Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Think Attractive Rock Gardens For Low Maintenance

If you love to have a beautiful landscaping around your commercial property  but don't have a lot of time to tend to it, you may want to consider creating rock garden areas.

A combination of rocks and plants have a natural affinity for one another. You can find plants that are nestled into rock crevices, growing wildly in nature spreading all over the rocks. Even though there is very little soil and water, plants can still grow and flower beautifully.

Drawing inspiration from nature, you can soften any hard surfaces in our own landscape whether it is a concrete path, walkways, pool areas, and stone walls by adding greenery and flowers. Rocks and plants complement each other.

The sharp contrast of the hard surfaces of the rocks can provide a beautiful backdrop for flowering plants of different colors. On the other hand, plants can soften and add warmth to an otherwise hard, rugged, and cold surface of rocks.

Rocks can be a haven offering many benefits to plants. They have the ability to create their own microclimates. They can either offer the shade loving plants a shelter from the sun or reflect the sun onto sun-loving plants. Rock crevices can trap scarce water for plants which can provide nourishment during a dry spell.

Any nook or cranny between stones can be a home to a plant, even if it seems there is very little room for soil to be added.

Here are some ways that you can create your own low maintenance rock garden:

On retaining or separation walls or concrete blocks you can add a plant in the crevices. Tuck in the plants to allow the roots to go lower than the leaves, allowing water to run towards the roots and not away from them. Then add a handful of soil enough to cover the roots. Use a garden hose to sprinkle some water.

On top of a low stone wall or a patch of concrete you can create a miniature garden. Add mosses, ferns, and trailing ivy's that will spill over to soften the areas.

Around and in between large boulders you can add plants that are drought tolerant. Pick plants that would be in proportion to the size of the boulders; like ornamental grasses that can grow as high as the boulders themselves.

On plant you always want to avoid on commercial property is any type of cacti. They present a hazard that should be avoided.

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want rock gardens, lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Monday, July 30, 2012

Survey Your Property After A Monsoon Storm

As soon as possible after a monsoon storm you need to survey your commercial property for storm damage.  This applies to your landscaping as much as it does the physical condition of your structures.

You want to make sure your walkways are clear of debris.  Are there branches or other storm related items on the roof areas.  Are they blocking your gutters?  Will they come crashing down with a gust of gravity or just a breath of moving air?  If you have overhead power lines, is there vegetation laying on them.

Has the storm damaged outdoor furniture so that it is a hazard now?  Are your chairs and loungers damaged to the point they are no longer safe to use?

Do you have standing water that may mean you have to change the run-off patterns for your property?

At Greens Keeper Landscaping we will help with your clean-up as well as landscape changes that can reduce future damage and hazards.  We can help you understand and comply with changes in your run-off and standing water challenges.

While removal of fallen trees is many times the most visible part of storm damage, there are others. Water run-off can be damaging as well. Call 623-848-8277

Our process involves Immediate assessment of your property to identify hazardous areas and help minimize additional damage that the erosion or blockages can cause to landscaping. Controlling run-off and erosion can also be mandated by local regulations.

This means that if you have things we think could be a liability on your property related to the landscape, we will communicate with you.

Following our next valley storm think of Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance for your repairs and property restoration.  Give us a call at 623-848-8277 to see how we can help you.
Do you have a pre-storm plan that will minimize the damage a storm may cause.  You can make plans that the simple moving of items will reduce the damage to them or the damage they can cause if they become airborne.

You have enough to do, let us make sure we take of your greenscape worries and make them vanish like a passing storm.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Friday, July 27, 2012

Why Choose Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance For Your Property?

 We are a service oriented family owned business specializing in commercial landscape maintenance.

While our normal hours of operations are from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM we offer 24/7 service and Storm Damage Clean-up as needed by our customers.

We keep our overhead low and pass the savings on to our customers. We provide high quality service and pride ourselves on our open communication practices.

Our hourly rate is $26 per hour. Our special project rate, including sprinkler repairs, is $30. We offer convenient payment terms of 2/10 net 30.

All of our vehicles are clearly marked and all of our employees are in uniform for easy identification. Many of the small unexpected things that other companies charge for, we include.

If there are minor sprinkler repairs that are needed, most of them are also included (no charge). We accomplish this by providing an allowance for sprinkler heads, drip emitters, shrub heads, and repairs to lateral lines and drip lines. The only sprinkler issues that we would have to charge for would be main line repairs, valves & timers. And we always get these pre approved by our customers.

