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

Fall 2007

Old World Gardening Lessons by Steve Varga, Chief Horticulturalist

As a young sprout growing up, I got my first gardening lessons from my Hungarian grandmother. In the old country, people needed to do things that worked. They learned from nature and from their own experiences.

Later, while studying horticulture in college, I realized that many of the old-world techniques were still being used. Often, these methods were being rediscovered, utilizing modern research and development.

Why am I telling you this? Because some new information and products on the market today are attempts to create shortcuts to proper plant care. I have to tell you...there are no shortcuts. At ProGrass, we work hard to give you the information you need to know, rather than what you may want to hear. If something does not work, or if it is the wrong thing to do, we will not recommend it or provide it as a service. We also integrate many old-world gardening methods into our services, such as NaturalCare and Pruning.

As this year comes to an end, here are a few tips your grandmother would have recommended too:

• Clean up your yard Insects and fungus spores hate clean areas. Dead limbs, leaf piles and weeds harbor pests and are unattractive, too. You'll notice the best orchards and nurseries are always very clean.
• Prune your plants Excessive foliage not only takes up space, it also provides breeding ground for insects and fungus. Heavy limbs are also more prone to breakage.
• Mulch plantings Do you want to make your landscape more natural? Spread bark or compost mulch to mimic the natural organic debris found in forests. Its decomposition develops healthy root systems and stores nutrients.
• Add new plants Grandma's sprinkler system was a heavy watering can. In the old days, people took advantage of natural rainfall. You can plant anytime as long as you water, but why not use nature's watering system and plant in the Fall?

If we can help you with any of these needs, please give us a call. And, thank you for choosing ProGrass!

Ask Steve

Q:Someone told me I can plant new trees and shrubs now. Isn't it too late?

Steve: Not at all.
It may seem strange that I'm giving advice on how to put your landscape to bed for the winter at the same time I'm advising that you add new plants. I'm not trying to confuse you! Fall really is a great time to plant new trees and shrubs. Soil temperatures are still warm, plants don't experience stress from hot Summer temperatures, and some Fall rain helps you out. Don't wait too long though. You are generally safe to plant until mid or late October, depending on the weather. Remember that newly planted trees and shrubs require deep watering and you may need to supplement the rainfall at first. When adding plants, choose your location carefully. Research the mature shape and size of the plant material you're considering, and whether it needs sun or shade. Generally, you don't want to apply fertilizer to plants installed in the Fall. Most plants receive fertilizer before leaving the nursery. And, you don't want to push new growth before Winter.

Is Landscape Cleanup Important?

Keeping your landscape tidy is critical for controlling insects and diseases in your plants. Debris such as twigs, leaves, branches, flowers and fruit need to be removed as soon as possible. This is especially true in the areas underneath trees and shrubs.

When this debris is not removed, it helps create a perfect home for overwintering insects, their eggs and disease spores.

Although you will still experience some pest issues, good sanitation works hand in hand with other pest control methods.

Also necessary is consistent cleanup of the colorful leaves which are falling...on the grass...in the beds...on the patio. Leaves on the lawn should be removed weekly. If you don't have room for them in your yard debris container, you can temporarily rake them into beds. But, don't leave them there all winter. Large amounts of decomposing leaves, needles, or branches are not the best for shrubs and plants, either.

And, if you're not ready to tackle this job yourself, ProGrass has cleanup crews ready to help.

Enjoy Professional Landscape Care For Your Commercial Property Too

Did you know ProGrass cares for commercial properties with the same high level of expertise that we give your home landscape? Our clients include corporate office grounds and business parks, multi-family housing complexes, homeowner associations, condominiums, government facilities, schools and sports facilities.

No matter the season, no matter the need, ProGrass helps maximize the value of commercial landscapes. From lush green grass, to flower beds full of color, perfectly-pruned trees and shrubs, sparkling water features and more, we have just one job: to make you look good.

We understand that property managers require everything - from weekly mowing to an unexpected service call - be handled on time and on budget. We pride ourselves on creative, cost-effective solutions for each situation.

If you have a commercial property, we invite you to give us a call for a free landscape analysis and compare ProGrass to your current landscape care firm.