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Randy Clark

Randy Clark

About Randy Clark — 133 articles

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He can be found at RandyClarkLeadership.com.

Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He is a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock and Roll band Under the Radar.

He is the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others.

Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager's Workbook, a crash course in effective management.

RandyClarkLeadership.com →

What Are Lawn Hot Spots?

Hot spots are areas of dead or stressed turf that appear during summer heat waves. Berger Hargis Rep Desmond Corn explains what causes them and what you can do.

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Controlling Mosquitos

I‘ve written about controlling mosquitoes. In the post, Summer is here, and so are the Mosquitoes! I share that my backyard borders a wooded area ripe for mosquito reproduction. And  Buzz Off! Mosquito Control for a Bite-Free Summer, where I explain how susceptible my wife is to mosquitoes, “My wife is the one who asked about mosquito control. She is mosquito candy. We can both be sitting outside on the back patio, and I don’t even hear a buzz as she slaps her arm, shows me three mosquito bite bumps, and goes inside. Yeah, mosquitoes are attracted to my wife.”

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Controlling Ant Mounds in Your Yard

It’s time to think about controlling ant mounds. It’s ant mound season. My wife was edging our front lawn recently when she noticed at least a dozen small ant mounds along the sidewalk. They were small brown ants that hindered grass growth. As she looked further, she saw more mounds inside the yard, many near a tree, and more in her flower beds. So, what should we do?

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How to Fix Bare Patches in Your Yard

We have a bare patch in our front yard under a tree. Part of the problem is the shaded area under the tree. So, last fall, we had the tree trimmed back, that should help. However, the other part of the problem is the tree roots, which have grown above ground all around the tree.

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What Is Snow Mold?

I had “What Is Snow Mold?” on my blog topic list, but here it is March, and I haven’t written it yet. Is it too late to write? I mean it’s almost Spring. No, it’s not too late for two reasons. As I’m writing this, snow is forecast for tomorrow. We had two inches of snow on April 20TH 2021, and I‘ve seen flurries at the Speedway on Memorial Day. The second reason is that snow mold can and will damage your lawn after the snow is gone.  

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Should You Mulch in the Winter?

So, should you mulch in the winter? In many cases, the answer is yes. We mulch throughout most of the year for several reasons. For example, we use mulch to control erosion, prevent weeds, and make it look good. However, winter mulching can often be for other reasons, such as insulation to protect roots from extreme cold and, at the same time, to slow growth cycles during a sudden warm period in winter.

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Dormant Grass Seeding

Dormant grass seeding is simply sowing grass seeds in late fall or winter. It’s when soil temperatures are too low for germination. The dormant seeds sit until spring. Thus using the freeze-thaw cycle and winter water to establish themselves earlier than spring-seeded grass.

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We Wish you Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

We wish you happy holidays and Merry Christmas! Here at Berger Hargis, we believe that who someone is, what their character is made of, is more important than where they were born. We celebrate with you whatever your holiday observation is.

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How Does Extreme Cold Affect Grass?

I wondered aloud, “How does extreme cold affect grass?” I was looking out my front window. It was 24°F and snowing. The next day’s forecast was a high of 9°F and a low of -2°F.

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Should You Walk on Frozen Grass?

So, should you walk on frozen grass? Whether it’s frost or snow covered the answer is no. Avoid walking on frozen or frosted grass. When the water inside the blades freezes, it expands and makes them brittle. Stepping on the grass can break the cell walls, leave footprints, and cause damage that weakens your lawn.

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Preparing Your Mower for Winter

I mowed my grass for the last time this year a couple of weeks ago. Actually, it was more like I mulched leaves with my mulching blade. Either way, it was the last time for the year. So, that means it

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Does Winter Lawn Care Matter?

Does winter lawn care matter? I’m sure many of you have been like me in the past and said or thought, “It’s winter, so lawn care doesn’t matter now!” Well, I was wrong, and if you think this well, you

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When to Water Your Lawn After Seeding

When to water your lawn after seeding can vary. We recently had our fall lawn aeration and overseeding. (If you don’t have this done, I highly recommend it.) When the work was completed, I asked the technician about watering. He not only explained what we needed to do but also gave me a printed handout.

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Bringing In Your Garden this Winter

A few years ago, as winter approached, I decided to bring a few of my potted plants inside. I chose a few healthy flowering annuals and some herbs. By and large, it was a success; however, I did learn a few things that I continue to use today.

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When Should You Mow in the Fall?

So, when should you mow in the fall? To begin with, not during a draught. I had planned to mow my lawn today. It’s been a couple of weeks since I mowed my yard. However, I saw on the local weather this morning that there’s no rain expected for a week. Mowing during a drought is generally not recommended at any time of year, but especially in the Fall. However, you should consider several factors.

