Top 10 Landscaping Maintenance Services to Keep Your Yard Looking Pristine
Maintaining a beautiful, healthy yard requires consistent care and meticulous attention to detail. Professional landscaping maintenance services offer the expertise needed to keep your outdoor space stunning and well-maintained throughout the year.
Keep reading to learn about the top ten landscaping maintenance services, including lawn mowing and edging, aeration and overseeding, weed, pest, and disease control, and more.
Service #1: Lawn Mowing and Edging
Regular lawn mowing improves appeal, promotes healthy growth, and controls weeds. During peak growth, weekly mowing is typically sufficient. Use sharp blades for clean cuts and change the pattern each time you mow to prevent soil compaction and ensure your grass grows upright. Only mow when the grass is dry, leaving short clippings for nutrients, but rake or bag longer clippings to prevent smothering.
Edging garden beds and walkways defines the area, prevents grass spread, manages water and nutrients, and maintains bed integrity by keeping mulch and soil in the garden.
Service #2: Trimming and Pruning
Trimming and pruning can improve plant health and appearance by removing dead or overgrown branches, shaping, and encouraging new growth.
Here are some seasonal tips:
- Spring: Prune flowering shrubs after blooming; trim evergreen hedges and remove winter damage.
- Summer: Light pruning to maintain shape and remove suckers; avoid heavy pruning as it stresses plants.
- Fall: Prune dead or diseased wood; shape deciduous trees and shrubs.
- Winter: Prune dormant trees and shrubs for structure; avoid pruning evergreens to prevent cold damage.
Service #3: Weed Control
Regular weed control helps maintain a tidy yard, preventing competition for nutrients and improving lawn health.
Some standard methods of effective weed control are:
- Manual weeding: Effective for small areas; removes weeds by the roots.
- Herbicides: Useful for large infestations; select appropriate products for broadleaf weeds that won’t harm your grass.
- Mulching: Suppresses weed growth, retains moisture, and improves soil quality.
Service #4: Fertilization and Soil Health
Healthy soil helps support plant growth, improve water retention, and boost nutrients. Here are some tips for selecting the right fertilizer:
- Soil test: Determine pH and nutrient levels.
- Organic fertilizers: Improve soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients.
- Synthetic fertilizers: Offer quick nutrient boosts; match the formulation to plant needs.
- Grass types: Use balanced fertilizers for general lawn care and specific blends for cool or warm-season grasses.
- Plants: Tailor fertilizer types and application rates to individual plant requirements for the best outcome.
Service #5: Aeration and Overseeding
Lawn aeration removes soil plugs to alleviate compacted soil, allowing water and oxygen to enter the roots. It improves soil structure, promotes root growth, and helps soil better absorb water. Early spring or fall is typically the best time for lawn aeration in Alberta.
Overseeding helps fill bare spots and improves density, promoting a healthy lawn. Keeping your grass thick prevents weed growth and increases resistance to damage. For the best germination and growth, overseed right after aeration.
Service #6: Mulching and Bed Maintenance
The health of your plants depends on regular bed maintenance, which involves removing weeds, deadheading flowers, and checking for pests.
Mulching improves soil health by retaining moisture, regulating temperature, and adding organic matter. It also helps suppress weeds, reducing competition for nutrients.
- Select organic mulches like wood chips, bark, or compost for soil enrichment
- Apply a two to three-inch layer, keeping mulch away from plant stems to prevent rot
Service #7: Irrigation System Maintenance
A well-maintained irrigation system ensures adequate watering with optimal conservation, reducing utility costs while promoting healthy plant growth. For best results, follow these maintenance tips:
- Check for leaks, clogged nozzles, and broken sprinklers monthly
- Adjust watering based on seasonal changes to avoid over or under-watering
- Clean filters periodically to prevent blockages
- Drain and insulate the system before winter to avoid freeze damage
- Consider using smart controllers to optimize watering times and adjust for weather conditions
Service #8: Pest and Disease Control
Some common pests and plant diseases in Southern Alberta are:
- Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects causing curled leaves and stunted growth.
- Spider mites: Tiny arachnids causing yellow stippling on leaves.
- Caterpillars: Leaf-eating larvae causing significant defoliation.
- Powdery mildew: White, powdery fungus on leaves.
- Rust: Orange or reddish bumps on leaves.
- Root rot: Wilting and browning, usually due to poor drainage.
The following tips can help you control pests and diseases:
- Examine plants regularly to spot early signs
- Remove and dispose of contaminated plant material
- Use natural predators, like ladybugs, to get rid of aphids
- Apply appropriate insecticides or fungicides as needed
- Keep up with watering, spacing, and pruning to reduce the risk of pests and diseases
Service #9: Seasonal Cleanups
Seasonal clean-ups keep your yard tidy, promote plant health, and prevent pest and disease buildup. Here are some examples of a seasonal clean-up:
- Spring: Remove debris, prune dead branches, fertilize, and mulch.
- Summer: Deadhead flowers, weed regularly, and check your irrigation systems.
- Fall: Rake leaves, clean gutters, aerate soil, and plant bulbs.
- Winter: Protect plants with mulch, trim dead growth, and properly store your garden tools.
Service #10: Hardscape Maintenance
Properly maintaining your patios, walkways, and retaining walls can improve safety, boost aesthetics, and extend lifespan. Follow these tips to keep your hardscapes looking great:
- Regularly sweep and wash surfaces to remove dirt, moss, and stains
- Inspect for cracks, loose stones, or pavers and fix them promptly to prevent further damage
- Apply sealant to protect against weather and stains, especially for porous materials
- Remove weeds and apply weed preventers to keep your hardscape areas clean
Leave Your Landscaping Maintenance Services to the Experts
Your yard can either be a major stress reliever... or stress-maker. When it's well-maintained, it invites relaxation and socializing. But when it's overgrown and unkempt, it can be a major source of anxiety and frustration.
Take the stress out of yard work and let the pros handle it! By entrusting your yard to Scott’s Sod, you'll enjoy a lush, eye-catching landscape in no time — without the hard work and hassle! Our expert landscaping maintenance services are available at affordable prices in Calgary/Airdrie and the surrounding area.
