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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August 2005

At risk of sounding like a broken record, the most important thing in August is water, water, water. With the hot days we've been having, lawns and plants need some extra attention.

Brown patches in your lawn are generally a sign that water is not reaching your lawn's root system, even with regular watering. Remember that lawns prefer about 3 deep watering sessions per week. Water about 2" over the course of the week. Use a rain gauge (call ProGrass for a free one) or a shallow bowl to measure your sprinklers' output.

Also check for soil compaction in your lawn by pushing a screwdriver into the soil to a depth of 6 inches. If it doesn't slide in easily without resistance, your soil is compacted and water is not getting where it needs to be. If this is the case, your lawn will benefit from core aeration. Plan on having ProGrass aerate in September or October to help solve this problem.

Remember that trees, shrubs and perennials need extra water the first year or two after planting.

Check the new growth on your trees and shrubs for aphids and call ProGrass if you're seeing them. We can treat as necessary to keep these pests in check.

Recycle your grass clippings back into the lawn to add extra nutrients and organic material. A popular misconception is that recycling adds to the lawn's thatch layer. University studies have shown this to be untrue.

Also make sure your mower blade is sharp. Grass "hardens off" to protect itself from moisture loss in the summer and becomes more difficult to cut. A dull mower blade will shred the grass instead of providing a clean cut which will heal quickly.

Lastly for August, if you haven't yet pruned your spring-blooming shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons, try to take care of it this month. Pruning now helps these plants produce good blooms for the next year and also plays a role in controlling insect and disease problems.

Enjoy the dog days of August!

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