Green Jay Landscape Design

Green Jay Landscape Design

(914) 560-6570

greenjayadmin

EVALUATING THE CONDITION OF ADJACENT TREES

In our Fairfield County environment, trees are also essential for life. They are important for water quality, soil stabilization, cleaning our air and producing oxygen as well as cooling, providing shade and necessary habitat for wildlife and beneficial insects. By nature, the east coast ecosystems are predominantly forest systems and as such, are fungal based. Trees are valuable and important in every stage of their life cycles. Young trees provide food and shelter while mature trees provide wood products etc.. Even dead and dying trees contribute to the ecology of our environment.

In our Fairfield County residential home landscapes we have many factors to consider. A simple driveway project can become an example. A very large mature maple tree, 80’ tall with an extensive root system extending across the driveway, was in dubious condition. The homeowner had several tree companies offered a variety of opinions on whether the tree should be removed, cabled or pruned. We suggested calling in a consulting arborist for a more objective view. Since current standards observed in Fairfield County for evaluating trees prohibit labeling/determining a tree hazardous, we can only go by recommendations referring to imminent failure (see International Society of Arboriculture or Tree Care Industry Association for Arboricultural standards).

In this case we observed a squirrel coming and going from a cavity in the tree at 15’ in height. This led us to assume a likelihood that the tree could be hollow. Because of the disposition and proximity of the tree ( right next to the driveway, within 50’ of and leaning towards the house) we recommended removal. Upon inspection of the down tree it was obvious it was completely hollow for a significant length of the trunk diameter. This is a shinning example of how a proper and complete site analysis and evaluation conducted by a professional team can enable the landscape design/build contractor to produce the best, most efficient results. This is a model of sustainable property management in Fairfield County, CT.

Jay Archer, President

914-560-6570

jay@greenjaylandscapedesign.com

Going organic with a green landscape will absolutely improve the health and quality of your landscape environment and potentially your health as well. Why not make up your mind to make a change today for a more beautiful, healthier landscape today? Increasing biodiversity with the addition of native plants and trees will help you transition to an organic garden or green landscape significantly easier. Designing and planting that encourages beneficial insect species is essential to success in ecological landscape development.

There are many excellent resources at your disposable, both web based national organizations as well as local groups and organizations who are passionate about ecological landscape design, nature, ecology and resource conservation. We especially like the Ecological Landscape Alliance and Association of Professional Landscape Designers nationally. Locally, we also have excellent resources in The Garden Education Center of Greenwich and Greenwich Audubon. Right over the border in neighboring in NY there’s the Westchester Native Plant Center with very cool demonstration gardens, especially the rain garden which I designed and helped build. Another great resource is New York Botanical Garden.

Sometimes a simple project requires more thought, communication and coordination than you would think, at first glance.

Is this going to be the year you plan on enjoying your beautiful, healthy Green landscape? Contact us today and let us help you develop a plan for reimagining a green landscape design for your property. Whether your dreams and desires include a water feature or expanded stone patio with an outdoor kitchen or incorporating vegetables and herbs as part of your new edible landscape, we can help turn your dreams and desires into reality. Landscape improvements can have a profound effect on our lifestyle and well being. The sooner you engage a plan, the sooner you will be realizing the benefits and rewards. Everything takes time and resources. Identifying what you like and don’t like is a start. What moves you…what makes you happy?

Is there something missing or something unattractive about your landscape that makes you frown? Put a smile on your landscape and a smile in your heart! Don’t you think you deserve something better from your life and landscape? Life is too short! It goes by too fast! Why not do something to make it better! Feel better! Make a change for the better! How about health..your health…your children’s health…the health of your home and landscape environment? Too many of our communities are plagued by symptoms of environmental and human illness today. In previous generations, gluten intolerance, autism and many forms of cancer were much more uncommon, if not rare…what has changed?

Executing exceptional landscape design construction projects requires careful resource management. This extends from the natural resources on site (i.e. water, soil, plants, infrastructure) as well as human and financial resources.

