Education

When people think about commercial landscaping, they often picture trees, colorful plantings, and a beautifully maintained outdoor space. But sometimes, the most important work happens beneath the surface. At ProGrass Home & Landscape Improvements, we're currently partnering on a drainage renovation for a 50+ year-old high-rise in downtown Portland. It's a project that highlights how effective landscape design goes beyond aesthetics. It protects buildings and prevents cost

"Foreign grasses" simply refers to grass species that weren't intentionally planted as part of your lawn. They find their way into established turf through natural means and begin growing alongside your desirable grass varieties.

You walk outside and notice strange, winding trails through your lawn. The grass looks flattened or chewed, and there are small holes scattered throughout the yard. If that sounds familiar, you may have voles. Vole hole and tunnels in lawn In this video, ProGrass Chief Horticulturist Steve Varga shows you the telltale signs of vole activity. What Are Voles? Voles are small rodents that are often mistaken for mice. Instead of invading your home, they spend most of their lives

At first glance, this mature pine tree looks healthy. It's tall, established, and still carrying a full canopy. But a closer inspection tells a different story. In this video, ProGrass Chief Horticulturist Steve Varga walks through the issues he's found on this tree. While none of these problems automatically means a tree is doomed, each one can affect its long-term health. When multiple issues occur together, they can put significant stress on even a mature tree. Girdling Gi

Pruning isn’t just about cutting things back. Done correctly, it improves plant health, enhances structure, and brings out the natural beauty of your landscape. Done incorrectly, it can set plants back for years. This project in Beaverton, Oregon is a perfect example of how thoughtful pruning can completely transform a space.

When grass is thin, patchy, or declining year after year, it usually comes down to what’s happening below the surface: compacted soil, poor seed-to-soil contact, and inconsistent growth. That’s where a full lawn renovation makes the difference.

While it may seem harmless, moss is often a sign that your lawn is struggling, and late winter/early spring is an ideal time to start addressing it so your lawn is ready to rebound in spring.

Applying mulch during this season offers significant benefits that help protect your plants, improve soil quality, and reduce maintenance throughout the year.

As temperatures drop in November and December, mice and rats across the Pacific Northwest begin searching for warm, sheltered places to spend the winter.

If you’re planning to carve your pumpkins, patience pays off. Once the inside is exposed to air, the clock starts ticking toward rot. Try to hold off on carving until just before Halloween to keep your jack-o’-lanterns looking their best.