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

Mark Your Open Trenching

It doesn’t matter whether you are doing a sprinkler repair or running a new electrical service even your shallow trenches expose you to liability claims.

When making changes to your landscape make sure that the design or change is within current code and if it requires permits make sure you have them.

Before making a ground cut you want to be sure that the area is free of existing buried services a quick call to Bluestake will get those locations properly marked.

The best in the business will do it all by the book, and will have the experience and good instincts to know how to avoid doing damage to those lines. It's the clueless, or shoddy operators that the lines most need protection from.  And, before you say that if the guy is clueless enough to not have bothered to call for a location, or paid attention to the location, or thought he could "feel" the line without doing damage, and deserves the penalty that'll befall him if he damages the line, think about whether the people whose lights will be out all night, or whose home is destroyed by a gas explosion are deserving of that.

Always manage access by preventing all types of pedestrian traffic from accidentally entering a danger zone. Barricade tapes are a quick and effective way to limit entry to hazardous or restricted areas, Safety First - help prevent accidents by communicating your safety message with Caution or Danger barricade tapes.

Tapes should be in place during active construction and of course during any time the dig will be left unattended.  During the night flashing lighted barricades need to be added for visibility.

The last thing you want is for a simple repair or addition to lead to injuries and papers arriving from an attorney.

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

Fall and Winter Greenscape Care

Your greenscape needs a little extra attention this fall and will have an advantage over lawns that are left to fend for themselves until spring. Because turfgrass is about 75% water, when the plant loses more water through the leaves than it absorbs through the roots, winter drought stress sets in. 

Your grass will eventually stop growing and enters a dormant state. While the plant may not be dead, taking appropriate action in the fall can help the turf recover during the winter and come back rejuvenated next spring.

Here at Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance we recommend these steps to nurse drought-stricken turf areas back to health:

1. Mow Higher: Though fall rains can spur vigorous blade growth, resisting the urge to mow can be beneficial. Drought stress is not eliminated after one or two waterings or rain showers, so give the turf some additional time to encourage root growth and depth before mowing. Apply the “1/3 Rule” – remove the top third of the blade height – when mowing to avoid additional stress.

2. Remove the Thatch Layer: Thatch build up can prevent water and nutrients from absorbing into the soil where the plant roots need it most. Use a thatch remover, for mowers, to lift the thatch from the turf. Collect the thatch removed and use it as compost.

3. Aerate: Aeration is key to any healthy lawn. You should aerate twice a year, in the fall and spring, and especially after drought stress. Aerating relieves soil compaction, encourages root growth, improves water absorption and prepares the soil for overseeding and fertilizing. 

4. Overseed and Fertilize: Overseed to fill in thin or bare areas, and apply a starter fertilizer with higher levels of phosphorus to establish the new root system. If your greenscape does not require overseeding, simply apply a fertilizer with higher levels of nitrogen, which will encourage growth and recovery.

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

Well Set Sprinklers Reduce Slip and Fall Injuries

The next time your sprinkler system runs take a tour of your commercial property and look-over the spray pattern that is coming from the individual heads.  Not just how well your system is reaching all of your plantings and lawn areas but what about run-off and overshoot.

At a minimum overshoot and run-off indicate a waste of water.  Perhaps, more importantly, they can be a real hazard and liability exposure.

What follows are two statements that give you an idea of the seriousness of standing water from your sprinklers.

“When an individual slips & falls on someone else’s property and is injured as a result of a dangerous condition on the property, the land owner or business proprietor may find himself legally responsible and may be liable for the injuries.

Property owners are responsible for injuries that occur as a result of a dangerous or hazardous condition on their property, which the owner knew about, or should have known about.”

Dangerous & hazardous conditions may cause slips and falls due to accumulation of water, ice or snow, liquids, as well as abrupt changes in flooring, raised or cracked sidewalks, poor lighting, or a hidden hazard, such as a hidden ground hole.

In some cases a simple adjustment can correct an errant sprinkler head.  Consider that check valves only prevent gravity drainage of water out of the heads.  Heads with check valves should be installed along sidewalks and curbs when the irrigation system is on a sloped area.  Otherwise the water left in the pipes after the valve closes will drain out of the lowest heads and onto the sidewalk where someone might slip and fall on it.   Use of check valves also reduces the amount of "spitting air" the sprinklers do before each time the valve is opened.  Normally the worst case is the replacement of a head with one of a different style.  

