Lawn Maintenance and Care

Q: What is grub control and why do I need it?
A: Grubs are the larva stage of certain types of beetles, such as Japanese beetles and June bugs. They live in the soil and feed on the roots of your lawn, causing damage that can lead to brown patches and even total loss of the affected areas. Grub control involves applying a pesticide to your lawn that targets these pests specifically, helping to protect your lawn from their damage.

Q: How often should I have grub control applied?
A: The frequency at which grub control should be applied depends on the specific pests present in your area and the susceptibility of your lawn to damage. In general, grub control is most effective when applied in the late summer or early fall, just before the grubs begin to hatch.

Q: What is core aerating and how does it benefit my lawn?
A: Core aeration is a process in which small plugs of soil are removed from the lawn, creating holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily. This can help to reduce compaction and improve the overall health of your lawn, leading to a thicker, more resilient turf. It also help reducing thatch which is the build up of organic matter on soil surface, since it can impede the root growth and prevent water and other nutrients from reaching to the soil.

Q: How often should I have my lawn aerated?
A: The frequency at which you should have your lawn aerated depends on the specific needs of your lawn and the conditions in your area. In general, most lawns can benefit from aeration at least once per year, although some lawns may require aeration more or less frequently.Q: How often should I mow my lawn? A: The frequency of mowing your lawn depends on the type of grass and the growing conditions. For most types of grass, it is recommended to mow once a week during the growing season. However, during periods of rapid growth, it may be necessary to mow more often. It is important to not cut off more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to prevent stress on the grass.

Q: How do I know if my lawn has a nutrient deficiency?

A: Signs of nutrient deficiencies in a lawn include yellowing or discolored patches, slow growth, and poor overall health. If you suspect a nutrient deficiency, it is recommended to have your soil tested to determine the specific deficiency. Based on the results, you can then apply the appropriate fertilizer to address the issue.

Q: How do I control weeds in my lawn?

A: There are several methods for controlling weeds in a lawn. One method is to use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Another method is to use a post-emergent herbicide to kill existing weeds. It is also important to maintain a thick, healthy lawn, as thick grass can shade out and compete with weeds. Hand weeding and proper mowing techniques can also help to control weeds.

Irrigation

Q: How often should I water my grass?
A: The frequency of watering depends on many factors such as weather, type of soil, type of grass and location. Watering once or twice a week is generally enough for most lawns during the growing season. However, during hot and dry weather, the lawn may need to be watered more often. It’s important to water deeply and infrequently, this way the water reach the deeper roots, to encourage deeper root growth. However, its also important to not over-watering, as it can lead to shallow root systems, and make the lawn more susceptible to disease.

Q: How can I tell if my lawn needs water?
A: A good way to check if your lawn needs water is to look for signs of wilting, such as a change in color or a loss of firmness. You can also use a screwdriver or similar tool to poke the soil and see how easily it penetrates. If the soil is hard and difficult to poke through, it likely needs water. Another option is to pay attention to your grass, when the blades of grass start to fold in half, it is a sign of drought stress, thus, it needs water.

Q: How often should I water my shrubs?
A: The frequency of watering shrubs depends on the weather and the soil conditions. In general, shrubs should be watered once or twice a week, but during hot or dry periods, they may need to be watered more often. It’s also important to check the soil moisture before watering. If the soil is still moist, there’s no need to water.
Q: How do I water perennials?
A: Perennials should be watered at the base of the plant, close to the roots. This helps to encourage deep root growth and prevent the leaves from getting too wet, which can lead to disease. Watering in the morning or evening, when the sun is not at its strongest, is best to prevent evaporation. Like shrubs, the frequency of watering perennials depends on the weather and the soil conditions.
Q: How often should I fertilize my trees?
A: The frequency of fertilizing trees depends on the type of tree and the soil conditions. In general, trees should be fertilized once or twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. If a tree is showing signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or slow growth, it may need to be fertilized more often.
Q: How do I know if my tree is getting enough water?
A: One way to check if a tree is getting enough water is to check the soil moisture. If the soil is dry several inches below the surface, the tree may need watering. Another way to check is to look at the leaves. If they are wilted or discolored, the tree may be dehydrated.
Q: How do I trim my tree?
A: It is best to trim a tree during its dormant period, typically in late winter or early spring. When trimming, make sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also, remove branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Avoid removing more than 25% of the tree’s canopy at one time as it can be stressful for the tree. It is best to consult with a professional arborist if you have any concerns or questions.
Q: Can I prune my tree in the summer?
A: It is not ideal to prune a tree during the summer, as it can be stressful for the tree and increase the risk of disease. The best time to prune a tree is during its dormant period, typically in late winter or early spring. If you must prune in the summer, make sure to remove only small branches and avoid pruning more than 25% of the tree’s canopy at one time.

Brick Care and Installation 

Q: What is the best way to clean bricks after installation?
A: The best way to clean bricks after installation depends on the type of dirt or stain on the bricks. For general cleaning, a solution of mild detergent and water can be used. A stiff-bristled brush can be used to scrub the bricks, then rinse with a hose or pressure washer. For tough stains such as mold or mildew, a solution of water and white vinegar can be used. For oil or grease stains, a degreaser or a solution of water and trisodium phosphate can be used. It is important to avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaning products as they can damage the bricks.

Q: Can I repair a cracked brick?
A: Yes, cracked bricks can be repaired. The process will depend on the severity of the crack. For small hairline cracks, a brick sealer can be applied to prevent moisture from penetrating the brick. For larger cracks, the damaged brick should be removed and replaced with a new brick that matches the existing brick. It is recommended to consult a professional mason or bricklayer to repair your brick.

Q: Can I install brick on a slope or hill?

A: Yes, it is possible to install bricks on a slope or hill. However, it requires additional planning and preparation. The foundation must be built up to create a level surface for the bricks and proper drainage must be installed to prevent water from eroding the bricks or the foundation. It is recommended to consult a professional mason or landscaper for this type of installation.

Q: How can I maintain the color of my brick? A: The color of bricks can fade over time due to exposure to the sun and weather. To maintain the color of your bricks, it is important to regularly clean them and seal them. Additionally, using a brick staining product can help to restore the color of the bricks. It’s also important to avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaning products, which can cause discoloration.

Q: How often should I seal my brick? A: The frequency of sealing bricks depends on the type of brick and the environment they are in. Bricks that are in a high-traffic or high-moisture area may need to be sealed more often. In general, bricks should be sealed every 2-3 years. It is important to check the bricks for signs of wear and tear, such as fading or staining, and reseal as needed.

Planting and Design

Q: Where do you source your plants and shrubs? A: all plant material comes from locally grown nurseries and his hand picked for your particular job. We take the time to visit various nurseries to find the best plans to complement the project.

Q: Are you licensed and insured? A: Scenic Greens is a fully insured, licensed and certified landscape construction company. We can provide certificates upon request.

Q: Do you offer outdoor lighting? A: Yes. We offer the design and installation of all types of low-voltage lighting systems and effects.

Q: How does the construction process work? A: once the project begins we are on your job from beginning to end. We will be in contact with you daily and secure all permits as well as meet with village engineers and inspectors. We will also go over the entire project and options as well as address any concerns. Arrangements are made to protect surrounding Hardscape or vegetation and to keep our work area clean. When we are done we will explain the care in the maintenance for your new project.

Q: Is there a fee if I want a landscape plan? A: Yes. Although consultations are free and very informative, a landscape plan if necessary is charged according to the size of the job. A simple plan can start for as low as $300. The final fee is then credited towards the agreed on project.