The Grass is Always Greener… in the Fall!

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Is the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? It might be because that greener, healthier looking lawn is given the attention it needs in the fall.

Throughout the summer we are often playing on our lawns and regularly mowing them. This

additional foot traffic causes compaction which prevents the lawn from breathing. It also prevents water and nutrients from reaching down to its roots. When a lawn cannot breathe and take in nutrients, it becomes weak and susceptible to weeds, insect damage and disease.

Aerating, slit seeding, and over seeding are all methods we employ at Goldberg and Rodler to rejuvenate lawns after the dog days of summer have passed.

Aeration:

One approach to repair the lawn in the fall is aeration.

Aeration creates small holes which enable the lawn to breathe and helps water and nutrients penetrate down to the roots of the grass. This then creates a stronger and more vigorously growing lawn. After aeration, adding compost will provide an extra burst of nutrients for rejuvenation.

Slit Seeding:

Slit seeding opens up the lawn to help it breathe.Similar to aeration, it also removes thatch. Thatch is dead grass, old roots and organic matter that builds up on the lawn. The tool used to

remove the thatch and open the lawn creates rows of openings. These new openings are perfect for adding seeds, ensuring contact with the soil, rather than just spreading seed on top of the existing lawn.

Over Seeding:

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If your lawn isn’t looking it’s best, but also isn’t suffering

from compaction, an over seeding can give your lawn the boost it needs. Over seeding adds new grass seed right on top of your existing lawn, producing new growth that will make your lawn green and lush. This prevents weeds from taking over where the existing lawn has become thin and weak.

Make Your Lawn Greener & More Lush:

Contact us today for a lawn assessment. We will determine the best course of action to improve the health of your lawn. Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on this fall, your lawn will be greener, healthier, and more lush.

– Corinne Iasilli

 

Bug Off!

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BUG OFF!

With vacations cancelled and travel options limited this summer, many of us will be taking well-deserved “staycations” in our own backyards this summer. 

While we’re still adhering to social distancing guidelines, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks didn’t get the memo and are invading your personal space without a care. The uninvited guests at every gathering, they’re more than just unwelcome nuisances, but also a dangerous source of discomfort and disease. 

Biting mosquitoes spread West Nile and Zika in humans, while being the leading cause of heartworm in dogs. Ticks transmit Lyme disease to humans and pets. Fleas affect both dogs and cats, causing excessive itching and scratching, hair loss, tapeworms, and they have been known to spread typhus and plague to humans. 

The unusually warm winter and early spring have us seeing mosquitoes in our yards earlier than usual. Mild winters do not kill off ticks, and their numbers will likely be elevated this year, so we must stay vigilant in covering exposed skin when hiking or in tick-infested areas. It’s also important to thoroughly check ourselves, as well as our children and pets, for ticks after spending time outdoors. They can be as tiny as a period at the end of a sentence, so look closely. 

It’s often thought that fragrant flowering plants such as marigolds and lavender, and herbs like rosemary and basil offer some respite from relentless mosquitoes. Unfortunately, research has shown that the presence of these plants do not cut down on their activity. Even the citronella plant has no proven effect; in fact it’s not even where citronella of tiki torch fame comes from. The citronella plant is in the geranium family, whereas the citronella oil used for candles and repellents is derived from a different plant called Cymbopogon nardus, which is a type of grass.

There are steps we can take to reduce the presence of mosquitoes and other pests on our properties. Frequently draining bird baths and fountains and eliminating standing water clears breeding grounds where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Keeping gutters clean allows water to drain, rather than collect. Yard maintenance will also help keep pests in check. Mowing the lawn and cleaning up yard debris eliminates areas for pests to congregate as well.

However, to truly enjoy being outside and comfortable in your yard at all hours of the day, the best course of action is having your yard sprayed on a biweekly or monthly basis. Starting in May and continuing treatment through October is key in controlling the mosquito, tick and flea population. 