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The Lawn Fungus Among Us

Lawn fungus not only looks bad in your lawn, but it also compromises the health of your grass. It usually thrives in warm, moist environments and can be spurred on by poor drainage, overwatering, or u

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How to Reduce Landscape Watering

Did you know you can reduce landscape watering and still have a well-hydrated yard? I didn’t realize this until Desmond Corn, a Berger Hargis Sales Representative, talked about it. It’s accomplished by using moisture management products such as Hydretain, which uses a hygroscopic humectant that attracts and retains moisture from the atmosphere to improve water management.

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Summer is here, and so are the Mosquitoes!

Yes, summer is here, and so are the mosquitoes. My backyard ends in a wooded area that borders a creek. So, we have mosquitoes. In the past, we focused on eliminating standing water, using natural repellents, and maintaining a clean and tidy yard. 

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It’s Tick Season

Yes, it’s Tick season. Tick season in Indiana runs from late May to August but can start earlier, depending on the weather. Trees surround our backyard, and woods are directly behind our fence. My wife is convinced that ticks will wait for her in the trees and jump down on her. However, ticks are arachnids, not insects, and they are unable to jump or leap. Since they don’t jump, they climb on vegetation, like grass and shrubs, and wait for a passing animal or my wife to brush against them, allowing them to latch on to her, I mean them. 

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Lawn Edging Is More Than Looks

Yes, lawn edging is more than looks; much more. In my backyard, I have 33 eight-foot sections of privacy fence. 24 years ago, when we moved in, I created flower beds in front of each section, which were four by eight feet. I soon learned that mulch alone wasn’t enough to separate the beds from the lawn. At the time I travelled the state for my job. So, I’d stop when I saw rock walls and gather stones (I hope that was legal). It took me more than a year to edge the more than 260 feet of beds with stones. I also found geodes and fossils in a creek bed on my mom’s property.      

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How and Why to Reduce Rodent Population

It may be more important than you realize to reduce rodent population on your property. Why is that? To begin with, rodents spread disease. “Hantaviruses can infect and cause serious disease in people worldwide. People get hantavirus from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva.” — WWW.CDC.GOV — Hantavirus. Among other diseases, rodents also carry and spread Salmonella bacteria. So, how do you reduce your chances of rodents spreading disease in your yard and home?

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How to Know Spring Has Come to Central Indiana

How can you know that Spring has come to Central Indiana? One way is your calendar. Last Thursday was the first day of Spring. I know because it’s clearly marked on my calendar. Looking outside gave me no clue because there were snow flurries, but that’s Central Indiana for you. On the Spring equinox, the day is divided equally between Light and dark, twelve hours each, which only happens twice a year.  So yes, Spring is here. You can mark it on your calendar or look for the following signs of Spring here in Central Indiana.    

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7 Key Spring Gardening Tips

March is not too early for Spring gardening tips. Central Indiana should see the year’s highest temperatures at 70 degrees or above this week. So, yes, Spring is in the air! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready. I’m ready to plant my flower and veggie gardens, crank up the grill, and sit back, looking at the woods while sipping on a cold beverage. How about you? Are you ready for Spring?

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It’s Planning Your Garden Time!

Planning your garden is critical. As I write this, I’m looking out the window of my home office at a sunlit blue sky. Most of the snow in my yard has melted. It’s supposed to hit a high temperature of 43 degrees today. Yes, Spring is near. So, it’s time to start planning your garden for the warm months ahead. Here are some Spring garden planning ideas to get you well on the way to a beautiful garden.

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10 Spring Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

Spring gardening is exciting, but many beginners and experienced gardeners make mistakes that impact plant health and growth in their gardens, whether it’s flowers, vegetables, or both. Here are 10 spring gardening mistakes to avoid.

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But Wait There’s More!

But wait, there’s more. More what you ask. More snow. Yes, central Indiana has had significant snow this winter, 2024/2025, but we’re not done. According to the National Weather Service, our average annual snowfall in Central Indiana is 25.5 inches. But wait, there’s more. Our average snowfall in February is 6 inches, and March 3.2.  We even had 2.4 inches of snow in May on 5/02/1897. There’s been snow as late as 5/31. There were traces of snow at the Indy 500 in 1989 and 1992. I know because I was there, Weather events play major role in Indy 500 history.

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Can Salt Damage Your Lawn?

So, can salt damage your lawn? While I was spreading salt on my walkway a neighbor asked if there could be lawn damage from the salt. I told her yes, but it was unlikely because grass damaged by salt usually comes back as the snow melts and spring rain washes away the salt. 

