Protecting, Nurturing and Beautifying Landscapes in the Hamptons Since 1980
Caring for Plants and Trees
We pride ourselves in the ability to deliver exceptional landscapes, provide a high level of customer service and respond to any challenge that may arise. Our plant healthcare department is no exception. Our plant health care services includes plant fertilization and plant insect and disease...
Girdling Roots – A Problem That Can Cause Tree Death
There are several trees in our area including Sugar Maples and Scarlet Oaks that don’t disappoint when the landscape lights up with dazzling colors each fall. As we admire these majestic trees, many may have a common problem that can easily be unnoticed, girdling roots. A girdling root develops...
Getting Landscape Ready for Winter
It is time to prepare your landscape for a long winter’s nap. Due to cooler temperatures you can now reduce watering needs for your property. However, if you have planted new plants It is a good idea to water them into December. Now is the time of the year to look at your landscape...
Fertilizer important in September
Fall is an important time to prepare your grass for dormancy in the winter, and your soil for the early growth of spring. September is the month to get your lawn in shape! Bare and damaged areas need to be reseeded ad fertilizer applied. Seeding in late summer/early fall provides warm soils, cool...
Is Your Property Ready for a Hurricane?
Living on Long Island means we live with the possibility of hurricanes. There is no way to completely protect your landscape from storms. However, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage to your property if a storm hits. In addition to wind tolerance and flooding tolerance, local...
Create A Landscape You Can Embrace
We have all been staying at home more often than we’ve wanted and many of us unfortunately are having stay-cations this year to stay safe.More than likely you’ve examined every inch of your indoor and outdoor spaces to see what improvements could be made for your enjoyment. Who wouldn’t want an...
Gardening Tips
Our recent stay-at-home orders have given many of us spare time to think about what our properties potential is. It’s not a surprise that many of us have taken up gardening. Gardening is a proven stress reliever and gives us a reason to get out into fresh air. For months we had trouble...
Grow a Magic Bean Stalk
Magic Bean Stalk Materials: Glass mason jar, cotton balls, and dried beans (broad beans, kidney beans, and lima beans all work) Instructions Grab a large handful of cotton balls and run them under water until they are wet, but not so soaked that they are dripping excess water. Place the wet...
How to make a gelatin bird feeder
How to make cookie cutter gelatin bird feeders: To make the birdfeeders, plan on a packet of gelatin (powder) to a cup of bird seed. So if you’re making two cups (500ml) bird seed, add two packets of gelatin and so on. Prepare the gelatin to the manufacturer’s directions, but only add 1 cup of...
March Gardening To-Do-List
This is the time of year when we yearn for spring and the promise of a new gardening season! There are still a number of tasks on our Long Island March gardening to do list as we prepare for the upcoming season. Planning: Assess areas which need plants. Finish your seed list. Chores and...
Fall Lawn Care Tips
Fall (September, October, November) If you fertilize only once a year, a single application early September is the best time. Most home lawns with modest expectations do just fine with a single fall fertilization. Control broadleaf weeds in fall. Controlling broadleaf weeds like...
Fall Perennial Planting Tips
Perennial flowers, unlike annual flowers, are best planted in the spring or the fall. When selecting perennials, be sure to consider your planting zone and whether your garden is shady or sunny. Also think about when the perennials bloom so that you can select plants...
Vegetable Gardens
Do you have a green thumb? How about planting a vegetable garden? There's nothing like a bite of a just-picked carrot or the sweetness of a juicy tomato. And the taste is even sweeter when it's one you've grown on your own. If you are considering growing your own and providing food for your...
Soil and Mulch
Why should I know the type & pH? Do you know what type of soil you have? Perform a soil analysis. Take a handful of slightly moist soil and close your fist around it, then open. If the soil falls apart, it is sand; if it briefly holds its shape and then crumbles, it is loam...
Spring Lawn Cleanup
GET READY FOR SPRING We have much work to begin to get prepared for. Spring will be here before we know it. These are a few things that will need to be done late March and into April. Are you ready? Lawn Work: · Remove debris from lawns by light raking. · Seed or sod...