In rare cases it may mean that a change is needed in the actual layout or the creation of a better designed zone.  What ever is causing your watering problems we can help correct your commercial landscape problems.

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

Outdoor Extension Cord Safety Tips

Use only extension cords marked "For Outdoor Use". Weather-resistant, medium-to-heavy gauge extension cords have connectors molded onto them to prevent moisture from seeping in, and outer coatings that are designed to withstand being dragged along the ground.

Outdoor extension cords come in 25 to 150 foot lengths. Buy only the length you need. Above 100 feet you can lose power, which poses a hazard when using power tools.

Use three-wire extension cords with three-pronged plugs. The exception is to use extension cords for use with appliances and tools that are "double-insulated".

Completely connect plugs. Push them in all the way.

Never plug one extension cord into another extension cord

Unwind the cord before using

Never use a damaged extension cord

Never walk on, or cover extension cords.

Never leave an open line on an extension cord (no items plugged into the cord while it is plugged into an outlet). Always unplug them when they are not in use

Never allow an extension cord to lay in standing water

Replace outdoor extension cords every 3 to 4 years if damage is noted.

Match power needs (amperage) of electrical products with amperage rating of extension cord. The extension cord capacity should be as high as, or higher than that of the electrical product attached to it.

Play it safe 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

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

Thanksgiving and Holiday Plant Choices

By November, many of the summer annuals have faded or died, so you may have gaps in your landscape design. Annuals partial to cooler weather provide the perfect solution. Consider flowers like pot marigolds, pansies, primroses or violas. Foliage plants like cabbage and kale, lettuce or feverfew add variety and texture to your landscape, as well. Chrysanthemums are also a traditional favorite, with their rich crimson, orange, bronze, yellow and white blooms. Torch lilies, red ti plant and sedum  make a dramatic statement in your Thanksgiving plantings, along with the different colors and varieties of coleus.

The shades of fall come from the beautiful harvest yields, like pumpkins and gourds, as well as the transformation of summer's green leaves to the spectacle of color. Oranges, reds, yellows and browns traditionally signal the advent of Thanksgiving and can add warmth to the colder look of a winter garden. But it is important to consider how those colors will complement your home and the rest of your plants. If you find that the contrast doesn't work well, add foliage or neutrally colored decorating elements to separate the warring colors or opt for dried grasses and other similar plants in tans, browns or greens.

Holidays provide the perfect opportunity for you to let that frustrated designer sneak out to plan special landscaping displays to delight your family and make the neighbors jealous. Whether you stay small with a few pops of autumn color or go big with a full-scale spectacle, Thanksgiving provides a colossal theme for your commercial property canvas.

Make your office entry more connected to the holidays by adding a smiling scarecrow on a garden bench or on a bale of hay, surrounded by cornstalks, pumpkins, gourds and richly colored fall leaves welcomes friends and family with the warmth of the season, while wicker furniture spray-painted dark green provides a cozy place to share new memories.

The entire staff at Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance wishes you, your family and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving! It is a time that we should reflect on the blessings that we have. It is the time we should be focused on the positives that we are so lucky to have.

Rather than having to worry about the landscaping on your commercial property 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

Phoenix Police And Community Helps Charlie Mae Johnson

On November 8th members of the Phoenix Police department, community businesses and volunteers helped Charlie Mae Johnson recover from being the victim of a recent home repair scam.

Ms Johnson, a retiree in her early 70s had paid Roger Guy Stowe $1,200 for new carpet which he never delivered.  The detective who had been given the case, Michelle Dalton from the Phoenix Police Property Crimes Bureau felt the need to do as much as possible in this case and went well beyond her normal duties.

Detective Dalton contacted Angels On Patrol as well as members of the Maryvale Precinct Community Action squad to try to get some assistance for Charlie Mae.  Soon, everyone was offering to pitch in and help, including several community members and businesses who donated carpet, paint and landscaping rock.  “The word got out. People came together. Businesses came together. And today we’re going to do a great thing for Charlie Mae,” Officer Jeff Holmes tells us.

Very early Thursday morning, dozens of volunteers showed up, ready to work. They spent hours painting Charlie Mae’s house, installing new carpet and laying rock in her front yard. Johnson was overwhelmed with gratitude. “I’m very happy this morning. Very happy,” she says. “I got scammed but look what I got.”

