SCOTT HARRINGTON
LANDSCAPE AND TREE SERVICE, LLC
(608) 354-8228
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International Society of Arboriculture
| Posted on February 11, 2016 at 2:23 PM |
comments (5445)
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www.isa-arbor.com Through research, technology, and education, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees. I am a proud member of ISA and an Official Certified Arborist. I strive to maintain high standards of professionalism and safety in all areas of my business. I attend regular conferences and trainings to stay up to date on latest trends, safety concerns and other pertinent info. Which translates to being able to provide you with the best service possible. Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Tree Planting, Educational Workshops about Trees and much more.  |
Bird House Tips
| Posted on January 29, 2014 at 8:29 AM |
comments (3167)
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 Bird House Tips Black-capped
chickadees, Prothonotary Warbler, House
Wrens, Deer Mice, and Flying Squirrels (entrance hole 1 1/8”)/Eastern BlueBird
(1 ½”) 1)
Position the birdhouse so it’s opening does not face
into direct sunlight or prevailing winds. Full or partial shade will help keep
the house cooler, and a more protected location will be safer. 2)
Clean the birdhouse seasonally or whenever a family
of birds vacates the premises. Remove all nesting debris and rinse the house
with a sanitizing solution of one part bleach and nine parts water. Rinse the
house again with clear water, and allow it to air dry thoroughly before storing
it for the winter or repositioning it for new tenants. 3)
Position the birdhouse far enough away from brush so
predators cannot stage an ambush, but close enough to plants so parent birds
can easily scout the area. Five to eight feet of distance is sufficient for
most birdhouses. Similarly, keep birdhouses away from popular feeding areas to
prevent territorial conflicts between feeding birds and nesting parents. 4)
Whichever method you choose to erect your boxes, be
sure your box is secure enough to withstand high winds and severe weather. The
best way to erect small nest boxes is on freestanding metal poles or PVC pipes.
These pipes or poles offer several advantages: Nest boxes can be mounted higher
than when mounted on a fence post. Many predators find poles difficult to
climb. Poles can also be easily equipped with predator guards. 5)
For mounting on Trees you can use a bungee cord or aluminum nails
to secure it. 6)
Spacing between boxes as follows: (Chickadees=1 box/10 acres,
House Wrens=1 box/50 feet, and Prothonotary Warblers/BlueBirds=1 box/300 feet) Black-capped Chickadee forests,
woodlots, and yards with mature hardwood trees, forest edges, meadows, area
should receive 40-60% sunlight, spaced one box per 10 acres, hole should face
away from prevailing wind; 1" shaving can be placed in box height: 5-15
feet House Wren variety of
habitats, farmland, openings, open forests, forest edges, shrub lands, suburban
gardens, parks, backyards; near trees or tall shrubsbox height: 5-10 feet Prothonotary Warbler lowland
hardwood forests subject to flooding, stagnant water, swamps, ponds, marshes,
streams, flooded river valleys, wet bottomlands; box should be over or near
water box height: 2-12 feet Eastern
Blue Bird: open
field or lawn; orchards; open, rural country with scattered trees and low or
sparse ground cover; Mountain and Western bluebirds will also use deciduous and
coniferous forest edges; entrance hole should face open field, preferring east,
north, south, and then west facing directions If you are interested I design, build and sell birdhouses and bathhouses You can contact me at 413-348-4505 or email at [email protected]  #berkshirebirdhouses #birdhouses |
It's All About The Trees...
