Monarch's clients enjoy a monthly mailer. Check out this months publication.
www.clientappreciationprogramweb.com/monarch_timing.pdf <http://www.clientappreciationprogramweb.com/monarch_timing.pdf>
Don't Defer Maintenance
This Allepo Pine fell down with no wind or rain within weeks of this occurring. Consider your target when deciding to remove trees in question. This Pine fell safely on the slope.
Monarch Monthly Mailer
Read this months newsletter and get some great ideas for Holiday gifts.
http://www.clientappreciationprogramweb.com/monarch_gifts.pdf
http://www.clientappreciationprogramweb.com/monarch_gifts.pdf
Monarch Monthly Mailer
Your online reputation is a valuable commodity. Learn how to build and protect it.
www.clientappreciationprogramweb.com/monarch_reputation.pdf <http://www.clientappreciationprogramweb.com/monarch_reputation.pdf>
www.clientappreciationprogramweb.com/monarch_reputation.pdf <http://www.clientappreciationprogramweb.com/monarch_reputation.pdf>
Monarch at FMC in IRVINE
Monarch will help you build a process that provides a road map for success. On top of all that we will show you how to pay for it.
Monarch Speaks in San Diego
Rebates are back- at least for a while
Here are the details-
REBATE AMOUNT CHANGES:
- High-efficiency clothes washers (4.0 Water Factor or less): $50 (Please
note the change in the clothes washer requirement from WF 5.0 to WF 4.0 as
of July 1, 2009.)
- High-efficiency toilets (WaterSense qualified, 1.28 gpf or less): $50
- Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers (Smart Water Application
Technologies™ or “SWAT” tested; add-on devices are not rebated)
-- (<1 acre): $80
-- (1+ acre): $25/station
- Rotary nozzles, new requirement to include pressure regulating heads:
$4/nozzle
- Synthetic turf: $0.60/sq ft (not available in all areas as local water
agencies must now match funds and retrofitted area must be less than ½
acre; check the website for details)
As always, local water agencies have the option to add funding and increase
rebate amounts for their customers. Agency funding updates will be provided
on a monthly basis.
If you have any questions, please visit the program website at:
www.bewaterwise.com or call the SoCal Water$mart hotline at: 888-376-3314.
We look forward to working with you!
California Friendly Plant Guide
Good resource for saving water outdoors: California-Friendly Guide to Native and Drought Tolerant Gardens by @LVMWD http://www.lvmwd.com
Run off a bigger issue than previously thought
American Chemical Society press release declaring water pollution resulting from run-off from homes has been underestimated by 50%. Note that the study was done in Sac and OC.
Emergency 'go' for graywater in Ca
Emergency 'go' for graywater in CA
SAN DIEGO - Drought compels state to move 18 months ahead of schedule.
To read the rest of this article, go to:
http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=72345
SAN DIEGO - Drought compels state to move 18 months ahead of schedule.
To read the rest of this article, go to:
http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=72345
Ornamental Grasses for Fall Landscapes
Here are some grasses that will add texture to your landscape. Think low water, maintenance and added beauty.
There are some great contractors out there.
Jensen Ranked Among the Nation's Top Landscape Companieshttp://bit.ly/3RSaQo
Texas dealing with NO WATER possibilities
DALLAS - Restrictions 'may' preserve drinking water, one city says. To read the rest http://bit.ly/xhvth
Ash borer causing problem for Ash trees across Midwest
8 billion trees in Jeopardy
http://www.twincities.com/ci_12919697
Water Shortage getting "Fishy"
Check out latest news on water supplies.
No More Water in the OC??
New study shows water supply for Southern California is in serious jeopardy over the next few decades. Check out this link for more info http://sciencedude.freedomblogging.com/2009/07/21/key-oc-water-source-under-threat-but-how-badly/43145/
Removing Passive Turf Areas
So you've taken out your lawn. Now what? 7/18 class at Quail Botanical Gardens in El Cajon covers some options http://tinyurl.com/lwrh62
Monarch to Speak
Monarch has been asked by CACM to create a 30 year reserve study providing real world targets, goals and budgets for Home Owner Associations to put into practice. Matt Davenport will represent Monarch in Oakland, Sacramento, Coachella Valley, LA and Ventura this Fall.
Drought Timeline
CA Dept. of Water Resources just posted a drought timeline. Chronicles events, impacts in 2007-2009http://tinyurl.com/nb7onh#fb
MWD approves $19 million infusion for water conservation rebates
March 26th left many residents and Home owner associations in limbo. Under the previous guidelines that Metro set forth, dollars were allocated for installing smart timers, mp rotators and other water saving devices. However, on the 26th this program changed dramatically and hundreds of customers without the refund they had budgeted for. Due to the state budget crisis as well and many other issues the money had slowed to halt.
