EcoScapes IA

03/14/2021

Can get used to an office like this everyday!

02/21/2021

Want to help protect your local watershed while improving the look of your own landscape? Check out https://iowastormwater.org/ and then reach out to EcoScapes IA. Read below for a brief overview.

Rainscaping is a concept promoting infiltration based stormwater management practices on a statewide basis. Rainscapes are stormwater practices that can be installed on both residential and commercial properties.

Many larger cities in Iowa have cost share programs for funding the installation of basic and engineered Rainscapes in residential or commercial properties. Common stormwater grant or reimbursement programs offer 50% funding for the cost of project. Typically there is also a maximum dollar amount for a single project or set dollar amount per practice.

The goal of a cost share program is to encourage residential landowners to incorporate stormwater best management practices on their property. Stormwater practices aid in improving local water quality by treating stormwater before it enters the storm sewer. Stormwater practices also help reduce localized flash flooding by retaining storwmwater onsite and lessening the burden on the sewer system.

02/19/2021

I'm excited to team up with the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF). They are in a partnership with the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA) and Trees Forever.

The goal is to establish, enhance or re-establish windbreaks around livestock operations. Iowa State University notes that windbreaks slow the wind, provide natural filtration for water and odors, reduce energy costs and serve as snow breaks.

Additionally, evergreen trees, shade/flowering trees, shrubs, and native grasses/flowers provide valuable wildlife habitat. Windbreaks provide excellent shelter, especially during harsh winters, and promote pollinators.

Read the news release below and please share with any farmer friends. Thanks!

News Release

Contact: Brian Waddingham, Executive Director
Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
515-225-5531 / [email protected]

Solon Landscaper Joins Green Farmstead Partner Program

West Des Moines, Iowa – February 18, 2021

Ben Harrison of Solon has been designated a participating landscape professional in the Green Farmstead Partner Program. Harrison, an Iowa native, owns and operates EcoScapes IA, a company focused on providing quality service in the areas of trees, ecology and landscaping.

The on-farm environmental initiative promotes the planning and installation of tree plantings on livestock and poultry farms. It’s a collaborative effort involving the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Trees Forever and the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA).

The Green Farmstead Partner Program provides information and resources to farmers wanting to plant trees and shrubs around new and existing cattle feedlots, hog barns and poultry buildings.
There are many benefits associated with planting trees on livestock farms, such as enhancing relationships with neighbors, improving aesthetics, controlling snow, and much more. Additionally, Iowa State University research shows that properly designed tree and shrub plantings can reduce odor by 10-15 percent.

“I decided to join the program because I want to get back to what I love doing – getting more involved with natural resources and conservation practices to enhance the environment in rural Iowa,” says Ben Harrison, owner of EcoScapes IA. “I’m excited to be a part of the Green Farmstead Partner Program and work with farmers in eastern Iowa.”

Farmers interested in participating in the Green Farmstead Partner program can get started by calling Ben at 515-480-2861 or visiting www.ecoscapesia.com; or contacting the Coalition at 800-932-2436 or logging on to www.supportfarmers.com/greenfarmsteadpartner/

CSIF is a non-profit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. This positive, solutions-based approach to helping livestock farmers grow is a collaborative effort involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy. For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.

09/07/2020

I have been getting questions concerning oak wilt on storm damaged oaks and the removal of limbs. Oaks are at highest risk between April 1st and July 1st. The risk goes down after July and really goes down after first frost. Luckily, the timing of this storm has put us in a low risk category for oak wilt spread. An added insurance this time of year is applying a wound care product to fresh cuts. Here is a good article from ISU Extension explaining it. Hope this helps. Let me know if EcoScapes IA can assist in your tree care or removal.

Oak wilt, the most damaging disease of oak trees in lowa, has killed many forest and landscape oaks in the eastern and central United States. Oak wilt has not devastated its host species, however, mainly because its spread from diseased to healthy trees has been relatively slow and sporadic. Neverth...

08/30/2020

Some of last week's projects.

08/30/2020

Can your tree be saved? After a storm I look at a few things:

1) Are there more than 50% of the leaves/limbs left without damage.
2) Is there less than 30% of the main trunk damaged
3) Are wounds too large to heal quickly enough and will disease/pests become an issue.
4) If it is leaning, are the roots still in tact and firmly in the ground.
5) Will the tree fill out quickly or slowly after trimming.