Unlike other companies we don't mark-up inventory, whenever possible. Another one of our popular services is safety and visibility trimming at no extra charge. This means that if you have things we think could be a liability on your property related to the landscape, we will communicate with you and work together to resolve these issues before they cause an accident or damage vehicles or buildings. If there is vegetation blocking the view of signs or safe passage in and out of the parking lot, trees blocking safety lighting, we will keep those items at their smallest manageable size (no charge).

We don't charge anything for the installation of winter lawns. This means you do not pay anything for scalping and removal of summer lawn, sprinkler tune up, and top dressing where needed. And the seed is provided at the market price. We also offer a full range of tree trimming options for our customers including emergency storm damage clean up and tree removal. Lawn fertilizer is done quarterly for the price of fertilizer only.

We will strive to keep your landscape safe, clean and beautiful. At the same time keeping your costs as low as possible.

We meet or exceed the highest insurance standards, with $2,000,000 business liability, $1,000,000 commercial auto, and $1,000,000 workman's comp. And we can list you (the customer) as additional insured at no extra charge.

We can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277  We serve the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Mulching. Why mulch?

CONTROLS WEEDS
Suffocates weeds.
Saves labour.
Reduces competition for water and nutrients.
Spares roots near soil surface, which are often damaged by cultivation.


MODERATES SOIL MOISTURE & TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS
Keeps the soil moist by reducing evaporation and transpiration from weeds.
Buffers diurnal and seasonal temperature changes, soil stays warmer at night and in the fall, cooler during the day, and in the summer.
Winter mulch decreases frost heave.


CAUTION: Mulching slows soil warming in the spring, so don't put on too early, especially on crops that like warmth. Lettuce, peas and potatoes do best in cool, moist soil; tomatoes, cucurbits and snap beans prefer a warm, moist soil. Corn should be mulched when a foot high.

IMPROVES SOIL FERTILITY AND STRUCTURE
Adds nutrients as it decomposes although it may tie up nitrogen temporarily if high in carbon.
Reduces leaching losses and top soil loss by wind action and rain running off the surface.
Prevents soil compaction.
Encourages earthworms, whose burrows aerate and drain soil.
Organic matter improves soil structure.
Encourages microbial growth; CO2 evolved by microbes may be important in stimulating plant growth.


REDUCES PEST AND DISEASE DAMAGE
Provides a permanent home for biological controls of pests (predators) parasites, pathogens) although may also encourage slugs and rodents.
If the mulch is easily removed, slugs may be picked up and killed so this can be an easy way to control them, the mulch acting as a trap.
Microbial toxins released during mulch decomposition probably help to control plant diseases. Certain fungi that catch nematodes are encouraged by soil conditions under the mulch.


OTHERPrevents fruit from bruising or coming in contact with the soil, thus decreasing the risk of rot.
Can markedly improve the flavour of crops, especially small fruits, (quickly decomposing materials are best for this).
A good way of planting into sod or a weedy field is to lay the mulch down all over the field some time before planting; this will kill the weeds and leave a soft, friable soil.


We can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277  We serve the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Create Inviting Walkways

Nothing says you are home, even when it is an apartment complex, like an inviting walkway flowing through your commercial properties. Redoing your walkways is an easy way to add value and clean up the appearance of your grounds.

There are many types of surfaces you can use for the walkway itself.  The area surrounding the walkway needs to in incorporated into the design as well.

The surfaces types you might want to consider are asphalt, composite pavers, brick pavers, natural stone, poured concrete or concrete slabs to name just a few. 

Property owners should consider the type of materials, how they're assembled and the lay of the land - all of which are important when planning your walkways. Size and workmanship are also crucial components. And since masons are installing a landscape feature that will be there for years, advance planning is critical.

Safety is always a key issue when considering walkway surfaces.  You want a walkway with adequate traction no matter the weather or temperature conditions.  The surface needs to be stable and not present any tripping points as well.  The surface needs to remain flat in relation to itself and the surrounding egress points for its lifetime.

How the stone or brick are put together can also be important visually and functionally. Staggered spaces between rocks or pavers often look more attractive than everything in a straight line.

