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OCTOBER 2013 NEWSLETTER
 
CHANGE IS IN THE AIR...

     Warm days, cools nights and minimal rainfall have made for great foliage color display.  These are the perfect conditions. Clearly, fall is here.  Hopefully, the remainder of October will continue to offer us this beautiful weather, along with the Red Sox winning the World Series.  As we know, things can change quickly, let's not forget the October of 2011 weather, with the heavy snowfall and resulting damage which left many of us without power for over a week! 

     Daylight Savings Time (DLS) takes effect on November 3, 2013.  Clocks will be set back one hour!   Did you know there are some that do not follow DLS???  Arizona (except the Navajo Nation Community); Hawaii; American Samoa; Guam; Puerto Rico; U.S. Virgin Islands; and some parts of Canada to name a few.  At least we get an extra hour of sleep!

 

     Lawns, as predicted, have recovered nicely from this summer's diseases and stress. 
Most of the lawns that follow our Fertilizer Programs and recommendations have turned around and filled in as expected!  The before and after photos below tell the story!!!  However, you should still be on the look out for problems.

 

We now offer our "Platinum 7" program, which includes grub control and disease control along with fertilizer, weed and crabgrass control.  Call us for upgrade pricing...
 This program is an "all inclusive" and the best value.
With a balanced lawn fertilizer program, lime and aeration, your lawn can survive the stresses of summer and other pressures like drought, insects and disease!
Gary's lawn this summer...
   
Gary's lawn now!!! 
   
Bill's house this summer...
 
Bills house now!!!
   
 
 
 

GRUBS...

  Continue watching for grub activity. The warm weather will prolong their feeding activity before they start burrowing down for the winter. Some obvious signs of grub activity are: weak appearance to lawn; loose turf due to separation of grass plant and roots; tilled or disturbed turf due to birds, raccoons or skunks feeding on the grubs.  If you are able to peel back your turf without resistance, you should be able to see the grubs on the soil surface. High populations of grubs can destroy your lawn in a very short period of time. Usually 6 to 8 grubs or more within a square foot area is cause for concern.  The evidence of moles is NOT cause for alarm indicating that you have a grub problem.  If in doubt, call us to evaluate your lawn. 

 

White Grub


 
grub damage

Grub Damage- loose turf


 
grub & bird damage
Bird damage from feeding on grubs
 

  

 

  
THERE IS STILL TIME TO...

(CALL US FOR PRICING TODAY!)

 

AERATE YOUR LAWN...  

  Fall is the time to aerate your lawn.  Aeration will allow lawns to rapidly recover from summer damage, enhance root development, as well  as allow beneficial water, air and nutrients down into the soil and root zone.  Annual aeration will also control thatch and promote an overall strong an healthy turf!  Schedule this important service now! Aeration can be done until the ground is frozen.

 

APPLY LIME...  Lime is critical to the success of your lawn fertilizer program.  By adjusting the pH in the soil, fertilizer is readily used by the turf for optimum health and color.  Lime should be applied annually.

 

 

FERTILIZE LAWNS...   Now is the great time to start a lawn fertilizer program.  Fall is the BEST season to provide your lawn with nutrients to establish a thick, healthy stand of grass, and a deep, strong root system.  If you are not getting the service or results from your current lawn company, we can help.  We can prescribe the perfect program for your lawn!  Promoting deep roots now with the right blend of fertilizer will pay off next year!

 

FERTILIZE SHRUBS AND TREES... 

     Fall is the best time to feed  your valuable shrubs and trees.

 

 

OTHER THINGS...

 

WATERING...

It's time to shut your sprinklers off, put your hoses away and get ready for winter.  In just a few short days overnight temperatures will reach freezing or below.  Don't worry if your sprinkler system hasn't been winterized yet.  Freeze damage will only occur with prolong periods of freezing temperatures.  We are currently in the process of our sprinkler winterization service.  The schedule will run through the end of November.  If you haven't signed up for this important service yet, it's time!  Call us.

 

SEEDING AND WATERING RECOMMENDATIONS...

Watering newly seeded or overseeded lawns is critical for the germination and success of the seeding. With the onset of colder temperatures and sprinklers being shut down and put away, we will have to rely on Mother Nature to water for us.  We have delayed winterizing some of our clients who have our sprinkler system services until later in October. The overnight dew at this time of year will usually be enough to sustain seed bed moisture. However, the opportunity for fall seeding is rapidly coming to an end.  Our recommendations are to complete your seeding by mid to third week of October.  Weather could cooperate and give us a longer seeding opportunity, but historically, potential for any possible germination of new seed this year is unlikely.  If the weather does change and cold weather moves in, the seed will go dormant until next spring.  Dormant seeding is acceptable, but do not expect to see any signs of new growth this season. Also, be sure to keep accumulations of leaves and pine needles off the newly seeded areas.  

