Spring Cleanup: April 1st - May 15th
Edging and cleaning of maintained mulch beds, applying bark mulch, removal of large deposits of leaves and sweeping sand off turf into roadways for a sweeper to remove.
Plow Damage: If included, will be done between May 1st - May 15th
Doing it prior to this can result in washing out due to rain; by May 1st, ground temperatures are higher which helps with seed development; includes new loam and seed as necessary.
Irrigation Startup: May 1st - May 15th based on weather
Irrigation includes turning on the system, setting the clock and checking for damage (any damage will be charged extra; the cause of damage will be determined by a technician, i.e. plow damage, dogs digging, driving cars over, etc.)
Mowing: Begins May 1st - May 10th, and ends October 20th based on weather
Includes cutting of all turf, trimming and blowing clippings off walkways and roadways. (We mow weekly, but may change the day based on weather, and we may even go ten days during extreme heat.) Weeding is included, but will also be treated with chemicals to suppress re-growth. (Hand-pulling does not always get all the roots so we treat with chemicals that kill the entire plant.) Includes approximately 26 visits.
Fertilization and Weed Control: Fertilization includes five rounds
- 1st round: April 15th - May 15th Fertilizer with crabgrass control (includes plants)
- 2nd round: May 15th - June 15th Fertilizer 28-5-12 w/5% iron
- 3rd round: July 1st - July 15th Fertilizer 28-5-12 w/5% iron
- 4th round: Aug. 15th - Sept. 1st Fertilizer 28-5-12 w/5% iron
- Final round: Oct. 20th - Nov. 15th Fertilizer 28-5-12 winterizer
Weed control, insect control and fungicides are applied on an "as needed" basis; we do not do blanket applications of these items due to the effects on the environment. We treat them as needed, and where needed to limit the possible exposure to these chemicals. Typically, we try to check the site every two to three weeks for possible problems, and our maintenance crews report any problems they notice weekly.
Bush Trimming: July 15th - August 15th
Includes shearing of small evergreens and specific shrubs, also hand-pruning of certain evergreen shrubs (rhododendrons). Typically done between July 15th and August 15th, (this allows the plants to harden off all new growth so there is no shock to the system. When you prune too early in the season, the plant will try to recover that lost growth or simply continue to push out new growth, expending energy that would normally be used for root development during the late summer and fall months.)
Irrigation Shutdown: Typically done October 15th - November 1st
Includes shutting off water and blowing compressed air through the lines to clear as much water as possible.
Fall Cleanup: November 1st - December 1st
Includes blowing all leaves off turf areas and out of mulch beds; the leaves will be blown either into a heavily wooded area or into a pile and removed with a truck. Most sites receive only one visit.
Seasonal Color: There are three plantings
All plantings are done in common areas and at entrances of commercial buildings; at condominiums or apartments, they are done only at entrances and common areas; no plants are done at residences. If homeowners or tenants do their own plantings, it is up to them to maintain them as we cannot be responsible for them.
Spring plantings: Bulbs are installed in the fall of the previous year Nov. 15th - Dec. 15th
Summer plantings: Annuals are installed the week prior and after Memorial Day; this helps to ensure that they do not suffer a late frost.
Fall plantings: Mums are installed between September 1st and September 20th, depending on weather.
NOTE: Not all properties receive seasonal color.