| Posted on August 8, 2013 at 1:59 PM |
comments (2898)
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"The cultivation of trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful, and the ennobling in man, and for one, I wish to see it become universal." J. Sterling Morton Founder of National Arbor Day Greetings, I hope this message finds you well and enjoying your summer. Here in the Berkshires we are very fortunate to have a vast array of forests and trees to appreciate. WIth that joy and privilege comes a responsibility. We have the responsibility to care for and manage our trees to help insure a good future for them..and in turn for our children. Here are some simple steps we can take to help preserve our precious trees: 1) Forest management: Selective cutting of trees and removal of felled trees in forested areas will actually promote a stronger stand of trees and reduce the chances for fire damage. 2) Planting of New Trees/Shrubs: We can be pro-acitve by planting a wide variety of native trees to help offset the loss due to weather damage, insect infestation, disease, land development, logging, etc... 3) Do Not Move Firewood: America’s neighborhoods and forests are under attack. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle has destroyed tens of millions of ash trees. It lives in firewood. Move firewood and you spread the destruction. Help us protect the trees — and stop the beetle. Promise you won’t move firewood. Click on the links here for more info: 4) Stay Informed: When I do a site visit I make a point to educate my clients as much as I can about their land and their trees. I also update my Facebook Business Page weekly with the latest info on Insect Infestations, Landscaping Trends, Helpful Hints for your garden and much more. Feel free to call/email me anytime with questions you may have about your yard. Im here to help you. Free estimates (within 8 mile radius of Lenox Center (areas outside that range mileage fee may apply) Sincerely, Scott  Emerald Ash Borer  Hemlock Wooly Adelgid White Egg sacs on bottom of needles |
National Arbor Day 2013 April 26
| Posted on April 2, 2013 at 8:22 AM |
comments (2243)
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“Each
generation takes the Earth as Trustees”
J. Sterling
Morton (Founder of
National Arbor Day Holiday)
National Arbor Day Celebration-Coming to
a town near you? How would you like to be a part
of a Local Network of people who are doing something positive for both our
health and our future?
We have a great opportunity here
in the Berkshires to take positive action towards investing in our future and
insuring both the growth and beauty of our landscapes. That event is National Arbor Day.
National Arbor Day is a holiday in which groups
and individuals are encouraged to plant and care for trees. It originated in Nebraska City,
Nebraska, USA by J. Sterling Morton.
As a pioneer in the Midwest his desire to have more trees was based on the need to create windbreaks to keep
the soil in place, wood for fuel, lumber for building materials and for shade
from the hot sun.
The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872 and an estimated one
million trees were planted that day. Many countries now observe a similar
holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable
planting season. In Massachusetts our
National Arbor Holiday is Friday April 26 and our state tree is the American
Elm (Ulmus Americana)
I have teamed up with The Lenox
Tree Warden, The Berkshire Conservation District, The Lenox Village Beautification
Committee, The Church On The Hill (UCC Lenox), The Lenox Preschool, The Lenox
Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Action Forster DCR (and others to
join-this article was submitted March 14, 2013) and together we are planning to
have tree planting ceremonies/special events at selected locations in Lenox
Center along with the distribution of posters, tee shirts, tree seedlings and
more to come as we hear back from our donors.
If you are interested in getting
involved, donating services/funds or would like to have me come to your group
or organization to give talk on trees (and possibly receive trees/tree
seedlings/posters/educational brochures) feel free to contact me.
Trees
in Danger. A powerful
tornado damaged trees on 11,000 acres from Springfield to Sturbridge. The Asian
long horned beetle has destroyed trees in Worcester County and Boston. The winter moth defoliated 89,000 acres in
eastern Mass and on the North and South Shores, Cape Cod, and Martha’s
Vineyard. The Hemlock woolly adelgid and elongate hemlock scale has ruined
thousands of trees. The Emerald ash borer has been found in Dalton,
MA and will most likely continue to spread eastward. This could have devastating effects on our
economy and overall beauty of our forests here in Berkshire County. So there is no time to waste. We need to continue heartily with our efforts
to keep planting trees to keep up with the amount that we are losing and trees
that we will loose in the future.
The
Value of Trees to our Community
· “Landscaping,
especially with trees, can increase property value by as much as 20%” -Management
Info. Services/ICMA
· “In
laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced
significant recovery from stress within 5 minutes, as indicated by changes in
blood pressure and muscle tension” -Dr.
Roger S. Ulrich-Texas A&M University
·
“Tress properly placed around buildings can
reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 20-50% in energy used for
heating” -USDA
Forest Service
Local
Resources
· You can purchase 100 blue spruce seedlings for
$99 from the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters Association. (13 other species are available Oaks, Firs,
Lilacs, Dogwoods, etc..)
·
Landscape Design Consultations: Call me and I can help you find the right
trees for the right places.