Tree Care of Long Island, a division of Goldberg & Rodler, offers comprehensive packages for homeowners and businesses. We use environmentally friendly botanical oils and targeted sprays to repel mosquitoes and other backyard pests. Give us a call today to schedule a free, full-property evaluation. We will assess your needs and offer you the safest and most efficient way to control pests, making your yard the relaxing escape you desire.

#believeintomorrow

– Corinne Iasilli

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Flower Power

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FLOWER POWER

One of our last landscaping projects before the NYS Pause took effect, deeming ornamental landscaping services non-essential, was the yearly installation of spring annuals for Northgate Properties at Melville, a Fairfield Properties managed condominium community.

Following the dark cold winter, installing spring annuals for our clients is always an exciting prospect for us as we love ushering in the new season by bringing vibrant colors into the landscape.

Positive feedback from our clients is a true testament to the power that plants have on our mental well-being:

“Just wanted to tell the board how appreciative we are for the beautiful landscaping. 

In this difficult time when we go out and see such lovely flowers it helps. Thanks.”

HOA Board President, Fred Paul Gross, echoed this sentiment, following up with a note to Tom and the team:

Dear Mr. Rodler, 

As Board President at Northgate at Melville, I must email you to share the numerous compliments we have been receiving from community members. In a time when people are anxious and saddened about the pandemic we are facing, residents have been telling the Board how beautiful the community looks and how this brings a smile and sense of great pride in Northgate. As the beauty emerges from the soil I think it reminds all that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that we all emerge from this to fully enjoy all the beauty surrounding us. 

 

Thank you, and to all the fabulous members of the Goldberg-Rodler team, for all of the beauty that surrounds us and to remind us how important it is to smell the roses as we look to the future.

Fred Paul Gross

 

President

Northgate at Melville, HOA, Inc.  

We are honored to be able to provide our client, Northgate Properties and its residents, visual comfort during this trying time, and look forward to providing all of our clients this inspiring service in the not too distant future. 

#believeintomorrow

 

Introducing: Garrett Matthews

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We are very excited to welcome Garrett Matthews to our Goldberg and Rodler team.  As a graduate from Rutgers University’s Professional Golf Turf Management School, he has an extensive background in the turf industry and exceptional attention to detail.  As our new Project Manager and Turf Grass Specialist, his valuable knowledge about maintaining all types of grass will help ensure that our customers have the healthiest and most optimal looking lawns.  He has a plethora of knowledge about improving lawns, solving problems, and best practice making recommendations about the care of one’s property.

Garrett has been working in the landscaping industry and on golf courses for the past three and a half years.  He enjoys working in this field because there are so many different possibilities you can do within a space, “Whether it’s building a waterfall, pond, a garden or pool, you can do whatever we and the customer can imagine.”

With his enthusiasm and knowledge, Garrett is proving to be an important member of our Goldberg and Rodler family.  He is currently advancing his education at Farmingdale State University where he is taking classes in horticulture.  In his spare time, he’s really into sports and used to coach basketball in Michigan, before moving to Long Island.  He also enjoys playing soccer, golf, and is a big fan of the beaches here on the island.

If you would like to contact Garrett please email him at:
garrett@goldbergandrodler.net

Photo Credit: Sue Sotera

12 Reasons to Choose Goldberg & Rodler for Your Landscape Needs

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A community beautification project in Centerport/Huntington, partnership with Bottle Bargains and Bottles & Cases.As we approach our 60th anniversary, we pause to reflect on the last 6 decades and look forward to continuing our long-standing relationships with clients and our award winning tradition. These twelve reasons illustrate the care, dedication, and professionalism our clients have recognized in our company.

1. Our People: Goldberg and Rodler prides itself in having a highly talented and passionate group of certified and university trained professionals eager to see your project through from concept to completion.

2. History: We are a second generation landscape firm that began operations in 1958, so you can count on a stable company with a staff of loyal, dedicated, and experienced landscape professionals.

