Landscaping is a term that is used to describe the design process, execution, and maintenance of land surrounding property. This includes exterior design, gardening, and element of architecture as well as some of their accompaniments.

An excellent landscaper would be creative in how he transforms a natural space into a functional but unique environment that fits the homeowner’s style. To achieve this, he has to have a working knowledge of horticulture (specifically relating to the location), artistic design and make allowances for the climate during the design process.

To create landscaped land functional and aesthetically pleasing homes exterior, the services of a professional landscape maintenance firm is required. Whether it’s big patio pavers who are well-versed in pave stones or landscape designers, it’s essential to have experts in your corner.

What types of services are provided by landscape maintenance firms?

Leaf removal

The number of times leaf removal is scheduled on most contracts is tailored to meet the client’s needs. Some clients schedule twice a year and others want one. Clients who opt for one or two visits usually have to leave build-up in-between visits. Homeowners who like a fairly clean property would have to schedule multiple visits.

Mulching

Mulching is usually done either twice or once a year depending on the terms of the contract. Mulching improves the aesthetic of the landscape but it also offers several horticultural benefits — water retention, weed minimization, and so on.

Lawn mowing

The cost of this service is usually dependent on how comprehensive the request is. Typically, mowing contracts can be anywhere from 28 to 33 mows.

Seasonal display

This could include planting seasonal flowers per season. It could also encompass holiday lighting and holiday greens. These services are tailored to add a seasonal touch to the aesthetic of the landscape.

Irrigation system shutdown/start-up

Irrigation shuts down and start-ups are typically part of the standard maintenance contracts. Most homeowners start up an irrigation systems in the spring. However, not a lot of these systems are winter-ready. If water isn’t used, it can freeze and expand during the winter months, which can damage the irrigation system. The cost of repairing the damage is usually more expensive than maintaining the system and having it winterized. Some contracts also provide monthly check-in, for optimal water efficiency/usage.

Lawn feed and protect

These programs protect and feed the turf against various diseases and pests. On average, lawn feed and protect programs are 5 to 7 steps and are applied at specific times of the year. During super wet years, additional applications are often required to control moisture-related issues.

Plants health care (PHC)

For plants to grow, they feed on nutrients in the soil. Some parts are heavy feeders -that is they take in a lot of soil nutrients. If you have heavy feeder plants, adding a protect/feed program to your landscape plan is a proactive measure to ensure that your plants remain well-nourished.

In addition, you would also get pest and disease prevention for common issues — this could be acids, the forming of mildew, black spots, and so on.

Hedging/pruning

Hedging and pruning at the correct time of the year for each plant are important for plant performance and health – they help to maintain size, shape, remove diseased/dead leaves and remove spent blooms in order to promote growth. Hedging on the other hand typically involves shipping plans into geometric forms.

Fall/spring cleanup

This is a very comprehensive cleaning service – think of the services like a deep cleaning for landscapes, that is done once or three times a year.

General bed maintenance

This service typically covers the removal of dead leaves and branches, weeding, removal of spent blooms, debris removal, groundcover training/control. This is a very vital service that ensures your yard’s appeal is maintained all through the year.

Contracts

Contracts can either be verbal or written and are renewed on a monthly or yearly basis. However, you should ensure that you understand the services included in a plan and the process of the maintenance service you choose. Consider the cost of the total program and compare prices for pest management, fertilization, and cultural practices like reseeding, verification and mowing.

If you consider the money and time you have to invest into maintaining your own landscape, you would quickly realize that employing the services of a professional to take care of your landscape is best. Services can be customized to meet your specific budget and situation. And the peace of mind that comes with outsourcing the service is well worth the investment.

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