Landscaping Grand Rapids
Preparing Landscape for Winter in Grand Rapids Michigan Area
Living in the Grand Rapids area, it is important to prepare your landscape for Winter
Trees / Shrubs – Late fall feeding for trees and shrubs is recommended where a visible deficiency or stunting has occurred. Trees severely defoliated by Gypsy Moth may also benefit from feeding at this time.
Lawn – The November lawn feeding has been touted as the single most important time to fertilize. Roots of turf are still active and will utilize nutrients to rebuild themselves for the coming season. A fall application of fertilizer will also give a quick green up in Spring.
Pruning – Head back herbaceous perennial stems after the tops die.
Watering – Irrigate newly planted ornamentals any time there is less than 1 inch of weekly rainfall and plants are actively growing. Apply water at the rate of 1 quart per square foot of planting area on poorly drained soils. On well-drained soils, use a half-gallon of water per square foot. Be sure to maintain adequate soil moisture this month to aid good root growth prior to winter dormancy.
Plant Protection – For newly planted ornamentals, spread a 2- to 3- inch layer of mulch over the soil in the bed or around trees. Rodent tree trunk guards, mulch, rose cones and fabric wind screens around evergreens should be put in place before average temperatures are below freeezing.
Source: Rebecca Finneran – MSU Extension & Bulletin E-1947
Treat your lawn to a fall weed and feed service, Grand Rapids MI
NOW IS THE BEST TIME of year for treating your lawn to a fall weed and feed service in the Grand Rapids Mi area (to create green envy in your neighborhood)
A Fall Fertilizer application will send the nutrients to the roots and remember turf healthy roots that can out compete weeds produce the best lawns. West Michigan has cold and harsh winters and takes its toll on your lawn. Feeding the roots now helps the turf during winter and gives your lawn a great head start for spring.
Fall Weed Control is important too! NOW IS THE BEST TIME of the year to kill weeds that are getting ready to go dormant. Spraying herbicide on weeds now, while they are storing nutrients for the winter is a great plan.
We provide lawn fertilization service in the following areas – Ada, Cascade,East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills,Grand Rapids,Rockford, Lowell and Grandville.
Call Monsma Landscape TODAY (616) 868-5767 to schedule a a fall weed and feed application!
Winter snowplowing Grand Rapids, MI
I know it is still early to think about snow coming to West Michigan and Grand Rapids and we are more concerned with mowing our lawn. However, Monsma Landscape & Maintenance want to offer you an early bird special.
At this time we are offering a 10% discount to new customers in the Grand Rapids area who prepay their seasonal snow plowing before September 15th, 2013. If you need a quote on snowplowing or snow removal services, please contact us 616-868-5767 or simply fill in the form to the right as soon as possible for a no obligation quote.
We offer a full range of snow management services including snow removal, plowing and shoveling in the Ada, Lowell, Cascade, Grand Rapids, Comstock Park and Rockford area. We have a hard working crew who will clear your driveway, walkway before you leave your home for the day to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Ugly brown lawns Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids and West Michigan homeowners do about their ugly brown lawn?
Everyone of our customers in the Grand Rapids area wants a lush, dense, green turf even during these dog days of summer. Fact of the matter is that we have a very hot spell of weather coming to West Michigan and no rain in sight. So what do we do about our ugly brown lawn?
With the heat lately you may need to actually double your sprinkling times to keep things looking good.
Stay on top of watering your lawn Grand Rapids
Remember that a slow deep soaking is more beneficial that a quick blast that will probably flow away from the plant. Some plants like Coreopsis are prone to mildew if they stay wet too long, so don’t water them late in the day. The same goes for turf. Early morning watering is best. You may want to hit it again 12 hours later making sure it can dry before dark. One drawback to watering in the heat is water loss through evaporation. Timing is everything… when you water will effect the amount you water.
Another option would be to keep sprinkling at the same time but double the duration.
Attention…property owners in Grand Rapids, due to this long hot spell without rain, make sure to raise your blade when lawn mowing to avoid your grass from scorching or burning in the hot sun.
Keeping it green,
Dan
Garden maintenance tips in Grand Rapids
How Does Your Garden Grow Grand Rapids?
Its great to have a garden and see tidy rows of sprouting veggies. You have this high level of satisfaction until the weeds rear their ugly heads. What can you do?
Continue reading
Community Service in Grand Rapids and Ada Neighborhoods
Community service by MLM in Grand Rapids Neighborhoods
We keep our road free of trash
Also see the round about where Comstock Blvd, Union and Aberdeen N E meet, this area has been beautified courtesy of MLM.
Landscape and Maintenance Professionals, Grand Rapids MI
Why Should I Hire a Monsma Landscape & Maintenance, Grand Rapids?
Time
In your busy life you probably don’t want to spend your leisure hours making your property look its best. Delegate what you can and do what you enjoy. Our job is to let you Live Better Outdoors!
Care and Expertise
As your landscape and lawn care professionals, we care about our work and treat your property with the utmost care and respect. We also have decades of experience to do the job right the first time.
The Right Tools
We have the heavy equipment to perform your lawn care and landscaping efficiently and safely with the best possible results.
