How Much Are You Paying For Your Landscape Maintenance

We want to make sure you know that we are welcoming new customers.  Do you have a commercial property that you would like to see if we can add to our regularly scheduled landscape maintenance?

We would like the opportunity to bid for your business. Let us know if you would a new competitive offer for your property maintenance please give us a call and let us show you all the ways we can help you save.

We are a service oriented family owned business specializing in commercial landscape maintenance, providing high quality care based on open communication, and the highest quality service.

We offer a full range of options for our customers by tailoring a maintenance program to the specific individual needs of each property, and budget. We will strive to keep your landscape safe and beautiful, while at the same time keeping your costs as low as possible.

We meet or exceed the highest insurance standards, with $2000000 business liability, $1000000 commercial auto, and $1000000 workman's comp. We list all our customers as additional insured at no extra charge upon request.

Our vehicles are clearly marked and our employees are in uniform for easy identification. All our employees are verified through the I-9 verification system and have successfully passed background checks.

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Greenscapes In Use - Nanyang Technology University, Singapore

There are times when we can learn about commercial landscapes by looking well beyond the confines of the Valley of the Sun. Today’s blog looks at what one location is doing half a world away.

Talk about going "Green!" A University in Singapore demonstrates a beautifully designed landscape and the benefits that are provided. Today the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technology University in Singapore has a really-really green roof that connect smoothly with its landscape.

The curving green roofs distinguish the building from among the other structures on campus but the line between landscape and building is blurred. The roofs serve as informal gathering spaces challenging linear ideas and stirring perception. The roofs create open space, insulate the building, cool the surrounding air and harvest rainwater for landscaping irrigation. 

Planted grasses mix with native greenery to colonize the building and bond it to the setting.  The glass façade reduces solar gain, while allows natural views of the surrounding foliage. Lights are incorporated on to the roof to allow students to meet in the evening. At night, the building glows like a lantern, allowing activities of the school to be observed from the outside. The changing character of the façade lends dynamism, life and interest to the building as day transforms into night.

The roof turf consists of a combination of two grasses, Zoysia matrella and Ophiopogon. The curving roofs are accessible by stairs along the edges, although only one of the six portions of green roof is best for seating due to lower slopes. Under the grass roof are four layers of interrelated matter which include crushed volcanic rocks, pumice and washed sand (for the grass to root), as well as a moisture retention mat. The turf grass remains green and healthy year round via an automatic sprinkler system using harvested rainwater.

This five story facility sweeps a wooded corner of the campus with an organic, vegetated form that blends landscape and structure, nature and high-tech and symbolizes the creativity it houses.

So with all of our flat roofs here in the Phoenix Metro area could we have a planted roof that with save energy and a beauty to our cityscape? 

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help with your commercial landscape challenges!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Creating the Best Planter Displays For Your Commercial Property

Large planter pots make quite the statement when placed on sites with little to no space for landscaping. Implementing large containers with an assortment of overflowing flowers is eye catching and can serve as a great focal point for your commercial site.
Believe it or not, there are rules to designing planter pots. You need to use flowers that look good in a pot, thrive under the same conditions, and that have a tasteful color palette. Despite how great large planters look, plenty of things can go wrong. Here are some tips for creating the best planter pots for your business.

Combining The Right Plants
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right plant material for your pots. The most important aspect is environmental conditions; use plants with the same water, soil, and sunlight requirements. Using plants that are cohesive will ensure a successful pot.

Space is another thing to consider. Plants will change shape as they grow; understand that they will look much different a few months after they are installed. You do now want your planter to look overcrowded, so make sure that you choose plants that won’t compete with one another.

Textures
Use lots of color and texture to make your planter stand out.

Color is huge when it comes to planters; the more, the better! Mixing bright and subtle colors, does an excellent job of attracting people’s attention. Instead of using different hues of one color, add a variety of colors that work together.

