Greenbush Professional Services Blog | Camden, OH

FUN ACTIVITIES INVOLVING LEAVES

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:16:02 GMT

Instead of just telling your kids to rake up the leaves ...

Instead of just telling your kids to rake up the leaves this Fall (which sounds like a chore that they don’t want to do), make it an adventure for them. It will require some of your involvement, but does involve quality time with them that is well worth it.

First, let me take you back to times when my kids and grandkids were young (approximately 4 years to 10 years of age). We had lots of leaves to remove from the yard. We would take a rake and create “rooms”, “roads”, “lakes”, etc. by raking back leaves and using our imaginations. The areas where the grass was visible was raked to the shape of a “room”, “road”, etc. We would then pretend to do various activities in those areas (e.g. drive a car from one house to another, ride a bicycle from a house to a lake to go fishing, cook food in the kitchen of the house). Children really get into these imaginary activities, and mine still remember them to this day.

Sometimes we would rake the leaves into large piles, then run/jump into them. (Note: you might skip this activity if your child has a severe leaf mold allergy.) Pets also seemed to enjoy this, jumping into and hiding in the leaves. Then, after the fun times, I would assist the kids in removing the leaves and placing them where I wanted them. I even had a cat who would watch me rake leaves onto a large tarp, then sit on the tarp while I attempted to drag it to my garden.

Alas, I didn’t take photos, but at least the scenes are burned into my brain’s visual memories!

For teenagers, have them help you rake the leaves and connect it to a reward that involves you being with them (e.g. going to their favorite ice cream shop, having a special movie night at home with popcorn and candy, attending a football game or concert).

One activity I never did with my kids, but may do with my grandchild, is taking leisurely walks through areas where leaves have changed colors. We can talk about the wonder of God’s creation and about why the leaves are changing color (see my Blog Post “The Changing of the Colors” from 10/2/2026). We can collect leaves of different color and size to use in making decorations around the house.

A favorite decoration idea I recently came across is the creation of leaf placemats. Place the leaves between two pieces of paper and sandwich them between the pages of a book for about a week. This allows them to dry, but still allows the colors to be seen in the leaves. After purchasing Duck Brand EasyLiner Adhesive Laminate (12 in. x 10 ft. Clear Shelf Liner) at a store like Walmart (less than $4.00), cut a piece of the roll to the desired length for a placemat. Remove the paper and lay the clear piece with the adhesive side facing up. Then have your kid/grandchild place their preferred leaves onto it. Next cut another piece of the laminate the same size and place it over the leaves. Firmly press to make it flat. Once you’ve got any air bubbles out, cut any exposed adhesive edges. Voila, you have a placemat to use from now through Thanksgiving!

Similar to this is the creation of a four or five-foot runner to go down the center of your table showing a variety of leaves. Another alternative is to cut out individual leaves once they are laminated. Then place a tiny hole near the edge of each leaf, and string them up with fishing line to decorate the entryway of your house.

I’m sure there are many other crafts like these that can involve quality time to spend with your children/grandchildren, but this is intended to get you started. Enjoy!

By the way, Greenbush wants to assist you in keeping your trees healthy. Sometimes there are signs on the leaves that help to determine the health of a tree (e.g. insect or fungal damage). If you see dead leaves on branches, curled up leaves, partially eaten leaves, or black spots on leaves, contact us for a free inspection and consultation: greenbushpros@outlook.com or 937-787-4490

THE CHANGING OF THE COLORS

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:36:56 GMT

Do you like beautiful colors?

Do you like beautiful colors? Well … October is here, and leaves on trees begin their transformation of color this month. That’s why some people plan trips to the Great Smoky Mountains or to areas in the Northeast this time of the year. They want to see the beauty and majesty of the brilliant colors of the fall foliage firsthand. If you can’t make a trip this year, not to worry. Many of the beautiful colors can be seen on the trees in our area (e.g. Heuston Woods, Rush Run, Germantown Metro Park, Caesar Creek State Park, Fort Saint Clair Park).

There’s nothing like a leisurely drive through some of these areas, or walking one of the trails through a park, fishing in one of the lakes surrounded by trees, or just having a picnic among the beauty of nature.

You will see green, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, brown, and mixtures of some of these colors. It’s like a Crayola box is opened and multiple colors are released!