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7 New Year’s Resolution Mistakes

Many of us have made New Year’s resolution mistakes. We set New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them once the initial excitement is past. This is so prevalent that the second Friday in January has become Quitter’s Day, when many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions. If you’ve experienced this, it likely wasn’t due to a lack of desire to achieve your goals. The reason might be one or more of these seven common mistakes.

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‘Tis the Season of Giving Back

Yes, ’tis the season of giving back. Christmas isn’t only about giving and receiving gifts; it’s also about doing good in the world. Giving back is part of the culture at Berger Hargis. It’s in our backbone. For 30 years, we’ve offered our help to the community and beyond. It’s bonded our employees as teammates and strengthened our reputation. Besides, it feels good. 

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Winter Draughts and Your Lawn

Yes, there are winter draughts, and they can adversely affect your lawn. This October was the 8th driest on record for Indianapolis, and if it hadn’t been for ½ inch of rain on October 31st, it would have been the driest. This winter could be prime time in Central Indiana for lawn desiccation. Lawn desiccation occurs when the lawn loses moisture faster than it can replenish, especially after a dry fall. It’s made worse by harsh winter conditions like dry winds and fluctuating temperatures. 

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Why You Should Hire Berger Hargis Landscaping

There are multiple reasons why you should hire Berger Hargis Landscaping. To begin with, we’ve been helping residential and commercial customers in Central Indiana since 1994. We know what we’re doing. However, being in business for 30 years doesn’t guarantee quality work; you also need a great team. Our team members are highly skilled, but regardless, we also believe in continuous training. Something else that means a lot to us is that we give back to the community in many ways. So, if you’re looking for an established, reputable, well-trained landscape provider who cares about the community, look no further. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what a few of our customers had to say.  

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High Winds and Fallen Trees

I’ve dealt with fallen trees several times over the last 20 years. However, dealing with the aftermath of a fallen tree was never easier than when I lost a tree last week. I live at the bottom of a wooded hill. Trees have fallen and taken out parts of my wooden privacy fence (not last week, it missed my new fence!). Trees have fallen into my side yard and taken days for me and my chainsaw to clear; at least I had plenty of wood for the fire pit.

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Do You Have a Mole Problem?

I have a mole problem. It’s more like I had a mole problem. Here in central Indiana, we’re in the midst of a drought, and moles don’t do well in a drought. However, the moles will be back, if not this

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10 Ways to Improve Teamwork

Is it time to improve teamwork at your organization? Many studies show good teamwork improves efficiency, production, employee retention, and job satisfaction. However, I’ve seen very few organizations work at improving teamwork. If you’ve been in management for even a short time, you’ve experienced the benefits of a team working together or the detriment caused by teams working against each other. Is it time to work on improving teamwork in your organization?

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Is Customer Service Part of Your Marketing Plan?

So, is customer service part of the marketing plan at your organization? If not, it should be. Customer service is the cornerstone of your sales and marketing. Because without excellent customer service, all your marketing efforts may be a waste of time. Is that statement harsh? These statistics might change your opinion. “93% of customers are likely to make repeat purchases with companies who offer excellent customer service. (HubSpot Research) If the company’s customer service is excellent, 78% of consumers will do business with them again after a mistake. (Salesforce Research)” — 107 Customer Service Statistics and Facts You Shouldn’t Ignore

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Small Business is a Big Deal

Yes, small business is a big deal. Here at Berger Hargis, we work with hundreds of small businesses, and we know they greatly impact our community. Small businesses in America are anything but small. They may not be as visible as larger companies with advertising budgets. They may not have a public relations or marketing department, but their significance shouldn’t be discounted, because small businesses in central Indiana and in the USA are huge. 

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Landscaping Is Problem-Solving

Landscaping is problem-solving. Landscaping is a lot more complicated and involved than most people know. It’s much more than mowing and planting. A top-notch landscaper is a problem-solver. Understanding issues like drainage, erosion, and pest control is essential. A problem-solver offers solutions, demonstrates expertise, and builds trust. That’s what we here at Berger Hargis strive to do. Here are some of the problems we tackle and solve.

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How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn?

So, how often should you mow your lawn? The best answer is – it depends. Several factors such as the type of grass, the growth rate, weather conditions, and the season all affect lawn growth. Here are some general guidelines.

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Controlling Grubs in Your Lawn

Controlling grubs in your lawn is complicated. Grubs are the larval stage of various beetle species that can harm your grass. The most common culprits are Japanese Beetles, Masked Chafers, European Chafers, Green June Beetles, and May/June Beetles.

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When’s the Best Time to Divide and Transplant Perennials?