There is a variety of flowers and leaves with textures that are waxy, shiny, fuzzy, or prickly. By using multiple textures, you won’t have to worry about your plant material blending and looking too much alike.

Filler, Spiller, and Thriller
You will always have an exceptional planter when you use this simple three-ingredient recipe: filler, spiller, and thriller.

Fillers are good for adding mass to the overall composition of the planter, they also add a textural contrast or colorful counterpoint. Examples of filler plants include: begonias, coleus, impatiens, Persian shield, plectranthus, heliotrope, and dusty miller.

Spillers are excellent for creating a “waterfall” effect. These plants cascade over the side of container, softening its edges and giving a more natural look. Some great spillers are: alternantheras, bacopas, golden creeping Jenny, helichrysum, sweet potato vines, or callibrachoa.

Thrillers are the star of the pot; they are tall, draw the most attention and are typically vertical. These typically have the most outstanding qualities. A helpful tip is to start your planter with the thriller in the center, and build around it. Examples of exceptional thrillers include: fuschsia, canna, purple fountain grass, taros, calla pennisetum, or phormium.

Self-Watering Planters
Using self-watering planters give your plants a better chance of looking good all season long. They also dissolve issues related to moldy roots or plant disease. Self-watering planters reserve water at the bottom of them, allowing the roots to soak up water when needed. This is very helpful in the summer, when the heat index is high. 

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help with your commercial landscape challenges!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Plant of the Week - Century Plant

Our Plant of the week is one common to the Phoenix Metro area and great for surviving in the desert climates. Even if you don't recognize the name, you have undoubtedly seen a century plant before, perhaps even got up close to inspect its long sharp spines. Known by many names the Agave americana's, common aliases are century plant, maguey, American aloe, Flowering Aloe, or Spiked Aloe. It is a species of flowering plant in the family Agavaceae, originally native to Mexico, Arizona, and Texas but cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant. It has become naturalized in many regions including the West Indies, parts of South America, the Mediterranean Basin, parts of Africa, India, China, Korea, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, and an assortment of oceanic islands. Being grown in so many places around the world speaks about this plants adaptive capabilities and willingness to survive many climates.

Despite the common names that use the term "aloe", it is not closely related to plants in the genus Aloe.

Although it is typically called the century plant, it only lives approximately 10 to 30 years ("century" being a gross exaggeration). The largest and possibly most majestic of the native agaves, it has a spread of about 6 to 10 feet, with gray-green leaves of 3 to 5 feet long. Each leaf has a prickly margin and a heavy spike at the tip that can pierce to the bone. As the leaves age they tend to fold down gracefully toward the base of the plant. Near the end of its life, the plant sends up a tall, branched stalk, laden with yellow blossoms that may reach a total height of up to 25 to 30 feet tall, using most of the plants remaining reserves. After its blooms, the original plant dies, but it is replaced by small off shoots around the base. 

In the desert it grows in dry, gravelly soils in the south, but is naturalized and grown farther north and west. Like most agaves, A. americana needs full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. It is extremely drought tolerant and moderately slow-growing. 

Supplemental water in dry summer months will make it grow faster, but care must be taken not to over water, especially in clay soils, because too much moisture will cause the roots to rot. It is hardy down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and like most agaves, is tolerant of reflected heat. Several variegated forms of Agave americana are in cultivation. 

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help with your commercial landscape challenges!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

"Agave americana R01" by Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Agave_americana_R01.jpg#/media/File:Agave_americana_R01.jpg

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

Commercial Landscaping Design Ideas

No one wants to pull into the parking lot at their typical office job and see a barren or rugged-looking landscape. Some of the most successful companies in the world understand that it isn't just important to have a great internal work atmosphere, but also an aesthetically pleasing building exterior in order to keep clientele and employees happy and improve company image.

Commercial Landscaping Ideas:

Focus on the facade of the building. Welcome both employees and clients with a stunning and sophisticated entrance to the company. It is important not to go completely overboard here, so be sure to include a few lush, overgrown green filler plants that will serve as a guide to the front door.

