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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Past Newsletters

January 2006

Wow! The holidays are over. All the shopping and rushing is behind us. I love the winter and New Year holiday; they put a festive end to the year. But now that they are over, it is time to get back to business. We at ProGrass want to thank you for your continued trust. We appreciate your business and support.
While the cold days of this month will keep most of us inside, your ProGrass technician will be hard at work keeping your landscape protected and cared for. The treatments applied this month are critical to the Spring beauty and health of your landscape. The cool wet weather this time of year allows for quick and deep penetration of important soil nutrients and soil conditioners.
Many of our winter treatments are once-a-year events and should not be missed-treatments such as dormant sprays to control over wintering insect eggs and foliar disease spores, liquid humus extracts to help build organic material in the soil and weed pre-emergents to reduce spring weeds. These are only a few treatments we're performing at this time of year.

We will also be keeping an eye out for the dreaded crane fly larvae. This winter-feeding pest can quickly destroy your entire lawn, turning it into a muddy patch. Because this insect feeds so quickly, the damage may start between our visits.

It is critical that you also keep an eye out for potential problems between visits. If you see a sudden severe thinning of the lawn with many small holes in the soil, call ProGrass immediately. We will check the lawn and, if the pest is present, we will treat it appropriately.

Pruning is also important this time of year. Many plants should be pruned at this time, such as shade trees, fruit trees, roses, vines, hedges, conifers and many deciduous shrubs. Proper pruning sets the framework for spring and summer growth. It also allows better air circulation and penetration by our spray protectants. Be sure to contact us for a free pruning evaluation.

And don't forget to visit us February 24-26 at Yard, Garden & Patio Show, located in the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. Check out the Show's website at www.ygpshow.com. We're proud to be the show's presenting sponsor again this year and will be creating an exciting display garden: Passage to the Pacific Rim. The YGP Show is the area's premier event where you'll find ideas on home landscaping, plant care and garden products. I will be presenting a seminar Sat. at 11AM titled "Up Close & Personal" where I'll show you ways to add color and texture to areas like your patio, entry and other "up close" areas.

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.