FAQs

Spring is ideal for preparing and planting flower beds, as well as starting hardscaping projects. The bulk of large landscaping and hardscaping work occurs during summer. Fall is excellent for planting trees and shrubs due to cooler temperatures, and hardscaping continues until the ground freezes or snow arrives. For example, we once began a project in late summer, completing hardscaping elements and planting trees and shrubs. The following spring, we added perennial and annual plants. To ensure your project aligns with your preferred timeline, it's advisable to contact landscaping companies during winter months, securing your spot on the schedule for the upcoming season.

Landscaping encompasses the overall design, planning, and construction of outdoor spaces, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics around a home. It includes both hardscaping and softscaping elements. Hardscaping involves the use of non-living materials such as stone, wood, retaining walls, decks, and firepits. Softscaping, often used interchangeably with landscaping, focuses on living elements like planting designs, creating berms, grading, and mulching.

While irrigation systems aren't essential for maintaining healthy lawns and plants, they can be beneficial. These systems automate the watering process, ensuring consistent coverage that might be missed with manual watering. A hose and sprinkler can be a cost-effective alternative but require more hands-on management. Both methods can lead to water waste if not properly managed. Ultimately, the decision to install an irrigation system depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Aeration is most effective during periods of high growth, typically in cooler seasons with ample rainfall, such as spring and fall. It's best to avoid aeration during times of high stress for the turf, like hot, dry periods. At our company, we recommend fall aeration combined with overseeding to simultaneously loosen the soil and promote new growth. Aeration is particularly beneficial for lawns with heavy foot traffic, those on new construction sites with compacted soil, or as part of a thatch management program.

Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season, dying off when cold weather arrives. Perennials, on the other hand, go dormant in winter and re-emerge each spring. Common annuals include pansies, snapdragons, petunias, geraniums, and California poppies. Perennial examples include phlox, peonies, purple coneflower, daylilies, black-eyed Susans, and hostas.

To protect your plants from disease, maintain a clean garden by regularly removing debris and weeds. Apply fertilizer judiciously, as excess can promote weak growth susceptible to disease. Wait for soil to warm before planting to reduce plant stress. Use mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Regularly inspect plants, promptly removing any infected parts to prevent disease spread. These preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of plant diseases in your garden.

While complete eradication of weeds is challenging, several strategies can effectively manage them. Apply a thick layer of mulch in garden beds to suppress weed growth, followed by a weed preventer like preen. For emerged weeds, remove them entirely, including the roots. In hardscaped areas, use commercial herbicides or organic alternatives like vinegar for weed control. Be cautious, as these solutions can affect all plants they contact, not just weeds. Consistent application of these methods can significantly reduce weed presence in your landscape.

After planting, water immediately and thoroughly, allowing the water to soak into the soil before repeating. For the initial weeks, water deeply every other day. Use a slow stream from a hose at the base of each plant until a small pool forms, then move to the next plant. This encourages deep root growth, creating stronger plants. After the first week, reduce watering to two or three times weekly, adjusting for local weather conditions. Remember to water all newly planted vegetation well just before the ground freezes in late fall.

Mulching flower beds offers multiple advantages. It helps retain soil moisture, gradually improves soil health as it decomposes, and suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight. Depending on the type used, mulch can also repel certain insects and control soil erosion. These benefits collectively contribute to healthier, more manageable flower beds.