SCAPEMAIL
Volume 9 ♦ Issue 2 ♦ January 23, 2025
A New Milestone!
We are thrilled to announce that 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of our company! Over the past three and a half decades, our talented and dedicated staff, along with your trust and support, have been the secret to our success. We are deeply grateful for your friendship, partnership and loyalty as we look forward to many more years to come. -Shayne
January Thaw
CT historically experiences a fascinating weather phenomenon called the January Thaw between the 20th – 25th when daytime temperatures temporarily rise above freezing for about seven consecutive days. This year, with the recent snow and deep freeze, the 2025 January thaw will be delayed about a week – which is not uncommon.
Both the ‘January Thaw’ and autumn’s ‘Indian Summer’ are classified as a weather singularity, which means it is a recurring weather pattern that regularly deviates from normal seasonal temperatures.
Temperatures rise an average of 10°F higher during the thaw and then drop back down in time for a furry rodent prognosticator to tell us if we’ll experience six more weeks of winter or if we can expect an “early” spring
Historically, in the entire Northern Hemisphere, today, January 23rd is considered the coldest day of the year.
Snow & Ice Control
As you may or may not know, YardScapes provides snow plowing and ice treatment services exclusively for our clients who had a “green season” landscape maintenance contract with us. This policy significantly reduces any possibility of damage to a new client’s property and/or hardscaping because we are not familiar with it, especially when it is blanketed in snow. The policy also helps eliminate any potential hazards to our staff, trucks, or equipment.
If YardScapes is not handling snow and ice for you, please keep the following in mind to help make the job safer and less stressful.
- First, make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need well before wintry weather arrives. Ensure your snowblower is in good working order, your shovels are ready, and you have enough ice melt, sand, or salt.
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- Clearing snow in intervals keeps it from accumulating which makes it heavier and more difficult to remove.
- A lightweight, ergonomic shovel reduces back strain.
- Shovel by pushing snow and never lifting it to prevent injury or soreness. Light and fluffy snow can often be swept away easily with a broom.
- Put down ice melt products, salt or sand before it begins to snow. Also check labels for pet safety and temperature rating before applying.
- Keep in mind that salt products may damage concrete, driveways, and landscape plants.
- Remove snow and ice from landscape plants whenever possible to prevent damage.
“January is the quietest month in the garden. But just because it looks quiet doesn’t mean nothing is happening.” – Rosalie Muller Wright
Sustainable Practices
If you are interested in eco-friendly landscape practices, here are a few that you can incorporate this year with minimal effort!
Water Conservation
- Plant early in the spring when plants require less water to establish.
- Choose native and drought-resistant plants.
- Install drip irrigation.
- Add a proper layer of compost or mulch.
- Water deeply and less frequently.
Think Native
- Native plants require less water and overall maintenance.
- Native plants attract and support native birds, butterflies and beneficial insects.
- Native plants don’t need pesticides.
Composting
- Lawn clippings and kitchen scraps can be turned into beneficial compost.
- Compost adds essential nutrients to the soil reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Compost retains moisture therefore reducing water usage.
- Organic matter helps bind soil particles, reducing erosion and improving soil stability.
If you are interested in sustainability, let us know if you’d like to discuss your specific goals and the available options.