This time of the year bee hives are everywhere! I would know, I just got stung at my own home on Sunday by a hornet while trimming a shrub.

What to look for?
1) Before trimming any shrub do a quick visible assessment to make sure no hives are inside.
2) Check for hives hanging off tree limbs.
3) Look up at the eves of your house or small nooks where bees can fly into and nest.
4) Check the ground for mysterious holes about 2 inches wide. Bees love to build nest underground due to cool temperatures.

What to do!
1) Bees are a lot less active at night so that is a great time to spray from a long distance with a wasp/hornet spray.
2) Consult a professional.

Note: Some hives can be handled by you the homeowner but if it looks like a project too big for you please call a professional for your safety. Remember if you are allergic to bees stings a life threatening reaction is possible!

Warning! With high humidty, rain and heat poison ivy runs rampent this time of the year. The phrase leaves of three leave them be is always the way to look at a vine or plant you are unsure of. Poison plants whether poison ivy,sumac, or poson oak will typically have three leaves to them and also have a certain tint of color or shine to them. If you see a plant or vine that is questionable please stay away from it. If you are allergic to these plants you can get it through the air or by the oils itself.

How can I get rid of it?
1)Consult a professional spraying company
2)Purchase sprayable products at the local home store that is specific to the poison plant
3) Cut large vines to stop the vine from growing and spray herbicide on the pants and vines as needed.

When in doubt stay clear!
**If you have trouble identifying the plants look it up on the internet or consult a professional/friend that is familiar with what it looks like.

Tree will lose moisture by transpiration through the leaves. The porse of the leaves will release moisture during the photosynthesis process. The tree will try to clse its pores to try to conserve moisture but it is impossible to stop the lose completely in high temperatures. The best thing to do for all your trees and shurbs is to water them. The water of shurbs is fairly easy as most of us do that already but to water a tree can be a little more challenging. In order to water your tree just apply a hose with a sprinkler attacment and allow it to water the entire root system. (Note: the root system extends a min. of the enitre canopy of the tree.) About a half an hour in multiple spots will be a good average time to keep your tree watered. If the temperature are high and conditions are dry this should be done daily if possible. Please note less water will be needed on smaller or newly planted trees.

We get asked to "cut", "chop", "hack at" limbs all the time. This is NOT what you want. In order to properly prune your trees or ornamental shurbs I.S.A. or ANSI industry standards must always be followed to ensure the health and beauty of your plant material. Limbs should be cut back to good lateral grow or to the collar to ensure that the plant/tree can heal and grow properly. Please do not leave half cut, jagged or torn cuts in your landscape plant material you are just inviting the possibility of decay disease infestation or irregular growth. If you ever have concerns cantact a certified arborist to help you with the situation.

Pros:
1)Adequate water and lower temperature are ideal growing conditons for your trees to thrive.
2)Help keep pollens under control to help with those who suffer from allergies.

Cons:
1) Over saturated soil can cause trees and shrubs to heave out of the ground or blows over. After every heavy storm check for trees/shurbs that are leaning or root systems that are prying out of the ground this can be the start of a DANGEROUS SITUATION!
2)Limb breakage: limbs will absorb a tremendous amount of water weight causing limbs to split or break off. If a limb is split it should be removed quickly to protect your property. If a limb has broken off cutting the limbs back properly and removing the fallen section is in order.
3)Root Rot/Soil Compaction: Most trees do not like to have their root systems sitting in water constantly. Roots sitting in wate has the same effects s leaving untreated construction lumber outside. Natural deteriation, fungus, etc will break down health roots and trees. If water is sitting to long mot likely it is because the soil has become compact so water can not leach through. The sure is aeration of the soil or fixing the drainage.

**If you ever have a concern always call a certified arborist who can adivse you properly!!