So, when’s the best time to divide and transplant perennials? While some consider fall to be the best time to move flowering perennials, spring allows the plants to have the winter to adjust to their new location and slowly establish themselves. Dividing ornamental grasses and perennials in spring reduces stress on the root system and allows the plants to establish in their new location before the hot summer months. 

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The Art of Tree Installation

The art of tree installation is more than knowing how to plant a tree. It’s about understanding the science of tree installation and using that knowledge to create a piece of natural art.

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The Importance of Seasonal Flower Care

How important is seasonal flower care? Here in Central Indiana, from May through September, staying on top of your flower beds is essential. Most beds should be visited two to three times each week during this flowering season. So, why so often? The answer is that with flowers, it’s not one-and-done. Your flower beds need watering, fertilization, weeds pulled, insecticides and fungicides applied, and curbside appeal maintained. Letting any of these slip for even a short time can be disastrous to your flower beds; here’s why. 

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Should You Use Mulch or Decorative Stone?

So, should you use mulch or decorative stone in your landscape? The answer depends on your needs. But often, the best answer is both. When it comes to landscaping, whether commercial or residential, t

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Enhancing Your Landscape with Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental Grasses can do many things for your landscape. When we moved into our home in September 2021, I almost didn’t notice the large green utility box in the front of our yard next to the drive. I didn’t see it because it was almost completely hidden behind ornamental grass. At the time, I had no idea what it was other than tall grass. Now I know it is Pampas grass.

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What is Perimeter Insect Control?

What is perimeter pest insect control? Last week, I found a small brown ant in my bathroom sink. It was late January in Indiana. It’s cold. I can understand the ants wanting inside where it’s warm, but I don’t like sharing my sink with insects, do you?

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How to Manage Pythium Blight

How to manage Pythium Blight begins with knowing what Pythium blight is. It’s a destructive turfgrass disease caused by various species of the Pythium genus. It primarily affects cool-season grasses, such as bentgrass, fescue, and ryegrass, but can also impact warm-season grasses under certain conditions.

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Landscape Design Makes A Difference

As I look out my window at the snow-covered lawn there’s not much to see of my landscape design. Besides, it’s below zero with a wind chill in the minus 20s. So, I’m not spending much time outdoors. However, spring is right around the corner and whether it’s commercial or residential landscape design, now is a good time to start thinking about what you want.

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What Is Tree Surgery?

So, what is tree surgery? The answer is many procedures. It can be as simple as pruning or as complicated as properly guying a tree.

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7 Steps to Hitting Your New Year’s Resolutions

Most of us have made New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them after the mood was gone. I once had an employment candidate tell me, “Character is the will to follow through on a good resolve after the mood wore off.” Good point.

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What is Tree Cabling and Why Would You Need it?

So, what is tree cabling? Sometimes, even healthy trees have structural problems that can endanger them and make them unsafe. Installing support cables can eliminate the need to cut down these trees by strengthening and supporting the affected areas.

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How and When to Plant Bulbs

Knowing how and when to plant bulbs can be a huge payoff in the Spring, with a colorful display of flowers seeming to appear magically. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant bulbs in the fall.

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What Can You Do with the Leaves on Your Lawn?

What can you do with the leaves has been an ongoing question at my home. Our backyard is at the bottom of a tree-covered 50-foot hill. You can guess where most of the leaves fall. They land in my backyard. So, what do I do with all those leaves? I’ve mowed, composed, raked, blown them up the hill, hired someone to remove them, and even burned them once when the local fire dept. gave me a warning ticket. It’s against local ordinances to burn leaves. Now I know. 

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Why Fall Is the Best Time to Control Dandelions

Fall is the best time to control dandelions. I learned this the hard way. You see, dandelions like my yard. Nothing really worked until the experts at Berger Hargis told me about using herbicides for dandelions in the fall. Wait what? In the fall? Aren’t dandelions a spring and summer problem? Yes, they are. However, you can limit their growth the following spring by attacking them in the fall. 

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Should Your Lawn Be Soil Tested?

So, should your lawn be soil tested? The soil’s composition and nutrient levels affect your lawn’s health and beauty. Soil testing analyses the pH level, nutrient deficiencies, and other factors that can affect the health and growth of your grass. 

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How Important is Dethatching Your Lawn?

How important is dethatching your lawn? Dethatching a yard can mean the difference between a healthy growing lawn and a yard with bare spots and brown areas that’s filled with pests and disease. The a

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What is Bush Hogging?

Bush hogging is a popular method for clearing land and cutting tall vegetation. It involves using a heavy-duty rotary mower called a bush hog to cut through thick brush, tall grass, and other vegetation types. 

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What is Grass Rust, and How Can it Be Controlled?

