Project Spotlight: The Before Photos

Today we want to spotlight one of our first jobs of the season. This East Peoria client wants a more direct and attractive connection between their front walk and their garage, as well as a beautiful garden space. Stay tuned over the next week to see this work in progress and how we are enhancing their curb appeal.

2017 Season Kickoff Meeting

We recently started the season with a day of training and encouragement for our staff. We reviewed last season and discussed our goals for 2017.

We focused on providing a complete customer experience using Chic-fil-A and the Ritz-Carlton as examples of businesses that stand out in their industry by providing exceptional customer service. 

Great customer service lessons learned from Chic-fil-A, and good food!

We ended the day rehearsing safety procedures and making final preparations with our tools and equipment. We are ready for a great 2017 season!

Rehearsing proper backing technique with a spotter. Safety first!

If you're ready to get started on your 2017 project, call us today at 309-303-0919 and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with our amazing projects!

What Does This Crazy Winter Mean for Our Landscapes?

I am the first person to give thanks for a mild winter, but warm temperatures so early in 2017 are going to have an impact on your landscapes. Here’s what you can look forward to in central Illinois this season.

- Ryan Palm

More Weeds

Because the winter was not cold enough or long enough for some weeds to go fully dormant from last season, we are already seeing many emerge sooner than usual. Preventative herbicide is usually best applied in early March, but this year you will also need to use control herbicide as well to get ahead of this year’s weed crop.

Our Maintenance Division Manager Robert, pulling weeds early this year.

Early Leaves and Flowers

We are seeing early bud break and flowering in Central Illinois. The southeastern U.S. is reporting tree canopy development more than 20 days ahead of schedule. A late frost could prove crippling to these flowers and buds. While the frost will not kill your plants, the flowering season could be cut short or even eliminated. You can attempt to cover some areas to protect them from frost as you would in the fall, but this isn't feasible for big trees or large areas. Early bloom will also have an effect on wildlife habitats and patterns, especially butterflies and bees.

Map showing just how unusually early spring is arriving in the United States.

Early witch hazel blooms

More Bugs
Weeds aren't the only pests likely to make a premature arrival this season. Without winter's prolonged frigid temperatures to reduce insect populations, early emergence of mosquito larvae and ticks are likely. An extended season also means increased exposure to illnesses such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

Mosquito (aedes aegypti)

Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)

Drought Stress

Lack of snowfall has deprived the soil of its usual moisture content. Your plants are thirsty and are at greater risk for drought stress later in the year, which means you will need to water them earlier this season. That means now!

What Should You Do?

·         Be vigilant.

·         Walk the area of your landscape and identify issues.

·         If less than 1 inch of rain falls in a week, water your plants.

·         Start a lawn care program.

·         Apply preventative herbicide AND control herbicide now.

·         Consider additional pruning if buds and flowers are zapped by a late frost. 

For more tips and news follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or call us at (309)303-0919.

Permeable Paver Demo

This summer Ryan participated in a demonstration of a new permeable paver parking lot at Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria, Illinois.

Close up of paver system

A fire truck (courtesy of the Peoria Fire Department) applied 550 gallons of water per minute over approximately 15 minutes, and the parking lot system absorbed all water with no pooling or puddling.

Fire Truck applying water at 550 gallons per minute

According to Unilock, "Permeable pavers provide stormwater management by reducing runoff volume and rate, filtering pollutants and keeping water on site, reducing the need for retention ponds. Permeable pavers have incredible durability and can be used in a variety of climates and applications ranging from patios to parking lots. Since the earth below is warmer than ambient air temperature the snow melts and drains allowing heat to waft through the system.

You don’t have to seal or replace as often as other surfaces and repairs are straightforward, removing and replacing individual pavers. Ongoing maintenance consists of keeping debris from clogging joints by vacuuming the surface one a year."

Paver aggregate sub-base profile

Special thanks to Unilock, Peoria Brick Company, and the Peoria Fire Department for a successful demonstration of this innovative product.

For more information use our contact form, or call us at 309-303-0919.

Milestone Meeting

We knocked off work a little early on Friday to thank our staff for their hard work and update them on the season's progress. We even rented a dunk tank from Peoria Rentals so our staff could take their shot at sinking their bosses! It was a fun afternoon and everyone left with a greater sense of appreciation for the hard work we do and the satisfaction we all share from serving our clients. 

Owner/Project Manager Corey playing grill master.

Chowing down on chicken and burgers.

Maintenance Division Manager Robert enjoying a rare opportunity.

How To Water

• Individually hand water each tree, shrub or small plant, giving it a long, deep drink with a hose. Watering with a lawn irrigation system can cause problems by either keeping the plants too wet, or not watering deep enough.

• Using a hose with water running at low pressure, place it in the center of the plant. Watch that the water penetrates the root zone immediately around the plant, and does not run off its surface without penetrating the soil. Applying the water directly to the root area at a slow rate ensures adequate moisture to the roots.

• The soil in the soil ball will dry out more quickly than the loose soil around it, so when you check for moisture be sure to check the soil ball directly. Be aware that plants can be over-watered too, especially in clay soils. To check for over-watering, poke your finger down the side of the soil ball to feel how wet or dry it is.

Watering Trees, Shrubs and Perennials

Summer
For the first three weeks after planting, water every second or third day, and once a week through summer thereafter. If the weather is very hot, windy, and dry increase the frequency to prevent wilt, particularly on small, tender plants or lawns.

Fall
Discontinue watering when there is at least one inch of rainfall per week, otherwise hand water about once a week.

Late Fall to Winter
If there is inadequate rainfall, water the plants every 2 weeks until frost. When the tree leaves drop, make a final application of water just before the ground freezes.

Subsequent Spring and Summer
Water trees and shrubs deeply every couple of weeks as weather dictates. Perennials may need more frequent watering.

Lawn Watering

Sodded Lawns
Water daily for three weeks after installation, thoroughly soaking the sod each time. After about four weeks, water the established sod only once per week, applying one inch of water.

Seeded Lawns
Apply one inch of water daily until all the grass has germinated. If adequate rainfall occurs to sufficiently moisten the top inch of soil, there is no need to water that day. When the lawn is two inches high, reduce watering to one inch per week or as needed to maintain green, actively growing grass.