Designers also need to be aware of their land's topography. People sometimes forget to consider the grade of the walkway as it traverses the property. The topography affects the path. A slight slope is fine, but if it get too steep it might require steps to be part of the plan. Steps bring the walkway from a lower points to elevated areas as they occur in the overall lay of the property.

So your walkway must be both functional and aesthetically pleasing in order to both sides of it’s job.

Need help maintaining or reinvigorating your properties landscape?  Give Greens Keeper a call at 623-848-8277 and see how we can help.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Healthy Lawns For Your Properties

The only way to reduce a dependence on chemical fertilizers is to develop a healthy lawn, which is naturally resistant to weeds, insects and diseases. If you need to fertilize your lawn more than once a year, consider these ways of improving the natural health of your lawn:

Improve the Soil
The first step is to test the soil's pH - it should read between 6.5 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic. Soil that is too acidic will need a sprinkling of lime; sulfur can be added to soil which is not acidic enough. You can buy a pH tester (see below, this page) for $40 - $60. Another solution is to have your soil tested professionally; first call your extension office - they often provide soil testing as a free service.

Lawns grow best in loamy soils that have a mix of clay, silt and sand. Too much clay in the soil mix, or heavy use, can compact the soil and prevent air and nutrient flow. Compacted soil may need aeration, a process of lifting small plugs of turf to create air spaces in the soil. For best results, rent an aerator or hire a lawn service to do the job - this will remove "finger size" plugs which improves aeration. Aeration is best done before top dressing and fertilizing.

Choose a Locally Adapted Grass
Grasses vary in the type of climate they prefer, the amount of water and nutrients required, shade tolerance and the degree of wear they can withstand. Ask your local garden center to recommend grass which is best adapted to your area.

Mow Often, but Not Too Short
Giving your lawn a "Marine cut" is not doing it a favor. Surface roots become exposed, the soil dries out faster and surface aeration is reduced. As a general rule, don't cut off more than one-third of the grass at any one time. Most turf grass species are healthiest when kept between 2.5 and 3.5" tall.

When the lawn is finished growing for the season, cut it a bit shorter to about 2". This will minimize the risk of mold buildup during winter.

Water Deeply but Not Too Often
Thorough watering encourages your lawn to develop deep root systems which make the lawn hardier and more drought-resistant. Let the lawn dry out before re-watering; as a rule of thumb, the color should dull and footprints should stay compressed for more than a few seconds. When watering, put a cup in the sprinkler zone; it should get at least one inch (2.5cm) water. Most healthy lawns require only 1" of water per week.

The best time for watering is early morning - less water will be lost to evaporation. Ideally, it's better to water the first half-inch or so, then wait for an hour or two before watering the second half-inch.

Or you can let Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance do all the work for you and take the burden off your shoulders all together.  Give us a call at 623-848-8277 and let’s talk about it.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Monday, July 23, 2012

Xeriscape: Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert

Water efficient landscapes can be used anywhere from small residential yards to large commercial sites. They can also be the most water wasting. Water use in landscaping can account for up to 50% of a typical family's water bill. Here are some tips to help you have a beautiful landscape yet be water efficient.

The Water Wise program promotes a landscape technique called "Xeriscape™. Xeriscape is a term a group of water professionals created in 1981. It is derived from two words: xeros or dry, and scape as in landscape. All put together, it means "low water landscaping". But remember! There isn't any "zero" in xeriscape!

Xeriscape can be colorful, exciting and water efficient. Here are seven general principles:

Design
Plan your landscape to include what you want and don't want. The more thought you put into the landscape BEFORE it is installed, will mean less work and care expense for you later. Make a "Wish List". Ask yourselves questions, for example: What views do you want hidden? Enhanced?  Will there be a garden spot? Do you want to attract wildlife for watching? What do you want from your landscape in the future? What can you afford? In designing a xeriscape, think zones.

Zones: It is helpful to divide your yard up into water use zones

Mini Oasis
This is the area immediately around your property. It can be the patio area, the area outside your front, a courtyard. By planting this area with moderate water using plants, you will help to cool your property. You can use the water that falls off your property and hard surfaces to supplement irrigation. Pay special attention to the west exposure of your property. This is the side that can get very hot in the summer, and could benefit from the shade of a tree. The south side will not get direct sun in the summer, but will be warmer due to reflected heat. This would be the place to have low plants, groundcover, or if you need it, a small patch of turf. In the winter, the south side of your property will benefit from the sun as it's angle is lower in the sky, so you don't want to plant a tree here as it will shade your property in the winter. The east side of a building is a wonderful place to plant just about anything as plants appreciate morning sun and respite from the hot afternoon southwestern sun. North  facing exposures are predominately shady, and don't need plants, but if that part of your property is visible, you will want to use more shade tolerant plants.

