Residential and Commercial Landscape
Maintenance and Construction Services
Residential landscape services for homes, subdivisions, home owner associations
Commercial landscape services for businesses, campuses, institutional, property management groups
Maintenance Services (see our complete maintenance schedule)
Weekly/bi-monthly Lawn Care and Landscape Maintenance Services
Mowing and Edging
Our crews mow, edge, trim, and blow off debris on a weekly basis. Mowing patterns are altered as often as possible to reduce compaction and rutting. Mowers are equipped with full floating decks for difficult terrain, as well as striping kits to maintain a professional, manicured appearance. Cut heights range from 2 inches in the spring to 4 inches in the summer. Sidewalks and roadsides are edged with metal blade edgers where possible and string trimmers are used to edge tree wells and planter beds to keep shape and deter grass encroachment. Clippings are bagged and hauled away unless specified otherwise.
Weed and Trash Maintenance
Once a week, but not necessarily at the same time of mowing, we perform cleaning and maintenance to landscape beds; weeds are sprayed or pulled. Trash is collected and disposed of.
Turf Inspection
Turf is inspected weekly during the growing season for insect infestations or irrigation issues. We report any issues and give recommendations, and provide corrective services as requested. Any services resulting from inspection are billed as additional work.
Pond and Water Feature Maintenance & Treatment
Water features are inspected weekly during the growing season for algae levels and other issues, and are treated monthly or on an “as needed” basis. Pricing varies due to size of water feature and products/methods of application.
Annual and Semi-Annual
Aeration
Turf core aeration is a beneficial and proven practice with positive long term effects on turf and landscapes. We recommend a full aeration once per year. Pricing can be provided at any time.
Pruning & Cleanup
Trees are pruned in spring for proper shape and structure. Our certified arborist is typically on site during these projects. Cleanups are scheduled in spring, mid-summer, and fall, consisting of pruning trees & shrubs, and general bed cleanup. Pricing is determined on a per-project basis and includes disposal of debris.
Mulch
Mulch, typically around tree wells, is beneficial in many ways and can be installed at any time. Pricing is based on square footage.
Plant Health Care Services
Turf Fertilization
Round 1 – In April we begin with a liquid fertilizer application that includes More Soil Life© organic blended liquid fertilizer, with annual grass pre-emergent and weed control, tailored to ensure a vigorous spring green up.
Round 2 – In June we apply a broad-spectrum weed control, as well as a mixture of iron, trace nutrients, and additional potassium to help turf sustain upcoming heat stress. Also at that time, in a separate application, we apply preventative billbug control to keep turf free from grub damage. Learn more about the soil-food-web and integrated pest management.
Round 3 – In mid-August we apply a slow-release granular fertilizer and spot-treat weeds as needed.
Round 4 – In November, we apply our winterizing fertilizer at a higher rate to develop roots and promote spring green-up.
Round 5 – Optionally, we can schedule a recommended fall application of elemental sulfur which lowers soil pH, benefiting grass and other plants.
Tree Fertilization
Deep-root fertilizer is applied in late fall to promote healthy root growth. This application contains organic and chemical fertilizer, along with sulfer and important nutrients. Pricing varies based on tree size and quantity.
Ornamentals Fertilization
Fertilizer applicatoin for shrubs, vines, ground covers and annuals generally occurs three times per season. This fertilizer is high in phosphorus for richer plant color. Pricing is based on square footage.
Ornamental Spray
Trees and shrubs are sprayed on an 8-week cycle throughout the growing season to minimize insect infestations and to prevent future outbreaks. Pricing is based on tree size and quantity.
Spider Barrier
Our blend of preventative insecticide is sprayed on the house, under eaves, and around the foundation to prevent insects, spiders, and webs on the structure, as well as prevent insects from entering living areas. We use a truck-mounted sprayer instead of a conventional backpack sprayer to provide a more consistent delivery-pressure and insecticide application.
Pre-emergent
Pre-emergent is applied in early spring to keep weeds under control throughout the entire season. This liquid application is safe for all plants. Pricing is based on square footage.
Irrigation & Sprinkler System Services
Activation
Water is turned on and the sprinkler system is fully tested. Sprinkler heads are checked, water coverage is tested and evaluated for each zone, and watering time is correctly entered for each zone. Problems or issues, if any, are brought to our client's attention.
Maintenance & Repair
Includes checking, troubleshooting, and fixing timers, valves, solenoids and filters, and/or adjusting heads, nozzles, and emitters. Repairing pipes and/or replacing broken or worn out heads or other parts. Pricing varies due to services provided and parts used.
Winterization
End-of-season system inspection, typically in late fall after irrigation is turned off. Includes sprinkler blowout, where compressed air is blown through the sprinkler lines to remove remaining water to prevent winter freezing and cracking of pipes. We will also shut off the irrigation time clock at this time.
Gardening and Misc. Services
Soil is tested to determine soil composition: pH levels, cat ion exchange rate, macro and micro nutrient levels. We recommend 2 tests per acre. Pricing varies by acreage and number of tests performed.
Custom Gardening / Cleanup
Weekly or bi-weekly personal gardening service where specific attention is given to beds (custom pruning, dead-heading of flowers, detailed weed management and raking/removal of debris). Pricing is on an hourly basis.
