September 2013
NEWSLETTER

   

 

First of all, I would like to apologize that we haven't sent out a newsletter recently. It's been a crazy summer for us.

  
In this newsletter, we'll cover how to tell if your lawn needs water, tips for writing professional emails, and helpful links to Hillsborough County School resources.
  
The main topic in this newsletter is - Lawn Watering - we want to bring to your attention a couple of ways to easily tell if your lawn needs to be watered.
  
I know the first thing you're going to say is that - "we just got a ton of rain last week and it's been one of the wettest summers we had in a long time". We know that but it's also been hot and your yard can take about 3-4 days before the turf can dry out again.
  
But on the other hand, over-watering is the most common mistake; it can damage or even kill the lawn. Over-watering leads to a shallow root system; increases a lawn's vulnerability to weeds, insects, and diseases; reduces drought tolerance; increases thatch; encourages excessive growth; and reduces tolerance for environmental stress. Read our article below on "Does My Yard Need Water?"
  
If there is a special topic you would like to see in our upcoming issues, please feel free to let us know.   email:  [email protected]
In this Newsletter
Does my yard need water?
Professional Life - Tips for Writing Professional Emails
Kid's Corner - Helpful links to Hillsborough County Schools

Does my yard need water?

It's just a foot-print away Irrigation 

 

An over-watered lawn can lead to fungus and other problems and an under-watered lawn leads to burnout and looks horrible. Check your lawn's water needs with a simple stroll across your lawn.

 

The easiest test-and therefore the most likely that you'll actually do it - is to simply walk across your lawn every few days and see what happens.
 
To start, test your lawn by walking on it. If the grass bounces back a few steps later, then things are just fine. If your footprints stay halfway or all the way down, then it's time to drag out the hose or turn your irrigation on for a cycle - though we suggest checking to see if rain is in the forecast first. The amount of time it takes for the grass to return to its prior shape after walking on it indicates how well hydrated it is.

Other ways to tell if you grass needs water:
  1. Folding leaf blades. Drought-stressed lawns will curl up their leaf blades lengthwise in an attempt to minimize leaf area. Wilting is best seen on the older leaves of the grass plant, as the younger leaves are not fully developed and may appear wilted even when they are not.

  2. Blue-gray color. Drought-stressed lawns turn from green to bluish-gray.

  3. Footprints remaining visible. When footprints or tire tracks remain visible on your lawn long after being made, your lawn is experiencing drought stress.

Professional Life

Tips for Writing Professional Emails

 

I know that all of our friends and clients know how to write professional emails, but you may know someone that could use a refresher course on emails....
  
Email is used more now for business communications than it was a few years ago. If you're communicating with someone about a work-related or business matter, it is always important to be professional.
  
While a lot of people understand the importance of following certain rules when writing a business letter, they often forget these rules when composing an email message. Here's a refresher.

 

Mind Your Manners: Think of the basic rules you learned growing up, like saying please and thank you. Address people you don't know as Mr., Mrs., or Dr. Only address someone by first name if they imply it's okay to do so.

 

Watch Your Tone: Webster defines tone as an "accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion." It is very difficult to express tone in writing. You want to come across as respectful, friendly, and approachable. You don't want to sound curt or demanding.

 

Be Concise: Get to the point of your email as quickly as possible, but don't leave out important details that will help your recipient answer your query.
  
Be Professional: This means, stay away from abbreviations and don't use emoticons (those little smiley faces). Don't use a cute or suggestive email address for business communications.

 

Use Correct Spelling and Proper Grammar: Use a dictionary or a spell checker - whichever works better for you. While you can write in a conversational tone (contractions are okay), pay attention to basic rules of grammar.

 

Wait to Fill in the "TO" Email Address: Career Planning Site visitor Larry Batchelor says, "I never fill in the 'TO' email address until I am completely through proofing my email and I am sure that it is exactly the way that I want it. This will keep you from accidentally sending an email prematurely. In the past, I have accidentally clicked on the send icon, when I really meant to click on the attachment icon."

 

Source - About.com > Career Planning  (Click here to read more)

Kids Corner

Helpful Links to Hillsborough County Schools

  

Hillsborough County Public Schools (Home Page)

 

2013-2014 School Calendar (.pdf)

 

2013-2014 Important Dates  (.pdf)

 

Bully Prevention and Reporting  

 

Parent's Section

As always, if you have a special outdoor occasion coming up, feel free to let us know at least a week in advance so can make sure we spend that extra time preparing for your party.

 

We hope you enjoyed our newsletter and feel free to email us ideas on topics you would like us to cover. Please feel free to forward this email with the link below.

You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

Thank you, 

Jeff Allison

Dennis Topo

 

Allison Lawn & Landscape Service, Inc.

 

Office:     (813) 435-3112

Website:  www.AllisonLawn.com