Transition Zone
This is the area just outside of your mini oasis. It is an area for plants that need some irrigation. You can use mounding and contouring techniques to direct rainwater to the planted areas as well as micro-basins to catch run-off for use by trees and shrubs. Choose low water using plants for this area.

Desert or Natural Zone
Here, you can either let the natural vegetation provide habitat for wildlife, or you can enhance the natural surroundings by using drought adapted native plants. The emphasis here is to have plants that can survive on rainfall alone. You will also want to use the rainwater harvesting techniques mentioned for the transition zone.

Don't forget that you will need to give your plants in each zone special attention for the first 1-3 years while they get established, even if they are native, low water use plants.

We can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277  We serve the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC

623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Friday, July 20, 2012

Why Choose Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance For Your Property?

We are a service oriented family owned business specializing in commercial landscape maintenance.

While our normal hours of operations are from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM we offer 24/7 service and Storm Damage Clean-up as needed by our customers.

We keep our overhead low and pass the savings on to our customers. We provide high quality service and pride ourselves on our open communication practices.

Our hourly rate is $26 per hour. Our special project rate, including sprinkler repairs, is $30. We offer convenient payment terms of 2/10 net 30.

All of our vehicles are clearly marked and all of our employees are in uniform for easy identification. Many of the small unexpected things that other companies charge for, we include.

If there are minor sprinkler repairs that are needed, most of them are also included (no charge). We accomplish this by providing an allowance for sprinkler heads, drip emitters, shrub heads, and repairs to lateral lines and drip lines. The only sprinkler issues that we would have to charge for would be main line repairs, valves & timers. And we always get these pre approved by our customers.

Unlike other companies we don't mark-up inventory, whenever possible. Another one of our popular services is safety and visibility trimming at no extra charge. This means that if you have things we think could be a liability on your property related to the landscape, we will communicate with you and work together to resolve these issues before they cause an accident or damage vehicles or buildings. If there is vegetation blocking the view of signs or safe passage in and out of the parking lot, trees blocking safety lighting, we will keep those items at their smallest manageable size (no charge).

We don't charge anything for the installation of winter lawns. This means you do not pay anything for scalping and removal of summer lawn, sprinkler tune up, and top dressing where needed. And the seed is provided at the market price. We also offer a full range of tree trimming options for our customers including emergency storm damage clean up and tree removal. Lawn fertilizer is done quarterly for the price of fertilizer only.

We will strive to keep your landscape safe, clean and beautiful. At the same time keeping your costs as low as possible.

We meet or exceed the highest insurance standards, with $2,000,000 business liability, $1,000,000 commercial auto, and $1,000,000 workman's comp. And we can list you (the customer) as additional insured at no extra charge.

We can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277  We serve the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Save Money On Sprinkler Based Watering

SmartLink Weather Based Watering

Conventional timer-based systems water based on weekly schedules and tend to overwater by 20-60% since they do not take into account seasonal, soil, plant and weather conditions. SmartLine, the water-saving control system in SmartLink, takes into account all the necessary conditions to maximize irrigation efficiency. And now, with SmartLink web-based control, your landscape contractor can instantly shut down your system in an emergency and help you comply immediately with local watering restrictions, avoiding costly fines. Plus, with real-time reporting, you get visibility to exactly how much water you are saving.

Finally.... an affordable, web-based irrigation solution that dramatically reduces trips to controllers, saving you labor and fuel.

Now you can manage all your sites from any computer or mobile device and a simple internet connection. No software. No long-term contracts. A small investment can save thousands of dollars in labor and fuel for trips to adjust controllers. And your customers get real-time visibility to the dramatic water savings from the world’s leading weather-based irrigation control system.

If you are managing a large property Greens Keeper Commercial Landscaping can help by taking over your headaches when it comes to the care of the greenscape of your property.

The management of your watering is just one small area where we can help.  Whether you need weather based real-time management or just old fashioned hands on settings we are here for you.

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you. 

