Make sure your irrigation system is functioning properly so your plants get water when they need it!
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Living plants not only look great, they bring nature indoors acting as living lungs absorbing toxins like Benzene and Formaldehyde and returning fresh oxygenated air inside our homes, businesses and commercial buildings. We repot most indoor plants into Never Drought Watering Systems™ is a high-tech & water-wise irrigation solution designed to keep your indoor plants properly hydrated for optimal health and beauty. The pro-grade solid body construction provides years of leak proof use with one monthly refill. Interior Landscape Design: Deeper Green Photo: Debra Amerson

The homeowner wanted to add life, color and drama in the kitchen and family room. Sculptural tropical plants staged in assorted rattan with metal and ceramic pots bring a stylish look and offer a relaxed feeling. Maintenance is easy with Never Drought Watering Systems™ a high-tech & water-wise irrigation solution designed to keep your indoor plants properly hydrated for optimal health and beauty. The pro-grade solid body construction provides years of leak proof use with one monthly refill. Photo: Debra Amerson

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There are many factors that affect the quality of a concrete substrate including mix design, geography, additives, and finishing methods. It is important to understand that all concrete will not look, polish, or wear the same. When properly poured, placed, and finished, concrete yields a smooth stable surface. Hydration occurs when cement, water, aggregates, and chemical additives combine to form calcium hydroxide and ultimately concrete.

During the summer, certain tree pests are particularly active and bent on the destruction of your beloved trees. Spider mites are one of these pests that like to make themselves at home all over your plants. Their only goal in life is to eat plant leaves. A great way to stop their destruction is being able to recognize the warning signs of their infestation. Once you have identified them, you can take care of them and put in precautions in order to keep them away and stop any future problems from them. We here at Five Star Tree Services have come up with ways that you can identify this pest and get rid of it before it’s too late for your precious plants. Some Info on Spider Mites You might have seen these little pests before but didn’t know what they were. They are these tiny creatures that are related to ticks and spiders. What They Look Like In order to see them properly, you will need to look at them through a magnifying glass. These little bugs come in a number of different patterns and colours. Being so incredibly small, they are roughly a millimeter at the most. For reverence, that’s about as thick as your credit card. Trying to look at them without a magnifying glass, all you might see are these tiny moving dots that might be brown, red, black, or yellow. Causes of Spider Mites Due to their shier tininess, these little invaders can waltz right into your gardens undetected. It’s even possible that you have bought a plant for a nursery or garden center that has had spider mites on them. They can even be brought into your garden by the wind. These little pests have the ability to spread very quickly due to their ability to eat a number of different plants. They are not very picky when it comes to eating your plants. They like outdoor and indoor plants, deciduous and evergreen, virtually nothing is safe from them. How To Tell You Have Spider Mites Spider mites prefer to cut and feed on the bottoms of tree leaves, however, the damage they do can be seen at the top of the leaf. Three key things to look for that indicate you have a spider mite infestations are: Yellowing or bronze look to your tree in one or many different areas (common with a big infestation) Silky webs that are woven around the leaves and stems Little yellow or white spots appearing at the top of the leaves/needles If you are suspicious that your plant has spider mites, one way to know for sure is holding a sheet of paper under an infected branch and shaking it. You will be able to see the little mites on the paper. Rid Your Plants of Spider Mites Whether it’s the summer or winter, follow these tips for treating spider mites. Summer: You can use a forceful water spray to knock them off of your tree. Once they are gone, periodically use your hose to rinse your trees for the season. Make sure to get the bottom of the leaves because this is where the mites like to live. Winter: This also includes any time before the buds come out in the spring. If your tree has spider mites, during this time, you will only see the eggs settled on the branches of your tree. Apply dormant oil to all the eggs before they hatch. It is also handy to know what natural predators eat spider mites. Certain rival insects such as lacewings and predator beetles will aid in getting rid of your pesky mites. Preventing Spider Mites Spider mites are most active during drought season. When trees are stressed, this is when they attack. If you are experiencing extended hot days and long dry periods, it is important to keep your trees hydrated. This means giving them at least an inch of water a week and making sure you have enough mulch around them. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help Spider mites are a pest. Catching them before they do any permanent damage is important. If using the dormant oil or spraying your tree with water doesn’t seem to be working, you can give us at Five Star Tree Services a call at (416) 990-3355 and we will come and help take care of them. Visit our website to see a full list of our available tree care services in Toronto!