Adding a pop of color makes one memorable. After designing a facade, consult your professional landscaper and figure out what types of colorful, yet affordable, flowers to place around the building. 

For a lower cost, opt for perennial local species. The colorful plants work well in areas where a bench might be placed for employees.

Having a few benches strategically placed around the company grounds is a great way to get your employees outside for some fresh air -- and as an added bonus they will enjoy the perfectly laid out commercial landscaping design. Let the outdoor furniture mimic or complement the building's interior furniture. There are plenty of options from sleek and modern to antique and rustic.

Save room for growing and maturing plants. The building may be new and everything fits just right indoors, but know that plants need room to grow! Professional landscapers will know to properly space out trees and large shrubs, yet always ask for a finished layout before giving the go-ahead to start the project. Some species of plants or trees are very thick and may obstruct the view of entrances, so be careful where and what you plant.

Thinking about adding some sustainability to the company's list of ideas will end up decreasing overall costs in the long run. As mentioned, look for local species of trees and plants. Other options include installing irrigation channels in order to funnel rainwater to areas that need it most. Here in the Valley of the Sun, the trend now is to use gravel and weather-resistant plants such as cacti.

Be patient plants take time to grow and the landscaping process will be a long one. The job may consist of sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, a sprinkler system, or the installation of retaining walls.

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help with your commercial landscape challenges!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Greens Keeper Commercial Landscaping New Customer Incentives

We want to make sure you know that we are welcoming new customers.  Do you have a commercial property that you would like to see if we can add to our regularly scheduled landscape maintenance?

For all new customers (now through the end of July 2015) will be providing free fertilization for the next year. Yes, Free Fertilizer for your first full year. Take this opportunity to compare what you are spending now and what you could save by using Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance.

Now would also be a good time to mention 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 normally for the price of fertilizer only.

We are a service oriented family owned business specializing in commercial landscape maintenance, providing high quality care based on open communication, and the highest quality service.

We offer a full range of options for our customers by tailoring a maintenance program to the specific individual needs of each property, and budget. We will strive to keep your landscape safe and beautiful, while at the same time keeping your costs as low as possible.

We meet or exceed the highest insurance standards, with $2000000 business liability, $1000000 commercial auto, and $1000000 workman's comp. We list all our customers as additional insured at no extra charge upon request.

Our vehicles are clearly marked and our employees are in uniform for easy identification. All our employees are verified through the I-9 verification system and have successfully passed background checks.

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Landscape Designer Certification and Training

If you've ever wondered what it takes to become a landscape designer, here is a quick look. Training for landscape designers is available through associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs. You can learn about specific ways to incorporate trees, bushes, flowers, wood and stone to create a beautiful and useful outdoor space. Certification is available for experienced professionals. Read more about the degree options, certification requirements and job duties for landscape designers. 

What Training Is Available?

Programs leading to a career as a landscape designer are available through associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs in landscape design, landscape architecture and horticulture. Master's degree programs include architecture courses, which involve designing building plans; to enroll, you must have a bachelor's degree with courses in landscape design or architecture. Bachelor's degree programs in horticulture include specializations in landscape design and go more in-depth into plant health and maintenance than at the associate's level by touching on design procedures. Bachelor's and associate's degree programs are hands-on and focus on small-scale projects, such as managing nurseries.

What is Learned in a Landscape Design Program?

In horticulture classes, you care for bushes and trees by pruning, planting and protecting them. Some classes cover the turf used in golf courses and techniques for maintaining the course's design. You could intern in a greenhouse and plant and prune fruit trees, flowers and vegetable crops. Advanced concepts deal with balancing the beauty of a landscape's design with its practical function. 

You could also learn to:
Use plants for designs
Create walkways
Design buildings
Build with wood and stone
Examine legal issues
Analyze product cost

What Are the Job Responsibilities?

