Crabgrass Already?

The unusually warm winter had its perks, but it will likely cause one problem in lawns across the area; namely, CRABGRASS. Usually, we do not see the first seeds of crabgrass germinate until late March or early April when soil temperatures reach 55-60 degrees. However, our managers have already spotted crabgrass in lawns of homeowners that have requested estimates from us.

So what is crabgrass? This weed gets its name because it grows from a central root low across the ground, resembling a crab. It is a warm season annual weed that reproduces quickly in hot, dry conditions. Unfortunately, even a cold winter cannot kill this weed. Before the actual weed dies in the fall it distributes thousands of seeds which germinate in the spring. That is why it is so important to maintain a healthy lawn and have a prevention plan.

Prevention and Maintenance

·         Set a higher mowing height. This allows the grasses to shade and prevent the germination of crabgrass seeds.

·         Water lawns deeply and less frequently to strengthen grass and discourage weeds. Water the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. This usually requires the equivalent of 1/2-1 inch of rainfall.

·         Have a lawn care program that includes at least two applications of pre-emergent in the spring to kill crabgrass seedlings as they germinate (Note: If you choose spread seed in your lawn during the spring you cannot use pre-emergent as it will kill the seed. Instead use Tupersan which will not damage grass seed).

·         Fertilize your grass with slow releasing fertilizers and, better yet, compro. Remember, maintaining a healthy lawn is the best way to prevent all types of weeds.

Kane Landscapes’ 6-step lawn care program includes the pre-emergent applications, fertilizer, and spot treatments necessary to supress weeds and maintain a healthy lawn. Please contact us if you would like us to design a lawn care program to keep your lawn healthy all year long.

Habitat for Humanity Masquerade Ball

On March 3, 2012 Loudoun Habitat for Humanity previewed Mardi Gras locally with a gala fundraising event to support its ongoing efforts to continue to build more homes for those in need within the county. The event was a combination masquerade ball and silent auction held at the River Creek Country Club located in Leesburg.

Kane Landscapes has contributed to Loudoun Habitat for Humanity over the past five years and showed continued support at the masquerade ball with a $1,000 donation.  "There is an increasing need for affordable housing options within the county, and we want to do our part to address this important community issue" stated Josh Kane, President of Kane Landscapes.

The event was a huge success with an evening full of dinner, dancing, games, and fun. To see a list of other contributors to the event or to find out how you can help, visit Loudoun Habitat's website at http://www.loudounhabitat.org/

Mulch Volcanoes

Spring is the air and so is the smell of newly laid mulch.  In many yards and landscape beds you will see mulch that was haphazardly piled into mounds around tree trunks, creating what many call “mulch volcanoes.”  Many people, and companies, feel the more mulch the better and as a result, they are harming and in some cases, slowly killing these trees.

It is important to note that mulch has its values, including its ability to retain soil moisture during times of drought, moderate temperature in during extreme temperatures associated with winter and summer, and suppress weeds. However, the value is lost when the mulch is misapplied, or over-applied as is the case with “mulch volcanoes.”  Mounding mulch against tree trunks causes existing surface roots to suffocate and new roots to grow into the mulch instead of the soil, which leaves them at risk of drying and dying once the mulch decays. In addition, mulch volcanoes soften the bark of young trees, and invite insects, rodents, and disease to invade the tree.

Kane Landscapes’ crews are trained to properly apply the correct amount of mulch so that it is beneficial to your trees and plants.  If you are interested in our Fall Mulching service to keep your plants and trees safe this winter, please contact us for an estimate.

Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce

Kane Landscapes is proud to announce its membership with the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1968, the Loudoun County Chamber has grown to become the largest Chamber of Commerce in Northern Virginia. Our more than 1,200 members form the premier network of businesses and community leaders in the nation’s most economically vibrant and fastest growing counties. Northern Virginia’s finest businesses are Loudoun County Chamber members because they need the finest networking, marketing, information and leadership opportunities in this very competitive market.

As members of the Chamber, we come in contact with the best businesses and contractors in the area, meaning we can provide our customers with dependable referrals. Whether you are looking for an accountant, plumber, electrician, mortgage lender, insurance agent, etc.. we can steer you in the right direction.

Kane Landscapes Advisory Board Meeting

On January 6, 2012, Kane Landscapes, Inc. held it's 8th semi-annual Advisory Board Meeting at Dolce Vita Restaurant in Fairfax, VA. The Advisory Board was established in January, 2008 in order to help Kane's owners and management establish long and short term goals, develop practical solutions to problems, and to advise us on complex decisions.  We are fortunate to have many well established and prestigious business professionals on our Board including:

Jason Cupp - Growth Consultant; Former President of PLANET

John Kane - Precise Systems; Long-time Kane Customer

Jim Rice - Attorney, Principal of Brody Wilkinson, PC
John Ryan - President of the Center for Creative Leadership; Former USNA Superintendent

Russ Stube - CPA, is the managing shareholder of Bailey, Stube & Glaser; Long-time Kane Customer

Marcus Vandevliet - Consultant and Founder of MV Enterprises

At the most recent Advisory Board Meeting Kane's owners, board members, and management team discussed the most critical elements of our business including, customer service and retention, employee development and retention, and our financial performance and budget for 2012. In addition, we discussed our company vision and 5 year strategic plan.

The owner's of Kane Landscapes gained insight, advice, and expertise from our established board members and management team. We would like to thank each board member for taking their personal time to help improve our company. And we would like to thank our management team for their dedication and commitment to meeting our goals.

The Gift of Giving

At Kane Landscapes we are always looking for ways we can help give back to the community and help those less fortunate. What better time to give back then during the Holiday season?

This year, instead of sending Holiday Cards to our customers to show our appreciation, we have decided to give the gift of giving. Our Daily Bread is a volunteer-based organization that focuses on easing the plight of low income residents in Fairfax County. Through their Holiday Program, Kane Landscapes has "Adopted" a family of seven in Falls Church and provided the parents and children with gifts, clothing, household needs, and a Holiday meal.

On Saturday, December 17th, Kane's Managers personally delivered the truck load of gifts to the family.  It was such a wonderful and eye opening experience to be able to help this gracious family.  We would like to thank our employees and customers for their support in making this possible.

If your family, friends, business, or other organization you belong to is interested in sponsoring a family, donating money, or donating a meal please visit ODB’s website at http://www.odbfairfax.org/. There are more than 2,000 local families on their list this year in need of assistance that will otherwise not be able to afford gifts and food for the Holidays.

Amanda Hamilton, Landscape Industry Certified Technician

Kane Landscapes is proud to announce that Amanda Hamilton, Designer, has officially passed the Landscape Industry Certified Technician-Exterior test.  The Landscape Industry Certified Technician Test is a national, hands-on testing program administered by the Landscape Contractors Association (LCA). It recognizes proficiency in the landscape workforce, upgrades the status of the landscape professional, and provides the public with a means of identifying qualified landscape professionals.

Amanda is now among an elite group of landscape professionals, including Josh Kane, Head Designer, who have earned the designation of Landscape Industry Certified Technician. Congratulations to Amanda for proving her ability and dedication to the industry. We are so proud to have her on board at Kane Landscapes. She is a both a talented designer and hardworking, team player.