A Winter’s Tale, December 2023
Check below for winter ‘to-dos’ that will save you money.
The holidays are upon us, and we’d like to take this moment to say how much we appreciate you. Whether you’re a client, or thinking about becoming one, we’re happy to have you as part of the family here at Environmental Enhancements.
Family first is one of our company’s core values; one that I cherish the most. I have made a recent move—with Fred’s full support—from Virginia to Tennessee to spend more time with my aging parents. I’m so grateful to work for a company that understands how important my family is to me!
But even though I’m now remote, I’ll be spending a lot of time in Virginia, working on projects and meeting with you, our valued clients.
Not to worry. You’ll still get the same great service you’ve always gotten from me and EE. And on that note, here’s a quick get-ready-for-winter checklist for you. If you need help with any of these tasks, let me know.
A few pointers on preparing your properties for winter. Please don’t skip any of these…a penny saved is a pound earned. (Or something like that.)
Have You Seen FredTalks Yet?
As a service to our residential clients, we offer monthly tips on how to keep up with yard maintenance. If you love working out in your yard (or do it because you have to), sign up here for FredTalks!
Sustainable Landscaping Corner
Nature’s Way of predicting a Cold Winter
While modern meteorology relies on advanced technology and scientific data to predict the weather, there are still age-old indicators in nature that hint at a cold and challenging winter. Are you noticing any of these?
- Thicker Fur on Animals: Species like squirrels, rabbits, and foxes grow thicker and fluffier coats as a natural response to dropping temperatures. When you see these critters sporting extra layers of fur, it’s an indication they anticipate a colder winter.
- Early Migration of Birds: Many birds migrate to warmer regions before winter’s chill sets in. If you observe birds beginning their journey south earlier than usual, it’s a clear sign they’re trying to escape the colder temperatures that await them.
- Abundant Berries and Nuts: Plants and trees are also part of nature’s winter fortunetelling team. Trees and shrubs produce more nuts and berries to ensure there’s enough food for animals during the long winter months.
- Thick Onion Skins: An old, but still popular, folklore suggests that the thickness of onion skins can tell us how harsh the winter will be. According to this belief, if onion skins are tougher than usual, it’s a sign of a cold, snowy days ahead.
- Early Ice Formation: If you live near bodies of water, pay attention to the early formation of ice on lakes, ponds, and rivers. Ice forming earlier than usual can be a sign of a colder winter. The timing of ice formation depends on factors like air temperature and heat loss from the water, making it a somewhat reliable natural indicator.
Modern science and technology have significantly improved our ability to predict the weather, but there’s something enchanting about tuning in to the wisdom of nature as we anticipate the cold months ahead. Be sure to keep an eye on the animals, plants, and weather patterns to discern what they’re trying to tell you about what the upcoming season.
Just another reason we’re committed to environmentally conscious best practices and offer sustainable landscaping options!
In closing, I’d like to wish you a happy season and an optimistic outlook for the new year. We’re definitely feeling that way at EE!
Warm Regards,
Kyle Thurman
Design Director
Ask About Organic Options! Environmental Enhancements
www.eelandscaping.com
540.764.4433