Have you ever wondered why and how leaves change color? Well … it’s a lesson in weather, chemistry, and tree species. The abscission layer in between the leaf and branch stops transporting nutrients and water in early fall. This along with shorter days (less sunshine) and cooler nights, means less chlorophyll production (which created the green leaves by photosynthesis). This allows pigments of other colors to emerge. They are already in the leaves but now become more visible and prominent. They include: xanthophyll & flavone (yellow), carotene (orange/yellow), lycopene (orange/red), and anthocyanins (red, purple, blue).

Each of these pigments serve different purposes for the tree. Chlorophyll (green) is the primary photosynthetic pigment, making glucose used for food by the tree. Carotenoids (yellow, orange, red) which includes carotene, lycopene, and xanthophyll facilitate some photosynthesis and are photoprotective. Flavonoids (yellow, red, purple, blue) which includes flavone and anthocyanin help regulate plant development, repel and attract insects, protect against ultraviolet radiation, and herbivores.

The change in leaf color is part of senescence, the process of becoming old or aging prior to shedding of the leaves. During this color change, the tree reclaims valuable nutrients from the leaves. This process assists the tree in conserving energy to survive dormancy during winter. The leaves are severed in the abscission layer as enzymes break down the pectin (aka, glue) and as cells swell with water. Obviously, wind also assists the tree in shedding the leaves. You are then left with a leafless tree and a layer of leaves on your lawn.

This layer of leaves is rich with nutrients and organic matter that will release as they decompose. This assists in plant growth, soil health and the ecosystem at large. You can chop them up by mowing over them multiple times, place them in your vegetable garden spot, or place them around your plants.

We encourage you to take in the beauty of the color change in the leaves this fall. Greenbush is dedicated to “preserving trees in their natural beauty”. We want to assist you in keeping your trees healthy. If we can be of service, you can contact us at greenbushpros@gmail.com or 937-787-4490

THOUGHTS ON TREE STUMPS

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:28:45 GMT

Trees may be removed after...

Trees may be removed after being struck by lightning, being downed in a storm, being in a high-risk location, or succumbing to disease/insect damage. Not removing tree stumps after trees are removed creates several hazards, especially in the long term.

Some stumps are not easily seen because of their smaller diameter and lower height. These create tripping hazards and dangers for mowers, trimmers, and people. It can be expensive to repair your mower after hitting a stump, not to mention the medical bills if a family member or friend is injured.

Sometimes, stumps can limit the complete use of your yard. That new patio or garden you plan on installing may not be possible with the stump remaining. Stumps can also change the composition of the soil to the point that it becomes almost impossible to grow new grass and plants.

Other stumps can breed pathogens, fungi, insects, or pests. You certainly don’t want termites or other wood-boring insects to breed in a stump and infest your wood structures (e.g., your house, garage, or outbuildings). And you don’t want snakes, rodents, and other critters that they harbor to harm you or members of your family.

Plus, in some cases, stumps sprout new growth, leaving a group of small trees growing haphazardly in all directions. These become an eyesore.

To avoid any of the above scenarios, it is best to have the stump(s) removed. But what is the best way to have this done?

Using chemicals can contaminate the area and possibly harm your pets or family. Plus, this may take months to years for it to work.

Burning the stump may be a violation in your locale; plus, the fire can extend underground and potentially lead to unexpected damage several feet away from the stump.

Digging out a stump (even a smaller one) can cause physical strain or injury to your body. The doctor bills can cost more than paying to have the stump removed.

Best practice is to have a professional grind the stump for you. Greenbush provides professional stump grinding as one of its many services. We will even grind the major surface roots, remove all of the grindings, level the ground with additional top soil, and plant grass seed as needed.

FALL IS FOR PLANTING AND RENOVATING

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:45:09 GMT

Many changes in your landscape are not seen above ground.

Many changes in your landscape are not seen above ground. That’s because the growth of all plants begins with root development. And that’s why Autumn (a.k.a. Fall) is the ideal time of the year to plant most trees and shrubs, and to renovate your lawn. September 22nd is the first day of Fall this year. It’s Nature’s time to prepare for the brutal weather of Winter, and to get things ready for a good start next Spring. It’s also a good time to look for signs of damage brewing below the surface.

Let’s say you’ve always wanted to have a specific tree, shrub, or bulb planted in your yard. Well … now’s the time to have it done. Trees need the moist, cooler weather in Autumn to get their roots established. Shrubs are similar to trees - they need time to grow roots to acclimate for the coming season. Bulbs (e.g. Daffodils, Hyacinths, Crocus, or Tulips) need planted so they can emerge with beautiful growth in the spring.