Jay Archer, President

914-560-6570

jay@greenjaylandscapedesign.com

Now is the ideal time to analyze and evaluate the appearance and health of your landscape environment in Fairfield County. What kind of shape are your trees in? How would adding a spring flowering tree affect your mood? Check out Garden Listings or Garden Guides for some landscape ideas.

GRAVEL DRIVEWAYS: A BIG STEP TOWARD GOING GREEN.

One of the principal concepts of green landscaping is reducing impervious space to increase infiltration of storm water. Old asphalt driveways are no longer desirable or preferred for our landscape environment. Especially true after they have been repeatedly topped and resurfaced. Installing a gravel driveway is a great opportunity to start over and Go Green!

REMOVING OLD ASPHALT

Asphalt should be removed and recycled at an approved facility in Fairfield County.

SELECTING THE GRAVEL

A proper base of course gravel and item #4 should be laid as base material compacted at 2” intervals. This will allow for optimum drainage and performance. In this case a 3/8” native gravel (locally sourced) was selected from samples provided to the client for a final surface/appearance.

This material and construction method meets with current sustainability standards observed in Fairfield County (Sustainable Site Initiative). This is a component of green design and development. Looking at the big picture we may draw on other valuable resources such as Low Impact Development or the NY State Stormwater Management Design Manual.

 

 

 

MAINTAINING YOUR GRAVEL DRIVEWAY

It is important to remember that all landscape features including driveways require maintenance. In the case of gravel driveways, care should be taken during snow plowing so as not to greatly disturb the gravel surface. There should be a maintenance/management plan and budget that allows for refurbishment including additional gravel and labor to spread and grade.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Water is one of the most essential elements to life on earth. T. Boone Pickens in the NY Times was quoted as saying “wars in the future will be fought not over oil but over water.” Drinking water is precious and in danger. In the east, we take an abundance of fresh drinking water for granted. What if it changes? Maybe it has already begun. We should do everything possible in our sustainable landscape design and management practices to conserve and preserve our water resources in Fairfield County.

Jay Archer, President

914-560-6570

jay@greenjaylandscapedesign.com

What does it take to maintain a beautiful green lawn using organic, natural methods and products?

Start in the spring by cleaning-up your lawn. A common mistake many commercial landscapers make is aggressive raking or thatching of the lawn surface. In our area, March and April weather conditions are such that the root system is generally in a fragile state due to freezing and thawing (frost heaving). The lawn may also be soggy and wet. For best results, remove any sticks and debris and lightly rake any matted areas or snow mold. Snow mold is a fungus caused by a lack of air circulation. Usually, it does not kill the grass plant, if treated early. By treating organically, we mean a light raking to stimulate growth with an application of organic fertilizer as opposed to toxic fungicides. I prefer a granular application in the early spring to reduce chances of run-off. This is a environmentally responsible way to help protect our watershed.

An important consideration is the effect salt and ice melt products have on lawns, trees and planting beds along driveways and roadways. Gypsum is a great natural earth product which can help alleviate salt damage when properly applied to these landscape areas. Gypsum is also useful to amend the soil. This is also the time to repair areas damaged by snowplowing or tire ruts. Fill in and regrade these areas with a good quality topsoil or compost/top soil blend from a reputable source to insure it is free of contaminants. This is also the time to inspect curbsides and edges by patios and walkways to determine if is there is sufficient depth to allow development of turf roots. Very often I find the soil depth is to shallow to allow for root development. Use a soil probe or screwdriver to determine depth. 6 inches is a minimum to sustain turf. Keep in mind areas along hardscape surfaces require more water to grow. You may consider using a hardier, tougher grass variety such as a turf type fescue or athletic mix which will perform better, retain color and stay green longer.

If the turf is not dense, crabgrass and weeds are more likely to grow. If you see certain weeds such as purslane or spotted spurge along your walkway, these are indicator species of hot, dry, sandy or poor soil conditions. I often find very shallow soil conditions or even rock in these areas. It isn’t uncommon to find buried concrete curbing or construction debris. Grass will not grow well without adequate soil, water, nutrients organic matter and proper PH. Which brings us to the heart of the matter. Your lawn is very much like the human body. It is made-up of a system of organs, organic components and water (a lot of water!). A healthy lawn consists of mineral components (sand,silt,clay) organic matter and biology. If any of these are lacking it will show in appearance/performance. Lack of organic matter is most likely in our conventionally maintained lawns. This is because organic matter breaks down rapidly (relatively) in the soil and is not usually replaced with grass clipping, leaves and compost.