Landscape designers meet with potential clients to learn what they want their finished lawn or outdoor area to look like. Based on their visions, you draft designs that incorporate buildings, plants, roads and other landmarks. As the construction process gets underway, you might warn your supervisors about potential problems and make sure everything is up to code. In some situations, you may be responsible for designing buildings using natural materials and green technology.

What Certifications Are Available and What Are the Requirements?
According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), you must have four years of experience before becoming certified (www.apld.org). The APLD is the only national landscape design certification program in the United States, but some states have separate certification programs. For instance, the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FLNGLA) offers a certified landscape designer program with training and certification.

To apply for APLD certification, you must submit your professional and educational background for evaluation. You're required to submit design plans with a statement describing the intended project completion. Then, to illustrate the project's success, you must submit before-and-after photographs of completed projects. You must also submit a business statement describing how you operate your business. To maintain certification, you must take at least 30 continuing-education credits every three years.

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Landscape Tech - Soil Moisture Sensors

The perfect landscaping isn't just about the great outdoors and the natural beauty of plants. There is a whole lot of hard work and precision that goes into the perfectly planted places. and some of that perfection comes with having the right technology on your side.

You know the importance of an irrigation system, might be one of the most important parts to your landscaping technology, but there is Tech support that will make your irrigation state of the art.

Soil Moisture Sensors
Simple to use, yet highly sophisticated in what it does for water savings, the Soil Moisture Sensor represents a new class of smart control technology. This affordable device precisely monitors moisture levels in absolute – rather than relative – terms. shop around, some devices are affected by soil temperature or electrical conductivity that limit the accuracy of the sensors.

Relaying that information back to the controller, it only allows a watering cycle when the root zone moisture drops below the set threshold. Based on the same TDT* sensing technology developed for agricultural applications, the soil moisture sensor’s long-lasting dependability addresses the environmental demands of both residential and commercial applications.

Water Savings Of 40% Or More
By optimizing the amount of moisture at the root zone, a moisture sensor conserves enough water in many applications to pay for itself in less than a year. Avoiding the tendency to overwater, you will enjoy a healthier, lush landscape that is less prone to fungus and shallow root growth.

The device eliminates needless watering and lets the soil say when watering is appropriate. Adding a soil moisture sensor allows you to meet many rigid water conservation guidelines that call for “smart” watering devices.

Advanced Soil Moisture Sensing Technology
Checking soil conditions as often as every 10 minutes, these devices can display not only moisture content, but also electrical conductivity and temperature of the soil, all at the touch of a button. Some device also provides watering history for the last 7 irrigation cycles.

With soil moisture sensing, you no longer need to be concerned with adjusting the controller. Just program the controller one time to water every day that irrigation is allowed – the soil moisture sensor will do the rest.

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Red Bird of Paradise – Plant of the Week

Native to the West Indies, Central and South America Caesalpinia pulcherrima produces thin, flat 21/2 inch long bean pods which twist as they dry. The seed Pods and seeds are poisonous, so do be cautious about where you plant this species. It also has small furry looking thorns which are nevertheless sharp, make sure to wear long sleeves and gloves when pruning.

Why They Are In Our Landscapes

Red Birds are fast growing plants between 6 and 15 feet tall and wide, are drought tolerant, take full sun, are salt tolerant and therefore grow well in our Phoenix soils. From March to October, they are reliable bloomers with colorful attention grabbing flowers.

Their dormant period in winter is excellent for strategic layering. Despite their showiness, it is not a good idea to use them in areas where small children or pets spend unsupervised time (due to the thorns and poisonous seed pods and seeds), or as the single focal point in your landscape (due to their dormant stage). If your business is an Apartment complex you should consider this warning as tenants may be unaware of the plants toxic or thorny nature. 

