Blog

Hedge Advice

If a formal hedge is desired, time and money will be saved by installing a small maturing shrub species.  Too often people choose a large maturing or fast growing species like Ficus or Seagrape and then constantly trim to keep it to the desired size.  There are many different slower growing shrubs that respond well to trimming and will create a nice tight hedge.  Remember, trimming angle is everything if a hedge is going to be healthy and thick all the way down to the bottom.

However, a luxurious appearance can be produced with an "informal" hedge, which is created by allowing shrubs to grow to a more natural shape (not boxing them off).  An example of a beautiful informal hedge is the combination of Silver Buttonwood and Firebush, which are both native and colorful species.  However, there are many different options for native, wildlife friendly and low maintenance shrubs.   Contact Greenstar Concepts for a consultation.

Greenstar Concepts promotes the use of native shrubs to replace Ficus benjamina hedges.  Maintaining a Ficus hedge now requires regular application of pesticide to treat and protect against Ficus whitefly.  The money spent on chemicals could be put towards the purchase of new shrubs.  Cost of new plant materials will typically be recouped in a couple of years by avoided chemical costs.   Also, it will help the environment by not spraying!  

Trees getting whacked?

Tired of the lawn maintenance staff damaging the bottom of your newly planted trees? Use some black plastic corrugated drain pipe to protect them.  Just cut the pipe into 8-10” pieces and then cut it laterally so it can be wrapped around the base of the tree.  This is about the cheapest tree trunk protection around!

Mulch Smart!

Feeling like you’re mulching pretty often?  Give pine bark nugget mulch a try; it is much longer lasting in the landscape.  The larger pieces don’t break down as quick and they’re also less likely to catch fire.  This mulch is a by-product of the timber industry, not development and trees aren't cut just for mulch.  If pine bark does not provide the look you desire, then consider Melaleuca mulch.  Purchasing Melaleuca mulch provides incentive for the removal of these invasive exotic trees.  Whatever you do, please do not purchase use Cypress mulch, as that promotes the destruction of natural Cypress wetlands.

Container for Growing Trees with Healthier Root Systems

In 2009, with the assistance of a patent agent, the owner of Greenstar Concepts submitted a patent for an innovative new container for growing trees.  The idea had been conceived in 2007 after attending a conference at which tree root defects were being discussed.  A thorough patent search was conducted prior to patent application and no other similar designs were found.  This new pot should eliminate circling and plunging roots in container grown trees and produce healthier trees across the nation.  The concept has been reviewed for merit and originality by two University professors that specialize in horticulture and tree production.  Engineered drawings are currently on the way.  It is hoped that prototypes will be made and scientific testing will begin by the end of 2009.  Since prototype manufacture is extremely costly, donations towards this endeavor are welcomed.