·
Tree seedlings
can also be purchased from the Berkshire Conservation Districts annual plant
sale Saturday May 4 at 2 locations : Monument Mountain High School
Great Barrington and at Springside park in Pittsfield 9 am to 12 noon. (www.berkshireconservation.org)
“Other
holidays repose upon the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future.”
-J.
Sterling Morton
(Founder of
National Arbor Day Holiday) For updated information on the
Lenox National Arbor Day Celebration and for many other tips/ideas for your
trees/yard please visit my Facebook Page at:
www.facebook.com/ScottHarringtonHomeTreeYardCare
Scott Harrington owns and
operates Scott Harrington Landscape Services based in Lenox, MA.
www.scottharringtonservices.com[email protected]
413-348-4505
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Edible Landscapes
| Posted on March 6, 2013 at 2:19 PM |
comments (1965)
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 "Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace." -Mary Sarton Want to save money on your grocery bills? Want to invest in your landscape and increase your home value? Looking for way to improve your health and benefit the environment at the same time? If you answered yes to any of these questions then perhaps Edible Landscaping is for you. I was recently asked to give a talk at the Spring Tonic Festival in Lenox this month (March 23, 2013) and I have had the great opportunity to spend some time learning about ways to incorporate Edible Plants into the design work that I do. The best book that I have found is titled, Edible Landscaping: Now You Can Have Your Gorgeous Garden and Eat It Too! by Rosalind Creasy. (Sierra Club Books-San Francisco) Rosalind is a landscape designer, garden writer and photographer, and leading authority on edible landscaping. Book includes great color pictures, planting ideas, tips on how to design and much more. Inspiring, informative and complete. _____________________________________________________________ Some points to consider before you get started. 1) How much time/resources do you have to spend on your landscape? 2) What are your soil conditions? pH level? Get your soil tested. 3) Right Plant-Right Place. KEY FACTOR! Site selection for your plants is critical 4) Start small. New gardeners have a tendency to plant too much to quickly. Select 5-10 plants and get to know them very well. 5) Map out your yard-make some drawings of your entire landscape-get the bigger picture-and to help you identify what your priorities are. _____________________________________________________________ I have chosen 10 plants to focus on as a starting point. I tried to select plants that were relatively easy to grow and that are hardy for our growing zone (5) in Western Massachusetts. 1) American Hazelnut 2) Black Walnut Tree 3) Butternut Tree 4) Rhubarb 5) Lavender 6) Lemon Balm 7) Apples 8) Raspberries 9) Chives 10) Blueberries If you go to my Facebook Business Page you will find a lot of useful information on the above plants. I also provide soil testing services and landscape design planning and implementation. Contact me today at 413-348-4505 Scott |
SOIL?-What's in it for me?
| Posted on February 18, 2013 at 6:10 AM |
comments (1605)
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The quality of your soil can greatly impact the health and nutrition of the plants in you yard. Which in turn can greatly affect the overall value of your home. Studies have shown that a healthy yard complete with well chosen plants and healthy turf can increase home re-sell value by up to 10%. And it all begins with the health of your soil.... Your soil is filled with millions of microorganisms, worms, and insects...along with many minerals and organic matter..it is truly a living organism and just like humans..needs a balanced 'diet' and periodic maintenance. In this blog I will provide you with a brief overview of soils and how I can help you to diagnose the overall health of your soil.
