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AG VanGundy Landscape, Inc. & AG Landscape Materials, Inc. |
Posts Tagged ‘fall’
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season. I know a lot of you have taken advantage of this very mild winter weather we’ve been experiencing here in the Chicago area and have taken down your holiday decorations. Now is also a good time to prune your trees and shrubs. Dormant pruning is an excellent way of ensuring healthy growth and a great time to re-shape the plant. Pruning done during this winter period allows the wound to harden over before insects are prevalent in spring and summer.
You may need a few items such as lopping shears, pruners, a pruning saw, a ladder, and a rake.
When you prune, take off the dead branches of the plant. Not sure which ones are dead? Snip off a little bit, if the branch is brown on the inside, it’s most likely dead. Snip a little at a time toward the middle of the plant until the middle of the cut is green.
Inspect your trees and shrubs for branches that are “criss-crossed” or that rub other branches. Take off one of “criss-crossed” branches. Be safe and do not try to cut branches that may be too large for you to handle or that are over head. Once cut, these branches may fall and strike you. Leave this type of pruning to a professional.
Snip off the suckers that are coming out of the ground or that are growing perpendicular or straight out of the plant. Crab trees often have both of these types of suckering growth, as do many maples.
Trim off any broken branches within the plant and discard. Again, cut those branches that you can safely cut.
After removing any diseased or dead branches, you should clean your tools with a bleach or an alcohol solution to disinfect them so that, if diseased, the disease is not spread to other branches or plants.
Now is a great time to re-shape the plants – just remember to trim a little at a time, step back and take a look at it – because once you cut it off, you can’t put it back on. Dogwoods and especially Spirea benefit from this.
Dormant pruning is one of the best things you can do for your plants. If it’s your first time, it may be a little intimidating, but know this: most plants are pretty hardy – you may over-trim, but sooner or later, it will grow back, just be patient and take your time.
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, Do It Youself Projects, fall, Landscape Design, Landscape Installations, landscaping, Plant Maintenance, Roselle, Schaumburg, winter services, winterize
Posted in General, Plant Maintenance | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
Wow can you believe that in less than a week it’s going to be 2012?
The cold, snowy winter a lot of forecasters were predicting still hasn’t hit us. Personally, I’m a little disappointed. A lot of snow means a lot of plowing for me; cold weather usually means a lot of firewood sales. However, I know I shouldn’t complain. We’re still making firewood sales, and sooner or later, it’s gotta snow – right?
This past year has taught me to appreciate everything (from the big things to the little things), to be thankful for what I have in my life, not to dwell on the things that are gone or the things I never possessed, and to know that with each new day comes new hope. It’s also taught me that having good health is truly a blessing and that loving family and friends and faith are really the most important things in life.
So, while no one’s life is perfect and some may feel that there’s not much good in it, take a couple of minutes before the new year starts and think of the blessings you do have in your life and then think of ways you can build on them in the coming year.
Here’s wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!!!
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, de-icing, Do It Youself Projects, facecord, fall, Firewood, Hardscaping, Landscape Designing, landscaping, Roselle, Salt, Schaumburg, Snow Plow, Snow Plowing, snow removal, winter services, winterize
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
I recently heard that the average person spends approx. $700.00 this time of year on Christmas presents. The report also went on to state that if each person spent about $65.00 on merchandise that was made in the United States as many as 200,000 jobs could be created.
Of course, this started me thinking about my own business. An American owned business, whose suppliers are all here in the in the United States. Most of my firewood suppliers are right here in the suburbs of Chicago. How does this relate to the topic at hand? Well….think about a gift of firewood. We’ve delivered several already and a few orders on our delivery board for later this month. Our firewood is from trees grown in the U.S., split by U.S. owned companies, delivered to us by U.S. owned companies and delivered/sold to you by my U.S. owned company. How many people could we keep employed just by purchasing firewood?
I know you’re probably thinking “Firewood as a gift? Really?” I know it may not be as exciting as some gifts, but I also know that in today’s economy, more and more people appreciate the practical gifts. Not only that, but it sure is a more personal gift than a gift certificate to a box store or a department store. Also, each time the recipient lights/starts a fire they’ll think of you.
We deliver to most of the Chicago-land area. We stock Mixed Wood and Oak Firewood. We can still deliver before Christmas, and we can even tarp the firewood and place a bow on it. You can always stop in our material yard and pick up the firewood, too. Go to our website at www.agvangundy.com for more information. You can also like us on Facebook at A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc. or follow us on Twitter at agvangundy.
