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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June 2005

The official start of summer won't be until later this month but for most people, summer starts as soon at the calendar says June.

This time of year gets busy fast once the kids are out of school and into summer activities and the family takes off on a vacation or two. However, there are a lot of things happening in your yard right now. Don't forget your landscape needs attention to keep it looking good for those summer barbecues and parties.

Begin your summer watering program now.

Although we'll probably receive some rain in June, it's not enough to replace summer watering.

Remember that ProGrass can install, maintain or retrofit automatic irrigation systems and install rain sensors to help save water.

Water your lawn 3 times per week, putting down a total of about 2 inches of water total. For more information on lawn watering, visit the Landscape Care Tips/Watering section of our web page at http://www.prograss.com/info/tips/watering.html.

Shrubs do best with deep watering to reach the lower roots. Most established plantings can get by with 2 waterings per week. Newer landscapes, roses and plants in sunny locations should be watered 3 times each week. Put down three-quarters of an inch of water each session. The best time to water is in the early morning. Disease-prone plants such as roses, ground cover junipers, euonymus and deciduous azaleas should be watered in the early morning to discourage fungus diseases.

Trees require additional water for up to 2 years from the date of planting. A good rule of thumb is to water trees once each week. On average, a tree will require 6 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. Apply water within the tree's branch spread or as close to the trunk as possible.

Annual flowers are heavy water users. They have a shallow root system, so water them lightly but frequently (about 5 times per week). Put down about a quarter inch of water each session. Flowers can be watered during the day to provide a cooling effect for the foliage.

Perennials can be watered much like your shrubs. However, they need extra water in the first year.

Pruning of spring blooming plants need to be done before the end of June.

These include rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris, daphne, viburnum and camellias to name a few.

Trees and Shrubs

Shot hole fungus is especially bad this spring due to the prolonged wet weather. Shot hole is a fungus disease that shows as small, dark circles on a tree's leaves. The circles then drop out, leaving a hole in the leaf. Flowering plum trees have been hit especially hard. Flowering crabapple and cherry trees also have seen a lot of damage.

Aphids have been especially active this spring. Look for damage on roses, birch and maple trees, golden chain, flowering plum trees and tulip trees. Check the new growth on all plants for signs of aphids, including "honey dew," a sticky substance aphids leave behind on leaves.

I've also been seeing lots of mites on arborvitae and root weevil on broadleaf evergreens like rhododendrons.

ProGrass can treat for these damaging pests so call Customer Service at 1.800.PROGRASS if you have questions about your trees and shrubs and enjoy the start of summer!