Mark Pietsch, Owner

• Question #1:  Do you offer any guarantees?

Answer:  Yes we do.  Regarding plant material, we offer a one year guarantee on all plant material from the date of installation.  We are committed to replacing any dead plant material in a timely fashion.

When it comes to Hardscaping, we offer a three year guarantee on workmanship on any patio or walkway we install.

• Question #2:  Should I mulch my beds? 

Answer:  If your beds are either not mulched at all or only lightly mulched, add several inches of fresh mulch.  By doing this you will control weeds, keeping shallow roots cool during the hot part of the year, and conserving precious moisture for plants to use.

• Question #3:  Should I core aerate my lawn and what are the benefits?  | Image 1 | Image 2 |

Answer:  Core aeration is the process of mechanically removing plugs of thatch and soil from the lawn.  Aeration opens the soil, helps reduce compaction, improves water infiltration, improves rooting, reduces thatch and acts in many other ways to improve the lawn and reduce stress.  Soils that are hard and compacted, have no "nooks and crannies" to hold the water, air or nutrients.  Aeration restores the vital "nooks and crannies" to the soil.  Without these crucial components, root growth is impeded, which prevents the grass from developing the deep root system that is essential to survive in the hot and dry or harsh and cold periods.

Soil plugs are deposited on the turf surface.  These plugs then break down and redistribute soil throughout the thatch layer.  The soil from the plugs helps to modify the physical structure of the thatch, making it better growing medium.  The soil also enhances thatch breakdown by introducing the beneficial microorganisms that feed on thatch.

• Question #4:  What are Grubs and how can I keep them from destroying my lawn?  | Image 1 | Image 2 |

Answer:  Grubs are C-shaped, worm-like pests that are off-white in appearance and derive from the larvae of Japanese beetles, June beetles, and chafers.  Grubs feed on the roots of your lawn, causing major damage. 

Symptoms of grub infestation include wilted grass in patches that eventually turn brown and die, and sod that pulls up easily in one piece, where you may see the grubs feeding.

Grubs feed vigorously when the turf is water-stressed.  In October or November, when soil temperatures begin to cool, the grubs stop feeding and move deeper into the soil, where they spend the winter.  They remain in the lawn until they emerge as beetles in June and July.  Treatment of grubs is most effective during the months of June and July.

• Question #5:  What is colored mulch?  | Black Mulch | Brown Mulch | Red Mulch |

Answer:  The dye used for mulch is carbon or oxide based depending on the color.  Both substances are found in nature, therefore, they are both safe for plants.  The dye is water based.  As a result, the dye must be sufficiently dry before it is rained on.  No matter how far in advance the product is made, it does not dry completely until it has been spread.

The fiber used for the mulch is as follows:  the black and brown are a virgin hardwood blend.  The red is a blend of hardwood and pallet material.