CC 2010 By Garry Knight

Spring is officially upon us, and now is the time to prepare our lawns and gardens for another great season of lush beauty. While most homeowners will try to clean out and prepare their gardens on their own, commercial gardens are almost impossible for a single owner or a few staff members to handle. Not every garden will come out of the winter months unscathed and no matter how green your thumbs are there are going to be times that commercial landscape maintenance professionals should be called to the rescue. Although professional landscaping may not always seem like the most affordable solution, it may actually be the most economical choice available to you when faced with persistent issues that never seem to go away, derailed schedules, or the inability to maintain a professional appearance. Read on for a closer look at when it’s probably time to hire out.

When You Need To Get To The Root of The Problem

Hiring a professional for commercial landscape maintenance ensures that any persistent problems your property has, and any new damage that may have occurred over the winter, will be resolved efficiently. End of story. Professional landscapers are very knowledgeable about the wide array of lawn and garden treatments specific to your resident flora’s baffling afflictions and are well equipped to repair them. If it’s a recurring seasonal issue you’re wrestling with, they can also help prepare the gardens for winter in a way that will likely lessen the problem the following year.

When You Need Time for More Important Business

Commercial landscape maintenance done by a hired professional leaves you time to focus on whatever it is you do best instead of having to worry about your lawns and gardens. Sometimes you just can’t afford to spend the time it would take to do the job properly with your current staff, and taking the time to do so might actually end up costing you more than hiring someone else would. This ensures that you can focus on the more important stuff and still rest assured that the lawns and gardens will look their best.

When You Want To Dress To Impress

Most business people know that the image they portray to their clients can make or break a deal. Details matter. In the same way, the landscaping of a company’s properties must also represent professionalism. By having your commercial landscape maintenance done by a talented company, the initial look and feel of the company is sure to impress potential and current clients. Gardens don’t really have a lot to do with a company’s worth ethic or quality per say, but as most of us can attest to, we make at the very least, daily subconscious psychological assumptions about the ability, success, and safety levels of the people and things around us based on their physical appearance.

So if you need a job done right, if you need time for other things, or if you’re looking to improve the public’s perception of your business environment, look into a local commercial landscape maintenance company. Book a couple of consultations and be ready to give them an idea of what you’re looking for, and ask them what they would do with the space if they were given free rein. Having this short conversation will go a long way in helping you find just the right fit, and your businesses properties will shine all the more for it.

CC 2006 by hardworkinghippy

Another gardening season is upon us and it’s time to prepare for proper landscape maintenance this spring. Before you grab the nearest shovel and start edging, do a quick overall assessment of the lawns and gardens all around the home. This will help you spot things that didn’t fare well over winter, and identify any areas affected by things like mold, rot, disease, and structural failings that require urgent attention. It’s best to address these first before planting things that might not thrive because of an issue that wasn’t spotted earlier. To ready the lawn and gardens for healthy growth and new plants this spring, get your landscape maintenance on by following these simple steps.

Plan It Out

Take a look at the overall layout and decided how you’d like the lawns and gardens to look this year. Some people like to keep a traditional garden that looks the same each year, and others prefer to change it up every year or two. Whatever you choose remember to take the surrounding environment into account when selecting all of the grass, plants, trees and shrubs that will populate your little Eden. If you’re unsure of what will work in a new garden space, take note of the sun exposure throughout the day, and plant according to what works under those particular conditions.

If it’s a graduated garden or a full luscious look you want, don’t forget to check the height and growth area of each of your plant choices to get the layers you want, and to prevent the garden from becoming overgrown or too crowded for everything to grow and shine.

Heat The Ground

After a cold winter the ground remains cool and solid, even after the weather warms up a little, and these conditions make it very difficult to plant and coax any new life out of the garden. A very simple solution is to loosely place a plastic sheet over soil that’s been cleared of old dead plants and debris for at least one week. The sheet will help raise the soil temperature and also increase the moisture levels for seeds and young plant.

Fertilize

Most plants benefit from a good fertilizer and, in preparation for new plantings, fertilizing the soil ahead of time can be the ace up your sleeve. Always fertilize according to what you plan to plant, and if you’re using manure, make absolutely sure that it’s been aged so that it doesn’t burn or kill your plants. Most importantly, make sure not to over fertilize as this can actually hinder new growth.

Get Good Drainage

Always check the drainage of the lawns and gardens to make sure they do not draw water to one main area of the garden. Pooling and poor drainage can drown or damage plants and leave your lawn soggy. If you’re unsure, hire someone to assess it and help you arrange your yard so that moisture is more evenly distributed and to make sure that all pipes and drains are in good condition and free of cracks that may lead to leakage.

