LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, Jan. 28

Executing a Landscape Renovation

The best time to renovate a lawn depends on the type of turf. Warm-season lawns like Zoysia and Bermudagrass are best installed during hot weather (May 1- August 31), while cool-season Fescue is best installed or seeded from Sept. 1 - April 30).

Where a major renovation is needed, Crabapple LandscapExperts may first need to kill existing weeds and patchy grass in order to start fresh. The area should then be forked over and raked smooth, turned with a rototiller, or even discs on a small plow for a large area.

Timing is essential, with quick replanting in order to minimize water or wind erosion.

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, Jan. 21

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Considering Ground Covers and Lawns

Ground covers and lawns are left until the last in a landscape renovation to avoid damage as hardscaping is installed. Plant materials available to cover exposed ground include turf grass, ground covers, and low growing horizontal shrubs.

Crabapple appraises existing ground covers and lawns in order to determine what steps are necessary to renovate these areas. Options include weed control, fertilization, irrigation, pruning of overhanging woody ornamentals, complete replacement or even a substitution of one type of ground cover for another that is better suited to the location. Just call your LandscapExperts Rep!

LandscapEXPERTS Tip of the Week, Jan, 14

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Steps in Filling a Planting Hole

After a generous planting hole has been dug, Crabapple LandscapExperts install any stakes required and set the tree or woody shrub into place. Next, we:

1. Backfill the hole over the roots approximately one-half to two thirds full
2. Tamp down the soil gently but firmly
3. Water well and then allow to drain off. This settles the soil and eliminates air pockets
4. Continue to fill the hole until the native soil level is reached 
5. Mulch the surface surrounding the plant with reserved organic amendments, but do not put mulch up against the trunk or trunks. Allow a few inches between bark and mulch for proper air circulation. Find more about organic mulch here.  

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, January 7

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Miscellaneous Tools Needed

Tape Measure, Survey flags or Ground Paint – for measuring and marking beds, new landscapes, location of features

Steel Landscape Rake – levels soil flat for fine grading, seed beds or vegetable gardens

Leaf Rake – broad expanse of tines and lightweight

Hoe – manually removes weeds from standing position
Cobrahead Weeder - hand-held hoe for micro-weeding