We typically perform this work 1 time in the early spring for our ongoing maintenance customers, although it can be done anytime. It involves removing the "thatch" buildup in your lawn (either mechanically or via hand raking), which prevents seed, fertilizer, oxygen, and other nutrients from reaching the grass roots. After dethatching, we will then overseed any bare or thin areas in your lawn using the appropriate sunny or shady mix of seed. Turf in this area is usually a mixture of bluegrasses, fescues, and rye. Our seed will contain the same to insure a good match with your lawn. We then top dress this new seed with peat moss to give it a good germination environment. Finally, the lawn will be rolled to remove air pockets caused from freeze/thaw cycles, as well as to give the new seed good contact with the soil.
Bedwork:
This is a catch-all category to cover various activities. It may include edging your garden beds, weeding, cultivating exposed soil in beds to create a “fresh” look, raking mulched beds to keep mulch loose, pruning a dead branch here and there, “dead-heading” spent flowers on perennials and annuals, dividing and transplanting existing perennials, or any special service you may ask us to perform.
Most of our customers have bedwork performed on a bi-weekly basis to keep the premises pristine, while a number of cost-conscious customers may select to have it performed monthly. Weekly bedwork is also available.
Because of the unpredictable nature of this service, it is usually charged on a “time” basis. Some months may require more than others due to the underlying growing season.
Cleanup of Winter Debris
We’ll clean out the mess blown in over the winter time. Sticks, leaves, garbage, etc.
Lawn Maintenance
This is our weekly grass cutting service…usually 28 cuts per season. Barring inclement weather or holiday weeks, we will show up on the same day (often even the same hour!) every week. We will cut the grass, trim the grass around fences, buildings, and other obstacles to the height of the surrounding turf, edge the walks and drive with a mechanical blade edger (every other week…14 times a year. The off weeks we may use a string trimmer to lightly manicure the grass blades). We will then sweep or blow the excess clipping from the walks, porches, and driveway. Don’t be surprised if these crews try to do “a little extra,” like winding up your garden hose or putting your newspaper on your porch. They are eager to please! See our section on employee bonuses.
Bag and Haul Clippings
You have the option of not having your clippings removed. We normally will remove them and this item will either have a price or will be marked “included” with the above Lawn Maintenance price. Please tell your representative if you do not want this and we can take a few dollars off the price!
Shrub Maintenance:
This service is typically performed 2 to 4 times a year. Formal and deciduous plantings such as hedges may require more, while slow growing items such as ornamentals and evergreens may only require 2. We try to maintain the existing shape of the plant without sheering too heavily. Usually, a pruning or a light sheering is best for the growth of the plant. We also take into consideration timing of flowering shrubs to maximize color output.
Fertilizer Application:
Generally 4 treatments for the full season customer. This will normally include a “starter” fertilizer in the early spring, a “slow release” nitrogen application in late spring, a general balanced “enhancement” fertilizer in the early summer, and a fall “winterizer” application.
Grub Control treatment:
This is basically an insurance product against a very unsightly and costly problem. Chances are you will have a grub problem in Illinois within a few years if you do not protect yourself. Grubs are the larvae of the Japanese Beetle. When the ground warms up, the begin their ascent from down under and begin feeding on your turf’s roots. Soon you will see large brown areas, as well as holes and turned up turf caused from raccoons, skunks, and birds looking to feed on these insects.
To avoid this problem, we apply a granular product 1 time in early summer. We use either “Merit” or “Mach II” products…2 of the most expensive products on the market. They protect your lawn all season long. Don’t be fooled by companies offering cheaper products that are only good for a few weeks. Timing is everything with those products, and if they are not applied at EXACTLY the right time, you wasted your money and your turf can still be destroyed.
Liquid Weed:
Typically, up to 4 applications are recommended. For the season long customer, we will apply 1 granular Pre-Emergent (primarily aimed at blocking Crabgrass from germinating), and 3 liquid broadleaf (dandelions, clover, etc.) applications. All applications will be times to maximize effectiveness.
Leaf Cleanup:
The maintenance crew usually performs this 3 consecutive weeks before they cut your grass in the fall. They will remove the leaves from the lawn and porch areas only. The more thorough cleaning will come under the “Winterization.” Leaf cleanup is typically charged on an hourly basis.
Fungicide Treatment:
This is not normally part of our program. However, fungus such as Summer Patch, Dollar Spot, and Rust do appear at times and we will address these on an “as needed” basis. If you notice your lawn having unusual, well defined patches…let us know. Or, if orange “rust” appears in mid to late august, let us know. We can take care of the problem.
Lawn Aeration:
This procedure is usually done 1 time in late summer/early fall. It is a mechanized process whereby “plugs” (usually about ½ inch by 2”) are pulled from your lawn and left on top to break down. The resulting holes allow the turf to “breathe” and reduce compaction left over from a hot, dry summer. Additionally, the cores left on top will break down and return to the top layer of turf, thereby helping to decompose accumulated thatch problems. No, we did not walk a thousand dogs on your property while you were away!
Shrubs & Ornamentals fertilization:
We typically apply this one time in early Fall via granular application to the base of the tree or shrub. The plant will absorb this fertilizer as it goes into dormancy. The result will be a healthier, more vigorous plant next spring.
Winterization:
This is the final “fall cleanup” for the season. It is usually our last visit to your property. During this visit, we will remove all remaining debris from your property, including lawn, flower beds, stairwells, etc. We will also pull out any remaining annual flowers from the ground, cut back any unsightly perennials (we like to leave some items that have good winter characteristics, such as ornamental grasses…those we will cut back in early spring), mulch or cover the roses at your discretion, rake the beds, cut back any clematis, etc. It is typically charged on an hourly basis.
Annuals/perennials fertilization:
We can apply the appropriate fertilizer to give your flowers that extra “boost” they need to maximize your seasonal color.
Rose fertilization/dusting:
For our rose-loving customers. Multiple applications may be required.
Dormant oil & insecticide sprays:
Not a regular part of our normal maintenance program, but if you are experiencing insect problems, let us know. If you have any Euonymous plantings, such as Vegetus, Purpleleaf Wintercreaper, or even Burning Bush, you may need this application. We will usually apply this on an as needed basis. This category would also cover spraying for mites and a host of other insects. Multiple applications may be required.