3. Integrity and Reliability: Goldberg and Rodler is a client focused organization with a fundamental belief of building trust by living up to our agreements and dealing honestly with our clients through dependability, accountability, and responsibility.

4. Environmentally Responsible: We recognize the need to protect and preserve our environment for immediate and future generations and we believe that understanding, respecting and following the laws of nature is paramount.

5. Knowledge and Innovation: As a team, we are always looking for new ways to fulfill your needs. We evolve with new technology to solve challenges, improving our products and services. Our goal is to support and create both a functional and beautiful outdoor living environment that will continue to give joy and comfort for many years to come.

6. Single Point Responsibility: Single point responsibility allows you the peace of mind that one person, either a landscape designer or project manager will always be available to discuss any questions, concerns, or needs you may have. As a team of professionals, we bring a variety of viewpoints and expertise to the design and implementation of your project. At Goldberg and Rodler we always strive to not only meet but exceed your expectations.

7. VIP Status: All of our clients, regardless of the size of the project, are given VIP status with personal attention 365 days a year. Whether you have a question, concern, need help after a storm, setting up for a party, or anything else, we are always available to mobilize our crews and provide the best possible solution to your specific need.

8. Reputation: Since inception, our landscape company has strived for over seven decades to develop and maintain an excellent reputation and has won the confidence of many high profile commercial clients including LI Jewish Medical Center, Gurwin Jewish Geriatric Center, SUNY Farmingdale University, Eisenhower Park – MADD Garden, Fay Lindner Assisted Living, Zucker-Hillside Hospital, Montauk Manor, The Shoppes at Greenvale, Catholic Health Services and many more. These relationships, and an extensive list of satisfied residential clients, have been nurtured through the quality oriented philosophy of our company, our logistic wherewithal and horticultural expertise. Client referrals are available upon request.

9. Horticultural Expertise: We bring a high degree of horticultural knowledge and many years of landscape experience to each and every project. Our staff includes certified arborists and nursery professionals, licensed pesticide applicators and trained horticultural experts.

10. Full Service Landscape: In addition to our landscape design and installation capacity, we offer a wide range of a la carte services including Seasonal Flower Plantings, Tree Care, Property Maintenance, and Winter Pruning to help nurture, maintain, and ensure the health and quality of your landscape for many years to come.

11. Dedicated Service Department: Our experienced and certified professionals will diagnose your horticultural problems, recommend a solution, and dispatch our service crew promptly.

12. Award Winning Projects for Over 50 Years: We bring this award winning history and experience to all projects large and small. In total, our landscape professionals have over 400 years of combined landscape and horticultural experience.

 

Introducing: Chris Tanner

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ChrisTannerChris Tanner
Property Management Specialist

We’d like to welcome a new member to the Goldberg & Rodler family. Chris Tanner has become part of our landscape car team in the role of Property Management Specialist. The success of your garden depends heavily on the knowledge and expertise of the people managing it.

We are very pleased to announce that Chris Tanner has joined us in that role. Chris is an experienced foreman and for 30 plus years has installed many award-winning landscapes. For the past several years, he has concentrated his talents in the Garden Care area.

He has a creative and artistic eye for details and he and his crew are dedicated to making sure your landscape will always look its best. To contact Chris, email him at chris@goldbergandrodler.net. Chris makes sure all landscapes in Goldberg & Rodler’s Garden Care program receive proper horticultural care and consideration.

Goldberg & Rodler Earns Top Landscape Award on Long Island

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Back in October 2014 this property was featured in our Project of the Month blog and is now aptly named The Manor on the Hill.  The design for this Port Washington property began in summer 2013.  The Goldberg & Rodler design team earned the Judges Award, the top honor in the Long Island Nursery and Landscape (LINLA) awards program, and also won the Gold Award in the Single Family Residence category.

UPDATE 06/22/17: We were just honored with the New York State Nursery & Landscape Associtaion (NYSNLA) 2017 Environmental Beautification Award: Residential Over $100,000 for this project!

