Business

The Benefits of Planting Trees and Shrubs

Published

3 years ago

September 13, 2023

Rockland/Bergen – As the days grow shorter and the air carries a crispness, the fall season presents an opportune time to embark on landscaping endeavors. Planting trees and shrubs during this time offers a myriad of benefits, allowing your green additions to thrive and flourish in the seasons to come. Let’s explore why the autumn months are the perfect time for planting.

Ideal Growing Conditions: The cooler temperatures of fall create a favorable environment for establishing new trees and shrubs. As the soil remains warm from the summer heat, plant roots continue to grow, enabling them to anchor securely before the ground freezes. This extended root development period gives the plants a head start for vigorous growth in the following spring.

Reduced Stress on Plants: Planting during the fall reduces the stress on both plants and gardeners alike. Unlike the scorching heat of summer or the harsh conditions of winter, fall provides a mild climate that minimizes the chances of heat stress and water evaporation. This allows newly planted trees and shrubs to adjust more comfortably, without the pressure of extreme weather conditions.

Ample Moisture Availability: Fall often brings more frequent rainfall, providing a natural irrigation system for your newly planted additions. This abundance of moisture helps in the establishment process and reduces the need for constant watering. Additionally, the lower temperatures result in slower evaporation rates, allowing plants to absorb water effectively.

Less Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: During the fall, many pests and diseases that typically plague plants during the warmer months begin to decrease in activity. This means that newly planted trees and shrubs face a lower risk of encountering harmful organisms that could impede their growth.

Opportunity for Root Establishment: Trees and shrubs planted in the fall can focus their energy on root establishment rather than expending resources on foliage and flower production. This enables them to develop strong and extensive root systems that provide a sturdy foundation for future growth.

Down to Earth Living, celebrating its 52nd year, Down to Earth Living Garden Center in Rockland County offers 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs and trees, with new arrivals coming in every week. The 10,000 square foot showroom has a large and unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture. The center is open 9 – 5 every day and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45. Phone number is 845-354-8500. Website is www.dteliving.com for more information.

Business

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Return to Hudson Valley: How to Attract Them

Published

5 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Ruby-throated hummingbird are arriving across the Northeast, including the Hudson Valley, as part of their annual spring migration from Central America and southern Mexico. Early arrivals begin in mid-to-late April, with populations typically established in Rockland and Bergen counties by late May. Males arrive first to claim feeding territories.

Homeowners can attract hummingbirds by planting nectar-rich, native flowers such as bee balm, columbine, cardinal flower, coral bells, salvia, trumpet vine, and jewelweed. Bright, tubular blooms in red, orange, and pink are especially effective.

Local garden center Down to Earth Living recommends additional steps like using a simple sugar-water feeder (1:4 ratio, no dye), providing shrubs for shelter, adding a water source, and avoiding pesticides.

Beyond their beauty, hummingbirds help pollinate plants, control insects, and support biodiversity. Creating a welcoming habitat can sustain them through their breeding season, which lasts from spring into early fall.

Gardeners can find hummingbird-friendly plants and supplies at Down to Earth Living, which is also offering free repotting with plant or pot purchases this spring.

Business

Down to Earth Living Highlights Benefits of Indoor Plants for Health and Air Quality

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Indoor plants have become a popular addition to homes and workplaces, valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their wide-ranging health benefits. From improving air quality to enhancing mental well-being, these natural elements can transform indoor environments.

Benefits of Indoor Plants

Improved Air Quality
Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. Research, including NASA’s Clean Air Study, has shown that certain plants—such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants—can help remove indoor pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

Enhanced Mental Health and Productivity
Studies published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology indicate that interacting with plants can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additional research in Environmental Psychology found that workplaces with plants experienced up to a 15 percent increase in productivity.

Aesthetic Appeal
Indoor plants enhance interior spaces by softening architectural lines and adding natural beauty. Popular varieties like fiddle-leaf figs, pothos, and succulents complement a wide range of décor styles. The National Gardening Association reports that visual appeal is one of the primary reasons people incorporate plants into their homes.

Physical Health Benefits
Plants can increase indoor humidity, potentially reducing issues caused by dry air such as sore throats, coughs, and dry skin. They may also help absorb sound, contributing to quieter indoor environments.

Ease of Care
Many indoor plants are low-maintenance and adaptable to different lighting conditions. Hardy options such as pothos, ZZ plants, and succulents make it easy for beginners to enjoy the benefits of greenery.

Indoor plants do more than enhance décor—they contribute to cleaner air, improved well-being, and a more vibrant living or working space.

Down to Earth Living’s expanded indoor plant showroom is now open for the spring season, offering a wide variety of plants. Customers can also take advantage of a complimentary repotting service with the purchase of a pot.