Check out this article to see where we are in the process MWD approves $19 million infusion for water conservation rebates. Will help save 300k acre-feet over next 20 yrs http://tinyurl.com/le4h5c
Where is the Federal Money Going?
Met, SoCal water leaders thank the feds for stimulus $$ for water programs. http://cli.gs/Mtz2AP
Water Thrifty Plants
Water thrifty plants can be an excellent source of texture and color. Lemon Grass, Pride of Madeira, Aloes and various succulents vary in terms of water requirements. However, irrigation during the establishment period is critical the success of every plant. After establishment, irrigation can be reduced considerably.
Rebate Central for Southern California
Having trouble figuring out rebates. Monarch is here to help. Check out the following links.
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Municipal Water District of
What's Wrong With My Photenia's?
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Entomosporium Leaf Spot on Red Tip
Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Entomosporium maculatum, is a widespread and destructive disease of red tip (Photinia fraseri), loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), India hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica), some pear cultivars (Pyrussp.) and several other members of the rose family. This disease is most damaging to plants in the landscape and nurseries during periods of cool, wet weather and when active growth is occurring.
 Entomosporium leaf spot on red tip. |
Low levels of leaf spot usually cause little more than cosmetic damage but maintain a source of spores for future infections. Severe infections, however, often result in early and heavy leaf drop. Heavy leaf drop severely reduces the landscape value of red tip and can cause plant death. Some cultivars of India hawthorn are as severely affected as red tip.
Spots on the leaves and young shoots are important in the survival of the Entomosporium leaf spot fungus. Fallen, diseases leaves are less important sources of the fungus. Masses of spores are released during periods of wet weather from the fungal spore producing structures in the center of the spots from late winter through much of the year except during the hot periods of summer. These spores are spread to healthy foliage by a combination of splashing water and wind. New leaf spot symptoms appear within 10-14 days after a wet infection period.
For the landscape, purchase plants showing no leaf spot symptoms. Isolated healthy plants or hedges can often remain healthy as the spores are only splashed over short distances. Space plants to improve the air movement around the plants and promote rapid drying of leaf surfaces. If it is necessary to irrigate the plants, do not wet the foliage or irrigate in midday to reduce the period of time foliage remains wet. If possible, remove fallen diseased leaves. Do not water or fertilize plants any more than necessary to avoid promoting excess new growth. Also, reduce pruning during the summer which promotes continual new growth. Severely defoliated plants may need to be pruned heavily to have a small, easier to spray plant, to reduce the source of spores and improve air movement. It may be necessary to remove severely diseased plants that have also been damaged by cold injury and replace them with another plant species that is not susceptible to leaf spot.
Several fungicides may also be help in the management of leaf spot in the landscape.
Reasearch provided by Ornamental Disease Information Note 11
Ronald K. Jones, Plant Pathologist (retired)Mike Benson, Plant Pathologist
For more help on identifying plant problems call Monarch.
Monarch Speaks
A few of Monarch's talks that make great educational tools for your team.
- Pearls in the landscape
- 10 things to consider before firing your landscaper
- Your landscape - Asset or Liability
- Reduce cost raise values
- Where are we headed. AB 1881 and more
Monarch Magic
Landscaping is typically the biggest item on your budget. Monarch helps save money by making decisions that represent the clients best interest. In today's economy, we cannot afford to spend money blindly. Monarch will shed light on current landscape operations and provide technical expertise that will put dollars back in your budget.
Summer is rapidly approaching. Have your irrigation work orders, proposals and invoices increased? Hopefully, you hired Monarch and this influx is being minimized. If not, it's not to late to call Monarch. Monarch will assess the 5 biggest budget busters on your property. Mention this blog and Monarch will take 50% off the cost of that assessment. This offer is good until May 15th.
Where Does our Water Come From
This map shows the 26 different districts that are fed by the Metropolitan Water District (MWD). The water delivered to Metro travels as much as 500 miles through the Ca. Aqueduct as well as many other sources that make up these areas. For more on where our water comes from check out the latest copy of CACM's Vision Magazine. Matt is a key a key contributor on the editorial committee for CACM.
METRO CHANGES REBATE PROCESS
Before you buy smart timers or MP ROTATORS and expect rebates Monarch recommends you understand the new process. Go to www.bewaterwise.com for more info.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
1. Get a Smart Timer- properly installed and maintained, water use and water bills will be drastically reduced. Less wasted water typically means less growth and less trimming.