As stated earlier, knowing they go dormant does work to your advantage in planning year round color (landscape layering). Plant them in front or behind plants that bloom in the opposite season. They can also be used as an informal, open and colorful hedge or in groups for maximum impact. Unless you cut them back, keep in mind that you’ll be looking at leafless, reddish brown sticks during the coldest winter months.

Avoid planting on the North side of your business or where the shrub will be subject to prolonged periods of shade. Also avoid planting in soil that receives a lot of water, or retains water. These conditions will make this shrub leggy and there will be little to no bloom.

This large shrub looks great planted in groups of three or five. Red bird-of-paradise along a bare wall will add beauty to a formerly bare expanse. While many shrubs cannot handle areas with hot, reflected sun, red bird-of-paradise will thrive in these inhospitable spots.

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Arizona's Native Plant Law

Nowhere in the United States are there more rare and unusual native plants than in Arizona. Many people desire to use these "wonders of nature" in their landscaping. 

However, most of these plants are protected by law. Plants cannot be removed from any lands - whether they are owned by a private individual or managed by a government agency — without permission and a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Business owners as well as anyone else must obtain specific authorization from the landlord agency to remove protected native plants. Theft of protected native plants from private, state, or federal lands may result in a felony charge, as well as native plant law violation.

Most of the desert plants fall into one of five groups specially protected from theft, vandalism or unnecessary destruction by Arizona's Native Plant Law. This includes all of the cacti, most of the exotic plants (like Ocotillo), most of the trees (Ironwood, Palo Verde, Mesquite), and many of the smaller plants. Most of these are many years old and cannot be replaced.
Landowners have the right to destroy or remove plants growing on their land, but 20 to 60 days prior to the destruction of any protected native plants, landowners are required to notify the Arizona Department of Agriculture. The landowner also has the right to sell or give away any plant growing on the land. However, protected native plants growing may not be legally possessed, taken or transported from the growing site without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture has the responsibility of protecting Arizona's native plants, and they rely on your help to make sure that you are in compliance. These plants can only be moved after permits and tags are secured from one of their offices. Contact the Phoenix Office — at 1688 West Adams, Phoenix, AZ 85007, phone (602) 542-3292 — for instructions on how to obtain a permit for the removal and transportation of protected native plants.

To regulate the collection of protected native plants, the department, with its nine district offices, enforces the Native Plant Law through investigation, legal action against violators, public awareness programs, enforcement training for other agencies, and issuance of permits.

The Arizona Department of Agriculture checks all areas of the state on a regular basis for the use of native plants as landscape material. They closely monitor new subdivision areas and commercial developments. If a protected plant is found without a tag, it is confiscated. If a tag, string, and seal are attached to a plant in such a manner that it can be removed without cutting the string or breaking the seal, the plant will be confiscated. Additionally, the department keeps a permanent record of the location of all protected native plant material within the state. The native plant law activities are monitored by all law enforcement agencies in the state.

If you are unsure of the protection status of a plant you own or want to plant, please do not hesitate to call. 

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Greens Keeper Commercial Landscaping Services

We are a service oriented family owned business specializing in commercial landscape maintenance, providing high quality care based on open communication, and the highest quality service.

We offer a full range of options for our customers by tailoring a maintenance program to the specific individual needs of each property, and budget. We will strive to keep your landscape safe and beautiful, while at the same time keeping your costs as low as possible.

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).

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

Winter Lawn Overseeding in Phoenix, Arizona

Those of us who live in the Valley of the Sun are lucky, unlike other parts of the country, you have a choice whether to keep your lawn green all year, or to let it go dormant. Most people do chose to keep it green. In addition to being more esthetically pleasing than a straw colored landscape, maintaining a healthy green lawn all year provides the added benefit of keeping weeds from getting a foothold in your commercial property landscaping.

