I am excited! The maple trees are showing signs of waking up and one of my crocuses are poking their first leaves through the mulch next to the foundation. Soon the crews and I will be busy making the grass green and the yards beautiful. My passion for a healthy green lawns make me feel like a kid in a candy store (do kids know what that’s like anymore?)
It has been a hard winter for you and me, but not so much for insects like the deer tick, black fly, or mosquito. They overwintered just fine. I will be starting tick control programs up the first week of April. If you have a pet you should begin their Frontline flea and tick treatments. If you are not on a tick spraying program, you should be. The tick population is increasing at an exponential rate as is the disease that they carry.
Two insects that may not have done well this winter are the Hemlock Wooley Adelgid and the new Emerald Ash Borer. Both are non-native species and are not accustomed to the low temperatures we have seen this winter. There will be some survivors so observation and treatment of both species is warranted.
Another insect that is causing a great deal of discoloration and damage to a number of plants is the Azalea Lace Bug, Stephanitis pyrioides. This bug pierces the underside of Azalea and Rhododendron leaves causing yellowing, or “chlorosis.” Sustained damage can lead to the death of the plant. This insect is easily controlled with our Tree and Shrub program.
I am offering a couple different specials this year. One is a summer season Mosquito Program special and the other is a Tick Control Coupon. I want to make it easier for you to protect your family from both of these disease carrying insects. Both specials are described in leaflets in your renewal letter.
I, for one, can’t wait to get on the lawn. Spring is my favorite season. Every week something new is in bloom, the birds are coming back, the lawns are greening up, and I can get back on my bike! Lawn care is fun in the spring because I get to help my existing clients keep their lawn green and I can start to help new folks realize the potential in their lawn and landscape. On that note, if you know anyone needing our services pass along our name. I would be very grateful.
I look forward to seeing you out on the lawn.
