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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September 2005

September is the time to start thinking about changes in the landscape. The warm, sunny days followed by cool evenings also help lawns and plants recover from the unrelenting summer heat.

September is good time to add new trees, shrubs and flowers and remove overgrown plants or older ones which no longer add interest to your landscape. Every year, new varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers are cultivated. Stroll through your neighborhood nursery or garden center and spend some time finding the ideal new plant for your landscape.

This month is the perfect time to re-evaluate all your landscape's requirements. All landscapes need a "remodel" now and then. It is no different than painting a bedroom or replacing light fixtures, carpets or appliances. Here are a few things to consider:

• Plant replacement - Every landscape has them - ugly and boring trees or shrubs. Why live with them? Kick them out and replace them with something new! There are many trees and shrubs that provide interesting foliage, flowers, fruit and fall color.
• Pruning - Cutting back old dry stems, thinning out bushy trees, shearing hedges and shaping plants will give your landscape a whole new look for the fall and winter. Proper pruning also helps reduce insect and disease pests.
• Fall lawn care - We all know that lawns must be fed on a regular basis to do well. However, your lawn will also look much better with a freshly cut edge, lawn aeration to increase air, water and nutrients to the root system and an application of gypsum to help improve soil structure.
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  Landscape lighting - Safety and beauty are the main benefits of ornamental landscape lighting. Nothing finishes off a landscape better than a well-designed lighting system. Professional systems are nothing like "over-the-counter" packages. A professionally-designed system is custom to your landscape, walkways and patio or deck. Whether you're lighting a path on a dark, rainy winter night, highlighting your home and landscape plants, or providing soft, latent light for evening entertaining, landscape lighting systems are a worthwhile investment.

This list touches on only a few of the many improvements you may want to consider.

Be sure to contact ProGrass for a free landscape improvement evaluation. A professional will contact you and help evaluate your needs. In the mean time, be sure to keep up on watering. Don't cut back just because it is cool. Lawns, trees and shrubs still need 1-2 inches of water each week. Be sure to call us if you have any concerns.

Happy gardening!!

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