VOLUME 5, ISSUE 12
We want to thank all of you for your continued business this
2014 year! We wish you and your family a warm and Happy Holiday season and look
forward to enjoying your valued business in the New Year. During December, it
is easy to forget about our lawns and landscapes with the busy holiday season,
however the lawn does need a winter fertilizer and crapes need pruning. Call our office and we can help complete
these beneficial services so you have more time with the family.
CONTENTS:
Lawn care for December
Landscaping for December
Winterizing irrigation systems
Ask Joe the landscaper
Crape Myrtle Pruning
Winter Fertilization
Tree & Shrub Care
Mowing Options
December 2015 Specials
LAWN CARE FOR DECEMBER
December is a great month for:
• Applying
a Winter fertilizer
• Mow HIGH
• Removal
of leaves from grass areas
LANDSCAPING FOR DECEMBER
December is a great month for:
• Pruning
Crape Myrtles
• Bed
Clean-up
• Winterize
Irrigation System
WINTERIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Winterizing irrigation systems will help prevent freezing
water lines and Backflow Devices from bursting when temperatures fall below
freezing. To replace a cracked Backflow
Device caused by freezing can be well over $600. Here at QCLL we can blow compressed air
through the Backflow and irrigation lines to push water out of the system,
therefore eliminating the threat of freezing water causing damage. There are some irrigation systems that do not
have a shutoff valve between the main water supply and the irrigation system
and installing one is a necessity to completely protect from freezing
temperatures and to insure no water loss to your home in the event of a future
irrigation problems. In the Spring, we will turn your system back on and we are
able to provide the annual backflow test that is required by law.
ASK JOE THE LANDSCAPER
Joe Morris is QCLL agronomic guru. Once a month he answers FAQ sent in by QCLL
Customers. To submit your question for
Joe, just email him at info@queencitylawn.com and he will be glad to give you
his expert advice.
QCLL Customer: How
should I prune my Crape Myrtles?
Joe the Landscaper:
Pruning of Crape Myrtles should be done in the winter months once they
have lost their leaves. How you want it
to grow will determine how you need to prune.
If you like the current size of your crape myrtle then cut back this
year’s growth. If they are too big then
an extensive pruning will be needed. If
you want them to grow more rapidly, just cut off the tips.
QCLL Customer: What does a winter fertilizer do for my lawn?
Joe the Landscaper: Colder temperatures allow us to apply
higher rates of nitrogen to the lawn.
Nitrogen is main nutrient that makes grass green, but applying too much
of it during hotter temperatures can cause the grass to burn. When we apply this fertilizer in the winter,
the plant stores the nitrogen and will use it as soon as the temperatures rise
and trigger new growth. The turf will benefit
greatly by having this stored food source in the coming Spring
CRAPE MYRTLE PRUNING
December is a great time to plan ahead to have your crape
myrtle(s) pruned! It is best to prune crape myrtles during the winter months as
the cold temperatures set-in towards the end of December and all through-out
January. Pruning not only removes dead or weak branches, it also improves the
appearance. In addition, pruning encourages new growth as well as controlling
the size of your crapes. Call now to schedule your winter crape myrtle pruning.
WINTER FERTILIZATION
Lawns need a well-balanced winter application of fertilizer
that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium during the month of December,
especially after a good aeration and seeding from this fall season. This
application will help build stronger, deeper roots for the winter and give you
a thicker, greener lawn for the Spring.
If you are a QCLL fertilization customer you will automatically receive
this most beneficial treatment for building stronger roots. However, if you have not signed up for this
treatment, please call our office immediately.
TREE & SHRUB CARE
It is easy to forget about our trees and shrubs during the
winter months. They still need a good fertilization to provide nutrients
promoting root development during the upcoming winter season. December is also
the perfect time to apply horticultural oil (Dormant Oil) to help control
insects overwintering in your landscape before damage occurs in the Spring. This
can be the most effective way to control some specific pests. If you are already on our Tree & Shrub
Program, you are receiving these essential treatments. If not, call the office
today to schedule a granular fertilization treatment and Dormant Oil.
MOWING OPTIONS
During the months of January and February, a majority of our
customers go on either our Option B mowing (every other week) or our Option C
mowing (no service unless needed). Please keep in mind that December is our
last full month of service before the winter and unless specified full services
will resume in March. If you need services before then please call our office
and let us know and we will be happy to assist you!
DECEMBER 2015 SPECIALS:
10% off Crape Myrtle Pruning (Dec-Feb)
10% off Leaf Removal
$75 Tree/Shrub Fertilization and Dormant Oil (Up to 2000
Sqft)
$125 Winterize Irrigation system Up to 8 zones