WE ARE QUITE BUSY PREPARING FOR SPRING

The low on January 13^th was 15 degrees and yesterday the 28^th, 2 weeks later the high topped at 61 degrees. The forecast of El Nino of warmer than normal temperatures played out in December with 3.5 degrees above average but the arctic blast we got mid-January cooled us off. Hard to tell what the balance of winter will bring but our past weekend was a near record warm.

It may be winter, but we are quite busy preparing for spring. The work we do in the winter is some of the most important to prepare the landscape for a successful spring and summer. We are treating moss that is developing from our wet, dark winter weather. We are finishing cleaning up leaves and performing our winter pruning. We will soon begin to apply our pre-emergence weed control after the shrub beds are groomed and cleaned. We will also be cleaning up the seasonal color beds and apply fungicides to keep them healthy through these wet days. We will be fertilizing shrubs and groundcover as needed. Quite a bit of work to keep us busy all winter.  

Winter Pruning

Pruning during the summer is mostly focused on managing the new growth. Winter pruning is more focused on structural and rejuvenation. These efforts help ensure the plants are ready for their spring growth flush.

Shrub Bed Clean-up

Between the strong winds, snow, and heavy ice clinging to trees and shrubs, this storm caused more damage than we have seen in years. Many trees lost limbs or are fully down, and we have already deployed our Arborist subcontractors to help clean up the most significant downed trees.

 As we get back to work today, we will be assessing each site and informing clients of damage and clean-up needs. Some sites will clean up quickly while others with greater damage will take longer.  

Shrub Bed Pre-emergence

El Niño's influence on the Northwest winter has taken a dramatic turn. While December lived up to forecasts of warmth and dryness, January unleashed a fierce storm on Oregon, thankfully sparing Washington for the most part. Now, the remaining winter paints a picture of prolonged sunshine, with above-average temperatures predicted through March for the Puget Sound region.

This warm outlook, however, sparks concerns about snowpack. Halfway through the season, Washington's levels are already falling behind, jeopardizing spring and summer water resources. While we welcome the sunshine, we hold out hope for a snowy reprieve, confined to the majestic peaks of the Cascades and Olympics.

Winter Turf Moss Control

With our dark wet winters, moss grows and thrives. We recommend treatment twice yearly, once in December or January and again in March or April. This keeps moss under control and allows the grass to survive and thrive

Winter Pansy Maintenance

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

Winter Shrub Fertilization

Virtually all lawns, shrubs and trees get fertilized during the winter as this is the most important time.

It is not the most fun time to spend outdoors but an important time for us to prepare to help ensure your landscape is beautiful and healthy this coming season.