It's important to keep your freshly pointed mortar joints hydrated to allow for proper curing.
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Coco coir is a versatile and sustainable growing medium that is gaining popularity among gardeners. Made from the fibrous husk of coconuts, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to peat moss and can greatly enhance the quality of your soil. In gardening, it is often utilized in systems like Coco Coir Hydroponic, where it helps create an efficient water and nutrient delivery system. What is Coco Coir? Coco coir is a natural fiber extracted from coconut husks. It has a neutral pH, excellent water retention, and is reusable, making it a favorite among gardeners who prefer organic and sustainable practices. It is available in different forms such as blocks, bricks, or loose coir, each requiring some preparation before use in gardening. Benefits of Using Coco Coir in Gardening Coco coir offers several advantages for gardening. Here are the benefits of using coco coir in gardening: Holds up to 10 times its weight in water, ensuring plants have consistent moisture. Promotes oxygen flow to plant roots, leading to healthier root systems. Coco coir is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to peat moss. It can be washed, rehydrated, and reused, reducing waste. Naturally pH neutral, making it suitable for various plants without major adjustments. Enhances the texture and moisture retention of garden soil. How to Prepare Coco Coir for Planting Preparing coco coir for planting involves a few essential steps. First, you need to hydrate the coir block, as it typically comes in a compressed form. Place the block in a large container and add warm water, allowing the block to expand and absorb the water. Once fully expanded, the coir should be fluffed up by breaking it apart with your hands or a tool to ensure it becomes loose and airy. After the coir has been fluffed, it is important to drain any excess water, as overly wet coir can lead to root suffocation. Finally, since coco coir is inert and does not contain nutrients, it’s a good idea to add organic compost or liquid fertilizer to enrich the coir before planting. Do You Need to Soak Coco Coir Before Planting? Yes, soaking coco coir before planting is necessary. Since it comes in a compressed form, it needs to be broken down and hydrated for proper use. The soaking process allows the coir to expand and release the fibers, making it usable as a growing medium. After soaking, the coir should be fluffed to ensure the water is evenly distributed. Draining any excess water is crucial because overly wet coir may impede plant root health. How to Prepare Coco Peat for Planting Coco peat, a fine, powdery form of coco coir, is highly beneficial for seed starting and improving water retention in soil. To prepare coco peat, it first needs to be hydrated, similar to how you prepare coir blocks. Slowly add water to the peat in a container and allow it to absorb and fluff up. Once hydrated, coco peat can be used on its own or mixed with other growing media such as perlite or vermiculite for added aeration and drainage. It is advisable to check the pH level of your final mix, as coco peat generally has a neutral pH, but adjustments may be necessary depending on the plants being grown. Can You Use Just Coco Coir for Plants? Yes, coco coir can be used by itself to grow plants, especially in hydroponic systems or as a seed-starting medium. However, because coco coir does not naturally contain nutrients, you will need to provide regular fertilizer to support plant growth. This makes it particularly suitable for plants grown in controlled environments, such as hydroponics, where nutrient solutions can be carefully managed. In traditional soil-based gardening, mixing coco coir with other organic materials like compost is recommended to provide essential nutrients and improve the overall soil structure. How to Use Coco Coir in Hydroponics Coco coir is widely used in hydroponic systems due to its water retention and aeration properties. To use coco coir in hydroponics, it first needs to be soaked and hydrated, as discussed earlier. Once the coir is fully prepared, it can be placed in the hydroponic system. Since coco coir does not contain natural nutrients, you will need to supply a balanced nutrient solution tailored for hydroponic plants. Regular monitoring of water and nutrient levels is essential to prevent nutrient imbalances or root rot. One of the benefits of coco coir in hydroponics is its reusability. After completing a growing cycle, the coir can be washed, rehydrated, and used again in future plantings. Using Coco Coir as a Soil Amendment Coco coir is also an excellent soil amendment, as it improves the texture and moisture retention of garden soil. To use coco coir in this way, mix loose coir with your existing garden soil at a ratio of one part coco coir to two parts soil. This will help retain moisture without compacting the soil, improving both water drainage and root growth. For optimal results, you can also add organic compost to the mix, ensuring that the nutrient levels are sufficient for plant growth. Coco coir works particularly well in raised beds, where it helps maintain proper soil structure over time. Advantages of Using Coco Coir Over Peat Moss While peat moss has been traditionally used as a growing medium, coco coir offers several advantages over it. Coco coir is a renewable resource, as it is a byproduct of coconut processing, while peat moss is harvested from peat bogs that take centuries to regenerate. Coco coir is also more durable, as it can be reused multiple times without breaking down, while peat moss disintegrates after a single use. Another key benefit is its neutral pH, whereas peat moss is more acidic and may require balancing to meet the needs of specific plants. Conclusion Coco coir is a highly versatile and sustainable growing medium that benefits both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you are using it for hydroponics, as a soil amendment, or as a standalone medium for growing plants, knowing how to properly prepare and use it is key to maximizing its benefits. By following the steps detailed above, you can improve water retention, aeration, and overall plant health in your garden, all while contributing to eco-friendly gardening practices.