“Greens Keeper was very happy to be part of the effort to help out Charlie Mae”, said Kent Jones owner. “We are part of the community and are always looking for ways to help where we can.”

Phoenix detectives warn that a scam like this can happen to anyone. Your best bet is to always go with a  contractor with a good reputation. And never pay all the money up front. “We always say find a licensed contractor, someone that we can verify is a good business person as well as someone who’s got the skills to do what you’re looking for,” Officer Holmes states.

You can see several videos and read more about this community effort by going to the following website; http://www.azfamily.com/home/Phoenix-police-lend-a-hand-to-scam-victim-177935851.html

When it comes to commercial property landscaping 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

Holiday Lighting Safety Tips

Putting Christmas lights in tree branches, around tree trunks, and elsewhere can be easy and fun if you know how to do it. Some people even use "cherry-pickers."

Before you start climbing the branches, though, remember that holiday lights have to plug into an electrical outlet, or at least an extension cord that leads to an outlet. The shorter the stretch between light bulbs and outlet, the less risk you face from frayed wires or other electrical problems. If the tree stands far from an outlet, consider letting the tree stay unlit.

Ways to Install Christmas Lights in Trees
There's no single perfect way to install holiday lights in tree branches. Some people simply toss light strands into the trees. This method doesn't let you control where the strands go, but it can be lot of fun. One caveat, though: a tossed light strand may not reach the highest branches unless you have a strong arm or a short tree.

Another method is to get a long pole or rod, preferably with a hook at the end. If you have no poles that have hooks, untwist a coat hanger until it's as flat and straight as a pole, and use its head for a hook. (Better still, combine pole and hanger by taping them together.) Drape a string of lights over the hook and extend the pole over one of the tree's branches. Turn the pole until the strand slips off of the hook and onto the branch; it should dangle from the branch like a kite string. If possible, grab the dangling end of the lights strand with the hook and wrap it around the branch so as to secure them to each other.

Cherry Picker, Bucket Truck, Aerial Lift
People who decorate really tall trees and high branches often use a bucket truck, sometimes also called a lift truck, aerial lift or cherry-picker. The driver rolls the truck up to a location, enters a bucket big enough for a human being and his tools and lights, and by manipulating the controls raises the bucket into the air.

You can do it yourself — but it’s not easy. "Only trained persons shall operate an aerial lift," says the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration 's rule 1910.67(c)(2)(ii). If you raise the bucket too fast, it can rip through a tree's branches. What’s more, according to an article in Communications Technology, a magazine for (among others) people who string wires in high places, "An average bucket truck weighs 10,000 pounds and cannot stop on a dime. 

Final Words of Caution and Safety
Whatever method you use to hang Christmas lights in trees, you’ll need to make sure that the lights stay there throughout the winter weather. You can attach lights to branches with specialized tree clips  or the twist ties that come with plastic bags.

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

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

The Xeriscape Landscaping Style

The Phoenix Arizona Metro Area Desert lends itself to a water efficient, creative landscape that many people call a Xeriscape. This term comes from the Greek word xeros, which means dry, and refers to seven horticultural principles which help to ensure that landscapes, wherever they are located, reflect a sensitivity to the local environment and its climate. 

Because we live in the Sonoran Desert, we must use water wisely. Selecting low water use plants and using water efficient irrigation techniques will help you get the most from the water used to establish and maintain your landscape.

We are fortunate in this part of the country to have a year-round growing season and many months of great weather each year. Your Xeriscape can be not only beautiful and water efficient, it also can be an extension of your home and a place for you to relax, unwind and enjoy.

Creating a plan will help you get the most out of your landscape while considering issues like cost, function, aesthetic preferences, maintenance requirements, water efficiency and energy efficiency. You can tailor the plan to suit your taste, your needs and your budget.

Many low water use plants have beautiful flowers or interesting forms. They will help you create a colorful, low-maintenance yard without taxing our limited water resources.

Although turf generally requires more water and more maintenance than low water use plants, sometimes only grass will do. Small turf areas can be incorporated successfully into a Xeriscape if they are properly planned, installed and maintained.

Most plants will need more frequent irrigations during their first year. Usually, you can cut back on watering during the second and subsequent years, after the plants have become established. Also remember that plants need less water during the cooler months. Adjust your irrigation schedule at least four times each year.

