Grand Rapids Landscaping Tip of the Day!

Adding Color To Your Landscape

Even if it is still too early to plant, take a look around your landscape and decide if you can brighten the place up with a few new “faces.” We can help you with updating your landscape and putting together a free quote once we determine the amount of sunlight affecting that part of your landscape and what type of shrub or tree would give you the “Best Bang for Your Buck”. Flowers are great for short term but by selecting specimens that have interesting color or texture in their foliage you will have a more lasting visual effect in your landscape.

Grand Rapids Landscaping Tip of the Day!

Plant and transplant April and May are good times to plant those new roses, flowering shrubs, fruit trees, evergreens and most deciduous plants. If you’re still not sure what to plant, you can always contact us. We are able to design and help you plan your landscaping project. As far as transplanting existing plants from one spot to another, time is running out, so the sooner the better. Many plants are already starting their spring growth and you want them to get used to their new spot before the heat starts coming in.

Visit www.rrrlawn.com to get a free estimate!

5 Landscaping Tips That Will Make Your Neighbors Jealous!

Add these five landscaping tips into your spring project plans to improve the appearance of your property, increase the value of your home and - best of all - make your neighbors jealous!

1. Clean up - The first thing you must do to prepare for any spring landscaping project is to clean up the lawn, beds and garden. Pick up all branches that may have fallen during the winter, leaves and debris that may be on the lawn, in the garden or beds, and clean up the area you are preparing to work with.

 2. Plant and feed - If you plan on planting new grass seed or installing sod, make sure you do not apply any pre-emergent with the early spring lawn treatment. Just apply a balanced organic based fertilizer in these areas. If you plan on waiting until the fall to do your annual grass planting or sod installation, then I advise you to apply a crabgrass barrier pre-emergent plus fertilizer to the lawn. A natural pre-emergent plus fertilizer is corn gluten meal. For all plants and garden vegetables, make sure the soil is in the proper condition for planting. I would advise a soil test before planting anything to make sure you know what nutrients the soil is deficient in. Add organic matter or compost to the soil at the time of planting to improve the soil structure and to promote deeper roots. This will mean less stress from insects, disease and heat. It will also result in a lower water bill, as you’ll need to water these areas less.

 3. Sharpen your mower blades - If you winterized your lawn mower and didn’t sharpen the mower blades, sharpen them now. Sharpening your mower blades will help you cut the grass instead of tearing it. Tearing the grass blades can cause an unsightly tan or brown color to a freshly cut lawn. It also can promote fungus development.

4. Set a higher mowing height - Make sure to mow your grass high. For cool-season grasses, such as bluegrass or fescues, the height should be 2-1/2 inches to 4 inches high after being cut.

5. Mulch - Apply a 4-inch layer of fresh mulch over all beds to help reduce the amount of weeds that will pop up. Hand pull or carefully spray a glyphosate product such as Roundup on any weeds that have emerged after mulching.

Visit www.rrrlawn.com for more information!

Preparing for Summer - Grand Rapids Landscpaing Tip of the Day

Usually, I advise home sellers to use brightly-colored flowers like yellow and red to catch buyer's attention. However, if you live where the sun is making everything extra hot, make your home feel cooler with abundant white flowers. If you have gorgeous flowers in multi-color, don't rip them out. Just add a lot of white to tone down the exuberant warm colors. A few flats of white alyssum go a long way and this hardy plant holds up in extreme heat.

RRR Lawn & Landscape's Tip of The Day - Grand Rapids, MI

Watering - Easier said than done, but watering needs to be a feeling and or understanding of what the plant needs.  Pay attention to weather conditions.  If you are sweating….you’re plants are too. 

If you would rather have us maintain your landscaping, visit our website at www.rrrlawn.com

RRR Lawn & Landscape Tip of the Day - Early Spring Pruning

Hold off on pruning those spring flowering shrubs that bloom on last year’s growth such as Lilac, Forsythia, Flowing Quince, Magnolia, Azalea, Mock Orange, Weigela, etc.  These should all be pruned after they finish blooming, usually in late spring or early summer.

Why Keep a Good Lawn? It Reduces Noise Pollution!

A Good Lawn Reduces Noise Pollution. Many urban buildings that plant rooftop grass areas do so not only to cool the building, but also to cut down the surrounding noise. If you live in high trafficked areas, keeping a well-maintained lawn is worth it for some extra peace.

Grand Rapids, MI has Record High Temps!

Record high temperatures are expected today in West Michigan.  We could not ask for a greater way to kick off the official start of spring!  That in mind, if you are in need for any spring lawn care or if you are looking to spruce up your yard a bit, contact RRR Lawn & Landscape today!  Visit our website at www.rrrlawn.com!