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Dear Valued Client:
Cooler weather is here – the holidays are rapidly approaching. It is hard to believe that we are halfway through this decade. Warmer than normal (in fact record) temperatures seem to have delayed the fall leaf season. Our Red Oaks are still almost fully foliated, as are many of the ornamental trees, fruit trees, etc. that we have observed throughout the city. For the time being (unless you have requested otherwise) we will continue to send a crew by to monitor your yard and perform service on an “as needed” basis. Although warm-season grasses go dormant, winter provides an excellent time for other work. Many times our clients are surprised to learn that we offer a variety of services. Tree work, shrub pruning, rock work (installation of walkways, walls, beds, etc.), leaf cleanups, mulching of beds, cleaning gutters and downspouts, etc. are just some of the services we provide. Much of this type of work is more easily scheduled in the “off season”. In that you have budgeted for lawn service the rest of the year, may we suggest that you allow us to continue periodic service during the winter, performing these extras you might like done, instead of the regular mowing. Keeping our crews busy in the winter helps to hold down costs the rest of the year. If you do not want any further services this year, please call the office and let us know. Don't forget that if you need special service during December or January, leaf cleanups, sprinkler work, a special sprucing up for the holidays or parties, we will still be available. Day-to-day weather can be unpredictable at this time of year. If you are planning a special event, call early so that we can flag our schedule. We start pruning roses and cutting back liriope and other perennials in February. Regular service schedules usually resume in late February or early March. If you do not want our services in the spring please let us know. Austin's weather, the past few months, has not been kind to landscapes. Rainfall amounts were below average beginning in early spring and unfortunately the deficit only increased over the year.October was very dry and Austin saw no rainfall in November. Combine the dry weather with record high temperatures – 87 last week – and conditions are ripe for serious plant stress. Although the National Weather Service and the LCRA are both predicting a warmer than normal winter, NOAA is also predicting a dryer than normal winter. It is important to remember that your landscape plants (including dormant grasses) need water year round – even in cooler temperatures. The best way to maintain a healthy yard over the cold months is to ensure that it is receiving enough water. In the event of a hard freeze , a good watering beforehand is the best protection for your plants – this year in particular because soil moisture levels are so low. Be sure to include trees, shrubs, and beds. One final incentive - drought stressed grass will have more weeds in the spring. As always, we are grateful for the opportunity to be of service. As we reflect over the past year, the horrific aftermath of Katrina and then Rita, the tsunami of last Christmas, and the recent earthquake in Asia we have many reasons to be thankful we live here in Austin, and that we have the wonderful clients that we do. It is in this spirit that we all join in extending to you and your family our warmest wishes for the holidays and for a happy New Year! Sincerely yours, Sherri Pomeroy and all the Roving Gardeners
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