"MIGHTY MICROBURST"

Sunday evening brought a brief, but powerful storm called a 'microburst' to parts of West Andover and Lawrence. Several large trees were harmed, including an old red oak tree belonging to a customer of ours. In an interview with the Eagle Tribune she explained that "she was waiting for a determination from Peter Retelle of Retelle Tree Co. in Andover on whether the old oak could be saved." Unfortunately the structure of the tree was damaged beyond repair and it had to be taken down. You can read the full article, and learn more about microburst storms, here.

image of a microburst storm that took place in Alabama

WILL BARCODING TREES SAVE THE RAINFOREST?

In tropical forests around the world a company called Helveta is attaching plastic barcoads to logs in an effort to monitor sustainable forestry efforts. For more information, and to view videos on Helveta and why illegal logging hurts the environment, click here.

WARM WEATHER WATERING

As the weather heats up it can be increasingly frustrating knowing how much to water your garden and lawn. Not enough water and your grass will get scorched. Too much water and you're being wasteful. The Eagle Tribune's Lawn & Garden section has some helpful tips for maintaing your garden this summer, while keeping in mind the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for water use.

• water during the coolest part of the day
• don't be wasteful (position sprinklers away from concrete, etc.)
• mulch around trees and shrubs (mulch retains moisture!)
• water each plant differently (some plants require more -or less- than others)

To view the full article, click here. Image via flickr.

HAPPY JULY

It's finally starting to feel like summer in the Northeast. We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

image via flickr

DID YOU KNOW...

That you can repurpose old banana peels to fertilize your roses? Just flatten the peel and bury it one inch under ground, beneath your rose bushes. The potassium from the peel will feed the plant and help it fight against disease.