Mulch

During your next spring supply run, remember bread, milk, and mulch for the garden. Mulching helps retain moisture and also represses pests and fungal growth, making for a happier healthier garden. There is a wide variety of mulch available, and each has different benefits for your garden so to get the one that’s right for you, consult with a landscape maintenance professional or resident expert gardener.

Happy Gardening.

CC 2012 by Lori C.

A big spring clean-up is something of a yearly tradition for most families around the world. After the long dark winter months begin to retreat, new spring light and fresh air make neglected, cluttered, and stale areas of the home more noticeable, and the urge to clear out the old descends. While the majority of people take it upon themselves to tidy up their homes and sheds, the gardens and lawns are usually among the last to be tackled. Just a little effort during the early spring can pave the way for a lush and beautiful garden that lasts through the fall. To make your garden spring clean up as effective as possible, follow the three steps below.

Unclutter the Gardens

One of the easiest ways to prepare the garden for future greatness is to clear all of the dead plants and debris that’s settled in over fall and winter. Most gardens gather an average of two or more containers full of debris. Once everything is cleared away, more air can get into the soil and the clean water needed for fresh growth can be properly absorbed. But the best part is everything you collect can be used to start a nutrient-rich compost to fuel the new garden.

Assess Damaged Areas

During your spring clean up, do a quick survey of the main areas of the garden and lawn to scout for any areas of rot, mold, or general foliage damage. Most of the time, these will appear as straw-coloured grass, pink to light brown mold formations, and brown or black leaves and stems. Most of these problems arise after excess salt exposure over winter and suffocation from long periods under ice and snow.

Wherever this kind of damage occurs, it’s best to just remove and prepare the area for replanting. Don’t put it in your compost though! If the problem seems quite difficult to handle, contact a professional landscaper to help you assess the problem and offer alternative solutions.

Prepare the Soil

Before you make that big trip to the garden center to fill up on early bird plant specials, it’s important to prepare the soil. This is a two part process. First, you’ll want to raise the ground temperature and moisture levels so your plants grow fast and strong. To do this, put a plastic sheet over the garden for a couple of weeks so the soil can rejuvenate, but not snug enough so that it suffocates any perennials or foliage underneath it.

Second, check the soil pH levels. You can find inexpensive soil kits at every well-equipped garden center, and their staff will be able to tell you exactly how to use it. The soil should be treated until pH levels are suitable for the type of plants that will be in the garden, so if you aren’t sure what those are, ask for advice when you’re buying the kit or consult a local landscaper. If the soil is too low in nutrients or too high in acidic properties, you risk weak plants and a garden prone to pests and disease.

So this year, drag your family or friends out to the backyard for a fun calorie-burning spring clean up followed by the first picnic or bbq of the year. Throw some dirt around and start a compost corner. Not only will you have a beautiful garden that lasts all summer, but a new spring clean up event to look forward to every year.

Despite the type of winter season that the garden had to endure, it’s important to remember that the lawns and gardens are simply more vulnerable at this stage and require the tender loving care it needs to produce a healthy stage of growth for the warmer months. This is also important to start the lawn on a healthy path so that it would be able to defend against common pests and diseases that many poorly maintained lawns succumb to.

In order to make the most of the coming months, there are several things that should and should not be done for lawn care in spring. Pay close attention since they are the most common things that people either forget to do or go overboard doing, which leads to less than ideal conditions for the lawns and gardens.

Do Get Rid of Snow

Many people shovel snow into piles which takes them a long time to melt once warmer spring weather sets in. Try to disperse the snow so that it can melt faster and to give the grass or plants underneath a chance to recover and gain nutrients from the sun. Avoid salting areas on or near lawns and gardens since it will greatly affect the soil underneath. Also, try to avoid ripping the snow/ice away from the grass since it will most likely tear out chunks of the grass and plants underneath.

Do Not Fertilize in Excess

One thing that many people believe for fertilizer is “the more, the better”. This unfortunately is false and one of the top reasons lawns and gardens do not grow as lush and healthy as owners would like. By over fertilizing, the soil becomes saturated with the nitrogen, creating a less than ideal environment for new grass and plants to grow in. Always consider adding fertilizer during the season so that the nutrients can be dispersed evenly throughout the entire growth period.