It is important that you make the decision early on, so you can properly prepare your lawn for overseeding. Start the discussion with Greens Keeper in August, so that we can begin transitioning your commercial landscaping in September for installation in October. Waiting until your Bermuda lawn goes dormant naturally before overseeding is not a good idea. Good seed germination takes sun (warmth), adequate water and contact with soil. You want to make sure temperatures are still warm enough to help with germination. There is only a small window of opportunity each year when conditions are ideal, which is why it is so important to plan ahead. Late season installations should be avoided.

Winter Lawn Overseeding
Warm season grasses like Bermuda go dormant and turn blondish/brown when soil temperatures fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want your lawn to remain green you must overseed the Bermuda with a cooler season grass, like Rye. Perennial Ryegrass is preferred to annual Ryegrass for winter because it’s blade is darker green, hardier, finer and easier to mow.

Do not overseed a Bermuda lawn unless it has been established for at least three months. Overseeding is also not recommended for St. Augustine lawns. If you have Zoysia, use half the recommended seeding rate. For shaded areas overseeding with Fescue is recommended.

How We Install A Winter Lawn in Phoenix, Arizona

We stop fertilizing 4 to 6 weeks prior to overseeding your Bermuda lawn, and cut back on watering. If needed, we will dethatch the landscaping lightly. Thatch is dead grass below the green part of the lawn and above the soil. We set the dethatcher blades to run at about 1/4” above the soil, so as not to dig into the soil, this might damage the root structure of your Bermuda, and we DO want it to fill back in next year when the Rye dies. next we rake the removed thatch into piles and dispose of it. The next step is scalping. This lowers the height of the Bermuda, making it easier for the Rye seed to receive the sunlight/warmth it needs to germinate. 10 to 15 lbs of seed per 1000 sq. ft. of greenscape is applied, Including a starter fertilizer with seed. We then will rake or drag to ensure seed makes contact with soil. The seed  is lightly covered with no more than 1/4” of weed and salt free organic mulch. Keep seeds damp by watering 3 to 4 times per day with light 5 to 7 minute durations. You want to avoid seed becoming dry, or overly saturated.

After germination (7-10 days), reduce watering frequency as needed. This is dependent upon the type of sprinkler heads you have, temperature, wind, and rain, and may vary from once every two weeks to every other day. Only water enough to avoid wilt between watering. When grass is 2” tall (about 2 weeks) we can mow for the first time. Two weeks after planting, Greens Keeper will fertilize your landscape using a balance fertilizer. We will fertilize monthly, or as needed after that. Iron & calcium nitrate should be applied at least once before frost. 

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Are Your Trees Monsoon Ready?

Summer is here and we are smack dab in the middle of monsoon season. The monsoon season could be called the “fifth” season of the desert. While the monsoon is definitely a welcome source of moisture for Phoenix and surrounding communities, it can also be dangerous in some situations.

Monsoon storms typically bring with them a great deal of wind, rain and lightning. They have known to cause damage to building structures as well as trees and vegetation. We are often asked what people can do to protect their trees and prevent storm damage. Here are a few ideas:

Keep Your Trees Well Pruned
Trees that are well cared for are often stronger and more resilient than those that aren’t. When they are carefully pruned, they allow for the wind to pass through the branches without potentially blowing it over. When the branches and foliage become to thick, your tree is more likely to be affected by the wind. Not only can it catch more wind causing it to blow over, but it may also be full of older dead branches that can easily fall in a big windstorm.

Train Young Trees
If you have just recently planted trees on your property, be sure you take the appropriate steps to train it to grow in the right direction. Untrained trees can grow too close to rooftops, fences, or even electrical wires. During the rest of the year, this may not make a difference. But when monsoon season hits, you can imagine trees that are too close to other objects can cause trouble.

Clean Up After a Storm
If you do experience a strong storm that damages your tree by knocking branches loose or cause them to hang from the tree, be sure to get them cleaned up before the next storm rolls in. Loose branches that are left in the tree can be the cause of further damage should another storm hit.