2. Limit Turf- Instead of constantly fighting the turf in your community or home - eliminate it and plant something more suitable. Less mowing more beauty.
3. Slow Growing- Plant the right slow growing material and the maintenance burden will be drastically reduced.
Be Part of the Solution
Water Less, it's better for your landscape.
DID YOU KNOW?
One recent water district study indicated that if the amount of water wasted in California was reduced by only 10 percent, it could save up to 50 billion gallons a year -- the same amount needed to supply the residential needs of a large city. Don't spike your water usage in March. Ease the percentage used based on ET Rates found online. Become a Monarch Champion by lowering your water usage by 10% this year.
SPRING IS HERE
Ahhh. . . the beauty of Spring. Believe or not it's already here. Over the next few weeks soil temperatures will begin to warm and the hours of sunlight will grow increasingly longer. These factors cause new roots and shoots to grow much faster than in the Fall and Winter. It's important to have the following items in place with your contractor:
1. Irrigation Maps- make sure meters valves and controllers are mapped
2. Maintenance Schedule- Where will the crews be an when
3. Watering Schedule
4. Site Inspection- Have a routine site inspection to accomplish last months goals
Water Crisis Order Issued
Outdoor What you can do: Gallons Saved : Water your yard before 8AM- 25 per day Install a smart sprinkler controller- 40 per day Sweep the drive way don't use a hose- 150 per use Check your sprinklers for leaks and overspray- 500 per month CALL MONARCH FOR A SITE ASSESSMENTIndoor What you can do: Gallons Saved Per Day:Turn off water while you brush your teeth 3 Shorten showers by 1 minute 5 Fix leaky faucts 20 Wash only full loads 35
Monarch's Picks for Trees 20'-70'
Magnolia Grandiflora. 'St. Mary' - Southern Magnolia
This is the first clone of Magnolia grandiflora selected and named within the U.S.
Description- Bushy compact form, growing to an eventual height of 20'. This Magnolia is faster growing than the the 'Little Gem' and has the traditional white flowers that help identify Magnolias.
Platanus X Acerifolia 'Columbia'- London Plane Tree
This tree has character. Exfoliating bark in shades of greys and greens. These large tough shade trees were hybridized and selected for their resistance to the fungal disease Sycamore anthracnose. This tree does well in demanding sites. This tree will reach maturity around 50 tall in 25 years. Great replacement for California Sycamore which prefers plenty of water.
Lagerstromia Indica- Crape Myrtle
Originally from Asia, this tree has been naturalized through the U.S. First introduced in the eighteenth century, this tree is not cultivated throughout the world. This tree has become popular in Southern Ca. due to the beautiful blooms and manageable height (approx. 25'). Crapes can grow larger based on conditions and maintenance practices.
Quercas Ilex- Holly Oak
The tree can also be referred to as the holm oak or evergreen oak. Native to Mediterranean Europe and Africa. This tree can live for well over 100 years and grow up to 65 feet tall. This oak grows almost 24" a year.
Rhus Lancea- African Sumac
Originally from Africa this small to medium sized evergreen tree will grow up to 24' tall and equally wide. Dark gray or brown leaves with course bark give this tree a beautiful look. This tree requires very little water once established. The Sumac is a good alternative to the Brazilian Pepper.
Sustainable, Efficient and Beautiful
Life Cycle
Plants are living breathing organisms. All living organisms go through life stages. Plants germinate, grow, develop and decline. During this process they establish, flourish and eventually decline. So why are we so surprised when plants die? As stewards of our environment, it's important that we replace the plants with material that is sustainable, efficient and aesthetically pleasing.Sustainability in a broad sense, is the capacity of maintaining a certain process or state. An example of a sustainable plant would be an appropriate material that is allowed to grow to maturity with minimum maintenance.
Efficiency is much the same- an efficient planting will allow for minimal maintenance, water and fertilizer. Efficient landscapes allow for reallocation of resources.
Aesthetics -There is no perfect palette for every situation. So here is a list of question to ask when considering removing material:
1. In what way will the property be effected by removing this material? Will this removal add or subtract value?
2. What grade would you give the quality of the material? A, B or C ?
3. What life cycle stage is this material in. Improving or Declining. If declining, what is your plan for replacement. Give a grade for the declining material and create a list of plants that fall in to "A" material.
Establishment-
Now you have made great decisions on removals and replacements. What's next? Make sure the contractor is attending to the new material. New plantings require TLC up front.
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