What is grass rust? Grass rust is a fungal disease affecting various grasses, including Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue. It appears as yellow, orange, or brown powdery spores on the grass blades and can be unsightly and damaging to the health of the grass.

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What Are the Benefits of Planting Trees?

Sometimes planting trees means replacing trees. Spring and summer have brought heavy storms to Central Indiana. Unfortunately, the storms have toppled and damaged countless trees. Replacing lost trees

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Do You Need Deep Root Fertilization?

So, what is deep root fertilization? It’s pumping water and specialized fertilizer below the surface around a plant’s root zone. Did you know regular fertilization of trees and shrubs is essential to overall plant health? Proper fertilization can minimize or even prevent many problems that threaten trees and shrub health. It’s easier to sustain healthy plants than revive ailing plants.

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Controlling Aquatic Weeds

Controlling aquatic leads isn’t only about appearance. Certainly, aquatic weeds distract from the beauty of any body of water, but they can also render the water feature unusable and adversely affect the biosphere. Yes, aquatic weeds can significantly impact the health of marine ecosystems. These plants can grow quickly and cover large water areas, leading to negative consequences.

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How to Control Soil Erosion

Knowing how to control soil erosion can be critical for your property. Soil erosion is not uncommon around a lake, ditch, or hillside and often requires erosion control, or it will get out of control. Erosion can take away from the appearance of your landscape, render areas unusable, and reduce the value of your property.

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6 Steps to Cleaning Up Your Yard After a Storm

Cleaning up your yard after a storm can be a chore. It’s the start of the summer storm season in Central Indiana. It’s not a question of if it will storm but when, how often, and how severe. No doubt there will be high winds and hail, and tornadoes are not uncommon. We hope no storm damages your personal property this summer. However, it’s a sure bet that storms will leave sticks, branches, and occasionally a downed tree in their wake. Our tree experts can provide storm damage clean-up regardless of the size of the mess left by the storm, or if you want to tackle the clean-up yourself, please follow these 6 steps.

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How to Remove Cattails Before They Take over Your Pond

Understanding the proper method to remove cattails is essential. Removing cattails is something you should take your time with. For example, it’s a good idea to consult with local authorities or environmental agencies to ensure you follow the appropriate cattail removal guidelines in your area.

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The Benefits of Commercial Lawn Mowing for Your Business

The benefits of commercial lawn mowing for your business are many. If you own or manage a commercial property, you know how important image is. One of the things that can adversely affect your business’s appearance is the lawn. An overgrown, weed-patched lawn with bushes running wild is not attractive, and whoever your business caters to, an unattractive lawn can turn them away.

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Should Your Trees and Bushes Be Sprayed?

Should your trees and bushes be sprayed? Good question. Many property owners, both residential and commercial, have never thought about having trees and bushes sprayed. I know until I did a little research, I didn’t. The exception might be people with fruit trees who annually spray them. However, for many of us, including me, it’s not always on our landscaping radar.

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Buzz Off! Mosquito Control for a Bite-Free Summer

My wife is the one who asked about mosquito control. She is mosquito candy. We can both be sitting outside on the back patio, and I don’t even hear a buzz as she slaps her arm, shows me three mosquito bite bumps, and goes inside. Yea, mosquitoes are attracted to my wife.

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Pre-Emergent Herbicide, What, When, and How

Last week Brian from Berger Hargis applied pre-emergent herbicide to control crabgrass and broadleaf on my yard. I not only write for Berger Hargis, but I’m also a customer. I know Brian; however, he treated me like the customer I am. He explained what he was doing, how he would do it, and why. I have watched neighbors who use other companies for lawn care and have seldom seen any workers take the time to explain what they were doing. Given the opportunity, informing the customer is the Berger Hargis way.

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When Should You Plant Your Garden In Central Indiana?

So, when should you plant your garden in Central Indiana? That’s a good question because it depends, first of all, on what plant means. Many gardeners start their gardens from seed indoors before taking them outside. It also depends on the plant. Not only does it make a difference whether it’s a vegetable or flower, but what kind of veggie or flower it is matters.

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When is a Tree a Danger?

When is a tree a danger? Unfortunately, too many dangerous trees aren’t recognized in central Indiana until they cause damage. In the last month, Indiana has experienced winds of 40 MPH and more. High winds, Ice accumulation, and storms cause compromised limbs and entire trees to fall. Falling trees and limbs knock out power lines, damage property and cause injury, even death, in central Indiana. So, how can you tell if a tree is a danger?

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Are You looking for a New Career? Berger Hargis Might be Your Answer

Are you looking for a new career? If so, Berger Hargis is a good place to begin your search. I’m not an employee of Berger Hargis. I’m an independent contractor who conducts leadership training with two levels of the Berger Hargis management team. I’ve worked with this team for more than four years and have come to know and respect them.