Do Overseed

Most lawns will not survive the winter season without some amount of damage or missing patches of grass. One of the top tips for lawn care in spring is to overseed the lawn. By overseeding some of the thinner and bare patches they will fill out the emptiness and create a rich looking full lawn that looks healthy throughout the season. Make sure to seed evenly and add a little extra in the areas that need it most.

Do Not Forget Water

Always remember to water regularly, especially after seeding the lawn. For the first two to three weeks after seeding, it’s important for the lawn to get ample water and sunlight so that the seeds are able to properly germinate. This will ensure the best start for a stunning lawn that everyone can enjoy.

Always consult professionals if there is some doubt about the proper procedures for lawns and gardens and try to follow these few simple tips for lawn care in spring so that the rest of the warm spring and summer days will be filled with beautiful greenery in a healthy environment.

Dahlia

Dahlias are a beautiful choice for any garden since there are several different types that will not only add wonderful colour but also lovely texture in the garden. They also vary in the size and height, making them a great choice for layering garden beds for colour throughout the season.

Sun and Watering: Moist soil with good drainage and full sun. Also make sure they are given ample room for air. This will provide the best results for the garden.

Primrose

For early blooms in spring, primrose is one of the best choices for gardens. Not only do they have striking colours that add a wonderful splash of colour in a garden but they are also fairly easy to care for. They can be planted in gardens or pots, depending on the lawn and garden design for the season.

Sun and Watering: Moist soil with good drainage and partial shade works best for primrose.

Tulips

Tulips are the classic spring and summer flowers that seem to immediately brighten up even the most drab looking lawn and garden areas. They are hearty flowers that come in a wide range of colours and types, which is perfect for even beginner gardeners.

Sun and Watering: A well-drained area and warm sunny spot will work well for virtually all tulip types.

Petunia

The lovely petunia is a garden classic that many people like to use for infusing bursts of colour and simply because they are easy to care for that even beginners can look like pros.

Sun and Watering: Petunias prefer well-drained soil and full sun for the best results. Also remember to plant them at least 12 inches apart for a greater number of blooms.

Crocus

Lovely little flowers that range in colour, the crocus is one of the symbols of spring since they are among the first blooms to appear in the season with some of them even popping up through the snow. They are a wonderful addition to frame a lawn or garden. Since they tend to grow low, they are ideal for borders.

Sun and Watering: Well drained fertile soil with ample sunlight works very well for crocus blooms.

Daffodil

Another cheerful flower that give and lawn and garden zest for the season, the daffodil is hearty and can grow in many different soil types, making it a favourite for many gardeners.

Sun and Watering: Cooler, semi-shaded areas are a good choice for daffodils and they prefer moister environments.

Roses

The classic rose bush is a stunning addition for home gardens since they have an exquisite look that immediately adds class to a home. Roses come in an incredible array of styles and colours, and they are available in lovely fragrant species.

Sun and Watering: Well-drained fertile soil and full sun works well for roses. The most important thing to remember for the best results is to prune regularly. This will provide more room for the healthy blooms and even provide more flower cover for a striking garden look.

The spring season is the best time to get a lawn and garden ready for healthy growth so that the rest of the warm seasons can provide stunning plants, flowers and a healthy green lawn. This not only increases a home’s appeal but it also creates a relaxing environment that everyone can enjoy.

In order to start off on the right foot for spring lawn care, make sure to follow a few simple steps that can and should be done after the last frost of the season.

Rake

Many people believe that raking is only done during the autumn season when the fallen leaves cover a lawn; however it’s also very beneficial to rake in the spring to remove any thatch. Thatch is a layer of dead grass and vegetation that lies between the soil and fresh grass. There are a few problems with thatch that will prevent a healthy lawn and can also spread into the garden.

Thatch creates a fairly solid barrier on the ground that prevents proper watering and it’s the perfect cover for many pests that can hide away and multiply in numbers. This greatly affects the health of the lawn and can put other plants in danger for the season. Thatch should be dealt with early on so that disease does not take hold, making it difficult to treat immediately.

It’s important to rake deeply so the thatch is removed. Simply raking the surface lightly will not help because thatch forms more like a solid weaved area than simple decaying plants.

Aeration

Just as all living things require air, so does a healthy lawn. One of the top things for spring lawn care is proper aeration. Adding holes into the lawn and even mixing up some of the soil is the best way to go. There are machines that can be rented or professional landscapers who can handle aerating laws quickly and efficiently. Aerating a spring lawn helps break up solid compacted soil and allows air to freely enter the ground.