The front yard is now a cobblestone and asphalt parking court comprised of tiered retaining walls and increases the usefulness of the space. Planting helps soften the boldness of the brick manor and the large natural boulder is showcased.This traditional style brick home is the definition of a diamond in the rough.  The house sits atop a hill, oriented on an angle, and was found with a landscape in utter disrepair.  Our clients had a vision for their home to reclaim its historic integrity while providing the comforts of a modern lifestyle.

BEFORE: The original driveway was a dark and desolate ……..AFTER:The entry is now transformed to an inviting and open experience.

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The first obstacle was grading the site, which was a massive undertaking.  Since the lot was so small, staging equipment and materials was a constant struggle.  Tight scheduling and diligent project management were essential components for conducting this project smoothly.

BEFORE: A nine foot wide spread footing is making its debut……AFTER:Brick and bluestone walls are paired with Long Island boulders.

Before-After-2

The existing bluestone patio in the rear yard was recycled into a new form that included an aged brick edge.  The patio was then extended to accommodate a brick and bluestone fire pit.  A u-shaped outdoor kitchen was an essential part of this reimagined landscape.

The backyard is now a series of entertaining spaces enlivened by a full outdoor kitchen, gas fire pit, and seating/dining areas.The outdoor kitchen has a chunky bluestone veneer and provides a textured aesthetic with a smooth bluestone counter.

An incredible amount of coordination was required to carve this diamond out of the rough.  The process was grueling and taxing on all parties involved and the result speaks volumes about the power of teamwork.  The amount of construction required for this project would make most people shudder or retreat.  With determination and due diligence Goldberg and Rodler transformed this landscape into a unique lifestyle experience.

The Manor on the Hill is composed of a dynamic arrangement of entertaining and advantageous spaces. The new design succeeds in creating a private getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.We can tailor a landscape design to fit your lifestyle as well.  All projects large and small are treated with the same level of award winning detail.  We can do this for you.  Call Goldberg & Rodler at (631) 271-6460 and we will mobilize our design team to help enhance your lifestyle.  Now is the time for planning this year’s garden, so call today!

Written by: Nick Onesto

Tom Rodler – LINLA 51st Man of the Year Award

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Tom-MOYEach year, since 1965, the Long Island Nursery and Landscape Association, LINLA, gathers to celebrate the accomplishments of its fellow industry leaders. For many years, LINLA has had the pleasure to distinguish individuals for their notable contributions to our industry, highlight their hard work, and recognize their dedication. For the 51st Annual Man of the Year, Tom Rodler was awarded this honor.

As President of the award winning landscape and design firm of Goldberg and Rodler, he has followed in the footsteps of his father, Robert Rodler, by overseeing each and every aspect of the business. Tom has been a staunch supporter and believer in educating both consumers and members of the industry.

Tom has taught classes in landscape design, drafting, and landscape construction at the State University of New York at Farmingdale for the past seventeen years. All of his classes were very hands on and student centered. He has also been a guest professor at SUNY Cobleskill and The State University of Morrisville.

Tom has been a valued instructor for the review programs of the New York State Nursery Landscape Association Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional exam.

Tom lectures at various garden clubs and school educational programs to help promote the landscape industry to the public here on Long Island. He has also been involved with career day at different high schools throughout Long Island and taught various educational programs to students to stimulate interest in the industry.

Early in his career, Tom starred in an extra help landscape education program on cable television. The show involved interviewing guests, making interactive presentations relating to different subjects, and answering live calls and questions on the air. Ask him to tell you some stories about this experience!

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Tom has also volunteered much of his free time to supporting the industry. He has served as Past President of both the Long Island Nursery Landscape Association and the New York State Nursery Landscape Association. He is responsible for the design and development of the Garden of Awareness at SUNY Farmingdale and the Garden of Hope at Eisenhower Park for the Long Island Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Harry Chapin Butterfly Garden in Huntington’s Heckscher Park, and contributing to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Farmingville.

