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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July 2005

July typically brings the consistently dry and hot summer season, making watering your top concern this month. More than anything else, good watering practices contribute to healthy plant growth in the summer.

You don't need to water every day, or drive your water bill through the roof to implement an effective watering plan. Proper watering can be cost effective and simple.

Plants don't like or need daily showers. Daily heavy watering wastes water, encourages shallow root systems and can create foliar fungus or root rot conditions. Daily light watering also wastes water because most of the water wets only the surface without reaching the deep roots that need it. Most water is lost through evaporation.

Wet and dry cycles create strong, healthy plant growth. All plants like a good soaking followed by a slight dry spell. This encourages the roots to search for deep-down soil moisture and also reduces fungus problems.

When watering, follow these simple rules

• Water when the air is cool, moist and calm to reduce evaporation. All three conditions usually exist in the early morning.
• Time is not a good measure of water application due to variation in pressure and sprinkler type. Apply 1-2 inches of water each week. Apply this rule to lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers. To measure watering amounts, place a shallow tray, rain gauge or pie plate out while your sprinkler is on.

We have a limited number of free ProGrass rain gauges available. If you'd like one, please contact Customer Service at 1.800.PROGRASS or customerservice@prograss.com.

• Adjust your watering schedule as follows
  1. Water your lawn 3-4 times each week. Apply � inch each session.
  2. Water trees and shrubs 2-3 times each week. Apply � inch each session.
  3. Water flowers every day. Apply � inch each day.
• Aerate your lawn yearly to improve drainage and quick absorption.
• Never water in direct hot sun, under windy conditions or during hot afternoons.
• To reduce evaporation, apply a 2-3 inch layer of bark dust or compost around trees and shrubs and in planting beds.
• To conserve the most water, install a drip system in your beds. A drip system directs water where it's needed, avoiding evaporation from aerial spray heads.

Drip systems direct water slowly and evenly, eliminating water waste, run-off and over-spray. ProGrass can install new drips systems or retrofit your existing irrigation system.

Once you've begun your watering plan, watch for any signs of browning in your lawn, wilting trees and shrubs, or dry/brown foliage.

If you have any other questions, check my technical bulletins or contact ProGrass for more information at 1.800.PROGRASS or customerservice@prograss.com.