foliage cover Use this time of year to your advantage. Call us today at 908-834-2675 for winter planting and pruning.

Fall Into Spring: What you do now will effect what happens in the Spring

November is a perfect time of year to straighten out your plantings and get the lawn ready for winter; which, in turn, will get it ready for Spring. As plants begin their dormant cycle, they can be safely dug and replanted. So, look at where your Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Peonies, etc. are currently and decide if this is where you would like them to remain. Want to add a new tree or shrub to your yard? This is also a good time of year to add a new tree or shrub to your yard. Fall planting encourages healthy root development and gives the plants a chance to get established before the spring growing season next year. And, what about your current trees and shrubs? You should fertilize them before they go dormant to prepare them for the winter and get them ready for the spring. Usually you will want to do this in October and the beginning of November. Taking the time to fertilize in the fall will strengthen your plant roots giving them a strong base on which to thrive next spring. When you have strong roots, you have healthy plants with numerous flowers. Plants need help, too. Using an anti-desiccant will help plants from drying out during the long winter months. It is a spray that will aid against moisture loss. We recommend that you do this around the first week in December. Plants can experience debilitating moisture loss during extremes of heat, cold, high winds and in the transplanting process. As the ground freezes, plants are unable to draw up essential moisture, so the leaves begin to sacrifice their stored moisture. Your Lawn Care expert will be able to let you know which plants will benefit the most from this service.

Core Aeration and Overseeding

Aerating your lawn is important for healthy growth. Over time thatch builds up and soil is compacted which makes it difficult for your lawn to get the oxygen, water and nutrients that it needs. Compacted soil happens for many reasons. A few main reasons are hot weather – which causes the ground to lose moisture, thatch build up and heavy foot traffic.

Over-seeding introduces high quality grass seed to your lawn and will help your lawn get thicker and healthier.

What is Core Aeration?

Core Aeration is a mechanical process that removes small “plugs” of your soil and thatch. This loosens the soil and allows for water, oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots. Meanwhile the “plugs,” which contain bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms feed on organic matter and help keep thatch from increasing, will remain on top of your lawn and over several weeks will disappear back into your lawn.

• Benefits of Core Aeration for your lawn? 
• Stimulates Root Growth 
• Improves Water Infiltration 
• Loosens Compacted Soil 
• Increases Oxygen to the Roots 
• Improves Nutrient Availability 
• Reduces Thatch 

The Best Time for Core Aeration? Fall is the best time to aerate while the lawn is still actively growing. Earlier time should be chosen for areas in heavy shade and a later time for areas in full sun.


Over-seeding is Recommended with Core Aeration

Over-seeding will allow you to fill in bare spots, revitalize grass growth and implement new grass varieties that are more resistant to insect and disease problems. Because of the Core Aeration process, the seeds will fall into holes provided which allow them to quickly take root.

Regular maintenance is not always enough, the Core Aeration process can help you avoid costly lawn renovations later on. As Glenn Koleda, our resident Lawn Care Expert says, “A lush healthy lawn begins with a lush healthy root system.” To find out more about what Glenn can recommend for your lawn, call us today for an appointment.