Let’s say you’ve noticed parts of your yard that have been damaged by moles, a dry spell this summer, or weeds that are choking out the grass. Well … now’s the time to renovate. Aeration-and-overseeding provides a doable way to renovate so you can have a healthy stand of grass in the Spring. Grass roots grow over the Winter, storing up energy; so, planting grass in the Fall will give it a good start in the Spring. Plus, providing organic fertilization is the ideal way to give it the nutrients needed for that winter growth.

Let’s say you see mushrooms growing on one of your trees, or you see dead branches in another tree. Those can be outward signs of what’s happening below the surface. Well … now’s the time to have them inspected. Mushrooms growing on a tree typically signal a stressed or diseased tree – possibly a fungal infection and likely decay inside the tree. Dead branches in a tree may indicate insect damage. Insects (e.g. emerald ash borer, aphids, beetles) can destroy the health of a tree. Left unchecked, they can eventually kill the tree. For the sake of safety and to prevent the spread to other trees in your landscape, it’s best to have them inspected and handled/treated before Winter.

Let’s say you already work forty hours a week, plus some overtime. Your children are back in school and you’re running them to after-school activities two to three days a week. Their games on Friday and Saturday will keep you tied up until the end of October. On top of that you have been taking them (and yourself) to doctor and dentist appointments. You would like to do some of the landscape work yourself, but time just doesn’t allow it. NO WORRIES, because Greenbush is here to assist you in keeping your landscape healthy. We can help you deal with all features and conditions of your trees, turf, plants, and flowerbeds. Contact us for a free consultation and quote: greenbushpros@gmail.com or 937-787-4490

A MOLE, A CAT, AND A DOG

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:03:11 GMT

How to control moles in your landscape

A few years ago, I observed one of my cats sitting near my back patio, intently staring at a mole run (tunnel) that paralleled the patio. Curious as to what it was doing, I intently watched what was happening. When the ground would heave, my cat would follow the movement. At some point, she reached down into the tunnel with sharp claws, attempting to catch the mole.

She was unsuccessful, but apparently was successful on other occasions. Numerous times, she would leave a dead mole at my backdoor as a present for me. Each time I winced at the sight because I had to dispose of it; but at the same time, I praised her for catching it.

A few years earlier, our family had a Black Lab. He let everyone know that he was in charge of his kingdom (our fenced-in backyard). He would catch rabbits and bury them. He would corner raccoons and hold them hostage until I could pull him away long enough for the raccoon to escape his kingdom. His message was loud and clear: NO UNAUTHORIZED ANIMALS IN MY KINGDOM. He would also dig up mole tunnels in an attempt to catch a mole. This process would often involve ten-to-twenty-foot sections of tunnels dug up, leaving a complete mess in our yard. I’m not sure if he ever caught any of the moles, but he sure tried. I don’t recall praising him for his actions, but he was still part of our family and a good pet.

Moles are interesting creatures. They typically feed on earthworms, but also on larvae, insects, grubs, and other small creatures below ground. Their noses are highly sensitive, like the star-nosed mole that has 25,000 tiny sensitive receptors supported by more than 100,000 nerve fibers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). They are small mammals that build intricate underground tunnels and rooms. Most of their runs are deep underground, unnoticeable on the surface. However, when the runs are just below the surface, they can wreak havoc on turf and plant/flower beds. Trying to catch or kill the moles usually does not stop the damage, because other moles just move in and take over the same tunnel system.

This is a time of year when you will likely see mole activity in your yard. They are most active in spring and fall, but are still active year-round. They love moist soil, especially when there are lots of earthworms in the ground. If moles are damaging your yard, Greenbush has the solution for you. We offer highly effective Mole Control and Mole Maintenance Programs to protect your yard using time-release pellets that are 100% safe (all natural ingredients). Basically, it tells the moles to “go on and git”. The product is not harmful to pets, children, or even the animals it deters. And it does not leave an odor. Contact us today for a free inspection and quote to address your mole issue: greenbushpros@gmail.com or 937-787-4490 .

As a side note, if you’ve experienced something similar with your pets and moles, feel free to share your story with us at greenbushpros@gmail.com

THE VALUE OF TREES IN YOUR LANDSCAPE

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 19:03:56 GMT

In the big picture, trees serve an important role for life on our planet. At minimum, they clean our air by removing pollutants and absorbing carbon dioxide, filter our water, assist in erosion prevention by absorbing thousands of gallons of rainwater, provide canopies that shade and cool our landscapes, provide privacy and noise reduction, exist as a food source and shelter for birds and mammals, and enrich soil with a new layer of leaves every year.