Fertilizer Treatments
Did you know that grass can only absorb fertilizer when it is actively growing? That’s why the timing of fertilizer treatments is important. The best time to fertilize your lawn is in the spring, when the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s usually when spring flowers bloom and...
Tree Disease – Oak Wilt
Last year the Suffolk County was declared an “oak wilt protective zone” by the state. That means that the removal from Suffolk of any portion of any oak is generally prohibited and the removal of all firewood from Suffolk is regulated. Oak wilt causes leaves of affected trees...
Landscaping Rain Gardens
How would you like a garden that’s easy to install, looks good year-round, requires little maintenance, and helps prevent water pollution? Consider a rain garden. Rain gardens are different from traditional gardens in that they are generally constructed on the downside of a slope on your property....
Southern Pine Beetle Infestation
The Southern Pine Beetle is a bark beetle that infests pine trees. The beetle is the size of a grain of rice and red brown in color. They are generally found in southern states and have always been the most destructive pests of southern pine forests. In recent years they have been found up...
How much does lawn service cost in the Hamptons?
We've been providing lawn services in the Hamptons for over 35 years so we know what it should cost. As is the case with many businesses, you can spend a little or you can spend a lot. At Nature's Guardian, we pride ourselves on fair rates for quality work. We can provide you a proposal for a...
It’s a Bug’s World…. And We’re Living in it.
Break out the bug repellent, pull up your socks and think before hiking and playing this summer. The snow insulated winter and the spring rains have brought an onslaught of pests on Long Island including swarms of virus-carrying mosquitoes, armies of tree-devouring caterpillars and...
Plant Some Spring Flowering Bulbs
Plant some Spring flowering bulbs in your yard! Spring bulbs are some of the most rewarding plants you can grow. Spring flowering bulbs can be planted anytime in the fall after temperatures cool down, but before the ground freezes. Your bulbs need to establish strong root systems before winter...
Tree Pruning
All trees will need pruning from time to time. Regular tree pruning is part of landscape maintenance. Be sure to consider safety issues, as well as tree health. Will your trees withstand a heavy Nor'easter? What about falling limbs? How close are your trees to your...
Spray Coating to Protect Trees in Winter
Anti-Dessicant spray coating for trees protects trees in winter. Don't forget to give your trees a winter coat this season. During the winter the ground is frozen and the roots can not get moisture back into the leaves. That is why experts strongly recommend an anti-dessicant winter...
Deer Repellents and Deterrents
All wildlife is a vital part of the South fork of Long Island's eco-system and a nice reminder that the East End is one of the last places on Long Island where you can view these creatures in their natural habitat. However, there are many instances when wildlife becomes pests to our...
Fertilization and Mulching in Fall
Fall Fertilization - Mulching A good fertilization program helps maintain the vigor and health of trees and shrubs at a landscape site. Satisfactory plant growth depends as much on proper nutrition as on proper light, moisture, temperature, air and pest management. Even native...
What’s going on with my Leyland’s?
Do you have Leyland Cypress that are brown and dying out? Well you are not alone, we have received numerous this season and can help you! A popular plant of the Southeast has in the past 10-15 years become very extensively planted here in the Northeast coastal region. This plant boasts...
Landscape Turf
Due to the high temperatures and humidity lawns are under stress and subsequently may be susceptible to disease pressure. In addition earlier season treatments are broken down because of these conditions and additional spot weed control may be necessary for summer weeds such as Crab grass and...
Drought Conditions
Drought Conditions: Hot temperatures and dry weather conditions are causing some concerns on properties. We you see wilting Hydrangeas and dry brown lawns so during this kind of weather we would like to urge you to make sure that your plants, trees and lawn are getting enough water. So be sure to...
Why are my Boxwoods Brown?