So to get started in growing a healthy lawn organically…take a sample and get the soil tested. Don’t guess! If your PH is off (usually low in our area) you may need to amend the soil, possibly with calcitic lime. If your organic matter is less than 5% (and it usually is) you may need to add compost. I recommend 1800 lbs (Stone Barns) per 10,000 sq. ft. be applied to start. Older lawns tend to become compact, reducing the air spaces for roots to grow. Grassroots do not grow in soil but in the spaces between where air and water are. A good way to increase these spaces for air and water is core aeration. This can be done in conjunction with compost, gypsum, fertilizer and seeding applications. Bio-stimulants, wetting agents and other natural, organic biologicals can be added to improve drainage etc.. This is the magic of true organics!

Now comes seed. If you want a high quality turf…use a premium seed mix. Ecological biodiversity will yield the best performance when it comes to drought, insect and disease resistance. Using one high quality seed mix/ blend which is ideally suited to your light, soil, site conditions and use/purpose/function is important. For instance, a low traffic fine home lawn with irrigation, high traffic/athletic playground without irrigation etc., the optimum turf is a combination of two or more mixes featuring different turf types/species (ex. perennial ryegrass, bluegrass, fine fescue). This is the difference between driving a high performance automobile and a junker. The junker is not going to become a quality car no matter what gas you feed it!

Now to maintaining your organic lawn; follow these important guidelines. First, lawn mowing; mulch leaves and grass clippings. This is essential to sustaining organic content as well as resource management. Less gas and time will be expended blowing leaves and clippings. Mowing height should be no shorter than 3-3.5 inches. This is to conserve water resources while shading out weed species. The greater the leaf surface above ground the greater the root structure beneath. Mowing blades should be sharpened for each cut. This will help conserve water and reduce injury and disease. Finally watering; lawns should be watered deeply once a week, preferably in the morning. This will allow the surface of the grass plant to dry. Excess heat and humidity are big factors in summer disease problems.

When thinking about lawn installation and maintenance consider whether a lawn is appropriate for your site. Shady areas, slopes, poorly drained wet and high traffic areas may be more functional and sustainable with alternative ground cover, planting beds, gravel or hardscaping surfaces. Less resources may be used, saving time and money in water, gas, fertilizer etc.. Green Landscape Design is ecologically and economically valuable. A Green Landscape will look better if it is healthy. A Green Landscape will help clean the water, air and soil. A Green Landscape is healthier for your family, pets and our entire community.

So Join Us… and…Go Green !

Jay Archer, President

914-560-6570

jay@greenjaylandscapedesign.com

What is Green Landscaping? Is it a trend? A gimmick? What does it mean? What does it represent?

At the core, we can hope that going green in your landscape means managing and conserving resources ecologically and economically to improve our health and well being. Nature does a pretty good job on her own. Take trees for instance. In Southern New England (as well as elsewhere), trees, particularly native species, dominate our natural landscape, while making up a significant part of our man-made, designed landscapes. They sequester carbon and clean the air while producing precious oxygen essential for life. They are responsible for stabilizing and cooling the soil. Additionally the natural beauty, aesthetically..visually and the positive calming effects both physiologically and psychologically on our emotional and spiritual life cannot be overrated. Trees do an excellent job of utilizing nutrient and water uptake. They contribute mycorrhizal fungi necessary for life in the soil community which in turn insures and increases biodiversity in the ecosystem and plant communities. Although a single tree certainly has value, its contribution is not only enhanced by its proximity to its brothers and sisters but also increases exponentially in terms of habitat as well as conservation value.

One of my favorite examples was experienced during an early evening stroll on busy main street (Greenwich Ave) in Greenwich, CT not too long after storm Sandy changed our local ecosystem and environment. I pointed out to my partner the unusual yet obvious behavior of the flying squirrels who were flying from street tree to street tree right above our heads. These cute animals are essential indicator species of a healthy environment/ecosystem in suburban as well as rural settings. In addition to hosting a variety of mammals, these street trees are necessary for supporting a wide diversity of insects and birds which are essential to a healthy, balanced ecosystem. The ecosystem services provided are indispensable and can’t be replaced or replicated artificially.