The most popular organic mulches in our area are bark chips and wood grindings. These are often used in planting beds and other small areas. The natural drop of leaves, flowers and fruit can also be left on the ground as mulch. Decomposed granite and crushed rock are two of the most popular inorganic mulches. Soil amendments most likely will be needed for turf areas and areas where more water thirsty plants are installed. Because there is quite a variation in soil quality and composition across the Sonoran Desert, soil amendments may be needed when unusual conditions exist.

When properly designed and maintained, Xeriscapes save water, time and money through reduced plant water needs and lower maintenance requirements. But low water use and low maintenance do not mean no water use and no maintenance. All landscapes need some care and most plants need supplemental water.

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

Arizona Winter Plantings

As you know Arizona’s climate varies slightly throughout the state, in general, Arizona has a dry climate with hot summers and mild winters. Because of the mild winter weather, many perennials stay green throughout the year in Arizona. Some of these plants take advantage of the cooler temperatures and produce flowers through all or part of our winter season. What follows are three suggestions of colorful winter plantings.

Desert Lavender
Reaching as high as 10 feet high and as wide as8 feet, the dense growth of the desert lavender is ideal for use as a hedge or privacy screen. Desert lavender is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained, slightly sandy soil in full sun. Spikes of purple flowers bloom throughout the year in mild climates, and the small gray-green leaves are evergreen and have a lavender scent, according to Arizona Arboretum.

Chuparosa
Native to the southwestern United States, chuparosa is a shrub that can reach up to 5 feet high and about as wide. The gray-green leaves are cold- and drought-sensitive and fall from the plant in both of those conditions. In the wild, this plant grows along the rocky slopes of the Arizona deserts. The flowers of the chuparosa are red and tubular, blooming even in winter and attracting hummingbirds to the gardens. The seeds produced once the blooms mature are food for quail and other birds, according to Desert USA.

Firecracker Penstemon
Firecracker penstemon is a perennial herb that grows in full sun and well-drained soil. This plant is drought-tolerant, needing very little additional water once it is established. The red flowers bloom on long stalks throughout the winter in Arizona's mild climate. Firecracker penstemon grows to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide with multiple stalks of flowers. This plant will self-seed, according to the Utah Native Plant Society. If you don't want propagation, cut the flowers before they form seeds.

Rather than having to worry about the lawn and look of your commercial property 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

Storing Landscaping Tools For The Winter Months

You don't have to wait until the end of the season to protect your landscape tool investment. It's good practice to rinse your tools off after each use, dry them thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to all metal parts. Use a stiff-bristle brush to clean stubborn, hard-to-remove dirt. If you make this a routine, you won't have to do much at the end of the season when it comes to preparing your commercial landscaping tools for winter storage.

You should have a designated space or worktable where you can inspect your tools and have any necessary maintenance preformed. Covering the area with newspaper or plastic sheeting will not only protect the area, but it will also make it faster to clean up after the maintenance is done.

Be sure to store your tools off the ground and away from moisture and other elements. Garages and basements with direct outdoor access are good storage places as long as they are dry. If you don't have a place to store your tools and equipment, you may want to consider building or purchasing a tool shed.

Before having your equipment stored for the off-season, sharpen or replace blades on tools that cut or dig. Your properties digging and cutting tools' blades get worn down over time, but filing can easily sharpen any nicked or dull blades. Hone and maintain the sharp edge of all cutting tools with a medium-grit sharpening stone. For faster cutting, wet the stone with water or lubricate it with honing oil, depending on the type of stone you're using.

Safety Alert! Your staff should always wear heavy gloves when cleaning or sharpening sharp cutting tools. Wear goggles when using a wire brush to remove rust and dirt.

Sharpen very dull hedge trimmer blades by moving a file away from and diagonally across the sharp edge, making sure you maintain the factory bevel. Then decrease the angle slightly and hone just the last 1/16" of the blade with a sharpening stone. If your trimmer has a serrated blade, do not attempt to sharpen it.

Most digging tools aren't sold sharpened, so they should be sharpen from the very start. The more your digging tools are used, the duller they get. The working edge should be filed to a 45-degree bevel with the proper file.

Of course if you are using Greens Keeper to maintain your commercial property you don’t have to worry about maintenance or storage of your tools for the winter season.