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Turfgrass Water Conservation in Landscapes

Turfgrasses are the primary vegetative covers on air-ports, athletic fields, cemeteries, churches, commercial buildings, golf courses, home lawns, schools, parks, and roadsides. Healthy grass is an aesthetic asset, and a growing body of scientific evidence points to positive environmental and health contributions from lawns and other turfgrass areas. While turfgrasses are typically thought of for recreation and aesthetic value, they also provide a valuable environmental service by preventing soil erosion, the most common water polluting agent in Georgia, from wind and rain.

Use a turfgrass that is best adapted to its region or microclimate. Plant selection and adaptation are the most important factors in planning, planting, and maintaining a lawn for water conservation. A properly selected grass species or cultivar is more likely to thrive and need fewer inputs (e.g. water, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.). Selection and adaptation include the influence of environmental factors as well as the ability of the turfgrass plant to withstand periodic dormancy.

Irrigate each unique microclimate/zone within the landscape separately according to the needs within the microclimate or zone.

Modify the root zone. Improvement in either the chemical or physical characteristics of the soil can reduce turfgrass irrigation needs by enhancing infiltration of rainfall, increasing soil moisture retention and promoting deeper rooting to reduce water leaching beyond the root zone. This practice involves understanding Georgia’s soils. The water and nutrient holding capacity of the sandy soils in Coastal Georgia have different needs than the clay soils of the Piedmont and need to be modified or managed accordingly.

Prior to irrigation, determine the need for supplemental water by checking the moisture level of the soil in the turfgrass root zone or using the turfgrass plant as an indicator of moisture stress. Allow plant factors to indicate a need for supplemental water. Apply only the amount of water the turfgrass needs to wet the root zone.

Manage extrinsic stresses, like traffic. To reduce water use, maintain turfgrass stand density and promote survival during periods of drought stress, wear must be minimized. A thinned, weakened turfgrass will require more water for basic maintenance of physiological processes and recovery than a turfgrass that has ample cover despite being drought stressed.

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you.  To find out how we can help just give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Your Landscape and Arizona Summer Heat

Feeling the summer heat?  So is the greenscape around your commercial property. This season, lawns can be separated as those who have and those who have not.  Many lawns even with irrigation are showing stress where sprinkler heads need adjusting and fine tuning to keep up with the dry conditions.

With the monsoon humidity, lawn’s can be seen with summer patch diseases starting.  The best remedy for such disease is to watch watering closely, allowing the turf to dry out in between irrigation cycles.  We recommend watering every other day for longer duration to promote deep rooting as the first step to help ward off the fungi from thriving.  Often aerating and seeding with resistant cultivars of turf grass is also required in the fall.

If you don’t have irrigation, you must remain diligent with your efforts to hand water when possible.  Sometimes allowing the lawn to slowly go dormant is the best solution rather than water and then let the turf grass crash and burn when you go away for a week vacation.  Turf types such as fescue handle the dormant stage easily and will bounce back into their prime once cool nighttime temperatures and moisture from Mother Nature return.

Here at Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC. we have been pruning our landscapes.  Thinning and contour pruning plants that have flowered already is best done once flowering is complete and springs growth has almost fully hardened off.  As we prune we identify the perennial weeds that birds have spread and cull them from the ornamentals.

With the scattered thunderstorms summer annual weeds such as crabgrass, prostrate spurge, and purslane are having a field day.  We have been busy applying vegetation control for these pesky weeds to help keep mulch beds and curbing clean and presentable.  At times, nothing beats the elbow grease required to hand weed flowers, juniper beds, and the center of shrubs.

Now is the best time to plan major landscape changes for your property.  By the time you design and coordinate the use for your yard summer will be at a close.   Fall is the best time for planting!  We can help with all facets of your project no matter what size and scale.   As the seasons change, so should your landscape!  There are always a few plants that should be moved, divided, or just downright removed. 

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you.  To find out how we can help just give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Monday, July 16, 2012

Renting Heavy Duty Machines To Maintain Your Lawns

The health and look of a large commercial lawn is maintained by scheduled and ongoing work that is often hard to understand.  For that reason you may find that outsourcing to Greens Keeper Landscaping is the best way to have peace-of-mind in that area.

Two often neglected maintenance items are aerating and dethatching.  Both are necessary for the look and health of your lawns.

Aerating

Aerating your soil will help relieve hard, compacted areas that cause puddling or runoff and inhibit root growth. The best time to aerate Bermuda grass is in May or June, when the grass is growing quickly. Consider a manual spot aeration in high traffic areas.