Fertilize

The golden rule for all beautiful lawns and gardens is to fertilize accordingly. Healthy plants and grasses require specific nutrients to help them grow well and withstand pests or disease over time. By fertilizing the soil early on in the spring season, the soil will be prepared for new plants and grass to grow. Without it, some things may grow but they will be far more vulnerable to the most common problems throughout the season. In the end, it can potentially help save time and money having to deal with pest or disease control.

By taking the time to follow a few simple steps for proper spring lawn care, there is a higher chance of getting a lush and healthy garden that anyone would be able to appreciate. Always consider the type of lawn that’s desired and make sure to follow the general guidelines for proper nutrients and care that it needs. Then all that will be needed is simple care throughout spring and summer, along with endless days of enjoyment in the warm weather.

Whether it’s for residential properties, businesses or more industrial areas, commercial snow removal companies have a wide range of equipment to handle any level of snow and ice. This can be a great relief from having to do the job manually since most people only have the basic things needed for clearing out snow, and sometimes a simple shovel and salt just won’t do.

Snow plows

One of the most widely used machines that many commercial snow removal companies have for fairly large areas, parking lots, driveways and roads is a high grade snow plow. They are able to quickly and effectively remove snow in straight rows and are generally the ones mostly seen working up and down residential roads.

The snow plows come in a variety of sizes depending on a customer’s needs, which is why it’s recommended to ask businesses which sizes they have since some companies will only have the very large ones and others will only have the smaller trucks that may not suit particular jobs.

Snow Sweepers

Snow sweepers are other effective machines that are used to sweep away snow in a clean and less abrasive manner, which is ideal on uneven surfaces like stone roads or pathways. While not all commercial snow removal companies, the majority of them will have them available upon request.

Loaders

Bigger commercial snow removal businesses will have loaders to take care of those big removing jobs. They are able to handle large areas with immense amounts of snow piled high. They are ideal for big parking lots, industrial lots, wide roads or anywhere that may require very heavy snow removal.

Shovellers

When larger machinery simply won’t work well for particular snow removal, there will always be a team of shovellers ready on hand. They will work on sidewalks, small roads, paths or hard to reach areas that machines won’t be able to fit in or may potentially damage property. While most people are able to shovel these small areas, sometimes time is not on their side, so why not choose a team of shovellers? They are simple, effective and quick.

Salt Spreaders

Once a job is done, many commercial snow removal companies will finish a surface off by spreading salt to prevent ice from forming. Depending on the type of surface being worked on, or the regulations within particular districts, sand may also be used to do the same job.

The salt spreaders vary in size to facilitate the work for each job size. Whether it’s small spreaders for sidewalks and small roads or commercial spreaders that are needed for large lots, any area can be done.

Each snow removal company will vary in services, prices and requirements prior to any job. It’s recommended to talk to several names in the business for detailed information about their services. Some will only be willing to work big jobs and others may need advanced notice for work. To avoid delays or miscommunication for specific needs, asking a lot of questions and getting quotes will certainly help in the end.

When thinking about removing snow in the long term, it may seem that a snow blower is the more economicalchoice when comparing it to hiring commercial snow removal services; however it may be surprising to find that it may actually be the other way around.

To see which option is the best one for those exceptionally long winter seasons, consider the following:

Time

Having enough time during the day is one of the top complaints by most people these days. Even when there is a little free time available, the last thing that anyone would want to do is use it for clearing out snow with a shovel or snow blower. This task also becomes that much more difficult when there is a layer of ice to break through in the end.

This type of work becomes even more stressful when there is virtually no time to do except right after work or just before going to bed, which is when people tend to try and hurry through the job, putting themselves in danger of injury.

By hiring a commercial snow removal professional, it can be done at any time needed. They will be able to clear out all of the snow with their own proper equipment and finish off by removing ice build-up and covering the surface with salt or sand to prevent more ice from forming.

Money

The overall cost of purchasing a low to medium end snow blower is generally less than one or two visits from a commercial snow removal company, but the inexpensive snow blowers are not as powerful or reliable as the expensive models, which can quickly run up to $1000 or more. While snow blowers are generally easy to use, it certainly depends on the conditions outside and the type of snow that’s being cleared away.

Heavy snow that’s packed down will require more physical force to use for the more inexpensive models and they may quickly break down with heavy use on snow/ice combinations. This will lead to repair or replacement costs that will certainly add up over time.

Carefully choose a commercial snow removal company that has a good reputation.Not only will they have a professional approach to the job but many will also offer special offers for their customers to ensure their complete satisfaction from start to finish.