A tree has many parts, all of which contribute to its overall health. Just like the human body, each part of the tree works together to ensure the tree’s survival. There are a few important elements that trees and other plants need to live; these include carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and food. A tree that has been planted in a nourishing environment and that has quality soil for its roots will grow tall, strong, and healthy. Trees that are planted in an urban environment such as on someone’s personal property need regular maintenance to thrive. The arborists here at Five Star Tree Services are happy to provide residential and commercial tree care services, including pruning and removal. We help trees stay healthy by getting rid of dead branches, trimming overgrown leaves to prevent them from infringing on power lines and much more. Aside from regular care, homeowners should pay particular attention to the roots of the tree, and here’s why. Why Trees Have Roots The roots are what hold the tree in place as well as used to absorb essential nutrients from the surrounding soil. Furthermore, water is also absorbed by the roots, which is critical for the tree’s survival. The majority of the roots of a tree are located between six inches and one foot underground. While they may be shallow going down, they extend very far horizontally, even surpassing the canopy of the tree. If a tree didn’t have roots, then it would not be able to stand or withstand harsh weather. Allow The Roots to Breathe The roots of your tree need to be protected, but they also need plenty of oxygen in order for your tree to thrive. Drying out the soil under your tree will allow oxygen to reach the area. Instead of watering your tree on a daily basis, choose a schedule that keeps the tree hydrated but allows the soil to rest. Packing the soil around the tree too tight will also limit the airflow which may suffocate surface roots. Watering Trees constantly require water regardless of their age. Trees need to be watered on a regular schedule, especially during dry seasons or drought. Ample watering will boost tree growth and maintain tree health. Don’t Cut Them Cutting the roots of a tree not only limits its ability to nourish itself, but it can also leave it open to attacks. Bacteria, insects, and viruses are more prone to strike a tree with a weak root system than one with a sturdy one. Cutting will also place stress on the tree which may stunt its growth for several years. Depending on the severity of the cut, severed roots may even cause the death of your tree. Invest in Mulch Mulch is a material placed around the bottom of a tree. It is fully organic and is intended to give the roots extra protection while also providing nutrients for your tree. Mulch should be placed around the base of a tree in the spring in order to promote new growth. An additional layer should be added in the winter to provide a buffer from the cold. Tree Care by Five Star Tree Services If you are worried about the health of your tree Five Star Tree Services is here to help. We offer Toronto Tree Care Services, storm damage, regular maintenance, affordable tree removal, pruning and planting services all over the metro area. If you are interested in boosting the aesthetic value of your property, or just maintaining your tree’s health, give us a call at (416) 990-3355 today.

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