Tree and Shrub

Beech Leaf Disease Update: Massachusetts Trees Still Under Threat

June 10, 2025
A few years have passed since we first warned homeowners about Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), a devastating tree condition that has taken hold across the Northeast. Unfortunately, the situation in Massachusetts is not improving. In fact, it’s getting worse. Beech trees, both native and ornamental, are continuing to decline rapidly in infested areas. As of… View Article

What to Know About Fallen Acorns & Lawn Health

May 29, 2025
If you have beautiful oak trees in your yard, chances are you’ve seen your lawn sprinkled with acorns each fall—and sometimes into spring. While these natural tree seeds are a sure sign of a thriving landscape, many homeowners wonder if they affect the health of their grass. The good news? With a little care and… View Article

Do Pine Trees or Pine Needles Change the pH of My Soil?

April 25, 2025
If your yard has pine trees, you’ve likely noticed a thick carpet of fallen needles underfoot. Many homeowners worry that these pine needles might be turning their soil acidic, potentially affecting grass, garden plants, and even other trees. It’s a common belief—but is it true? Let’s explore whether pine trees or pine needles actually change… View Article

Spotted Lanternfly

September 17, 2024
Updated: September 17, 2024 Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive plant hopper insect native to China, India, and Vietnam. It was first discovered in the United States in Pennsylvania September 2014. Since that time the insect has spread into Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia. In September 2020, two… View Article

4 Common Problems with Evergreens

October 26, 2023
Evergreen shrubs can turn brown for a variety of reasons, leaving homeowners wondering what went wrong. In this blog, we’ll explore four common problems of browning in evergreen shrubs. For clarity, evergreens include azalea, boxwood, holly, rhododendrons, arborvitae, cedar, and juniper to name a few. Seasonal Color Change It is natural for evergreen trees to… View Article

Ornamental Tree and Shrub Issues

September 27, 2023
Ornamental trees and shrubs can enhance the beauty and appeal of any landscape. They add year-round charm and aesthetic value to your outdoor space. However, as living beings, they are susceptible to a range of problems that can affect their health and appearance. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common issues that… View Article

Bagworms in Massachusetts

September 13, 2023
Bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) is native to North America. It is distributed throughout the eastern United States. Once only an occasional pest in Massachusetts, is becoming a regular problem in the landscape. Historically, bagworms are only a continuous problem from Maryland and south. New populations may be brought in on nursery stock from more southern states… View Article

Tree Planting Guide

August 16, 2023
At Natural Tree and Lawn Care, we specialize in providing professional tree and lawn care services to homeowners and property managers. Our team of certified arborists is committed to helping you enhance the beauty and health of your landscape. If you’re planning to plant new trees, we’ve put together this tree-planting guide with essential tips… View Article
crab apple tree

Weather Related Tree and Shrub Diseases

April 18, 2023
Understanding how tree and shrub diseases occur will help you monitor your ornamental plants with a keen eye. Tree and shrub disease can be caused by either physical and environmental conditions (abiotic) or pathogens like fungi and bacteria (biotic). Trees and shrubs are not all affected by diseases in the same way and diseases can… View Article

Pest Alert: Beech Leaf Disease

March 29, 2023
Updated: 3/29/2023 There is a new disease killing beech trees in our area called beech leaf disease (BLD). Unlike most diseases of trees that are caused by a fungus. BLD is caused by a foliar feeding nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii. Both European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and American beeches (Fagus grandifolia) may be affected. The disease… View Article