 

MOWING...  CONTINUE ROUTINE MOWING AND LEAF CLEAN UP
Keep mower blade(s) sharp, mow regularly, gradually lower to 2 3/4" to 2 1/2"  in October, and down to 2 to 2 1/2" in November. We recommend to try to keep up with picking up the leaves throughout the fall, with a final clean up to be done in November when most or all the leaves are down. (Note: oak trees and some maples tend to hold on to their leaves into early winter.) This will avoid smothering the existing lawn. Do not allow the lawn to grow too long between mowings.  It is advised to mow regularly so as not to remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at any one time.  Be sure NOT to lower mower height drastically.  It is recommended, when lowering blades, that you mow, then drop cutting height and re-mow.  This method will help prevent shocking the lawn. Continue mowing as long as grass keeps growing.
   Service your mower at the end of the season to be assured your ready for next spring.  Treat the gas with a stabilizer when done for the season; grease and lubricate fittings and cables; change your oil and sharpen your blade(s).
 

 

 

   
FALL OR SPRING PROJECT TIME...
     Now is the perfect time to plan your new brick paver walk, patio or driveway. Outlining your existing asphalt driveway with brick pavers can create a whole new look. Did you know you could overlay your existing concrete steps, walk or patio with pavers? Perhaps you have been thinking about replacing or installing a new retaining wall?  There is plenty of time through November, or schedule for next spring, at this year's special fall pricing!
     You can view more information and photo ideas for hardscapes and product lines at:
 
           
 
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES!   CALL TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION.
 
 
 
  
OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER...
> Turn off water to sprinkler system and winterize
> Turn off water to outside faucets
> Drain and store garden hoses
> Move freezable liquids indoors (pool supplies, cleaners,
   bug sprays, etc.) Be sure to store away from children, pets and food!
> Cut back perennial flowers; remove annuals; cut back roses. 
> Delay cutting back ornamental grasses and mums until later in
   November
> Remove leaves from lawn and landscape beds
 
  
LANDLOW VOLTAGE LIGHTINGSCAPE ACCENT LIGHTING
Professionally designed landscape lighting will add beauty and security to your home and landscape.  We offer top quality fixtures and transformers by "VISTA" and "UNIQUE", using state of the art, energy saving LED bulbs!  Don't compare professionally designed and installed lighting systems with solar or hardware store brands.  Manufacturer guarantees on these high quality lighting systems far exceed any other! 
  
 CALL US TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION, DESIGN AND PRICE QUOTE.
  
 
OCTOBER'S RECIPE...
  
TRIPPLE "B" MAC AND CHEESE (burger, bacon & bread crumbs)
From Kim, in Florence                     
                                      Ingredients:
2 shallots, peeled
1 teaspoon olive oil
9 pieces bacon, diced, reserving 3 tablespoons of bacon fat
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound shell pasta, cooked
1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
  
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Make pasta as directed and set aside.
Brown ground beef and set aside. Brown bacon bits and set aside.
Saut� shallots in olive oil in a large sauce pan.  Add flour and stir
for 1 minute. Whisk in heavy cream. Reduce by a third. Stir in cheeses
 until melted, creamy and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place pasta in a 9X13 casserole dish. Mix in ground beef and half the bacon.
  Pour cheese sauce over the noodles and stir to cover evenly.  In a small
bowl, mix together rest of the bacon, bread crumbs, and bacon fat. Top Mac
 and Cheese with Panko mixture and bake uncovered until bubbling and lightly
browned on top, 20 to 25 minutes.
   

WE NEED YOUR HELP! SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES WITH US!  EMAIL THEM TO: [email protected]

 

  
G&H LANDSCAPING'S MANAGEMENT TEAM, AT YOUR SERVICE
  
Gary L. Courchesne, Owner, Mgr.
Landscape/Hardscape/Lighting, Design and Installation
413-532-4888 Ext. 113
  
Bill Golaski, General Mgr.
Lawn Sprinklers and Mowing & Maintenance
413-532-4888 Ext. 115
  
Chris Courchesne, Mgr.
Lawn Care/Fertilizer Programs/Shrub Care Programs/Lawn Installations
413-532-4888 Ext. 114
  
Julie Godin, Office Mgr.
Office
413-532-4888 Ext. 110
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