Trees and shrubs Archives - Buffalo-NiagaraGardening.com

Christmas tree farm in Chautauqua County

Caring for fresh Christmas tree; consider buying local

Consider choosing a locally grown and cut Christmas tree this year. “Supporting our local farms is a great way to purchase quality goods and contribute to our local economy,” said Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program. “For every $1 spent on local agricultural products, $2.29 is generated in the community. “Shop local, not only for Christmas trees, but also delicious food gifts, holiday meal supplies and more.” Visit Chautauqua Grown, the local…...

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Dec 9, 2025

What gardens teach us in winter: ‘Digging In’ newsletter

Here is the latest edition of Digging In, the newsletter published by Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. What our gardens teach us Our gardens keep teaching, even as winter approaches. It’s harder to see the lessons when everything feels cold and dormant, but they’re there. Consider vernalization — the way many plants, from native perennials to fruit trees to spring bulbs, need to experience winter’s chill before they can bloom. It’s what makes the seeds we plant during winter…...

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Dec 2, 2025

fallen leaves autumn in Amherst NY by Stofko

What should you do with fallen leaves?

by Connie Oswald Stofko What happens when you rake leaves in fall? That’s what Max Ferlauto, a Maryland State entomologist, wanted to find out. In particular, he wanted to explore what happens to insects in the soil, according to this article from the College of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland. Ferlauto was one of the researchers who wanted to answer this question: If you remove the leaves from a lawn in autumn, would that reduce…...

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Oct 21, 2025

Joe pye weed in autumn by Connie Oswald Stofko

Diggin In newsletter: resilience

The October edition of Diggin In newsletter includes an essay on resilience in gardening, an introduction into galls and a garden checklist. Diggin In is published by the Master Gardeners in Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County. by Lydia Fernandez, Master Gardener Volunteer As gardeners, one of the most important things we grow is resilience. Season after season, we learn, we adapt and we try again. Whether we see ourselves as optimists or pessimists in life, we are hopeful in…...

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Oct 7, 2025

swallow tail caterpillars on spicebush leaves

Sassafras & spicebush trees are at risk; how you can help

Two native species of trees, sassafras and spicebush, are at risk of an invasive fungal disease called laurel wilt. The disease has been detected on Long Island. It’s the first detection of the disease in New York State. Note: Mountain laurel, despite its name, is not in the same family and isn’t impacted by the disease. Also, spicebush is relatively small; it can be grouped as a shrub or as a small tree. The groups working on this are: Why we don’t want…...

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Sep 30, 2025

tree on poster for Arbor Day in New York State

Enter 2026 Arbor Day poster contest; deadline is Nov. 30

“Trees for the Future” is the theme of the 2026 Arbor Day poster contest in New York State. The 2026 theme expresses connections between people and trees, the importance of planting trees for future generations, and the role of trees in providing resilience in a changing climate. “Trees are powerful allies in building resilient communities, ecosystems, and a healthier future,” said Amanda Lefton, commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). “As we work together towards our goal…...

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Sep 23, 2025

red maple leaf among green leaves in Amherst NY

Autumn is here: leaves are changing color in WNY

The first signs of colorful leaves are here in Western New York! The first I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report came out last week. Salamanca, in the Chautauqua-Allegheny group, had the most significant foliage change in Western New York. A new report will come out on Wednesday (Sept. 17). The I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report relies on more than 90 volunteer field observers to let us know when leaves start to change color and when they will be at…...

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Sep 16, 2025

Moving into autumn: tips from Master Gardeners in Orleans County

As autumn settles in, it’s tempting to focus solely on the checklist—deadheading, mulching, putting beds to rest. But before we rush into end-of-season tasks, consider taking a different approach this month. Step into your garden not as a worker, but as an observer. Notice the subtle shift in light, the way seeds have scattered in unexpected places, the quiet persistence of late bloomers. Your garden has been telling stories all season long. This month, let’s slow down enough to listen. —From…...

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Sep 2, 2025

Have you been sweltering this summer? Plant a tree this autumn!

Was your house roasting during the 80- and 90-degree days? Did your energy bill go sky high? Take this tip from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Plant a tree. Once it grows tall enough, a tree placed on the west or northwest side of a house can provide critical shade during the hottest times of day. This lowers the temperature inside the house and can reduce your cooling bill by up to 35 percent! To bring energy savings…...

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Aug 19, 2025

Watch for Asian longhorned beetle

The good news is that we haven’t seen an Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) in Western New York. The bad news is that this invasive insect kills maples and other broad-leafed trees. That’s not good for our street trees–or for our forests. And it could wipe out the maple industry. The good news is that you can help by watching for the ALB; it’s active now. This quick video gives you the high points. Get a fact sheet with photos here…....

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Aug 12, 2025