We follow a general lawn care and landscape maintenance schedule, as outlined below. Each property is unique, and your individualized schedule may have variations.
Timing | Activity |
by Mar 15 | Spring Pruning and Clean Up |
by Mar 30 | Dormant Oil |
by Apr 15 | Initial Mowing, Dethatching, or Aeration |
by Apr 15 | Activate Water (set to water 3 x per wk) |
by Apr 25 | Fertilizer and Annual Grass Pre-emergent |
by May 1 | Systemic Insecticide for trees and shrubs |
by May 15 | Plant Summer Annuals and Garden |
by Jun 1 | Fertilizer and Systemic Insecticide for turf |
by Jun 1 | Adjust Water (set to water up to 4 x per wk) |
by Jun 15 | Mid-Summer Clean Up – Prune woody, spring-flowering specimens – Sheer any plants that need it – Deadhead bulbs / Spring annuals |
by Aug 15 | Fertilizer for turf |
by Sep 1 | Adjust Water (set to water 3 x per wk) |
by Oct 1 | Winterizer for turf (alternate time for aeration) |
by Oct 30 | Sprinkler Blowout |
by Nov 15 | Fertilizer for trees |
by Nov 15 | Fall Clean Up |
by Nov 30 | Optional Sulfur Application for turf |
When is the best time to prune my Roses?
For our area, around the first part of April. Pruning earlier than this will induce too much growth that will not be cold hardy for the freezing night time temperatures. I know it is hard but those of us with spring fever will have to be patient.
Why didn’t you mow today as scheduled?
Almost always it’s because it rained heavily yesterday (or earlier in the week) or it was a holiday and the schedule shifted a day.
Why should I aerate, and when is the best time?
Aeration is one of the best things you can do to help rejuvenate or sustain a healthy vigorous turf. The benefits of aeration are many, such as: thatch reduction, water penetration, compaction alleviation, and more. Our preference for timing on aeration would be in early September. This allows the grass to recover from the process before it goes dormant. At this time of year, there is less weed pressure overall. Lastly, this process disrupts the soil profile, so it is also recommended to throw down some fertilizer at the same time.
Do I have to blowout my sprinklers?
Around here, you need to have the lines cleared every year. Imagine sprinkler blowouts as an insurance policy for your underground irrigation system. Let’s say the average six zone system costs $3500, and the average blowout costs $35. So for a nominal 1% fee you insure that when you fire up your sprinklers next spring they work.
How can I get rid of the thistle in my lawn?
Call a professional. Seriously. Thistle, morning glory (field bind weed), and white top (hoary cress) are three of the most difficult weeds to control in our area. Due to the nature of their rooting system, pulling them is futile, very few over-the-counter products are strong enough to have an effect. Even pros will need at least one growing season to have a lasting impact on these types of deep-rooted perennial weeds.
How long do I have to stay off area after it has been sprayed?
Most chemical spray products shoapprw on the label the EPA message for humans and pets to “stay off of sprayed surfaces until the sprays have dried.” Weather can have a dramatic impact on that time frame — e.g. a lawn that is fertilized in 90 degree weather may be dry in 15 minutes, whereas trees sprayed in late February with a 45 degree high may take most of the day. Certain products have more stringent regulations, and some of our organic treatments are safe directly after the application. Our technician will recommend the appropriate timeframe, but as a rule of thumb “Stay Off Till Dry.”
The following companies have proven themselves in the areas of quality, integrity, and customer service. We trust these companies and individuals, and often rely on their expertise:
Treasure Valley Remodel & Restoration
Services: Home Remodel and Building
Owner: Michael Kuhn
Phone: (208) 573-5343
Parker Tree Service
Services: Large Scale Tree Removal and Pruning
Owner: Justin Parker
Phone: (208) 591-0330
First Choice Curbing
Service: Landscape Curbing
Owner: Cody Murray
Phone: (208) 880-9202
Impact Imports
Services: Import Garden Products/Decor
Owner: Drew McDaniel
Phone: (208) 368-0300
RC Grading & Excavation
Services: Grading and Excavation
Owner: Ryan Chaney
Phone: (208) 919-3274
Home & Turf Spray Services
Services: Interior Pest Control / Termites
Owner: Bruce Donnell
Phone: (208) 467-2177
Gem Gunite Pools
Services: Underground Pools/Spas
Owner: Joe Tietsort
Phone: (208) 467-9576
Waltman Concrete
Services: Concrete and Flatwork
Owner: Darwin Waltman
Phone: (208) 371-4543
MGM Association Management
Services: Home Owner Association Management
Owner: Michael Madson
Phone: (208) 846-9189