Benefits of healthy soil:
A good quality soil is approximately 25% water, 25% Air, 45% Minerals (clay, silt, sand) and 5% organic matter.  SOIL PH The greatest influence on plant nutrition is soil pH, which is a measure of the hydrogen ion (acid-forming) soil reactivity, and is in turn a function of the soil materials, precipitation level, and plant root behavior.  The red area indicates acid and the blue area indicates base. A pH level of 7 is neutral. Soils in the Lenox area are often slightly basic due to the large quantities of Limestone. Generally speaking, most cultivated plants are happy in soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Since 7 is neutral on the pH scale, anything slightly more acidic or slightly more alkaline shouldn\'t make much difference to most plants. Some acid loving plants include: Blueberries, Azaleas, and Rhododendrons DRAINAGE Soil drainage is another key factor in plant health. For lawns I recommend a biannual core aeration program (spring/fall). Aeration is the process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch and soil from the lawn to improve natural soil aeration. Benefits of Core Aeration
SOIL TESTING A soil test is the analysis of a soil sample to determine nutrient and contaminant content, composition and other characteristics. A soil test can determine pH, fertility, or the expected growth potential of the soil, indicate nutrient deficiencies, potential toxicities from excessive fertility and inhibitions from the presence of non-essential trace minerals. The test is used to mimic the function of roots to assimilate minerals. (Wiki) Upon completion of your soil test and analysis-if I find areas of defficencies I offer all natural/non-toxic fertilization services for both lawns and trees/shrubs along with other practices that will further support the health your soil. I do offer soil testing services and if you are interested to have one completed for your yard contact me today at 413-348-4505 to schedule an appointment. |
Mission
| Posted on January 12, 2013 at 4:24 PM |
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 At Scott Harrington's Home, Tree and Yard Care Service, I improve the quality of your home/landscape in a way thats good for the environment and good for your health. Values: Personal. Creative. Professional
1) ART. I have an extensive background in art and graphic design. Familiar with unique color combinations of plants/flowers..blending of textures with earth features...etc... This training and experience allows me to have that 'artistic eye' that distinguishes a normal landscape from one that really stands out. You can see some of my artwork on my You Tube Channel and at my online art gallery 2) HEALTH. I also have an extensive background in Fitness, Massage Therapy, Nutrition and Yoga. This means that I am up to date on the best products/services for you, your health and your home/landscape. Fruit Trees, Medicinal Plants, Herbs, Berries. Edible Landscapes available. Organic and/or all natural fertilizers also available. 3) SMALL. Being a smaller company allows me to really focus on your individual needs. I stay in touch with most of my clients through out the year and I appreciate the community minded approach to business. I collaborate with clients/neighbors regularly. Big commercial companies often have large crews with large work loads leaving them with very little time to answer questions and develop any sort of relationship/connection with their clients. I am there at every step of the process to insure that everything is done correctly and to you liking. Which is why all of my work is fully guaranteed. 100% customer satisfaction. See my list of testimonials on this blog. 4) FRESH. I am up to date on the latest trends and I attend classes/conferences regularly. I attend as part of my mission to serve as an educational resource to you-my clients. So I am new in some regards...and seasoned and very experienced in others. I have a long history of experience in Biology, Environmental Science/Education and Horticulture. My father owns the longest running tree service in Madison, WI and he has served as my mentor which has helped to pave the way for me to open my own business. I hold a Masters Degree in Education and a Bachelors Degree in Biology. I belong to numerous professional organizations to which I donate my time and resources to on a regular basis. 5) GREEN I use organic and all natural products when ever possible. I utilize local products/services also part of my mission to build community here in the Berkshires. If it can be recycled or reused I make every effort to see to it that it is. So you can rest assured knowing that you are doing what is best both for you and for the environment when you hire me. Contact me today for a free estimate at 413-348-4505 or email at [email protected] Connect via my LinkedIn profile |
Testimonials
| Posted on January 11, 2013 at 10:49 PM |
comments (4770)
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"I am so
pleased with the landscaping Scott has done at my home. He brings a tremendous amount of energy and
stamina to his work as well as great sensitivity and intelligence in
determining which plants to prune and what to remove. He understood what I wanted to accomplish and
offered many suggestions, including natural, non-toxic treatments for a variety
of problems. His work is definitely a
cut above." Laine G. Pittsfield, MA
"Scott,
many thanks for your timely and thorough work on our lawn. In 14 years,
I've never seen the lawn look more beautiful as it is deep green, thick and a
great place to walk barefoot. I thought I was doing an OK job on my own
but knew something wasn't right and, when I called you, I wasn't even sure of
the right questions. But, you knew what needed to be done, completed your
work on a very timely basis and the results are beyond my expectations. I
look forward to working with you to maintain our healthy lawn and to tending
our gardens in the future, too." Matt M. Lenox, MA "Scott did a great job at our house; tree work, painting the
deck, and even doing a modern art paint job on a little table at no charge.
