SPRING/SUMMER 2002
Thanks for taking time out to read my 1st newsletter. I hope, in this and future newsletters, to be able to provide you with insightful information regarding your landscape, your neighbor’s landscape and our business. I will attempt to keep this newsletter portion of our web-site up dated on a quarterly basis.

First, I would like to share my thoughts with you regarding our past winter. "It was a little excessive." As I write, my crocus and daffodils are blooming. We are, however, alarmed at the damage which many plants have suffered from cold temperature injury. It seems like every few years (5-10) Mother Nature reminds us of what is hardy and what should and/or should not be planted in our climate. We have seen tremendous burn damage on hollies, most of which will be fine following new growth in May. We have also seen significant dieback on all shrub and hybrid Tea Roses, and many other plants have died back to ground that would not normally do so. Rose-of-Sharon (Althea) for example, has died to the ground on several of our projects. We expect to continue to discover more plant damage as we travel through spring. It is unlikely that we will know the extent of all of the damage until June. We expect to see damage on Azaleas, perhaps no blooms, on herbs, perhaps no return, and on cotoneaster and many other tender shrubs and perennials.

In addition, we have noticed above average damage from deer on several of projects, especially those in Cedar Creek in Olathe, KS. I examined some Perfecta Junipers that lost, nearly, 1/3 of their growth from deer. These deer must have been rather desperate to eat Juniper. I often get an allergic reaction just from touching junipers. I have also noted deer damage on China Holly and Azaleas. Do we need fewer restrictions on Deer hunting? Are they over populated? Do they have any natural enemies other than man? Do they cause tremendous auto damage when they walk or run out in front of an oncoming vehicle? Do they provide good, lean meat for consumption? Aren’t they cute and intriguing to watch?
I mention all of this not to alarm or upset anyone, but so that you may be informed. Please call or e-mail me at any time to discuss any plant problems that you may have. I will be more than happy to provide my advice. For those clients who have warranty concerns, please keep in mind that we can not be held responsible for weather abnormalities.

In addition to the winter injury that we have experienced, you might notice burnt (brown/rust colored) needles on many young or newly planted conifers as you travel through town. Some of this is a result of winter winds while some of it may also be a result of drought injury from last fall. Yes, I know that we have had a lot of rain since November, but do you remember July through October? Many of the so called "evergreens" including pines and spruce are just now showing signs of being damaged by last year’s roller coaster weather patterns. Many pines experienced above average needle drop last fall. We will have to wait until May to see new growth.

Finally, please re-mulch your landscape this spring or hire us to do so. Do not use fresh hardwood mulches that deplete your soil of nutrients as they decay. Fresh mulches may also harbor unwanted insects. Spend a little more and buy a well, composted mulch or bark product. Pine is my favorite. Keep in mind that mulch moderates soil temperature keeping the rooting zone cooler in the summer months. It also retains moisture, this can be a problem if your plants do not like wet feet, but in most cases, this is a positive benefit. Mulch also greatly reduces weed growth. All mulch should be maintained at a 2-3" layer, more is not better.

Thanks so much for your time. Have yourself a great spring, enjoy the outdoors and let me know if we can assist you with any future landscape needs.

NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

WINTER 2007

SPRING 2006

SUMMER 2005

SPRING 2005

WINTER 2004

FALL 2003

SUMMER 2003

WINTER 2003

SUMMER 2002

SPRING 2002

WINTER 2002

FALL 2001