This has been the most common inquiry this season. In 2011 the first cases of Boxwood Blight were confirmed in the Hamptons. With Boxwoods being a signature plant of the Hamptons this is quite alarming reminiscent of the Privet Prunicola scale of 10 years ago. "So what is wrong with you,...
Planting Tips
Caring for Plants and Trees
We pride ourselves in the ability to deliver exceptional landscapes, provide a high level of customer service and respond to any challenge that may arise. Our plant healthcare department is no exception. Our plant health care services includes plant fertilization and plant insect and disease...
Girdling Roots – A Problem That Can Cause Tree Death
There are several trees in our area including Sugar Maples and Scarlet Oaks that don’t disappoint when the landscape lights up with dazzling colors each fall. As we admire these majestic trees, many may have a common problem that can easily be unnoticed, girdling roots. A girdling root develops...
Getting Landscape Ready for Winter
It is time to prepare your landscape for a long winter’s nap. Due to cooler temperatures you can now reduce watering needs for your property. However, if you have planted new plants It is a good idea to water them into December. Now is the time of the year to look at your landscape...
Fertilizer important in September
Fall is an important time to prepare your grass for dormancy in the winter, and your soil for the early growth of spring. September is the month to get your lawn in shape! Bare and damaged areas need to be reseeded ad fertilizer applied. Seeding in late summer/early fall provides warm soils, cool...
Is Your Property Ready for a Hurricane?
Living on Long Island means we live with the possibility of hurricanes. There is no way to completely protect your landscape from storms. However, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage to your property if a storm hits. In addition to wind tolerance and flooding tolerance, local...
Create A Landscape You Can Embrace
We have all been staying at home more often than we’ve wanted and many of us unfortunately are having stay-cations this year to stay safe.More than likely you’ve examined every inch of your indoor and outdoor spaces to see what improvements could be made for your enjoyment. Who wouldn’t want an...
Gardening Tips
Our recent stay-at-home orders have given many of us spare time to think about what our properties potential is. It’s not a surprise that many of us have taken up gardening. Gardening is a proven stress reliever and gives us a reason to get out into fresh air. For months we had trouble...
Grow a Magic Bean Stalk
Magic Bean Stalk Materials: Glass mason jar, cotton balls, and dried beans (broad beans, kidney beans, and lima beans all work) Instructions Grab a large handful of cotton balls and run them under water until they are wet, but not so soaked that they are dripping excess water. Place the wet...
How to make a gelatin bird feeder
How to make cookie cutter gelatin bird feeders: To make the birdfeeders, plan on a packet of gelatin (powder) to a cup of bird seed. So if you’re making two cups (500ml) bird seed, add two packets of gelatin and so on. Prepare the gelatin to the manufacturer’s directions, but only add 1 cup of...
March Gardening To-Do-List
This is the time of year when we yearn for spring and the promise of a new gardening season! There are still a number of tasks on our Long Island March gardening to do list as we prepare for the upcoming season. Planning: Assess areas which need plants. Finish your seed list. Chores and...
Fall Lawn Care Tips
Fall (September, October, November) If you fertilize only once a year, a single application early September is the best time. Most home lawns with modest expectations do just fine with a single fall fertilization. Control broadleaf weeds in fall. Controlling broadleaf weeds like...
Fall Perennial Planting Tips
Perennial flowers, unlike annual flowers, are best planted in the spring or the fall. When selecting perennials, be sure to consider your planting zone and whether your garden is shady or sunny. Also think about when the perennials bloom so that you can select plants...
Vegetable Gardens
Do you have a green thumb? How about planting a vegetable garden? There's nothing like a bite of a just-picked carrot or the sweetness of a juicy tomato. And the taste is even sweeter when it's one you've grown on your own. If you are considering growing your own and providing food for your...
Soil and Mulch
Why should I know the type & pH? Do you know what type of soil you have? Perform a soil analysis. Take a handful of slightly moist soil and close your fist around it, then open. If the soil falls apart, it is sand; if it briefly holds its shape and then crumbles, it is loam...
