When searching for a landscaping company, be sure to ask if they also handle lawn care. Lawn care covers basic upkeep services, including mowing, edging, blowing, fertilization and weed control.
Oahu Landscaping transforms outdoor areas through plantation, construction or reorganizing. This includes the installation of new architectures, plants and structures.
Weed Control
Weed control refers to a variety of techniques and products that can be used to reduce the growth of unwanted plants in and around your yard. Weed control can be accomplished with manual cultivation (using hand tools, power cultivators or hoes), mechanical control methods such as mowing, weed whacking and rototillering, smothering with mulch, lethal wilting using high heat, competition with other species, competitive planting, abiotic controls such as shading and mowing height, and chemical control via herbicides.
Most lawn care services include weed control as part of their package. However, there are a few extra weed control service add-ons that can be offered to clients to enhance their lawn’s appearance even more.
Fungicide treatments are a great way to prevent the many diseases that can ruin grasses. These fungicides are applied as a spray or liquid to the turf and are typically used in the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Mulching is a popular lawn care add-on to help with weed control. It can be organic, synthetic or living and is used to cover the soil to prevent sunlight from reaching bare spots. This can also be done as a pre-emergent weed control to stop weeds from sprouting.
Another popular weed control option is overseeding. Overseeding is a technique that spreads grass seed over the existing lawn to fill in bare patches and make it thicker. This is often paired with aeration for best results.
If weeds are thriving in your lawn, it may be an indication of poor soil conditions. Having your soil tested can help you understand what type of weed control measures to take.
In farming, weeds are the undesirable plants that compete with productive crops or pasture for nutrients and space. Farmers use manual, mechanical or chemical methods to remove these weeds from their fields. They can be toxic or unpleasant to livestock, produce burrs and thorns that interfere with harvesting, or they may be an environmental threat by interfering with other desirable crops and contaminating food. Managing weeds is a complex task, and the methods available are not exhaustive. They should be chosen on a case-by-case basis for a particular production system, region and crop.
Fertilization
The lawn needs a steady supply of nutrients in order to stay lush and green. A lawn care service can ensure your turf is getting what it needs with regular fertilization treatments. This preventative measure keeps the grass healthy and strong while battling weeds and preventing pest infestations.
Fungicide treatments can also be provided by a lawn care company in order to treat and eradicate common lawn diseases like brown spot, summer patch and leaf spot. Many lawn care services will also offer aeration, which helps reduce thatch and promotes deeper root growth by pulling up small soil particles. Overseeding is another popular lawn service that will help repair bare spots and thicken a lawn in the fall or spring.
Lawn care companies can also perform yard cleanups and yard edging, which creates clean lines around sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, fences, trees and other landscaping features. Mulching is another popular lawn care service that adds a layer of protection to soil while moderating soil temperature and improving moisture retention. It also improves curb appeal and can keep weeds under control in garden beds.
Landscaping is a much more involved process since it includes planting new trees, flowers and shrubs while installing hardscapes and designing garden features. The primary goal of landscape design is to transform a property by creating a visually appealing outdoor space.
Landscapers are trained in understanding the local microclimate, biology behind plants and shrubs, soil conditions and more. This allows them to plant the right plants for your property, increasing the chance of success and ensuring a vibrant garden that will flourish with minimal maintenance.
Because of the broader scope and deeper expertise required for landscaping, it’s usually more expensive than basic lawn care services. However, many landscapers offer bundled plans that can help you save on essential lawn care and landscaping services. Landscaping also tends to take longer than lawn care, as projects can sometimes be months or even years in the making. That’s why it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced landscaper when enlisting their services.
Pest Control
Lawn care focuses on turf services, including mowing, fertilizing, weed control and more. Landscaping, on the other hand, focuses on transforming outdoor spaces by planting, construction or reorganizing. Landscaping professionals use a broad understanding of microclimate, biology, tools for installing elements like walkways and trees and more to create aesthetically pleasing properties. This type of specialized knowledge is not something that most home and business owners can accomplish with store-bought lawn care products and DIY yard work.
Many companies offering lawn care and landscaping services will bundle their essential offerings into plans, saving property owners on overall costs. For example, a lawn care plan that includes mowing, edging and blowing, and fertilization may cost $50-200 per month depending on the size of the property. Landscaping installation and design, on the other hand, can cost thousands of dollars—and even reach six-figures for larger transformations.
One of the key differences between lawn care and landscaping is the types of pests that are targeted by each service. For example, a lawn care company will likely target the most common pests, such as grubs and mosquitoes, while a landscaping company will be focused on more serious issues, such as tree diseases.
Adding on services like fungicide treatments, or spreading grass seed to fill in bare spots, can make a big difference for properties that struggle with certain landscape challenges. Lawn aeration is another popular add-on, especially in fall or spring. This process involves making small holes in the soil to allow air, water and nutrients to better reach the roots of the grass.
Finally, some lawn care services will also offer a mulching option. Mulching involves spreading organic materials, such as wood chips or bark, around the lawn to help with soil health and provide a more manicured appearance. Most landscaping services will not offer mulching, but it’s a popular add-on for lawn care clients that want to take their yard to the next level.
Installation
A lush, green lawn and landscape are the focal point of your property and create a warm and inviting place to entertain guests or relax. Maintaining a beautiful yard requires regular care to prevent overgrowth and keep your outdoor space healthy and functional. Many lawn care companies offer services such as mowing, fertilization, weed control, pest control, seeding, and landscaping. Adding these services to your business will increase clientele and allow you to distinguish yourself from the competition.
Mowing is one of the most popular lawn care services, and homeowners and business owners appreciate taking this chore off their to-do lists. Professional mowers have the proper equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently, plus they can weed whack and blow off trimmings for a neat, tidy appearance. Weekly mowing during the peak growing season ensures your clients’ grass stays at an optimal height, while keeping it vibrant and healthy.
Planting new shrubs, flowers, or trees is a valuable lawn care service that helps clients achieve their dream garden or to fill in troublesome areas of their yard. Landscapers know how to select and plant the right vegetation for your climate, soil conditions, and sun or shade requirements to guarantee its long-term health and performance.
Lawn aeration is another important lawn maintenance service, as it relieves soil compaction and allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone of your grass. Aerating your lawn with a core aerator or spike aerator punches small holes into the ground, allowing grass roots to absorb nutrients better. This is a recurring service that can be combined with other lawn care offerings, such as overseeding, for year-round revenue potential.
Lime applications are common in many parts of the country, and they help to correct imbalances in your soil’s acidity. By bringing your lawn’s pH closer to neutral, you will help your lawn to thrive and become rich in color. Fertilization of your lawn also helps it to thrive. Using a soil injected liquid for larger trees and shrubs or a granular fertilizer for shallow-rooted plants, your lawn care company can make sure that your yard is full of life and vibrancy.