“Our beloved 5 acres in the country had a worsening problem: an infestation of bittersweet, a fast-spreading invasive vine that murders the trees it climbs. Enter the amazing sam of Astrodime ... Who scientifically assessed ... and then over a few months fixed ... the problem (the fix wasn’t easy ... but sam was affordable ... and SO worth it). Now our rural acres are healthy again, flourishing with wildlife, a pleasure to walk and enjoy. sam and the Astrodime team saved our rural acres from a deepening curse of bittersweet, which murders the trees it climbs.”
— Tom Ahern and Simone Joyaux, Clients
Home of Client
Outdoor scene with grass and plants, featuring text "Ecosystem Audit and Weed Removal 2021."
Aerial image with property boundaries identified.
Site mapped by zone identifying invasive species and rated by urgency.
BEFORE (SUMMER 2021) Garden Covered in Bittersweet
AFTER: Garden path following removal of dead tree, Bittersweet, Honeysuckle and Buckthorn. New cover crop of Winter Rye.
AFTER: Discovery of healthy stand of White Pine and Cypress behind garden.
BEFORE: (Summer 2021) Spruce entangled in Bittersweet
AFTER: Removal of bittersweet roots from canopy and root area.
Process sketch identifying existing plant inventory.
Tree Disentanglement: Bittersweet roots strangling high bush Blueberry and Cedar.
Barrel of Bittersweet!
“Sam is the perfect gardener if you want, like me, to work in close consultation with a person who is exceptionally knowledgeable, especially regarding invasive plant species, and remarkably thorough in rooting them out before replacing them with carefully selected and arrayed native perennials. Light hardscaping provides convenient access to back sections of the garden and serves to define special focal areas (e.g., a miniature herb garden or the area around the new Serviceberry Tree). Highly recommended!.”
— David Wulff, Client
Image of a flyer for "Invasive Species Removal and Restoration Plan 2021" by Astrodime, featuring a house surrounded by trees. It details the project site, specifications, and acknowledgements.
Client Footprint
Mapped by zones
BEFORE: Engulfed Japanese Snowbell
AFTER: Disentangled Japanese Snowbell
BEFORE: Lilac Incursion
Buckwheat Soil Restoration
BEFORE: Overgrown Hostas
AFTER: Aster Central
BEFORE: Major incursion of many invasives
Three photos of a garden area labeled Zone 4, with dense greenery including ivy and various plants. The text below indicates the presence of invasive species like Poison Ivy, Virginia Creeper, and others to be removed. The setting includes a stone wall and wooden fence, emphasizing the overgrown vegetation that needs management.
AFTER: Area is recovered and ready to plant.
AFTER: Client with baby Serviceberry (Autumn Brilliance)
Rock Garden and light hardscaping
Detail: Rock and herb garden
ID drawing for herb garden and flower mix
Draft for restoration
Work in Progress (Lawn Restoration)