Spring Lawn Cleanup
GET READY FOR SPRING We have much work to begin to get prepared for. Spring will be here before we know it. These are a few things that will need to be done late March and into April. Are you ready? Lawn Work: · Remove debris from lawns by light raking. · Seed or sod...
Fertilizer Treatments
Did you know that grass can only absorb fertilizer when it is actively growing? That’s why the timing of fertilizer treatments is important. The best time to fertilize your lawn is in the spring, when the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s usually when spring flowers bloom and...
Tree Disease – Oak Wilt
Last year the Suffolk County was declared an “oak wilt protective zone” by the state. That means that the removal from Suffolk of any portion of any oak is generally prohibited and the removal of all firewood from Suffolk is regulated. Oak wilt causes leaves of affected trees...
Landscaping Rain Gardens
How would you like a garden that’s easy to install, looks good year-round, requires little maintenance, and helps prevent water pollution? Consider a rain garden. Rain gardens are different from traditional gardens in that they are generally constructed on the downside of a slope on your property....
Southern Pine Beetle Infestation
The Southern Pine Beetle is a bark beetle that infests pine trees. The beetle is the size of a grain of rice and red brown in color. They are generally found in southern states and have always been the most destructive pests of southern pine forests. In recent years they have been found up...
It’s a Bug’s World…. And We’re Living in it.
Break out the bug repellent, pull up your socks and think before hiking and playing this summer. The snow insulated winter and the spring rains have brought an onslaught of pests on Long Island including swarms of virus-carrying mosquitoes, armies of tree-devouring caterpillars and...
Plant Some Spring Flowering Bulbs
Plant some Spring flowering bulbs in your yard! Spring bulbs are some of the most rewarding plants you can grow. Spring flowering bulbs can be planted anytime in the fall after temperatures cool down, but before the ground freezes. Your bulbs need to establish strong root systems before winter...
Tree Pruning
All trees will need pruning from time to time. Regular tree pruning is part of landscape maintenance. Be sure to consider safety issues, as well as tree health. Will your trees withstand a heavy Nor'easter? What about falling limbs? How close are your trees to your...
Spray Coating to Protect Trees in Winter
Anti-Dessicant spray coating for trees protects trees in winter. Don't forget to give your trees a winter coat this season. During the winter the ground is frozen and the roots can not get moisture back into the leaves. That is why experts strongly recommend an anti-dessicant winter...
Deer Repellents and Deterrents
All wildlife is a vital part of the South fork of Long Island's eco-system and a nice reminder that the East End is one of the last places on Long Island where you can view these creatures in their natural habitat. However, there are many instances when wildlife becomes pests to our...
Fertilization and Mulching in Fall
Fall Fertilization - Mulching A good fertilization program helps maintain the vigor and health of trees and shrubs at a landscape site. Satisfactory plant growth depends as much on proper nutrition as on proper light, moisture, temperature, air and pest management. Even native...
What’s going on with my Leyland’s?
Do you have Leyland Cypress that are brown and dying out? Well you are not alone, we have received numerous this season and can help you! A popular plant of the Southeast has in the past 10-15 years become very extensively planted here in the Northeast coastal region. This plant boasts...
Landscape Turf
Due to the high temperatures and humidity lawns are under stress and subsequently may be susceptible to disease pressure. In addition earlier season treatments are broken down because of these conditions and additional spot weed control may be necessary for summer weeds such as Crab grass and...
Drought Conditions
Drought Conditions: Hot temperatures and dry weather conditions are causing some concerns on properties. We you see wilting Hydrangeas and dry brown lawns so during this kind of weather we would like to urge you to make sure that your plants, trees and lawn are getting enough water. So be sure to...
Why are my Boxwoods Brown?
This has been the most common inquiry this season. In 2011 the first cases of Boxwood Blight were confirmed in the Hamptons. With Boxwoods being a signature plant of the Hamptons this is quite alarming reminiscent of the Privet Prunicola scale of 10 years ago. "So what is wrong with you,...