Letters Fom A Landscaper

  It's May and spring clean up is in full swing.  My back however can tell I have been in an office all winter.  It does feel good to be back outside.  I just wish the rain would let me get my job done.

  What does spring clean up consist of?  Well I am glad you asked.  Spring clean up can  be very individual depending on the customers needs and wants.  A basic package includes...

• .  removal of sticks and debris on the property and in planting beds
• .  sweeping up of winter sand
• .  dethatching lawns
• .  edging and bark mulching of planting beds

There is an instant gratification from this kind of work.  It immediately transforms your property aesthetically.

I am including pictures of us edging and mulching at one of our condos this week.

  Why do we edge?  Edging makes a nice crisp, clean line around planting beds while cutting back the grass and weeds that grew in last year.  It is a good routine maintenance practice.

  Why bark mulch?  Bark mulch when applied properly will help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, help keep soil from eroding, and removes the need of a string trimmer near the trunk. It also just looks good!  There are many types of mulch, but bark mulch is best around trees, shrubs, foundation plantings, and garden beds where you do not do alot of digging.

This week we also had to save a crab apple that took it hard from snow damage (planted a little to close to a stand and seam roof.) Normally you would prune trees and shrubs that flower in the spring after their blooms die.  But, I will talk more about that in my next blog.  I am going to attempt updates every two weeks (or when it rains.)   Call or e-mail us if you have any questions before then.  Let's get inspired!

                                                                                                 

Thank you and see you outside,

             Valerie Chase  

         Landscape Designer