I hope you all are enjoying this holiday season.
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, facecord, fall, Firewood, Roselle, Schaumburg, winter services
Posted in Firewood, General, Gift Ideas | No Comments »
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving! Here at A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. and A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc. we have a lot to be thankful for this year. We have been blessed with awesome clients, vendors, employees, family and friends. I know I say this every year, but this year does have a special meaning.
A few weeks ago we had a house fire at my home. Luckily my son was home and able to escape from his bedroom window, get to a neighbor’s home and call 911. He not only saved himself, but he saved our home as well. He is our hero.
The fire department was there in a matter of minutes and did a magnificent job containing the fire with minimal additional damage. The chaplain that accompanied them was very comforting and helpful. Everyone has done a great job helping us through this.
The outpouring of thoughtfulness has been extremely appreciated.
As for our clients – we wouldn’t be here without them. We realize that there are a lot of options out there for the type of services and products that we offer and are so grateful that they choose us. We do our very best to provide the best service possible.
Our vendors are incredible. Talk about good service; we can only be as good as our vendors. Hopefully we do them proud.
How are you celebrating Thanksgiving? Hopefully you will be with family and/or friends giving thanks for what you have.
Although it will be a different holiday season for us – it will be a celebration nonetheless.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, autumn, facecord, fall, Firewood, Mulch, Roselle, Schaumburg, winter services
Posted in Firewood, General, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
In my last blog, I discussed that fall isn’t too late to get some landscaping projects completed. Today I’d like to discuss those projects that actually should be done this time of year.
Planting your bulbs should be done now. Bulbs are a great way to add early color to your landscape and, depending on type of bulb and depth of planting, will keep the color coming throughout the growing season. A little planning and research will ensure your success. Probably the first thing you should know is what zone you live in. Here in the Chicago area, we are in zone 5. Zones 4 & 3 are to our north and 6 – 10 are to our south. Knowing what zone you’re in will help determine the best bulbs for your area and the bloom time.
There are a wide variety of options when it comes to selecting which bulbs to plant. These are a few of the things you should consider before purchasing/planting your bulbs:
1. Color Scheme
2. Area (Is it sunny? Is it shady? Is it a combination?)
3. Bloom Time
4. Height of the Plant
Once your decisions are made, head to your local supply store and purchase your bulbs.
To plant your bulbs, prepare the area by tilling the soil so that it is easier to plant in. Mixing a little compost with the soil will help soften the soil and add additional nutrients (check out our blog dated 4/28/10 on different types of soils).
Many people choose to use a drill with a “tulip” bit to assist them in digging individual holes for the bulbs. Others choose to dig a “trench like” area to place the bulbs in at once; still others choose to dig individual holes with a tulip spade or even dig by hand. The depth of the hole or holes is usually listed on the bag or container that the bulbs came in. Also, usually listed, is the recommended distance between each bulb.
Place the bulb in the hole(s) root side down and cover with topsoil. Moisten the soil and tamp lightly.
That’s all there is to it. Now just wait for early spring for the first of the bulbs to emerge.
Fall Clean Ups should also be done between now and the end of November. A good fall clean-up should consist of at least removing and disposing of fallen leaves and other debris collected in planting beds and in your lawn area. Here at A.G. VanGundy Landscape, Inc. we would also recommend a core-aeration and installation of a layer of mulch. The core aeration will help loosen the soil and make it easier to accept the fall application of fertilizer. If you are going to put down any herbicide or weed killer, do not overseed at this time as the seed will not germinate properly. The installation of mulch is a good idea as it will help retain moisture and root zone temperature in your planting beds over the winter months.
Finally, with your outdoors ready for winter – make sure you’re stocked with ready to burn firewood from A.G. Landscape Materials. There are several different types of firewood; however we sell Oak and Mixed. We sell by the Face Cord, ½ Face Cord, 60 pieces & 30 pieces. We deliver to your home (in the Chicago Area) and stacking services are also available.
Check out our website @ www.agvangundy.com for more information regarding firewood or any other products & services we offer.
Tags: AG Landscape Materials, AG VanGundy Landscape, AGVanGundy.com, autumn, Do It Youself Projects, fall, fertilizer, Firewood, Landscape Planning, landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulch, Plant Maintenance, Roselle, Schaumburg, topsoil, winter services, winterize
Posted in AGVanGundy.com, Firewood, General, Lawn Care, Uncategorized | 9 Comments »
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