I have never used chemicals on my property and do not want to start. Poison ivy, which I am HIGHLY allergic to, is showing up in more and more places…
Eco-Answers
Eco-Answers from Pros: Inhibiting Pond Algae
I am in search of some barley straw bales to inhibit algae growth in a pond. I have searched high and low but cannot seem to find a seller. Might…
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Heirloom Apples
We are located in the South Shore area of Massachusetts and are looking for some heirloom apple trees. Do you know of a good source in our area?
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Using Wood Chips as Mulch
I had a pile of wood chips delivered to me at the end of last summer and want to use it as mulch in my flower and shrub garden this…
Mulch Matters
I recently read an article, “The Mulch Matters,” and want to understand more. I would like to plant several Japanese maples and at present have only pine straw. What more can…
Solarization of Invasive Plants
What invasive plants can be successfully controlled using solarization? What is the most effective procedure? What are the drawbacks of this method?
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Recipe for Successful Container Gardens
I am considering going organic in my self-watering container garden and in doing research I found an article describing M.L. Altobelli’s fertilizer blend containing Gro Pro fertilizer, alfalfa meal, and…
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Sustainable Soil Mix
I am a landscape designer with a maintenance crew working on Martha’s Vineyard. We are reviewing our Specifications to update to sustainable practice. I have previously specified for soils to…
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Winter Moth Follow Up
Last month, the Eco-Pros offered advice on controlling winter moth. An alert reader in Wellesley, MA brought to our attention an outreach effort in that town advising against spraying. Our…
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Winter Moth
Winter Moth decimated shrubs and trees in my yard this spring, from blueberry bushes to maple trees. Are there eco-friendly options for control in the fall? Do I have to…
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Reining in Raspberries for Wildlife
We have raspberries growing in our field and would like to promote their growth to feed the wild birds and mammals. Can you tell me “best practices” for mowing the…
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Helping Hydrangea Bloom
A combination of bitterly cold temperatures and high winds last winter has resulted in disappointing hydrangea blooms in parts of New England this summer. Are there sustainable options to safeguard…
