Newsletter

Welcome to the ProGrass information center! My name is Steve Varga and each month I will be providing you with updated seasonal information on landscape care. Please check back regularly for current information that will help you have a better landscape and get the most out of your ProGrass services. Also be sure to check my care tip sheets and if you have any questions please click on my question and answer icon.

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October 2004 Newsletter

The summer sure went by fast. Now that fall is here, leaves will soon be changing color and dropping. I love fall because the air is cool and we still have some sunny days left. Most plants in the landscape are pretty close to being dormant, so growth and flowering are just about done for the year. Very little growth occurs between now and spring. Now's the time to put your landscape to bed for a long winter nap.

The care you give your landscape in October determines its quality next spring. Whether you do it yourself or use ProGrass' horticultural service department, make sure you:

Pruning

Pruning is the number one thing to take care of before winter. Properly pruned plants not only look better; they are healthier and live longer. But, remember, there is a difference between pruning and cutting.

Pruning requires careful consideration of which limbs and twigs to remove. Each limb/twig removed has a purpose and only a specific number should be cut.

The pruning process requires skillful training and proper equipment. Pruning is an art as well as a plant science. I recommend that all landscapes be professionally pruned at least each year. In between you must also remove loose or hanging limbs, tip long sprouts, shear and remove old flowers and suckers, and trim ground cover.

You can learn how to do these things by studying pruning books or checking right here for current and future pruning technical bulletins. Or if you want a more manicured landscape, two to three professional pruning visits by ProGrass would be in order.

Landscape Cleanup

Keeping your landscape tidy is critical for controlling insects and disease in your plants. Remove all fallen debris, such as leaves, branches, flowers and fruit, as soon as possible.

Mulch

You can apply mulch to beds almost anytime. However, fall is my favorite time, because winter rain settles the loose particles and reduces blowing. Also, a fresh layer of bark dust reduces mud splashing and weed growth, controls erosion, and protects root systems.

Winterizing Sprinkler Systems

If you have a sprinkler system, it is crucial to winterize it. That means draining all of the water from the system before the first freeze. It only takes one cold spell to crack sprinkler heads, valves, or pipes. This results in costly repairs next spring. Newer sprinkler systems use sealed heads that cause a vacuum, preventing draining the line. You must use compressed air to blow out these systems.

Don't forget: ProGrass can help you with all of these and other services!