While both snow removal methods are efficient in their own ways, there are certainly big differences in the way they affect those who are in need of clearing away the ice and snow. With the snow blower, there is more physical exertion, the potential to sustain injuries, it’s time consuming and can become costly over time. By hiring professionals to take care of the work, there is time to do more important things, no risk of injury and possible deals to save money in the long run. Depending on a person’s particular lifestyle and needs, one choice may be better than the other but in the end, it’s simply a good choice to hire the professionals to take care of the snow.

Since the majority of the commercial snow removal companies are generally seen working away in large parking areas or on large city roads, most people believe that they are only used for big jobs and cost quite a lot of money to hire. The reality of it is that there are actually different levels of commercial snow removal that vary in cost, the type of work that the company will do and some will even have special incentives for different customers.

Homes and Apartment Complexes

While the very big commercial companies will try to stick to big contracts for larger businesses, there are many other smaller commercial snow removal companies that are more than happy to help home and apartment complex owners.

To get the best company for snow removal, it’s recommended to assess the area that needs work along with rough measurements in order to give companies a better idea of the type of equipment they would need to complete the job efficiently.From the surrounding roads, sidewalks and communal areas, the professionals will be able to take care of any job. The best part of some companies is that they also take care of landscaping, which means they would be able to clean out garden paths or hidden areas without damaging anything.

Retail Businesses

There are many retail business owners who have to deal with slow periods during the winter season since there are fewer people who are willing to go out in the cold to shop. In order to accommodate for potential customers, many business owners call commercial snow removal companies to maintain the surrounding area of the retail establishment. Not only will it create an easily accessible area for customers to enter the shop but also give the business a clean and polished look since a clear entrance and surrounding area immediately looks professional and inviting.

Clearing out parking spots or lots, sidewalks and entrances from ice and snow generally helps businesses get more customers and helps cover their responsibilities for everyone’s safety from slips and falls.

Private Roads and Non-Plowed Streets

There are many areas that have private roads or streets that are blocked after exceptionally heavy snowfalls, which is not only a potential hazard to try and drive on but also a big problem for the people who are left stranded in these areas. Although most of the streets should be plowed by the city or township, it’s very common to encounter times when snow removal takes a day or even several days to complete. This causes a problem for the people who are in need of clear roads to get to work and other important places that are important.

Hiring commercial snow removal professionals to take care of the job quickly and effectively is perhaps the best way to go in many cases. There are many companies that are available for rush services, which is incredibly convenient for pressing times when calling in sick simply won’t do. Calling in the professionals certainly beats having the entire neighborhood going out with shovels to take care of the streets until help can arrive.

By calling a qualified commercial snow removal company to take care of everything for you, you will be able to come home from work or simply sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home while everything gets cleared up quickly and safely for you.

To ensure you get a good commercial snow removal company that will also be available for when you need them, it’s important to remember a few simple tips before the snow starts to fall.

Cover Your Bases

Check out different companies ahead of time so you know who to call. There’s nothing worse than having to look through hundreds of listings and calling around to see if there’s anyone available within your area. By compiling a list of available companies ahead of time, it will greatly help you out when the snow really piles up quickly.

When you get a few names of local commercial snow removal companies, make sure to call them up to see how much experience they have and how their booking policy work. Some companies will happily answer calls when needed, while others require prior notice since they generally get booked quickly.

One good tip for planning ahead of time is to check out the weather forecast. If there is a high chance of snowfall or ice formation, it may be a good idea to book one of the commercial snow removal companies; however make sure to ask about their cancellation policy, just in case the weather throws a curve ball and you won’t need their services after all.

Call Ahead

Some companies get booked well ahead of time or they have restrictions for who they will visit. Since there is a lot of competition during the winter season, commercial snow removal companies will only head out to larger jobs to get the most out of their short working season.

Calling the companies ahead of time will also give you a good opportunity to get to know the type of people who will do the work, the equipment they generally use for jobs and a detailed explanation of their various policies regarding bookings, cancellations, insurance for jobs and anything else that you feel is important to know ahead of time.

Get Group Rates

In order to save you and your friends of neighbours some money with commercial snow removal, gather a group of people who would be interested in the services and live close to one another, generally the same street. There are many companies who are more than happy to provide a discount for groups since they are able to get several jobs at once. Ask each company to see if they offer such rates and what the requirements may be to qualify.

Before the winter snow gives you a headache this season, make sure to follow these easy steps for a safe and convenient name that will take care of your snow and ice removal needs throughout the season.