From a more personal perspective, trees support both our physical and mental health. Their artistic beauty, color, majesty, and shade influence our emotions and outlook on a daily basis. Our children’s creativity is fostered as they play in treehouses, our families sit in the shade of a majestic tree on a hot summer day sharing the joys as well as trials of life, our ears listen to birds singing their songs while perched in the branches of trees, our eyes are awestruck by the vibrant colors of leaves in the autumn when trees are about to lose their leaves, we shelter in houses built from the wood of trees that once stately stood in the forest, we collect handmade wood pieces and antiques that “Uncle Jesse” made in his workshop years ago, we joyfully decorate Christmas trees every December, and we warm our bodies and minds in the ambience of crackling, blazing flames in fireplaces and campfires. Get the picture? TREES ARE VALUABLE!

Additionally, multiple studies have shown that trees in our landscape increase the value of property by at least 10%, depending on the age and type of trees (for a $200,000 house, that’s $20,000). They also increase the value of properties in the neighborhood by 3-5% (this should make the neighbors happy).

Greenbush is dedicated to “Preserving Trees in Their Natural Beauty” . We correctly install and mulch around, aesthetically trim, properly prune, deep root feed, safely remove (if needed), and inject/spray to control insects and disease in your trees. Let us serve you by contacting us for a free tree inspection and quote: greenbushpros@gmail.com or 937-787-4490

WHAT’S BUGGIN’ YOUR LANDSCAPE? (Part 3)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 03:07:00 GMT

Some bugs and insects are not noisy or readily visible in your landscape, but can seriously damage plants, lawns, and trees.
Grubs, which are a larval stage of different beetles (e.g. June beetles and Japanese beetles) are shaped like the letter “C”, typically appear white/ milky in color, and vary in length from ¼” to 1”. They live in the top few inches of your yard’s soil and feast on the roots of grass and other plants. They can leave your lawn with spongy turf, thin grass, and brownish areas. Since birds and moles feed on grubs, additional damage is usually done to your lawn when they are present.
Cinch bugs, which are 1/6” to ¼” long sap-sucking insects, feed by piercing blades of grass and extracting out plant juices. Lawns infested with these bugs show yellow and brown patches.
Spider mites, which are a specific type of mite (arachnid) are less than 1/20” long, and suck the sap from leaves of plants and trees. Not only are they hard to see because of their minute size, but typically are found on the undersides of leaves. They can rapidly reproduce and drain the life out of the foliage in your landscape.
Scale insects, which are 1/8” to ½” long, are also sap-suckers which feed on shrubs, trees, and plants in your landscape. Growth is stunted, branches dieback, leaves turn yellow, and in some cases plant death occurs.
Other bugs and insects (such as aphids, webworms, Japanese beetles, taxus weevils, ants, mealybugs) can damage the beauty and health of your landscape. The ideal is to be proactive in controlling them before major damage has been inflicted.
Greenbush provides professional care for your lawn, trees, and plants to control damage from bugs and insects. Contact Greenbush today for a free inspection and quote by emailing greenbushpros@gmail.com or calling 937-787-4490 .

WHAT’S BUGGIN’ YOUR LANDSCAPE? (Part 2)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 01:58:00 GMT

Close your eyes and intently listen to all the sounds being made by bugs and insects in your landscape. Some of the more prominent sounds may be from crickets, grasshoppers, and cicadas.
Probably the more prominent sound you might hear is from the cicadas . They are often confused with locusts because they look similar, but cicadas do not swarm or eat crops like locusts. Their sound can easily register from 80 to more than 100 decibels, depending on how close you are to them. They create the sound using tymbal organs (like miniature drums) on the sides of their abdomens, making clicking sounds hundreds of times per second. For 2026, a cicada brood is not expected to emerge in southwest Ohio. In 2025, Brood XIV covered much of the state. This year, expect to hear and see annual cicadas from July through early autumn. Typically, cicadas do not harm healthy, mature landscapes, but can cause damage to young, small trees. A fine mesh netting can help protect them from the damage.
Grasshoppers have small pegs on their back legs which they rub against ridged areas of their forewings creating a vibration which makes a buzzing sound. They are nowhere near the loudness of cicadas, producing anywhere from 20 to 50 decibels. However, they can cause serious damage to plants and grass in your landscape by chewing leaves and stems. Sometimes they strip plants bare and sometimes they leave the plant looking ragged with irregular edges.
Crickets , in high populations can cause significant damage to your lawn – thin yellowing areas, root damage, and destruction of plants. They are also loud, like cicadas, reaching a decibel range of 60 to 100. The ones that do the most damage are the mole crickets, which tunnel below the soil surface and damage roots. They become active in August, doing most of their destruction during the night hours.
Maintaining a healthy, well-kept landscape makes it much easier to control damage from these insects. Greenbush offers a professional lawn program , tree and plant care , and perimeter pest control that will keep these insects at bay. You can reach Greenbush for a free quote by emailing greenbushpros@gmail.com or phoning 937-787-4490.