Dethatching

Thatch is a mat of plant material consisting mainly of grass stems and roots. Excessive thatch is usually caused when turf areas are over watered or over fertilized. If thatch is over one-half inch, it should be removed. Dethatch during the hot summer months when Bermuda grass is growing at its fastest rate so it can quickly recover.

Thatch can keep water and air from reaching the soil and, if left untreated, can create an environment that harbors pests and diseases. Dethatching removes those layers of dead grass, roots and debris matted between the soil and the growing grass, keeping the grass greener and healthier while minimizing the chance of disease.

Don’t rent and then have to find someone who knows how to use and when to use the equipment. Save time, money and headaches and let Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance aerating and dethatch your property.

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Friday, July 13, 2012

Why Choose Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance For Your Property?

We are a service oriented family owned business specializing in commercial landscape maintenance.

While our normal hours of operations are from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM we offer 24/7 service and Storm Damage Clean-up as needed by our customers.

We keep our overhead low and pass the savings on to our customers. We provide high quality service and pride ourselves on our open communication practices.

Our hourly rate is $26 per hour. Our special project rate, including sprinkler repairs, is $30. We offer convenient payment terms of 2/10 net 30.

All of our vehicles are clearly marked and all of our employees are in uniform for easy identification. Many of the small unexpected things that other companies charge for, we include.

If there are minor sprinkler repairs that are needed, most of them are also included (no charge). We accomplish this by providing an allowance for sprinkler heads, drip emitters, shrub heads, and repairs to lateral lines and drip lines. The only sprinkler issues that we would have to charge for would be main line repairs, valves & timers. And we always get these pre approved by our customers.

Unlike other companies we don't mark-up inventory, whenever possible. Another one of our popular services is safety and visibility trimming at no extra charge. This means that if you have things we think could be a liability on your property related to the landscape, we will communicate with you and work together to resolve these issues before they cause an accident or damage vehicles or buildings. If there is vegetation blocking the view of signs or safe passage in and out of the parking lot, trees blocking safety lighting, we will keep those items at their smallest manageable size (no charge).

We don't charge anything for the installation of winter lawns. This means you do not pay anything for scalping and removal of summer lawn, sprinkler tune up, and top dressing where needed. And the seed is provided at the market price. We also offer a full range of tree trimming options for our customers including emergency storm damage clean up and tree removal. Lawn fertilizer is done quarterly for the price of fertilizer only.

We will strive to keep your landscape safe, clean and beautiful. At the same time keeping your costs as low as possible.

We meet or exceed the highest insurance standards, with $2,000,000 business liability, $1,000,000 commercial auto, and $1,000,000 workman's comp. And we can list you (the customer) as additional insured at no extra charge.

We can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277  We serve the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Business Insurance and Your Landscaper

Is your landscaper protecting your company, property and tenants?

At Greens Keeper Landscaping, LLC we meet or exceed the highest insurance standards, with $2,000,000 business liability, $1,000,000 commercial auto, and $1,000,000 workman's comp. And we can list you (our customer) as additional insured at no extra charge.

Keep in mind that business insurance helps protect contractors and small business owners against various risks that could result in devastating financial problems. Without adequate business insurance, these problems could prove difficult - even impossible - to overcome.

But they need the different insurances to protect you the property company and the manager should an accident occur during the routine operation of the landscaping services.

Your landscaper having adequate business insurance not only helps protect you financially, but it can also give you peace of mind. Business insurance can include a wide range of protection.

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you.

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277-.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Drip Irrigation Saves Time and Money

Drip Irrigation: An efficient and economical way to water your garden, saving time, money, and water.

Drip irrigation is an efficient and economical method of watering. Used commonly in arid areas like the Phoenix Arizona Metro Area with scarce water resources, the use of drip irrigation is increasing in this area. This irrigation method is typically more than 90% efficient at allowing plants to use the water applied. Unlike other forms of irrigation, such as sprinklers that are only 65-75% efficient, drip irrigation reduces runoff and evaporation. Drip irrigation applies the water slowly at the plant root zone where it is needed.

Drip irrigation has more commonly been used in commercial nursery and agricultural operations, however, commercial property owners are beginning to take advantage of its uses and benefits. As a property owner, you can use drip irrigation in your floral areas, and to water trees and shrubs.