Annual Planting
A yearly plan is customized for your property, which includes design, planting of annuals, top dressing, and fertilization.
Parking lots and sidewalks are cleared and de-iced with snow accumulations of 2” or more. Residential snow removal is charged on an hourly basis. Commercial clients seeking snow removal should download our Commercial Snow Removal brochure.
Landscape Design and Construction Services
Hardscapes (pavers, walkways, patios, gazeebos, pergola..)
Pavers & Patios
As a licensed landscape contractor, paver patios and walkways are one of our favorite upgrades to incorporate into landscapes. Though more expensive than plain concrete, many say hardscaped patios (whether brick, concrete pavers, or mortared flagstone), provide a dollar-for-dollar return on investment. During our design process we consider important details that create beauty as well as return on investment, and our construction & installation methods build results that last a lifetime. All our hardscape construction projects come with a minimum 2 year warranty (and we have never had to redeem this guarantee).
Fences, Decks, Pergolas
We provide many different sizes, shapes and styles of outdoor features for your landscape, including:
- Fences
- Decks
- Pergolas
- Gazebos
- Arbors
We use a range of materials from wood, trex, vinyl, and wrought iron.
Softscapes
Plants, Trees, Shrubs
Softscape areas compliment and help to break up (or soften) the landscape. Softscapes include elements such as plants, trees, grass, landscape beds, etc.. Planting trees not only provides shade during the summer months, but also beautifies and adds value to your home. Various sizes, shapes, colors and textures of plants are used to create a landscape that looks and feels natural, and is unique to your property. We design and install softscapes that grow and develop into their fullness, avoiding costly, unnecessary removal down the road.
Ponds & Water Features
Natural Features
Natural ponds, waterfalls, and other water features are our passion -- and the difference between a Blue Ribbon water feature and those of other landscape contractors is this major emphasis on natural features. For example, we avoid the typical “pile of rocks” or “pond of pearls” techniques (have you ever seen water coming out of a pile of rocks or a perfect string of cobblestones lining a pond?), in favor of ideas inspired by nature: sunken logs, pinched stones, driftwood, etc.
We primarily use Idaho Native Basalt or Sandstone. We recommend high-quality Salvio brand products for optimal results. Construction features include: underlayment, mortared falls and pools, double liner under stones, auto fill features, auto skimmers, and check-valves. Extras can include Koi ponds, pondless construction, UV lights, underwater lights, pond plantings, or all the above. Every Blue Ribbon natural water feature is always a one of a kind design.
Architectural Features
Architectural water features, such as fountains, viewing pools, and water walls, add value and curb appeal. The right architectural water feature can really make a difference, especially in a confined space with less room to work with. Water features are well known to add a distinct "uniqueness" to commercial or residential landscapes.
Irrigation and Sprinkler System Planning and Installation
Irrigation is critical to plant health and overall landscape maintenance. A beautifully-installed landscape must have a well-designed and installed irrigation system to stay that way. It is surprising how often irrigation systems are redesigned for landscapes that aren't very old, due to poor original planning. Therefore, we highly recommend anyone investing in irrigation installation and landscape construction to research their landscape provider -- qualifications, experience, references (see ours) -- before hiring for this important service.
A well-designed irrigation system can be one of your home's most valuable assets. Trees, plants, and shrubs that are healthy and well-irrigated will grow, mature, and appreciate in value, becoming an even greater asset and source of beauty and enjoyment.
A typical irrigation/sprinkler project consists of:
- Analyzing and understanding the unique landscape specifications and client requirements.
- Preparation of installation site, including layout, staking, excavation, boring, trenching, grading and back-filling.
- Procuring and preparing irrigation pipe; knowing the features and limitations of varius piping systems and their hydraulics, cutting and joining, etc.
- Layout and install of piping and water delivery components, backflow prevention components, mechanical, hydraulic and electrical irrigation controls, and other system components.
- Install of point source (or “drip”) irrigation, as needed, in planters.
- Troubleshooting and repairing irrigation components as needed.
Our approach is “Do it right, do it once!”, and we include a 1 year warranty on workmanship, as well as the manufacturers' warranty on irrigation components. Doing the job right the first time also means understanding and following industry best-practices and applicable Idaho code & licensing laws. We also use only quality components from industry-leading manufacturers, including RainBird, Hunter, and MP Rotator.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor Kitchens/Rooms
"Outdoor living space" has become an industry buzzword over the past few years, as the popularity of outdoor kitchens and other outdorr rooms has increased. Blue Ribbon designs outdoor kitchens and other outdoor living spaces with continuity in mind, so that your home "flows" together from the inside to the outside. It's important that an outdoor addition does not appear (aesthetically) or work (functionally) like a "bolt on" or afterthought. Rather, a well-planned and carefully constructed outdoor living space will assist you and your family, while adding square footage, curb appeal, and financial value to your home.
Whether it's an elaborate outdoor kitchen with wet bar for entertaining, or a simple covered patio with fire pit or Chimenea, we can make your outdoor living space unique to you and a place to enjoy for years to come.
Landscape Lighting
The icing on the cake for your custom landscape package is lighting. Landscape lighting beautifies your landscape and home, adds security, and lets families spend a few more hours each day enjoying the outdoors. We can help you choose from a wide variety of ourdoor lighting products to best suit your needs.