Pay Attention to the Roots
We don’t often think about how the roots of a tree help it stay strong in a storm. The roots are actually what are working to keep the tree upright during a storm. Roots spread out in all directions up to four or five times the tree height, preventing the tree from toppling over during a storm. It’s important to pay attention to where those roots are and make sure they are not damaged or hurt in any way. Cutting roots to make way for other structures can definitely affect the trees ability to withstand a strong storm.

Seasonal tree maintenance can often be confusing, labor intensive, and sometimes dangerous. That’s why we recommend leaving the trimming to experts. Through careful evaluation, safe practices and proper techniques, we can help you prepare and protect your trees and property for the monsoon season.

Not only will your trees be better prepared to endure the storms, they will look great, be stronger and stay healthier all year long.  By taking time to do a little monsoon maintenance we can help business owners protect trees, reduce property damage, save money and keep their peace of mind during our beloved monsoon season. 

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Plant of the Week: the Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis ‘Desert Willow’

This small deciduous tree is extremely drought tolerant once established.  Its open and airy structure displays long, narrow leaves that are highlighted by fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers.  It can be used as a border tree/large shrub, privacy hedge and even kept in a decorative pot or container. Consider adding this plant to your commercial property landscape.

It is a shrub or tree native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The common name is desert willow because of its willow-like leaves, but it is a member of the bignonia family. It is commonly seen in washes and along riverbanks at elevations below 5,000 feet in its range.

It is cultivated for its large, showy flowers, and tolerance of hot, dry climates. Although the natural growth is a very irregular shape, it can be readily pruned into a conventional tree shape. A number of cultivars have been selected. Some, such as 'Rio Salado', have dark purple or magenta flowers.

Chilopsis may survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit

Ranging from 4.5 to as much as 24 feet in height, it can take the form of a shrub or small tree. The linear, curved, deciduous leaves are 4 to 10 inches long and just an inch wide.

The generic name is derived from the Greek words χεῖλος, (cheilos), meaning "lip," and ὄψις (opsis), meaning "resembling," referring to the flowers. They occur in a terminal panicle or raceme, blooming in May through September. About two to four flowers at a time are open in each inflorescence. The calyx is about 2 inches, slightly inflated, and varying shades of purple, while the corolla is 1 inch, and with colors ranging from lavender to light pink. The throat and lower lip has a pattern of yellow ridges and purple lines, and the margins are crinkled. It is pollinated primarily by large bees in the family Apidae, such as carpenter bees, bumblebees, Anthophora, and Centris. The fruit is a linear pod up to 4 inches long, containing numerous winged seeds.

There are two subspecies:

    Chilopsis linearis subsp. linearis. Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, Mexico.
    Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata. Nevada, California, Baja California.

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

Looking For Leaks In Your Commercial Property Sprinklers

Whether you had your sprinkler system installed by staff or had it professionally installed by a commercial landscape company, you want to do everything you can to ensure the system works well and does its job to keep your business looking great. Unfortunately, even with the best possible installment, issues from age, debris, animal interference and others, can lead to a sprinkler system leak.

If you have a leak, don't despair, they are fairly easy to fix. It is important that they are identified and located as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the sprinkler system, your landscape, and your budget due to a high water bill.

What to Look For

The easiest sprinkler system leaks to identify are external leaks. These are leaks that show up when the sprinkler is on and functioning. There are two ways to go about this. most sprinkler systems are set up so that the hoses and sprinkler heads are only active when they are pressurized, the only way to see if they are in need of repair or have a leak is to either wait for them to come on or turn each part of the sprinkler system on one at a time manually.

You’ll be able to tell right away if a hose or head has been damaged. They will either be spraying way too much water or very little water at all. In some cases, you might even be able to tell if there is a leak by listening closely. If you hear the sound of running water like you would hear when it runs from a hose, you are probably safe to assume that you have a leak somewhere nearby.