You can learn more about drip irrigation at the ASU web site. http://sols.asu.edu/podcasts/transcripts/transcript_10.php

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you.  To find out how we can help just give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Protecting Plants During Excessive Heat

This may be more than a little off of our normal topics for commercial landscaping we thought it would be of benefit to many people to talk about your plants and gardens during this extreme heat we have had the last few days in the Phoenix Metro area. Some simple tips to help even the healthiest plants during this heat wave.

Hot weather can stress even the healthiest garden plants, especially during the hotter months of the summer, when sporadic rain is common. Extended periods of high heat, 95 degrees and above can take a toll on your garden.

Here's a few things professional gardeners recommend:

Vegetable Gardens

Vegetables need a reliable, steady water supply to stay productive. However, even with careful watering, your veggies may suffer from heat stress.

The most common signs of heat stress in vegetables are sunburned foliage and fruits, blossom and fruit drop, and wilting.

• Water regularly and deeply.

• Mulch the soil with at least three inches of organic mulch to reduce moisture loss and help regulate soil temperature.

• Shade certain crops, such as leafy greens and lettuces, to slow bolting. They will wilt, no matter what, during periods of intense heat.

If you have anything on your property that needs repair or removal after an Arizona dust or monsoon storm please take the time to give Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance a call at 623-848-8277 so we can help.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Monday, July 9, 2012

Correct Fertilizing Promotes Healthy Lawns

Fertilizing
Regular fertilizing is essential for proper growth and good color during the growing season. However, an over fertilized lawn will require more water and more frequent mowing. Do not fertilize more frequently than once a month, and follow the directions on the manufacturer's products.

Fertilizing Tips
The best time to apply fertilizer is in the evening or early morning. Make sure to water the lawn thoroughly after fertilizing it. Additionally, consider applying ferrous sulfate or iron chelates.

This will keep grass green without promoting excess growth. Use caution when applying near sidewalks, pool decks or patios, as iron can stain these areas. The application of soil sulfur twice per year has been shown to be beneficial. Applying too much fertilizer or applying too often is unhealthy for your grass and the environment.

Instead of scheduling according to the calendar, look for signs that indicate the condition of your lawn (yellowing or off-color). Or just plan to apply your fertilizer on the three day weekends during the summer.

Testing
You can have soil samples tested to make sure you add the correct and needed nutrients for your lawn’s individual needs.  Taking samples at a depth of four inches will give the proper reading for most lawns.

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you. 

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Friday, July 6, 2012

Why Choose Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance For Your Property?

We are a service oriented family owned business specializing in commercial landscape maintenance.

While our normal hours of operations are from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM we offer 24/7 service and Storm Damage Clean-up as needed by our customers.

We keep our overhead low and pass the savings on to our customers. We provide high quality service and pride ourselves on our open communication practices.

Our hourly rate is $26 per hour. Our special project rate, including sprinkler repairs, is $30. We offer convenient payment terms of 2/10 net 30.

All of our vehicles are clearly marked and all of our employees are in uniform for easy identification. Many of the small unexpected things that other companies charge for, we include.

If there are minor sprinkler repairs that are needed, most of them are also included (no charge). We accomplish this by providing an allowance for sprinkler heads, drip emitters, shrub heads, and repairs to lateral lines and drip lines. The only sprinkler issues that we would have to charge for would be main line repairs, valves & timers. And we always get these pre approved by our customers.

Unlike other companies we don't mark-up inventory, whenever possible. Another one of our popular services is safety and visibility trimming at no extra charge. This means that if you have things we think could be a liability on your property related to the landscape, we will communicate with you and work together to resolve these issues before they cause an accident or damage vehicles or buildings. If there is vegetation blocking the view of signs or safe passage in and out of the parking lot, trees blocking safety lighting, we will keep those items at their smallest manageable size (no charge).

We don't charge anything for the installation of winter lawns. This means you do not pay anything for scalping and removal of summer lawn, sprinkler tune up, and top dressing where needed. And the seed is provided at the market price. We also offer a full range of tree trimming options for our customers including emergency storm damage clean up and tree removal. Lawn fertilizer is done quarterly for the price of fertilizer only.

We will strive to keep your landscape safe, clean and beautiful. At the same time keeping your costs as low as possible.

We meet or exceed the highest insurance standards, with $2,000,000 business liability, $1,000,000 commercial auto, and $1,000,000 workman's comp. And we can list you (the customer) as additional insured at no extra charge.