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Valentine’s Day Roses

Valentine’s Day roses are a tradition. Giving someone roses on Valentine’s Day is a sign of love and affection. However, it’s more than a dozen red roses. Valentine’s Day roses are red roses on cards, logos of a dozen red roses, and one more thing, a reminder that it’s time to start thinking about a Spring preparation plan for your rose bushes.

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What Comes First in Your Small Business?

So, what comes first in your small business? If you “get” this question, the answer is easy. It should come to your lips without hesitation, without having to stop and consider it. If you have to stop and think about what comes first in your small business, then your priorities might need to be revised. If you know the answer, read no further. However, if you’re uncertain – read on. 

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FAQ: Can Snow Damage my Lawn?

Can snow damage my lawn is a good question because the answer is yes and no. Yes, it can damage your lawn. However, there are steps you can take to prevent it.  

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A Storm, a Dinner, and a Team

This blog post is about a storm, a dinner, a team, and a lot more. It’s about a commitment to excellence. It’s about caring for one another. And it’s about a way of living. Last Friday, I was privileged to attend an annual Berger Hargis dinner for managers. The weather forecast called for snow and severe cold. When I arrived at 6:00, the short walk from the parking garage to the restaurant was brutal. It was minus 9 with a 39 below wind chill with wind gusts up to 40 MPH. Like I said, it was brutal. Not everyone could make it. Three attendees worked most of the last 24 hours delivering supplies and assisting snow removal crews.

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Santa’s Parking Lot Snow Removal

So, Santa’s parking lot snow removal is a thing? Yes, Santa has a parking lot, and it does get snow-covered. It’s where the elves park their vehicles while working their shift in the toy shop. Last week Berger Hargis got a Zoom call from the offices of Kringle Inc. They’re short-staffed. Some cookie factory has hired away many of the toy shop’s best elves. So, they can’t afford to have team members clearing the lot of snow when they’re needed to make toys!

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Leave it to Us

Leave it to us is about the leaves on trees that won’t last much longer. Even though it’s December, there are still leaves on trees. I’m looking out my front window at the Bradford Pear tree in the front yard. It’s still full of leaves, but there’s a wind advisory tonight, so we’ll see.

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What Are You Thankful for?

So, what are you thankful for? I asked a few friends and co-workers, “What does Thanksgiving mean to you? The answers listed below included mom’s food, family, friends, football, time off, and giving back.

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What is Veterans Day?

November 11, 2022, is Veterans Day. But what is “Veterans Day”? At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, in 1918, an armistice — a cessation of fire, went into effect, ending World War I. The war to end all wars officially ended seven months later. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared the 11th day of the 11th month as “Armistice Day.”

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How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter

How to prepare your garden for winter starts with when. Central Indiana’s first frost is usually forecast for early to mid-October. The best time to prep your garden is late September to early October before the first freeze. Let’s start with your flower and vegetable beds.

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What Is Lawn Aeration and How Do You Know If Your Lawn Needs it?

If you’re unfamiliar with lawn aeration, it’s simple. Although you can do it with hand tools such as a steel spike aerator or spike shoes, most professionals use a machine such as a walk-behind powered aerator, which extracts small plugs from your lawn. Aeration allows moisture, nutrients, and oxygen to feed the roots of your grass.

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7 Point Fall Lawn and Garden Clean-up Checklist

It will officially be Autumn in a few days, which means it’s fall lawn and garden clean-up time. Cleaning your lawn in the fall isn’t only so it looks good until next spring. In many ways, it’s to protect and improve your yard. Getting your lawn and garden ready for winter will make your spring lawn preparation easier. Here are 7 points to an effective fall lawn and garden clean-up.

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What Makes a Product Great?

So, what makes a product great? Once while working for a construction company, I was contacted by a customer who had second thoughts about the work they had contracted. It seems a competitor told them they were spending too much. The construction company owner took the time to explain the quality of the work, such as the full-time employee installation team and the top-notch materials used. What makes a product great? It’s 3Ps, the people, the product, and the plan.

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Should You Seed or Sod Your Damaged Lawn?

So, should you seed or sod your damaged yard? Good question. It’s been a rough summer on lawns in central Indiana. It could be time for you to establish your lawn. Time to make it look new again. So, how do you know whether your lawn needs seed or sod?

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5 Benefits of Residential Landscaping

There are more than 5 benefits of residential landscaping, but these 5 top our list. These 5 benefits not only add value and make residential landscaping an investment, not an expense they make homeowners happy, and that’s difficult to put a price tag on.

