Letter from the CEO

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the changing seasons and the beauty they bring. I hope each of you had a rejuvenating summer and a splendid fall. The onset of winter brings its own excitement, with the anticipation of the holiday season and the unique transformations in our natural landscapes.

 

With the colder months approaching, it's time to transition our focus in landscape care. The hum of lawn mowers and rustle of leaf blowers will soon give way to quieter, yet equally important, winter activities. Our attention now turns to safeguarding our trees, shrubs, and lawns from the harsh elements of the season.

 

In this winter issue, we delve into crucial topics for maintaining healthy winter landscapes. We explore common winter pests and diseases, highlighting the signs to watch for and preventive measures. You'll find insightful information on the benefits of winter pruning — a vital practice for the health and aesthetics of your trees and shrubs. Additionally, we address the concern of winter burn on evergreens and offer expert advice on how to prevent it.

 

A frequent query we receive is whether to remove fall leaves from lawns during winter. To help you make an informed decision, we present an article discussing the pros and cons of leaving leaves on your lawn, considering factors like lawn health and biodiversity.

 

Winter landscapes possess a unique beauty that often goes unnoticed. This issue features an intriguing article on the aesthetic appeal of winter bark. It showcases trees known for their distinctive textures and colors in winter, providing inspiration on how to incorporate these elements into your landscape design.

 

This year, Almstead is excited to have welcomed four new arborists to our team: Michael Piper, Fred Hoffmann, Matthew Burgess, and Jeffery Lambert. Each brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for arboriculture. You can learn more about them, including the regions they'll be servicing, in our article on them.

 

As we embrace this festive season, I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday filled with joy and peace. May you find moments to appreciate the serene beauty of winter and the warmth of community.

 

Warm regards,

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Almstead, CEO

- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist #NY-0335

- ISA "True Professional of Arboriculture” Award (2017)

- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

- Member American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)

- NOFA Accredited Organic Landcare Professional

- New York and New Jersey State Certified Pesticide Applicator

- Soil Foodweb Certificate from the Sustainable Studies Institute

- Mauget Tree Injection Certified Applicator