We can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277  We serve the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Arizona Monsoon Storms and Power Outages

Many people take their electric power for granted.  You walk over to the wall and flip a switch and you have light and power.  Yes, that is the way it normally works.  But every so often and for a period of time from seconds to many hours something stops your power company from bringing their service to you. During an Arizona summer the monsoon storms will cause power outages.

If you are a property manager of an apartment building you will want to keep the following supplies on hand.  You could keep other spares that could loaned to tenants as you see fit.  Coordinate with your maintenance staff.

We normally think of a storm but it can be an accident or mechanical failure that interrupts your electricity.

Having an emergency power outage kit will make getting through this event much easier.  So what should be in your kit?  This list is for power outages of two hours or less.

Light and Power
A box of candles and matches
Flashlights and spare batteries
Camping lantern and fuel
Portable generator


Communication
Portable radio and spare batteries
Fully charged cell phone
Battery powered lap top or tablet computer


Food
Snacks, candy bars and canned goods
Leave refrigerators and freezers closed


Water
Several cases of recently purchased bottled water
Bags of ice


Keep in mind that the local region, season and weather conditions may require items of protection from the elements.

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you.  To find out how we can help just give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Independence Day – Fun Facts, History & Trivia about the 4th of July

 Here are some Independence Day fun facts, history and trivia.  On July the 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress. Thereafter, the 13 colonies embarked on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. This most American of holidays is traditionally celebrated with parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. As you send out your July 4th party invitations, take a minute to think about how much you really know about what we are celebrating.

The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation. The colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.

In May, 1776, after nearly a year of trying to resolve their differences with England, the colonies sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. Finally, in June, admitting that their efforts were hopeless; a committee was formed to compose the formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson presented the first draft of the declaration to Congress.

Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.

Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, summoning citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.

June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, looking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag. “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.

Before cars ruled the roadway, the Fourth of July was traditionally the most miserable day of the year for horses, tormented by all the noise and by the boys and girls who threw firecrackers at them.

The first Independence  Day celebration west of the Mississippi occurred at Independence Creek and was celebrated by Lewis and Clark in 1805.

On June 24, 1826, Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Roger C. Weightman, declining an invitation to come to Washington, D.C., to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was the last letter that Jefferson, who was gravely ill, ever wrote.

Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.

The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it.

The names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect the signers. If independence had not been achieved, the treasonable act of the signers would have, by law, resulted in their deaths.

Thomas McKean was the last to sign in January, 1777.

The origin of Uncle Sam probably began in 1812, when Samuel Wilson was a meat packer who provided meat to the US Army. The meat shipments were stamped with the initials, U.S. Someone joked that the initials stood for “Uncle Sam”. This joke eventually led to the idea of Uncle Sam symbolizing the United States government.

In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

Thirty places nationwide with “liberty” in their name. Liberty, Missouri (26,232) boasts the highest population of the 30 at 26,232. Iowa has more of these places than any other state at four: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.

Eleven places have “independence” in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Missouri, with 113,288 residents.

Five places adopted the name “freedom.” Freedom, California, with 6,000 residents, has the largest population among these.

There is one place named “patriot” — Patriot, Indiana, with a population of 202.

And what could be more fitting than spending the day in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, with 21,941 residents.

Happy Fourth Of July

From the Folks at:
Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Monday, July 2, 2012

Proper Mowing Promotes Healthy Lawns

This weeks commercial landscape tip from Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance is how to properly mow your green lawn areas.

Mowing
Avoid mowing too closely (scalping). Grass that is too short uses more water. Adjust mowers so the grass height is maintained within the ranges listed below:
Hybrid Bermuda  ½ - 1 inch
Common Bermuda  1 ½ - 2 inches
Perennial rye  1 ½ - 2 inches
Your mowing schedule also is important. During the peak growing season, which in Arizona is the months of May through September, cut hybrid Bermuda grass kept at ½ inch in height every two to three days. If grass is kept at a height of 1”, mow every 4 - 5 days. Mow common Bermuda grass to 1 ½ inches in height every five to seven days.

Tips
Don’t remove more than one-third of the grass at a time.
Keep mower blades sharp.
If you mow frequently, you shouldn’t need to bag your clippings.
Avoid following the same pattern each time you mow.
Increase the mowing height by 25% in shady areas.

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you.  To find out how we can help just give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net