More importantly 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

Property Inspectors Making Their Rounds Again

Some cities that had to reduce staff to balance their budgets have recovered enough to re-staff some positions.  One area that was hard hit were the property inspectors.  The rules about unsightly properties were relaxed and the normal inspections and fines were let slide in some cases.

That has begun to change.  If you have some vacant rental properties that you have let deteriorate now might be the time to do a quick clean-up to avoid being fined.  In the past the property owners and managers were warned of the condition and given time to make corrections as a courtesy.

The cities still need funds and fines are always a good source of revenue.  In some cases a citation carries an immediate fine for having committed certain types of common violations, namely those that cause certain hazardous conditions in housing or unsightly conditions for or on neighboring properties.

In the past only those complaints of vegetation overgrowth that indicate a hazardous situation such as blocked traffic visibility or overgrowth that forces pedestrians off the sidewalk into the street would be subject to fines. Other violations of the Weeds and Vegetation Code will be recorded and information about code requirements sent to the property owner or occupant responsible for the site as a warning.  Corrections will be required within a time period contained on the warning.

A person who has not had previous violations of these types is usually given an opportunity to correct the violation and thus avoid the issuance of a citation. For those who receive a citation, preset penalties may be imposed immediately which increase with repeat offenses. The citation process provides the violator with an opportunity for a hearing to contest the violation or request mitigation of the penalty.

If you have anything on your property that needs removal please take the time to give us a call at 623-848-8277 so we can help.

We look forward to helping you make your property more beautiful and valuable by clearing away any Junk.  No job is too little or too big.  We remove your junk one item at a time until it is all gone.  We will remove your headaches from commercial property, rentals, homes, garages, estates or storage facilities.

No time; we can help.  Job too big for you; we can help.  Gives us a quick call at 623-848-8277 so we can solve your problems.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

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

Do References Tell The Whole Story?

When speaking with a commercial property owner or manager about doing the maintenance for their property a common question is if we can give them references.  While you may believe that is a good idea you might want to think that process through.

It reminds us about the old say of having the “Fox watch the chicken coup.”  Probably not a good idea.

Asking any contractor to give you their references leads to this question.  Will he give you a list of customers and former customers to call?  Would he give you the contact information from an unhappy former customer?  That doesn’t seem very likely.

In this day and age of computer and internet communications you would think that a quick check of one of the many “reference sites” would give you a good idea of who to hire.  Two things you may want to consider, is the normal human condition, that people will post a complaint long before they will post a complement.  Some vendors actual hire or reward people to leave “good or great” ratings.  In some cases people have been hired to post negative reports without ever using the contractor.  While the reference sites try to avoid having this occur there is no truly effective way to stop it from happening.

There are websites that openly sell their services to “repair” a companies’ online reputation.

One of the best ways to find out an overall view of any contractor is to speak with other property managers and owners and ask if they can give you someone that they have used and are or were happy with.

Do your homework and ask around to find the real story about your next contractor.  Some old fashion leg work will give you a much better idea of who to hire.  Asking the contractor or using reference sites are not likely to give you the true and full picture.

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

Exterior Facilities Management

At Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance our year-round, total-care approach is what makes us the preferred facility maintenance provider for many commercial properties here in the Phoenix Metro Area

It doesn’t matter to us whether you have 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.

It doesn’t matter what you think of for your commercial property landscape and ground care needs Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance is ready to help.

We help you maintain maximum curb appeal that with have a positive affect on your bottom line.  The better your property looks the better your tenants will feel about being there.

Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance prides itself in creating detailed landscape strategies and implementation plans to fit each commercial client’s individual needs from general maintenance, to re-landscaping, irrigation repair, and lawn treatment with fertilizer and other treatments. Our goal is to make every property impeccable and of the highest quality on a consistent basis.

Greens Keeper has an in-depth knowledge of the landscape and lawn maintenance industry, and a thorough understanding of the central Arizona desert climate and terrain. We use our experience and expertise to provide services that result in consistently beautiful appearances, while offering practical and very cost effective application methods.

Your commercial properties’ lawns require the right balance of three major sources; fertilizer, sunlight and water. Greens Keeper specializes in maintenance of your  irrigation systems to provide the right amount of water for your landscape's needs.