In his personal life, Tom enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, walks in the woods, and time at the beach.

Introducing: Mary Catherine Schaefer Gutmann

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Mary Catherine Schaefer GutmannGoldberg and Rodler is thrilled to announce a new addition to our staff of horticultural experts. Mary Catherine Gutmann has joined Goldberg & Rodler, Inc. and brought her significant horticultural knowledge and experience to serve our clients. Mary Catherine has over 25 years of plant diagnostic and garden care skills, most recently with Ireland Gannon Associates and Martin Viette Nursery.

What does that mean for you, our valued client? In her new role as After Care Manager for Goldberg & Rodler, Inc., she will be inspecting, reviewing and providing specific horticultural advice for all of our landscape projects, new and old. For our maintenance clients, Mary Catherine will manage a schedule of regular visits to look after all the fine gardening details for our clients’ lawns and gardens. If your landscape project needs any type of service or replacements plants, Mary Catherine will be involved with that as well.

We’ve added another important professional to our team in an effort to be more efficient and, most importantly, better serve our clients.

So when your hear that Mary Catherine is going to visit your garden, or if you see her out there performing an inspection, go out there and say hello. She will happily answer your questions so fire away and be prepared to raise your horticultural IQ.

You can reach Mary Catherine several different ways:

Email: marycatherine@goldbergandrodler.net
Office: (631) 271-6460 x26
Cell: (631) 258-4004

Charging into the Future: Electric Vehicle Recharging Stations

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A Honda Fit recharging at Montauk Manor.Have you noticed the increase in hybrid and electric vehicle ownership? Originally invented in the 1800s (yes, the 1800s!), electric cars were outnumbered quickly by gasoline powered vehicles after Henry Ford debuted his affordable, mass produced Model T. A brief attempt at a revival happened in the 1970s during the gasoline crisis. Only now, with an emphasis on the environment, pollution, reducing our carbon footprint, rising fuel costs, and recognition of the finite nature of fossil fuels, have electric vehicles come back into popularity and are gaining steam.

Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is on the rise. Some benefits of electric cars are no tailpipe emissions, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and tax breaks. Here on Long Island, you can use the HOV lane with a Clean Pass sticker, which  you can get if your vehicle’s “…US EPA fuel economy rating averages at least 45 miles per gallon and meets the California Air Resources Board SULEV emissions standard…”  according to New York’s Clean Pass Program. Many electric and hybrid vehicles qualify, but check the website for the full list of approved cars. Electric vehicle’s overall mileage ranges aren’t as high as a gasoline powered car or hybrid (yet!) and you need to be able to charge while on the road. Even in a gasoline powered car, you need to refuel. Gas stations are ubiquitous, but charging stations are more difficult to come by. Most electric vehicle owner’s charge at home or at work, but what do you do when you’re on the road?

We are excited to be participating in creating a sustainable future and helping our clients move to the forefront of energy efficiency by installing state of the art charging stations in various Long Island locations for their customers. Some of our forward thinking clients are energized by the idea of providing electric charging services for their customers. This past fall we had the opportunity to design and install Electric Vehicle Parking/Charging Stations at two locations. One station is at the historic Montauk Manor, a resort in Montauk, NY, and the other is at a popular retailer, Bottle Buys, in Glen Head.

A sustainable addition to an existing parking area.Montauk Manor, at the very eastern end of Long Island, had no nearby charging stations open to the public at the time we installed the charging station. A guest of the resort has complimentary use of the charging station but anyone from the public may come by and purchase charging time to recharge their electric car’s battery.

At Bottle Buys in Glen Head, charge while you shop. Only a few miles from the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway, you can grab a nice bottle of wine for dinner on your way home from work while you charge your car.

Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint? Have you bought an electric vehicle or know someone who has? Are you the owner of a business that would like to install a charging station? Talk to us about how to move ahead with EV charging stations and other sustainable landscape solutions.

Written by: Ashley Palko Haugsjaa