FAQs

Finding a trustworthy landscaper is often best achieved through personal recommendations. Consult with friends, neighbors, and colleagues about their experiences with local landscaping companies. Additionally, researching online reviews and examining company websites to view their portfolio of completed projects can be beneficial. After narrowing down your options, schedule consultations with potential companies to discuss your project needs and determine which one aligns best with your requirements.

Spring is typically ideal for preparing and planting flower beds, as well as initiating hardscaping projects. The summer construction season is when most large-scale landscaping and hardscaping work occurs. Fall is optimal for planting trees and shrubs due to cooler temperatures, and hardscaping can continue until the ground freezes or snow arrives. To ensure your project is completed within your desired timeframe, it's advisable to contact landscaping companies during winter months, as schedules often fill up quickly for the upcoming season.

Landscaping encompasses the overall design, planning, and construction of outdoor spaces, including both hardscaping and softscaping elements. Hardscaping refers to the non-living components of a landscape, such as stone features, wood structures, retaining walls, decks, and firepits. Softscaping, often used interchangeably with landscaping, involves the living elements like planting designs, creating berms, grading, and mulching. Together, these elements create functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments.

An irrigation system is not essential for maintaining healthy lawns and plants, but it can be a convenient option. Irrigation systems automate the watering process, ensuring consistent coverage of your landscape. While a hose and sprinkler can be a more economical alternative, they require manual operation and repositioning. Both methods can potentially waste water if not properly managed. The decision to install an irrigation system should be based on your specific needs, budget, and willingness to manage manual watering tasks.

Lawn aeration is most effective during periods of high growth, typically in cooler seasons with adequate rainfall, such as spring and fall. Aeration places stress on the turf, so it's best avoided during times of heat stress or drought. At ENS Lawn Care & Landscaping, we recommend fall aeration combined with overseeding to simultaneously loosen soil and promote new growth. This process is particularly beneficial for lawns with heavy foot traffic, those on new construction sites with compacted soil, or as part of a thatch management program.

Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle within one growing season, dying off when cold weather arrives. Perennials, on the other hand, go dormant during winter and re-emerge each spring. Examples of annuals include pansies, snapdragons, petunias, and California poppies. Perennial plants include phlox, peonies, purple coneflower, daylilies, and hostas. The choice between annuals and perennials depends on the desired landscape design and maintenance preferences.

Preventing plant diseases involves several proactive measures. Maintain a clean garden by regularly removing plant debris and weeds. Apply fertilizer judiciously to promote healthy growth without encouraging weak, disease-prone development. Delay planting until soil temperatures are suitable to reduce plant stress. Use mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Regularly inspect plants and promptly remove any infected parts to prevent disease spread. These practices can significantly reduce the risk of plant diseases in your landscape.

Complete weed eradication is challenging, as conditions favorable for plant growth also support weed development. However, effective weed management strategies include applying a thick layer of mulch in garden beds to suppress weed growth, using a pre-emergent herbicide like Preen, and promptly removing any emerging weeds, including their roots. For weeds in hardscaped areas, commercial herbicides or organic alternatives like vinegar can be effective. Be cautious when applying herbicides, as they can affect all plant life they contact, not just weeds.

Proper watering of newly planted vegetation is crucial for establishment. Immediately after planting, water thoroughly and allow it to soak into the soil before repeating. For the first few weeks, maintain frequent watering, ideally a deep soak every other day. Use a slow stream of water at the base of each plant until a small pool forms, then move to the next plant. This encourages deep root growth, creating stronger, more resilient plants. After the initial period, reduce watering to two or three times per week, adjusting based on local weather conditions. Additionally, provide a thorough watering just before the ground freezes in late fall.

Professional lawn maintenance offers numerous benefits. A well-maintained lawn enhances your property's aesthetic appeal and value while providing a pleasant outdoor space for family enjoyment. Lawns contribute to environmental health by producing oxygen and cooling the surrounding area, potentially reducing air conditioning needs. Established lawns develop deep root systems that help control erosion and filter runoff, contributing to groundwater purity. Healthy turf also acts as a natural filter, trapping dust and pollutants that might otherwise enter the water table. These environmental and aesthetic benefits underscore the importance of diligent lawn care.