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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November 2004 Newsletter

Winter is on its way. Leaves are changing color and starting to fall. By the end of the month, most of the leaves will have dropped. This time of year evergreens also drop needles, which is normal. It is best to remove most of the fallen foliage as soon as possible. Leftover leaves and debris only provide a hiding place for insects and disease. Be sure to do a good cleanup at least every 2-3 weeks until all leaves and needles have fallen.

During this time, pruning is also critical. Soon severe winter storms will bring heavy rain, wind and possibly snow. Properly thinned trees resist the forces of nature, resulting in fewer broken limbs and fallen trees. In addition the trees and shrubs will look better and grow more uniformly when properly pruned.

The control of disease this time of year is also of top importance. Trees and shrubs that have too many limbs will not allow proper air movement or penetration by protective sprays. Remove dead or dormant flowers and vegetables as soon as possible to eliminate fungus spores.

A good way to put your landscape to bed for the winter is with protective dormant sprays, deep root tree fertilizations and lawn limestone treatments. All these treatments, pruning and cleanup services are available from ProGrass.

Here are some details on November activities and how ProGrass can help.

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.

Gutter Cleaning Can be Easy

Now that all the leaves are falling be sure to keep your gutters clean. ProGrass can help with the use of our gutter cleaning equipment. Be sure to request information on ProGrass gutter cleaning service. Overflowing gutters make a mess by splashing mud all over your home and also can damage plants and lawns. The pounding overflow can wash soil away from the roots of trees and shrubs, plus wash the bark mulch out of your beds.

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.

Winter Horticultural Treatments

If you are not currently receiving plant health care treatment for your trees, shrubs and lawn, now is a critical time to ask about winter dormant sprays and deep root feedings. These treatments encourage healthy root growth and protect the plants from over wintering insects and diseases. Lawn limestone treatments counter-act acid soil conditions that otherwise reduce your lawn's ability to absorb nutrients.

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