Denny's Soapbox

Buyer Beware and Be Informed…….

I’ve had several different items come up recently that homeowners need to beware of. Listed below are 3 cases in point that I felt were important enough to bring to your attention.

Case #1

I recently found a plastic bag filled with solicitation material that was being passed around my neighborhood. It was weighted down with 2” stones so it wouldn’t blow away. It was from an individual who was offering dual services. He claims to be a gutter specialist as well as a Certified Arborist. I can’t speak to his expertise at being a gutter specialist but I can respond to his questionable claim of being a Certified Arborist who top trees. Any true Arborist will tell you that you never top trees. I can also assure you that Professional Certified Arborists don’t throw their name and other info on your driveway or in a plastic bag on your door knob. So homeowner be aware and be informed by contacting a reputable Certified Arborist. You can go to the International Society of Arboriculture website to verify an arborist’s certification at www.isa-arbor.com. You just need to put your zip code in and a list of local certified arborist is provided.

Case #2

Now that you have discovered if an arborist is certified you will now need to research the company or individual to ensure they are reputable. Here’s is a perfect example of why it’s important to select a reputable company.

I received a copy of a warning that was passed out in the Mason area by their homeowner’s association. The association reported that there was a case of possible fraud going on in their neighborhood. It seems a representative of a tree service is approaching homeowners claiming that certain Ash trees on their property have been infested by the Emerald Ash Borer (E.A.B). As “proof” the representative will indicate the loss of foliage or other tree damage to certain ash trees and recommend that they should be taken down promptly. There are many other causes to explain the current condition of Ash as well as other tree varieties. No E.A.B has yet been identified in the Mason area. Unfortunately, some homeowners have paid significant amounts of money to have their trees removed. Again, a good certified arborist will show you how you can treat your own ash trees and keep the E.A.B away from your property. Let me repeat myself. A good Certified Arborist as well as other qualified service people don’t go door to door.

Case #3

Several homeowners have contacted me this fall asking the age old fall question “Is it too late to plant and install a new landscape at this time of year”.

There is an old nursery answer for this question. “Why, is the ground frozen?” The benefits of planting trees and shrubs in the fall are still there even in late fall.

Here are the facts to support my case that fall is the best time to plant:

• The soil remains warm enough through November and December for the roots of your newly installed plants to grow and get established in their new home.

• Landscape designers have more time to devote to your project.

• New trees and shrubs being installed in the fall are larger in size for the dollar than those planted in the spring of 2008.

• Many garden centers offer design services for the Do-it-yourselfer. Timely appointments are easier to get in the fall than the spring.

• Spring flowering bulbs can be planted through December. This is timely information for those homeowners who are still riding around with their daffodils in the car trunk.