Leaky or damaged sprinkler heads are often caused when dirt or debris gets stuck in one part of the head or another. This can often be taken care of by brushing or rinsing the head off with a brush or hose.

A burst hose on the other hand, will involve a little more work. Depending on where it is broken and how big the break is, it could require just a simple patch or a complete replacement.

The more difficult leaks to detect are those that are underground. Obviously you can’t see these hoses or pipes, so you basically have to keep an eye out for what is left behind. If you notice pooling of water in one particular spot on a regular basis, it’s safe to say there is a leak in the sprinkler system somewhere underground. 

Unfortunately, these types of leaks require more work, including digging down to find the leak.

If you suspect that you have a leak in your sprinkler system and need help in finding the leak, call us. We’ll help you locate the leak and suggest options on how to get it fixed right away. 

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Presented by:

Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC

623-848-8277

http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com

greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Storm Damage Clean Up & Junk Removal

We are a service oriented family owned business specializing in commercial landscape maintenance. 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 your property needs some sprucing up following a storm or if some things have accumulated that need removal please give us a call.

Debris Removal

Our crews will arrive on site and begin working to minimize your properties' damage.

We have more than fifteen years of experience in helping business owners recover from unexpected events, storm and water damage.

We will work directly for you or with your insurance company, you decide.

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 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.

Junk Removal

While Junk Removal can be related to storm damage, it can also be just what you need removed from your property, commercial or otherwise.

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

We look forward to helping you make your property more valuable by clearing away any Junk.

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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

greenskeeperllc@cox.net

Lawn Scalping and Thatch For Commercial Property

If you've been following our blog, we have mentioned that summer is a good time to thatch or scalp your greenscape. But what, you might ask, does that mean?

Lawn Scalping

In terms of preparing a lawn for overseeding, scalping is lowering the level of the Bermuda lawn to allow Rye seeds better access to soil and sun after it’s been spread. The best practice is to set the mower on a progressively lower setting each time the lawn is mown until the desired height is reached – approx. 1/4 to 1/2”. we encourage you to consider scalping as early as the end of August, so that we can begin lowering the grass over several services in preparation for overseeding in October, rather than in a single visit, which is much less desirable for the health of the Bermuda.

When you mow your lawn properly, it will not only increase the quality and health of your lawn, but it will also decrease the amount of weeds. For the best looking green, it is recommended to mow on a weekly basis. If you've ever wondered why greenscapes are mowed in different patterns each time, it is in order reduce overall wear and tear of your grass. This will keep your grass looking nice and healthy.

Lawn Thatch

All grass has a layer of thatch that exists between the bottom of your grass and the soil —basically dead grass roots and stems. A thin layer of thatch is desirable because it insulates your grass from extreme temperatures and acts as a cushion to help the grass withstand foot traffic.

However, if thatch accumulates to more than one-half inch in thickness, it can put it at risk of drought because the water saturates the thatch instead of the soil and root system, leading to insect infestations or other lawn issues.

Thatching is the removal of detrimental thatch, and requires a special machine called a dethatcher or power rake to remove it. It is important that the blades are set to run at about 1/4” above the soil. The goal is remove the thatch, not the soil. If you're doing this yourself you'll want to flag all of your lawn heads so they readily visible and you can maneuver around them with the machine. Otherwise, you will have a potential irrigation accident on your hands.

Before you begin removing a large amount of thatch, remember that if you start removing smaller amounts, it is always possible to remove more later, however, if you start removing too much, it isn’t possible to add more thatch after it has already been removed. Starting with smaller is the safer route. If your thatch has grown quite a bit (about two inches or more), it is likely that the root systems of the grass are in the thatch layer, that means that you will have to plan to overseed these areas after thatching. It isn’t recommended to have thatch removed if your greenscape is weak or under drought stress. Otherwise, it is quite possible that your grass won’t be able to recover fully. It is OK to remove thatch late summer through early fall. 

Keep in mind that Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277 We serve businesses like yours throughout the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

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