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Is My Grass Dying?

My next-door neighbor met me in the driveway and asked, “Is my grass dying?” My neighbor knows I work with Berger Hargis Landscaping and wanted my opinion. I’m no lawn expert, but I work with several and had asked the Berger Hargis team the same question. Is my grass dying? I reassured her that it probably wasn’t dying and showed her the pull test. The pull test is simple. Choose a small patch of brown grass and pull it straight up. If it comes out with no resistance, it’s dead. Her grass didn’t because the living roots and rhizomes anchored it.

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How to Create a Leadership Credo

It was my privilege to facilitate a series of meetings creating a leadership credo for Berger Hargis. We held three separate one-hour meetings to develop the credo. I begin the first meeting by defining a leadership credo.

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Avoiding Heat Stress

Avoiding heat stress could save your life. Like most of the Midwest, Indiana has experienced record heat this summer with no immediate end in sight. Understanding what excess heat can do to the human body and how to avoid stress is essential.

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How to Have Fun at Work

Berger Hargis knows how to have fun at work. A couple of weeks ago, I sat in on a committee meeting at Berger Hargis. Five members of the leadership team formed the committee. It was the fun committee. Their task was to plan fun events for all of the staff. They talked about cookouts, picnics, and racing pools. I loved it. They get it. Having fun at work is essential.    

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How to Control Grubs in Your Lawn

Knowing how to control grubs in your lawn is essential because grubs are… grubby. Grubs are the larval stage of many common beetles, such as June Bugs, Japanese Beetles, and Chafers.

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Indianapolis in May

Indianapolis in May is more than one event. So, don’t touch that dial. This isn’t just another Indy 500 blog post. Sure, I mention THE race in this post, but also many other events, sights, and activities. Although May at the Indianapolis Speedway holds a special place for Hoosiers and racing fans from around the world, it’s not the only game in town—just the biggest. Besides, one can’t spend all of May at the track, can they? 

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When Should You Clean Your Gutters?

When should you clean your gutters isn’t a question with one answer because it depends on several factors. Most gutter professionals will say to clean your gutters twice a year, spring and fall. However, that might not be the best answer for you.

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Biking into the Heart of the City

It’s almost biking season for me. Spring is in the air, so it’s time to get our bicycles out of the shed, clean them, put air in the tires, and polish the fenders. My wife and I have matching bikes. They have wide white-walled tires, big seats, and 6-speeds. This year I plan to bike more than I did last year.

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Springtime in Indianapolis

Springtime in Indianapolis is a busy time for Berger Hargis Landscaping. It’s time to start putting away the snow shovels and getting the lawn mowers ready. We ramp up our supplies for weed and pest control, seeding, and spring clean-up. It’s time to dust off our drainage and erosion prevention equipment and start thinking about spring seasonal flower care. Springtime in Indianapolis is a fun time for Berger Hargis.  

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13 Fun Spring Facts to Spring on You

Here are a few fun spring facts to help get you ready for spring. It won’t be long before spring has sprung. I know it doesn’t look like it now but spring will be here soon. Yesterday evening I sat on my back patio, next to a blazing fire, wrapped in a sleeping bag, watching snow flurries. When will spring get here? I’m looking forward to spring, hikes in the woods, time in my flower beds, and lounging in my backyard hammock with a good book. Spring is the season to take in the outdoors, fresh air, sunlight, and warm breezes. With that in mind, I thought it might be fun to share some fun spring facts because spring will eventually come to Indiana.

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9-point Spring Lawn Care Checklist

It might seem like an odd time for me to be thinking about a spring lawn care checklist. As I write this, I’m on the third floor of a hotel in Appleton, Wisconsin. I’m looking out the window at a bright sunlit morning. It’s 2 degrees with a wind chill of 7 below. Driving to the seminar yesterday, we hit a whiteout, and it was snowing heavily and blowing straight at us. My point is it’s not very spring-like right now. However, it’s mid-February, and spring is only six weeks away. It’s time to start thinking about your spring land care plan.

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What to Know Before You Mow

So, what is there to know before you mow? You put gas in the mower, start it, and then mow. Pretty simple, right? That’s what I thought until I did some research. Here are some things you need to know before you mow.

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The Dirt on Soil

So, what is the dirt on soil? If you’re like me, you take dirt, I mean soil, pretty much for granted. I might pick up some bags of topsoil in the spring for my veggie garden, potting soil for containers, and some fertilizer for the lawn, but I’ve never put a lot of thought into what soil is. So, the dirt on soil is that soil is amazing.

