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Spring Clean-up
Removal of all leaves and debris that have accumulated on the property over the winter, including cutting and removing old perennials, if not completed during the fall clean-up. Excessive brush will be billed in addition to the quoted clean-up price . Spring clean-ups begin as soon as weather permits each the Spring.
Bark Mulch
Benefits include reducing temperature fluctuations in the soil, conserving moisture in the soil, suppressing weed growth, minimizing soil erosion, and improving the aesthetics of shrub and perennial beds. Most commonly used barm mulches are; Pine Bark blend, Hemlock Bark blend, and aged Dark Bark. Prices quoted in the proposal are for Pine Bark blends. Bark mulch may be installed at any time of the year, but most commonly in the spring or immediately after installation of new plants.
Lawn Maintenance
The cutting season generally begins the first of May, and continues through the end of October. Because weather is unpredictable, the season may start earlier or later. Lawn maintenance includes cutting all lawn areas, and trimming all grass along walks, walls, foundations, etc. When this service is completed, all walks, patios and driveways will be blown to remove debris, and a door hanger will be left by the maintenance crew to inform you that a crew performed lawn maintenance on your property. Cutting heights will be adjusted according to weather conditions to encourage a healthy, vigorous lawn. Because lawns grow faster when water is abundant (spring and fall) a bi-weekly cutting schedule is not offered during these periods. If the maintenance crew determines that your lawn does not require a cut, your property will be skipped that week. A door hanger will be left by the maintenance crew to inform you that they were at your property. There will be no charge for the visit if services are not performed on your property.
Fertilizer Program
To keep your lawn thick, green, and healthy, 4 applications of fertilizer are recommended: the first 2 fertilizer applications will contain a herbicide to control Crabgrass. The fertilizer is generally applied in April, May, June and September. It is recommended that ornamental trees and shrubs also receive one application of fertilizer, to encourage healthy growth and abundance of flowers. This fertilizer application is generally completed in September or October. A balanced fertilizer program is imperative to have your landscape look its best.
Lime
One or two applications of lime per year will help raise the pH in your soil. The pH plays a major role in the availability of nutrients in the soil. If the pH is too low, a majority of the nutrients are chemically bound in the soil, and are not available for the plant to use resulting in plants that do not grow or flower as proficiently as they should. The recommended rate for lime in Massachusetts is 50lbs per 1000 square feet. Lime can be applied at any time during the year, but is most commonly applied in September or October.
Pesticides
Pesticides are applied as needed to control insects, weeds and diseases. The first 2 applications of fertilizer contain herbicide to control Crabgrass. Abroadleaf weed control program consists of spot-treating all weeds in the lawn each time the lawn is fertilized. Although fertilizing is done 4 times per year, you are only charged for broadleaf weed control twice, once in the spring and once in the fall. Weed control in open beds, cracks and crevices in sidewalks, walks, patios, and driveways is obtained by using an herbicide called Round-up. These areas are checked and spot-sprayed each time the lawn is fertilized. As with the broadleaf program, you are only billed for 2 applications, once in the spring and once in the fall. The last regularly scheduled pesticide is for the control of grubs. This pesticide gets applied generally in June or July, as grubs hatch in early August. Other pesticides may be needed and will be applied to keep your landscape healthy. If you would prefer no pesticides, you must inform Fairview Landscaping, Inc., and no pesticides will be used without prior approval from you. Massachusetts State Law requires that anyone applying a pesticide on the property of another must be licensed by the state.
Pruning (Maintenance)
Pruning is completed most often during July and August, but can be completed at any time of the year. Annual pruning of shrubs not only controls the size of the plant, but also helps define the shape and density of the plant, while encouraging new growth and flowering.
Pruning (Renovation)
Renovation pruning is required when a plant has grown too large for its location. The proper time to perform this pruning will depend upon the plant’s variety. Some plant varieties do not respond well to heavy, renovational pruning, and are better being replaced.
Fall Clean-up
Begins in mid-October, and continues through November into early December. The clean-up includes removal of all leaves and debris from all lawn and shrub areas. Removal of perennial tops may take place at this time, or in the spring. If you have previously agreed to a Fall Clean-Up, but want to cancel this service, you must notify Fairview Landscaping, Inc. of the cancellation, in writing, by October 15th. Otherwise, your property will be scheduled and cleaned as agreed in the original contract.
Lawn Aeration
Over time, soil in the lawn area becomes compacted due to normal, everyday foot traffic. Aerating the lawn opens up the soil, to allow air, water and nutrients to more easily reach the root zone of the turf. This service is best performed in the fall when the lawn is actively growing, but not likely to become infested with weeds.
Lawn De-thatching
Over time, a layer of dead material forms on top of the soil. This layer not only creates the perfect home for insects, but is also a potential breeding ground for diseases. Periodically, this layer should be removed to minimize the threat of insects and diseases, and to allow air, water and nutrients to more easily reach the root zone of the turf. This service is best performed in the fall when the lawn is actively growing, but with less threat of weed infestation.
Slice Seeding
Slice seeding is designed to increase the density of an existing lawn. The key to good seed germination is good seed soil contact, and proper moisture levels. Creating grooves in the soil, allows for better seed soil contact than seeding by hand. The slice seeding process includes running a machine over the lawn areas in 2 directions, allowing twice as much seed to be applied, but also mixing the seed with the disturbed soil. The thatch that is brought to the surface during this process is left on top of the soil to act as mulch. The first cutting 2 weeks after this service, will remove the majority of the thatch. Results of this service improve when combined with aerating.
Lawn Replacement
If the lawn is less than 50% desirable turf grass, or the grade or smoothness of the lawn area is unacceptable, a complete lawn replacement is in order. Depending on the variety of weeds present, an application of Round-up may be suggested. Fall is the best time for lawn replacement, as temperatures are cooler, water is more abundant, and the weed competition is decreasing. If replacement cannot wait until fall, spring is the next best time, but a fall slice seeding will be necessary to help the lawn fill in. Depending on budget and the speed at which the new lawn is to be established, the options are seed, hydro-seed or sod.
Landscape Design
All good landscapes start with a good design. Consideration of the mature plant size, flowering time, texture, berries and maintenance is kept in mind when planning your individual landscape. A landscape with 12 months of interest, using flowers, texture, berries and foliage will be used. All design work is billed at $ 60.00 per man-hour. A $200.00 deposit is required at the initial meeting. All designs will include an overhead view, and pictures of all plants in the plan.
Landscape Installation
Installing new trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals requires that care be taken in each step, from selection, to transportation, to installation.
Hardscape
Hardscapes, such as walls, patios and walks add color, definition, beauty and functionality to any landscape.
Examples of work
New lawns, ranging from seed, hydro-seed, and sod
New foundation plantings, design and installation
Artificial golf greens
Railroad tie walls
Modular block walls and stairs
Concrete paver walks and patios
Bluestone walks and patios
Underground irrigation systems
Underground drainage
Consulting
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