Stewardship
Proper use of fertilizers and herbicides is an important part of plant health and vigor. MLM applicators are certified and licensed by the State of Michigan; keeping your health and safety top priority.
Peace of Mind
Monsma Landscape & Maintenance is properly insured for the safety and protection of you and your property.
We are your Landscape and Maintenance Professionals in Grand Rapids MI
Are Permeable Pavers suitable for Grands Rapids area climate
PERMEABLE PAVERS FOR GRAND RAPIDS AREA HOMES
Management of storm water has become a hot topic country wide and in West Michigan. The principles used for installing permeable hardscapes are the same as typical hardscape installations. There are many attractive product lines that absorb rainfall while reducing runoff.
BENEFITS:
1. Storm water runoff reduction
Through the use of permeable pavers in Grand Rapids area driveways and parking areas, the amount of storm water that reaches water treatment systems can be reduced. This will save money for municipalities and keep our lakes cleaner.
2. Aquifer recharge
Porous pavements detain storm water and allow it to slowly add to the ground water levels and mimic the natural water cycle.
3. Pollution control
Paved surfaces used for vehicle traffic catch some of the pollutants that flow into streams and lakes with the storm water. Permeable pavers filter suspended solids, nutrients, and metals through the crushed stone base and aid in the break down of contaminants.
4. Cost savings
Experience has shown that even though the initial installation costs more, permeable pavers have maintenance costs that are 30% less than asphalt.
5. Cooling effects and looking cool
Permeable pavers that are sown with grass seed have a lower surface temperature than asphalt. Porous pavers look great! The open areas of these pavers can have soil and grass seed added to give a very unique look.
Over 90% of rainfall events are of half an inch less. Much of this rainfall can be handled by permeable pavers. By showing your clients the benefits you can add more green to your bottom line.
Source: Paveloc Industries, Inc.
Grand Rapids Rain Gardens
WHY SHOULD WE HAVE RAIN GARDENS in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Grand Rapids Rain Gardens
Clean Water the Natural Way
With all the rain that we have had in the last week you’ve probably been wondering where does all the water go and what pollution is carrying with it. Before the days of pavement most of the water was absorbed back into the aquafier where it fell. Today with pavement and pipes the water is transported into our rivers and lakes along with the residue from our cars. Rain Gardens slow the flow of runoff as temporary reservoirs designed to contain, filter, and absorb the water keeping it from the storm sewer.
Beautiful New Habitat
Properly designed rain gardens can be amazingly beautiful features of the landscape. They are also a source of entertainment for the owners and home to many butterflies beneficial insects and songbirds.
Build it Once
Rain gardens are meant to filter the runoff rapidly, meaning the water drains within 24 hours of the storm. For proper filtration you need the right mix of about 50% sand, 20% soil, and 30% compost. No topsoil is needed for sites of heavy clay. Care must be taken during construction to minimize soil compaction in the rain garden by equipment and foot traffic.
Right Plant, Right Place
Different plant species will be needed for the low level, mid level, and top level of the rain garden. Conditions of sun and shade will influence the selection process. And you will want to top it off with 3 inches of mulch to keep the plants moist during dry spells and to help discourage weeds.
Cottage Landscape, Grand Rapids Area MI
The Cottage Landscape
Low maintenance landscape Grand Rapids MI
Personal tastes in landscaping can be as unique as you are. However most folks agree that well planned exterior hardscapes and plantings will increase property values in the Grand Rapids area, it’s curb appeal and will add benefit to your life experience.
Easy breezy and low maintenance landscaping
The top request from our Grand Rapids area clients is low maintenance. This can be achieved, but please remember there is no such thing as zero maintenance. During establishment (usually the first year after installation) it is important to keep up on weeding and watering. With most perennials there is the need either (pre season or end of season) to cut down the growth of the previous year. With these basic tasks covered you can enjoy the outside as much as the inside of your cottage!
Right plant, right place
Let’s look at the possibilities for a dry, sunny site with poor soil. With less than ideal soil it is a good idea to add leaf compost for a good start. Adding a temporary soaker hose will make watering a snap. Slow release fertilizer added when planting will give your plants an extra boost. Putting the right plant in the right place is the biggest key to success. Plant selection should be based on how it will perform in specific location. There are plants that need full sun and some need shade, some like wet feet and others need well drained soil. You also need to know what plants deer will browse. It is important to know what your plant needs before the shovel goes in the ground.
Tough sun lovers
With so many different cultivars of these plants, you’re bound to find some that tickle your fancy. Here is a short list of some drought tolerant, full sun perennials:
| Allium (ornamental chive)
Baptisia (wild indigo) Butterfly Bush Coreopsis Echinacea (coneflower) Euonymous |
Lavender
Nepeta Ornamental grasses Perovskia (Russian Sage) Sedum Vinca (Myrtle) |
Check out my interview, The Importance of Proper Landscape Maintenance on Michigan Homes, one of the top sites for Michigan homes for sale, including Macomb, MI real estate. Michigan Homes also services Illinois homes for sale and Pennsylvania homes for sale.
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