My wife and I just returned from a visit to our nation’s capital in Washington D.C. I went representing Oklahoma lawncare operators (the only one there) who are members of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). Every summer hundreds of members travel to Washington D.C. to volunteer their time in helping to care for Arlington National Cemetery with aerations, applications of lime and fertilizer, and tree care. I was on the core aeration crew, along with about 12 other guys. It was a neat experience to help in a small way in caring for the grounds at the National Cemetery. With my oldest son serving as a new Marine, it was especially meaningful and made one proud to be an American and gracious for the service of so many over the years.
The Marine Monument at Arlington National Cemetary
I also was able to meet with both of our Oklahoma Senators, Senators Inhoff and Coburn. Both were very gracious and in agreement of our views as small business owners in the lawncare industry. The last time I was in Washington D.C. was when Ronald Reagan was President. Things have been somewhat quiet since then, but the climate has sure changed now! Although we are highly regulated by the E.P.A. and State Dept. of Agriculture, some folks just think that it’s not enough. The E.P.A. is even considering language in their new ”Water Sense” program that dictates that no more than 40% of a landscape can be in turf! It seems that healthy turf, one of the best environmental things a homeowner can grow at their home, does not get the respect it deserves.
We also spoke about the new health care issues, and the proposals for many small business owners such as myself to take the brunt of the cost to fund it. Being a sub-S business as many others, company profits flow right to our family tax return, making us some of those “rich folks” who can afford to pay higher taxes. Yea right! I don’t see much of those company profits in my checkbook, as they go towards growing and improving our business, adding jobs, contributing back to our community, and more good things that business produces. Taking away even more from profits to higher taxes even makes it harder.
Now to more important stuff–like Nutgrass! Next week I’ll show you a picture from the front lawn of the Capital, with our favorite friend Nutgrass. It’s even invaded Washington D.C.
Sentator Inhoff and Brad Johson talking about grass.
Certain species of trees are becoming covered with webs of Fall Webworms recently. Every few years, we’ll have infestations of these pests. It’s been several years since we’ve had a significant invasion, so we are due for one. These are larvae of the Fall Webworm moth, which feed on the outer leaves of trees such as pecan, hickory, persimmon, river birch, sweetgum, redbud, and a few others. We will probably see several generations this year, as they have come in early. The larvae will pupate, with moths emerging soon, laying eggs and starting the cycle again.
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