Protecting Arborvitae Through Winter

Although Arborvitae are frost-tolerant, they are easily damaged by snow and wind storms.  This can leave frustrating bare spots.  Some people cover their shrubs in burlap, but that isn’t very visually appealing.  Some experts recommend using thick rope or rubber straps.  Don't use wire as it can scar the plant.

The best approach is to wrap the twine around the outside of the plant like the stripes on a candy cane, starting at the bottom and working your way up.  Pull it snug but not so tight that it breaks branches and deforms the shape of the plant.

Remember to remove the rope or straps early in the spring so the tree will grow and move naturally.

Fall Aeration

To aerate your lawn means to remove small plugs of thatch and soil to improve the soil aeration.  This process helps to improve the health and vigor of your established lawn. 

Lawns can become compacted by traffic and mowing.  Rain and other watering can also compact the soil, reducing air to the roots, preventing proper growth.

The benefits of aeration are improved water and fertilizer uptake, air exchange into the soil, turf grass rooting, and thatch breakdown.  It also reduces soil compaction, damage from a heavy thatch, water runoff, puddling and soil layering.

Look for the holes to be filled with white, actively growing roots after about 7-10 days.  This is an indication of a successful aeration.

Though Integrity Landscape Services does not provide this service, we highly recommend it for the healthy longevity of lawns we've installed over the years.

Fall Yard Tips

Here are some Fall landscaping tips for your yard from Integrity Landscaping:

• Shrub and Tree Planting – Fall is the perfect time to plant and encourage good root development.  Fall planting helps the plants establish themselves before Spring.
• Trim those yew bushes.  Now is the perfect time to shape and trim those yew bushes that grew wild during July and August.
• Lawn Problems?  Now is a right time to sod or spot-seed barren or damaged areas.
• It is still a good time for aeration and fertilization. 
• Grub problems?  Fall is the right time to take control of the situation long term.
• Weed until a freeze.  Failing to continue weeding will cause your weeds to spread and could make next season even worse.
• No pruning for Spring shrubs!  Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and other flowering, spring shrubs have already set their buds for the following year; pruning them now will sacrifice next year’s spring flowers.
• If you want to add a lovely autumn look to your exterior, plant your hardy mums now.

Brick Pavers

Integrity Landscape Services, LLC primarily uses Paveloc pavers with an upgrade option to Unilock Brussels Block. 

Paveloc pavers are uniform in shape and texture while Unilock Brussels Block offers different size pavers and a natural, tumbled-stone look.

With a nice variety of colors to choose from Paveloc or Unilock Brussels Block are excellent choices for your patio or walkway.  The pavers for both styles offer a mixed variegation in color.  Paveloc also offers solid colors of brick.

With the foundation base that Integrity Landscape Services creates and the quality pavers we use, the longevity and enjoyment of your project will make your yard your new favorite room!

Below, a finished Unilock Brussels Block project and below that, a few Paveloc Solid and Paveloc Variegated options.

New Office, New Yard - Part 4

Our new sign is finished and our building is getting a new paint job.  It's a great look!  For the sign, we used Olde Quarry Stone with a Copthorne inlay.  This is a great representation of the style of work we do.  Once again, there is more to come.  Our yard is going to be a stunning showroom of all the types of projects we are capable of doing.  Stay tuned...

Property Improvement - Arborvitae Wall

We are working to improve the look and the drainage on our South property line. 

Arborvitae is a popular evergreen choice for hedges because of its tall, narrow growth habit. Arborvitae grows best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade and prefer fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

 

We’re installing catch basins between the newly planted Arborvitaes and then trenching a drainage pipe along the backside of the tree line all the way to the street.  This is to improve the environment for the Arborvitae, as they cannot survive in extremely wet conditions.  This also improves the drainage situation for our South neighbor, who was periodically experiencing basement water.

New Office, New Yard - Part 3

Time to change our sign and elevate the look as we continue to renovate and remodel our new building and yard.  This week we demolished the old sign and are building a new sign using Olde Quarry Stone, Copthorne inlays and Ledgestone.  Truly impressive work by our very skilled crew!