WHAT’S BUGGIN’ YOUR LANDSCAPE? (Part 1)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:01:00 GMT

Close your eyes and imagine a delicious buffet of your favorite foods – prepared and waiting for you to enjoy. Are you salivating yet? Now open your eyes and be aware of all of the bugs and insects who view your landscape (plants, trees, and lawn) the same way. Plants with succulent, tender leaves that are not only tasty, but are abundant. It’s that time of the year when insect pests are very active; so, it requires diligence to spot and control their ravenous activities.
One of the more common destructive pests are bagworms. Bagworms are native moth larvae that develop inside a cocoon (silk bag) woven around their bodies. They travel inside their bag, attaching to twigs of trees and plants with strands of silk. They devour leaves and needles on more than 125 species of evergreen and deciduous woody plants in 45 plant families. As the caterpillars mature, they weave additional host plant debris into the bag, leading to a well camouflaged home. In southwest Ohio, they specifically damage spruces, eastern redcedar, junipers, and arborvitae, but can affect other trees and shrubs. Since one female can produce 500 to 1000 eggs, the damage they can inflict spreads quickly.
In southwest Ohio, bagworm season is underway. Early detection is critical to preventing damage to your landscape. If you see browning leaves and bare branches, the damage may be from bagworms. Greenbush would like to partner with you to preserve your trees, shrubs, and plants in their natural beauty. You may contact Greenbush for a free inspection and quote . Email at greenbushpros.com or phone at 937-787-4490 .

Spring Lawn Care in Camden, Hamilton & Middletown, OH.

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:18:00 GMT

Nurturing Your Lawn Care Regime as the Seasons Change

With the arrival of spring, homeowners everywhere begin to turn their attention to the state of their lawns. Warmer weather and increased daylight offer the perfect opportunity to revitalize your grass after a long winter. Effective lawn care during these crucial months sets the tone for a lush, healthy garden throughout the year. A strategic approach in spring can prevent issues before they arise, ensuring a beautiful outdoor space that’s both appealing and sustainable.

The Fundamentals of Prepping Your Turf

As spring unfolds, selecting the right care strategies is critical. Begin by assessing your lawn for winter damage such as compacted soil or thatch—both common issues that can impede growth. Addressing these concerns early means:

Raking to remove thatch and debris for improved airflow and sunlight penetration.

Aerating compacted soil fosters root development and enhances nutrient absorption.

Testing soil pH levels and adjusting accordingly with lime or sulfur applications.

Overseeding thin areas to promote fullness and reduce weed encroachment.

Fertilization and Weed Control: Timing is Everything

An essential element of spring lawn maintenance includes fertilizing turf to replenish nutrients lost over winter. The timing of fertilizer application greatly influences effectiveness, typically best performed in mid-spring when the grass begins active growth. Concurrently, proactive weed control through pre-emergent herbicides can save hours of future weeding by tackling invaders before they take hold. Remember always to follow manufacturer guidelines to protect your lawn’s health.

Irrigation Practices for Vigorous Growth

Ideal watering practices in spring strike a balance between under- and over-watering. As temperatures climb, so do evaporation rates, making consistent watering key for maintaining lush greenery. Here are tips:

Irrigate deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root systems.

Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation loss and disease risk.

Adjust sprinkler settings seasonally to accommodate shifting weather patterns.

Maintaining a vibrant lawn through the spring requires attention to detail and understanding seasonal demands on your outdoor space. As the foundation for summer’s outdoor activities sets in, consider enlisting professional assistance from Greenbush Professional Services LLC for expert lawn care services in Camden, OH. Dial (937) 787-4490 for an appointment!