Our customized maintenance services cater to commercial property owners and managers, covering office buildings, retail centers, hotels, multifamily dwellings and condo associations.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net

What Makes A Desert Climate

Deserts are part of a wide classification of regions that, on an average annual basis, have a moisture deficit (i.e. they lose more moisture than they receive).  Measurement of rainfall alone cannot provide an accurate definition of what a desert is because being arid also depends on evaporation, which depends in part on temperature.

For example, Phoenix, Arizona receives less than 10 inches of precipitation per year, and is immediately recognized as being located in a desert due to its arid adapted plants. The North Slope of Alaska's Brooks Range also receives less than 10 inches of precipitation per year and is often classified as a cold desert. Other regions of the world have cold deserts, including areas of the Himalayas and other high altitude areas in other parts of the world.

Polar deserts cover much of the ice free areas of the arctic and Antarctic. An alternative definition describes deserts as parts of earth that don't have a sufficient vegetation cover to support human population.

Potential evapotranspiration supplements the measurement of rainfall in providing a scientific measurement-based definition of a desert. The water budget of an area can be calculated using the formula P − PE ± S, wherein P is precipitation, PE is potential evapotranspiration rates and S is amount of surface storage of water. Evapotranspiration is the combination of water loss through atmospheric evaporation and through the life processes of plants.

Potential evapotranspiration, then, is the amount of water that could evaporate in any given region. As an example, Tucson, Arizona receives about 12 inches of rain per year, however about 100 inches of water could evaporate over the course of a year.  In other words, about 8 times more water could evaporate from the region than actually falls. Rates of evapotranspiration in cold regions such as Alaska are much lower because of the lack of heat to aid in the evaporation process.

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

Winter Watering In The Desert

“Water – Use It Wisely” is an often heard phrase here in the southwest.  With water usage exceeding our rainfall replacement amounts it is also a very good practice.

With our fall and winter watering schedules going into effect now is a good time to consider just what that means.  How can we save water and make sure our lawns and plants receive the proper watering.

The trick is to give your plants enough water without giving them too much water. Why? Watering too little can lead to wilt from which the plant may not recover, but watering too much is bad for plants because it starves the roots of oxygen.

Depending on the size and type of the plant (tree, shrub, or groundcover), you will need to water to different depths and widths. A large tree needs more water than a small groundcover area because it has a larger root zone, the area in which the plant’s feeder roots are concentrated. Your plants will be healthiest if you completely wet the root zone each time you water. 

How Deep Should You Water?

The 1-2-3 Rule is an easy way to remember how deep to water:

• Water small plants such as groundcovers, cacti, and annuals to a depth of 1 foot. Grass should be watered to a depth of 10 inches.

• Water medium plants such as shrubs to a depth of 2 feet.

• Water large plants such as trees to a depth of 3 feet.

A good way to test how deep you have watered is to use a soil probe, a sharpened piece of rebar or a very long screwdriver works well. About an hour after watering, push the probe into the soil. It will slide easily through wet soil but will be difficult or impossible to push through dry soil. Water your plants and lawn until you can easily slide the probe to the recommended depth.

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 

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

Trip Hazards On Your Commercial Property

Over a third of all major injuries reported every year are caused by a slip or trip - the most common cause of injury on a commercial property.  Law suits arising as a result of an injury can be very damaging to companies and their insurance may only cover part of the cost.

Trip hazards can create significant financial liabilities for communities and commercial properties. Multiple methods exist for trip hazard repair and correction, including concrete leveling, also known as slab jacking or mud jacking, concrete grinding, or replacement. 

What is a trip hazard? Anything that can make someone trip is a trip hazard, such as height differences between adjacent pieces of sidewalk, sidewalks dropped below the top of adjacent curbs, or sidewalks settled around storm water drains.  

Your landscaping also needs to be addressed.  People frequently cut across lawns because it is the shortest route to the door they want to use.  They step over shrubs and planters rather than using the walkways.

Make sure that all elevation changes are gradual rather than abrupt.  You want to make sure that there are no holes or sudden depressions in your commercial properties’ lawn.

If your pool or spa areas use wooden walkways or bridges they need to be inspected frequently with an eye to their structural soundness and the evenness of their treads.

All staff and maintenance workers should also be encouraged to be involved in reexamining present control and inspection measures. They are often better placed to find and evaluate the effectiveness of the steps implemented to cut the hazards of slipping and tripping.

At Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance we can help identify hazards on and in your landscaping and advise you on the corrections needed to help protect your commercial property.

It doesn’t matter to us whether you have 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