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It’s Time to Start Your Spring Landscaping Plan

It’s the third day of January. The first snowfall of 2022 dusted the grounds yesterday morning. The holidays are over. It’s time to take down the Christmas decorations, and now’s the time to think about your spring landscaping plan. It might seem early to begin thinking about your lawn and landscaping, but spring will be here before you know it, and if your wait, it could be too late.

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7 Tips for Protecting Your Lawn this Winter

These tips for protecting your lawn this winter are critical. Winter is officially here, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about your lawn. Here in central Indiana, most of us, including me, tend to forget about our lawns when it turns to the season of cold and snow. We mow for the last time in late fall, rake up the leaves, and we might fertilize our yards. Then we treat it like it’s in hibernation. Although grass does protect itself from the environment by becoming dormant, there are still things you can do to protect your lawn and prepare it for spring.

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7 Reasons to Say Thank You at Work

As children, we were taught to say please and thank you. As adults, we know that saying thank you is a good thing, but do we understand why? And if we knew the full impact of saying it, would we thank teammates more often? So, do you say thank you enough?

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20 Ways to Have More Fun at Work

How important is fun at work? It can be the difference between an engaged staff that does its best or a fear-based culture that creates subversion. And that’s why having fun at work is crucial.

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10 Snow Shoveling Safety Tips

How important is snow shoveling safety in Central Indiana? Since 2010, Indianapolis has averaged more than 25 inches of snow per year, Snowfall totals Indianapolis. That’s a significant amount of snow to shovel from drives and walkways. It might not be as much as Buffalo, New York, a city that averages 90 inches of snow a year, but it does add up.

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The Health and Wellness Benefits of Hiking

There are many health and wellness benefits of hiking. You can wipe hours of stress away with 30 minutes of hiking. An hour in the woods renews and invigorates me. Two hours on my favorite trail, up and down hills, around two lakes, and dodging tree roots leaves me physically and mentally in better shape than when I started.

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5 Fall Lawn Care Essentials for a Beautiful Spring Lawn

These 5 fall lawn care essentials for a beautiful spring lawn are critical. Fall in Central Indiana is a beautiful time of year. Warm days in the high 60s and low 70s with cool nights perfect for a peaceful sleep. The leaves turn brilliant reds, yellows, and shades of orange. Pumpkins are on the vine, and the holidays are closer than you think. It’s also a critical time for lawn care.

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What is this French Drain You Speak of?

I wish I’d known what a French drain was 20 years ago. My wife and I bought our current home in 2001. One of the things that attracted us to the house was the backyard. Our backyard sits at the bottom of a wooded hill. It was autumn when we first saw the home; fall foliage covered the woods in red, yellow, and orange. It was beautiful. 

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Caution: Deadly Poisonous Hemlock Could Be in Your Yard

A couple of weeks ago, I was with Chris Hargis on the west side of Indy near Plainfield, IN, when Chris pointed out poisonous hemlock growing on the side of the road. I’d heard of hemlock (wasn’t that the poison tea Socrates drank?) However, I had no idea it was in Indiana. According to the experts, until recently, it wasn’t.

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How to Be the Best Small Business Leader You Can Be

Would you like to know how to be the best small business leader you can be? It’s not complicated, but it does take hard work, commitment, and dedication. All traits I’ve found at Berger Hargis. I’ve had the privilege of working with the leadership team at Berger Hargis for several years. It’s been my pleasure to watch them grow from good to great. They’ve developed a culture that cares. They care about their customers, and they care about their teammates. If you know of someone looking for an opportunity to grow with an organization, I highly recommend joining this team. 

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How to Create a Rain Garden

How to create a rain garden isn’t as difficult as you might think. Because if you follow this simple 4-step plan, you’ll have a rain garden to be proud of. 

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Gardening and Your Health

Gardening and your health go hand in hand. I began gardening years ago because I wanted fresh vegetables and cut flowers. The flower gardening progressed to landscaping, and eventually, I learned to can vegetables. Hot peppers are my specialty. The health benefits of fresh organic veggies are clear. The healthy benefits of the joy in the beauty of flowers might not be as evident, but it’s real. The benefits of gardening go far beyond a healthy diet choice. Gardening and health go hand in hand.

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How Susceptible Are You to Skin Cancer?

So, how susceptible are you to skin cancer? In central Indiana, the summers can be blazing hot. Our crews take multiple precautions to avoid extreme exposure to the sun. But are you prepared for the heat? Covering your skin, wearing a hat, and hydrating are all important, but you should also be aware of your susceptibility to skin cancer and how to avoid it.  

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How to Maintain Your Residential Lawn Mower

Knowing how to maintain your residential lawn mower can save you time and money. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or you prefer a professional shop for your lawn mower maintenance, it’s essential to know what requires maintenance and the best time to complete the work. 

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