Lots of thoughtful extras that make Scott stand out!" Micah M. Lenox, MA
“Scott
gets things done efficiently, with a friendly, professional,
courteous manner. He is very focussed and does what he promises. He
will offer follow up if needed. I would reccommend him without
reservation.” Diana
F. Housatonic,
MA
“Scott is straight-up guy
with a passion for trees.” Roger P. Cuppertino, CA
“Scott is one of those all
to rare contractors that exercises care in his work and does what he's hired to
do well, on time, and for the agreed price. He's got an excellent eye when it
comes to landscaping and always has useful suggestions. Highly recommended.”
Lonny J. Richmond, MA
“Scott
Harrington is an active member of Church on the Hill, UCC in Lenox. As such he takes the initiative for supporting our social media and offers to get publicity about our many offerings and
programs by posting flyers in the community, and believes in spreading the word
about the power of community in the work of the church by making signs of
welcome and inviting people to worship. He has invited and brought friends
and family to Sunday worship and is a witness to the good news. He acts what he
believes.”
Natalie
S. Lenox,
MA
"Scott
is a very reliable worker, who has expertly carried out several projects for me
at my house in Lenox: punctual, fastidious, and thoroughly professional. I
intend to keep using him in future, and would recommend him to any other
homeowner looking for a conscientious performance. He's also s very nice
guy!" David
Greetham Lenox, MA
"When a tree fell on our garage Scott was there in a heartbeat to assess the situation and solve it. Whether it's yard work, fall clean up, tree trimming, or building and installing a beautiful bat house Scott can do it all!" Jurian H. Pittsfield, MA
“Scott
brings his creativity and positive attitude to everything he does. He sees the
possibilities and creates beauty and order. He’s the person I can call to help
with anything I need around the house and yard and is always reliable and
responsible. I cannot speak highly enough about his services.”
Dr.
Susan L. Housatonic,
MA
“I
had the pleasure to know Scott Harrington in a snow stormy week, we wouldn't be
able to get to our home without his help. Scott surprised us with his immediate
presence. Excellent job, very flexible and extremely fair.”
Ahmed
M. Lenox,
MA.
"Scott offers very affordable,
quick and responsive service. He is really easy to get along with and
always fair. He is comfortable communicating via all avenues, such as
Facebook, email, text and phone, which makes it easy to get in touch with him
for help. He has done a good job on our lawn care and did an amazing job
cleaning up the house and grounds across the street, which had been vacant and
neglected for some time until it was inherited by an out-of-town relative of
the previous owner - a big job that was well executed." Andreas S. Lenox, MA
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Resources
| Posted on January 11, 2013 at 9:21 PM |
comments (2799)
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Calendar
| Posted on January 8, 2013 at 5:53 PM |
comments (3091)
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1) New England Grows Conference Boston, MA February 6-8th. A great place to learn about hot new trends, network with regional experts and have some fun! I am going this year. 2) Spring Tonic: Celebrating All Things Locally Grown Saturday March, 23rd 12noon to 12:30 Lenox, Library http://lenoxlib.org/ I will be giving a short presentation here on Edible Landscapes. introducing some medicinal/edible plants that are available here in the Berkshires. 3) Birdhouse Building Workshop Great Barrington, MA Saturday April 27th 9:30am to 12:30pm Berkshire South Community Center www.berkshiresouth.org (413) 528-2810 to register Ages 12+ (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Build a wooden birdhouse using materials provided and simple hand tools (bring a cordless drill and a Phillips screwdriver if you have one.) Learn about common birds of the Berkshires that use nesting boxes, landscaping tips to attract birds, birdhouse construction and placement and bird conservation. Instructor Scott Harrington Note: one adult and child making one birdhouse pay just one fee, all materials are included. Advance registration is required. $40 Members $50 Guests 4) Berkshire Conservation District Annual Plant Sale Monument Regional High School. Great Barrington, MA Saturday May 4th, (time to be decided 9-12noon or 10am-1pm) I will have a booth set up here with my birdhouses and various other information about landscaping, etc... 5) Berkshire Gardens: Dreams to reality Day long conference. I went last year and really enjoyed it. Includes free lunch $30 for the day. Saturday April 13, 2013 8 am to 2:30 pm Lenox Memorial High School 197 East Street More events to be listed as they are booked...so come back and visit... |