This brings me conveniently to one of my first suggestions for improving our landscapes by going green. A BMP or Best Management Practice we can institute and observe would be cease and desist from tree spraying of any kind. By applying insecticides, fungicides etc. we disrupt the natural defenses and immunities which trees possess naturally. Even worse no one studies the effect of the volatilization of these toxic substances into our air. By now it is obvious that we are plagued by respiratory ailments, as well as, other disruptive diseases or conditions prevalent in our contemporary society, which were not an observable and documentable threat to our life and health. I suggest at minimum it would do no harm to adopt this proactive policy. In my considerable experience with landscape management, I have found that tree spraying has had very little beneficial effect anyway since it appears, in many cases, the same numbers of trees were lost despite tree spray programs. It is my further concern that the impact on our soil and water quality is certainly at least potentially negatively impacted and …Why Take That Chance? The benefits of not spraying could reverse the adverse affect that chemicalization of the soil biology has caused. I believe good intentions are an end in themselves. A noble, worthy goal is to clean our air, soil and water while preserving our precious natural resources. I honestly think we could do better and certainly no worse by adopting this policy.

American landscape design should consider planting trees in more natural compositions, for instance in groups or family units layered with native shrubs and perennials. This would absolutely enrich the landscape environment as well as our health and well being. This I suggest will be a lifestyle improvement. There are many such examples in existence today. Another factor to consider is the effect our obsession with the great American lawn has on our life, our health and our community culture. A green lawn has a place and appeal in our cultural landscape in as far as it provides a playing surface for our children or a nice landscape feature yet there are many under-utilized alternatives such as wildflower meadows, fern glenns and ground covers where playing fields are not required.

Our landscapes, our ecosystem and our lives and community would be richer with a greater variety and diversity of species. So let’s take one giant step for mankind to make our landscapes more interesting, less boring, more lively, healthy, better to look at and more fun.

Jay Archer, President

914-560-6570

jay@greenjaylandscapedesign.com

When we think about how far we have fallen behind in our housekeeping, we should consider what awaits us in our landscape, gardens, patios, walks, driveways, lawns and backyards. Where do we begin?

First I suggest, start with the big ugly. That would be the areas you don’t see or habitually ignore (speaking for myself). I’m talking about the attic, crawl space, utility room etc. These are neglected spaces which potentially collect dirt, dust, mildew, mold and other unhealthy stuff. Do you have unshielded fiberglass insulation in your attic, unfinished basement or crawlspace. This material could become airborne and circulate throughout your air ducts. Whatever is lurking in the nooks and crannies of your home is part of the closed circulatory system of your home, affecting the quality of the air you breath. Clean, healthy air is more essential to life that food and water. Now is a good time to make changes and improvements which you can benefit from in both the short and long term for your health, your family, your children etc. Use a flashlight or whatever you need to examine the dark recesses of your home in order to identify potential issues and problems. This way you will be better equipped to communicate your concerns to outside parties/contractors. When you are satisfied that your interior/indoor living space is safe, healthy and clean you can look to the outdoor living spaces.

Once again start with the big ugly. That would be the driveway, walkways, patios, decks etc. Did you or your contractor use sand and salt, ice melt etc.? Do you have obvious damage to your hardscape surfaces, masonry or planting?

Take a look now! What is the plan? Most of the plant damage may recover with proper care (i.e.pruning, feeding, etc.). You may want to prioritize plants to replace in high visibility areas, or unsightly things which will made you less than happy. Your landscape is an investment just as the interior of your home. It is a valuable part of your property. You should always feel good about coming home to see your landscape and property. Spring is a critical time to take stock of what you like and don’t like. Things don’t usually improve all by themselves. Make an investment in the health and appearance of your home and landscape today and enjoy and appreciate it each and every day!

Live the life you Love,

Jay Archer, President

914-560-6570

jay@greenjaylandscapedesign.com