OK, your lawn has emerged from one of the wettest colder winters we've had in a long time. If your lawn is like most it looks a bit haggard with any of the following maladies: moss infestation, thatch (dead grass roots), bare spots, yellowish appearance, emerging weeds (horsetail, dandelions) and more. By the way if you have netted sod that has been sitting in water the netting will begin to appear and bare spots will expand-this is normal (though not idea) with sod that sits in water.
So, what do you do?
I've compiled a punch list of how to remedy your lawn and help create a healthy, lush surface for you and your family to enjoy for many barbeque's to come.
One note in advance: many lawns as they approach 20-25 years are getting to the point where they need to be removed and a new lawn installed. If followed though these tips will give more life to the existing lawn you have:
-Aerate (plug holes in the turf): allows water, air and nutrients to penetrate turf roots better and accept new soils, feed and water more efficiently.
-De-thatch (removing dead turf roots or "thatch"): grass roots (thatch) and moss are removed leaving only the healthy grass blades.
-Topdressing (addition of new nutrient rich soils):with a suggested 3 way sand-soil-manure mixture fills the openings in the lawns, adds new soil foundation (key to good turf health) and assists in leveling dips.
-Over seed (addition of new turf seed) with a recommended perennial rye (smaller blade) sun/shade mixture to fill in the open turf areas from the de-thatch or existing bare spots. Note: turf seed needs a avg. temp of 50 degrees to germinate.
-Fertilizing application: get n a regular seasonal turf feed application, recommended at 5/year. There are many organic options now on the market if you are concerned about adding toxins into the environment. Weed and feed can be applied in the spring time for maximum effectiveness.
-Regular mowing: get on a regular mowing schedule and make sure to change mowing directions each time. Also consider mulching back in the cut grass to naturally compost.
-Regular watering: recommended watering levels @ 2-4" per week.
-Pet removal: removal of pet feces and other contaminants as applicable.
Follow these tips and watch your turf thrive. Wait, I think I can smell the barbecue?
Friday, April 11, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
How to select a landscaping contractor
Have you ever asked yourself any or all of the following questions: “There are so many “landscapers” how do I choose? Why are quotes all over the board? Will they show up if I hire them? Can I trust them to do the work correctly? Will they return my call? What happens if I hire them and I’m not happy?"
Too many options can be confusing, so how do you choose? One indicator is word of mouth, but consider the following questions when determining if you should hire a landscape professional:
1. "Is your company licensed bonded and adequately insured to be doing business on my property?”
Did you know landscape contractors are required by law to be licensed, bonded and insured?
2. “Does your company provide agreements in writing outlining what will be done including price, before starting a project?”
Clearly written agreements will ensure you get what you are paying for and help avoid any confusion.
3. “Does your company guarantee job satisfaction and offer product
warranties?”
The company you hire should share the risk with you if something was to go wrong or not work out to your satisfaction. Why pay for the same job twice if something does go wrong?
4. “Are your installers competent to complete the work I’d like done?”
Many companies are not truly equipped to complete the work properly especially when it comes to landscape construction (retaining walls/patios etc). Many companies offer but few can deliver. Specialized work typically requires specialized skill.
5. Does your company have client testimonials and job sites I can look at?
3rd party feedback and visual results typically will provide you positive or negative feedback.
And did you know: the #1 question most commonly asked that does not necessarily indicate a company’s overall competency:
“How long have you been in business?”
Too many options can be confusing, so how do you choose? One indicator is word of mouth, but consider the following questions when determining if you should hire a landscape professional:
1. "Is your company licensed bonded and adequately insured to be doing business on my property?”
Did you know landscape contractors are required by law to be licensed, bonded and insured?
2. “Does your company provide agreements in writing outlining what will be done including price, before starting a project?”
Clearly written agreements will ensure you get what you are paying for and help avoid any confusion.
3. “Does your company guarantee job satisfaction and offer product
warranties?”
The company you hire should share the risk with you if something was to go wrong or not work out to your satisfaction. Why pay for the same job twice if something does go wrong?
4. “Are your installers competent to complete the work I’d like done?”
Many companies are not truly equipped to complete the work properly especially when it comes to landscape construction (retaining walls/patios etc). Many companies offer but few can deliver. Specialized work typically requires specialized skill.
5. Does your company have client testimonials and job sites I can look at?
3rd party feedback and visual results typically will provide you positive or negative feedback.
And did you know: the #1 question most commonly asked that does not necessarily indicate a company’s overall competency:
“How long have you been in business?”
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