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Well, here we are entering the typically second hottest month of the year and coming off some of the most severe heat and drought periods on record. Our cool season grasses are doing all they can to kick themselves into survival mode and merely exist. Because of the climatic conditions that present themselves to us here in the heart of the transition zone, we have been taught for years to cut back on the amount of nitrogen applied in our cool season turf areas.
Some of these climatic and self-inflicted conditions include:
1. Relentless disease pressure (brought on by excessive nitrogen and warm night time temperatures),
excessive heat
2. Lack of adequate precipitation
3. Insect pressure and wear damage from numerous sporting activities.
These conditions along with many of the plant processes automatically shutting down in order to survive, take their toll on the overall health of the turf grass plant, and also deplete the “life” right out of our soils. For these reasons, we at Dickens Supply believe in feeding the “over-worked and under-fed” soil with our organic based fertilizers, providing many beneficial microbes and replenishing numerous sustainable minerals. Two of our more popular analysis are: Replenish 10-2-5 and our 9-1-5 with sul-po-mag. Applying heavy laden urea based products at this time of year, can do much more harm than good for our cool season grasses. Our motto here at Dickens Supply is “feed the soil and let the soil feed the plant”, after all, that is the way mother-nature intended it to be.
On the other hand, things couldn’t be better for our Bermuda grasses. Some folks are saying “finally” we have a real Bermuda growing summer. “The hotter the better” , I believe would be a resounding comment if the Bermuda grass plant could talk. Contradictory to the cool season nutritional practices listed above, the one thing that both warm and cool season grasses have in common would be the desire of a biologically, physically and chemically balanced soil. This again can only be accomplished by applying some of the well balanced, mineral enhanced organic fertilizers like our Replenish 5-4-5 worked into the soil profile. This process is best performed by aeration followed by top-dressing with a good quality sand. One of the biggest differences between the two types of grasses, would be the desire of nitrogen that Bermuda requires this time of year. The hearty nitrogen requirements for these warm season grasses are best accomplished by our polymer/epoxy coated fertilizers that release nitrogen strictly based upon air temperatures only. This means excessive microbial activity, rain or irrigation will not dictate the possible release of large amounts of nitrogen over a short period of time, therefore slowly releasing nitrogen at a precise metered amount just as mother nature intended.
A few of my recommendations are our 30-0-15 with 80% XRT (extended release technology…3 month release) and our 30-0-15 with 100% Surfcoat (4 month release).
The strengths of these fertilizers are:
1) as the temperatures get hotter, the nutrient requirements from the Bermuda gets larger, the more these coated materials release nitrogen, therefore feeding the plant when they desire the most nutrient.
2) because of their extended release technology, “feed it and forget it” apply one time for season long residual.
Phosphorus, one of the two other major nutrients, is often overlooked this time of year. Although this important nutrient is not used as much as nitrogen and potassium it plays a vital role in the scheme of things and should not be so easily discounted. This can be found as the middle number in the analysis on a bag of fertilizer. Bermuda grasses tend to have quite an appetite for this major nutrient during this time of year as well. The Replenish line of organic fertilizers contain both “hard” and “soft” rock phosphates for readily available forms of this nutrient as well as long term sustainable forms.
As always, before starting any nutrient program, we strongly suggest running soil samples through the fine folks at Soil First Consulting and Logan Labs so that we may provide you with the most accurate and proper nutrient and soil amendment suggestions.
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Summer Fertilization and Lawn Care in Nashville Area
Summer Watering
Consistent watering is the key to maintaining a picture perfect landscape filled with beautiful turf and plants. It is during the summer months that landscaping often sustains the most damage due to lack of water. One of the easiest ways to manage watering is with an installed irrigation system. At the bare minimum, a conventional hose and sprinklers must be used throughout the summer to sustain landscaping. Water landscaping and gardens every other day during the driest periods of the year for best results.
For most lawns and gardens, watering should be set up for a penetration level of 6” to 8” below the surface areas of the soil. If you experience dry areas or wet spots, adjust the watering tools, such as sprinkler heads. For some areas, like shrub plantings or floral beds, other techniques and tools may be used, including dripper hose systems, soaker hose systems, and water emitter spray heads.
Peach Tree Inc. Landscaping professional crews are experts providing all landscaping services, including seasonal checks of irrigation systems for proper functioning and patterns. Irrigation systems should be checked weekly to avoid wasting water if sprinkler heads or drip emitters are broken or misaligned. Our crews also do maintenance mowing of landscaped areas. Professional mowing services can conserve summer watering use by keeping lawn areas at the optimal height to keep lawns healthy and to make the best use of watering.
Summer watering is only as effective as the devices being used to disperse the water over the landscaping and onto beds. Clogged or broken sprinkler heads, misaligned spray heads and other problems with watering systems can impede healthy growth and cause brown spots or dead plants. Our crews check out sprinkler heads and complete watering systems for pattern effectiveness and conservation.
If soil is compacted, Peach Tree Inc. lawn crews can solve the problem with aeration of the landscaped areas. They know soils in the middle Tennessee region, and can solve even the most difficult summer watering challenges. Our crews are in this central region from Murfreesboro to Nashville, Henderson to Spring Hill and all other central Tennessee cities and towns every day. We can easily work your property into our maintenance schedule. Call today for summer watering services and have your lawn looking its best all summer long.
Selecting a Contractor
Choosing the right contractor for your project:
Choosing a qualified installer is as important as the choosing of the materials themselves. The quality and durability of your landscapes project depends on a job well done and that means a job undertaken by specialists. To make an informed decision as to the choice of installer, it is an excellent idea to ask a few simple questions, and get some satisfactory answers. Here are some questions we recommend you ask:
1. How many years of experience does the installer have?
2. Has the contractor educated himself by attending seminars?
3. Can the installer supply references for the last three jobs completed? (Do not hesitate to contact these people and ask to see the work that was completed.)
4. Is the installation plan clear and accurate? Do you understand every part of it? Have the contractor diagram, your project on paper to ensure the project will meet your expectations. (You should fee free to ask to see photos and sample of products.)
5. Is the installer prepared to draw up a written contract before work starts? (Make sure it includes a description of the work and a schedule.
6. What kind of guarantee is the installer prepared to offer as to the quality of the work?
7. Above all, do not hesitate to ask any other question that might come up when you talk to a prospective installer. Take the time to check the accuracy of the information provided to you. Do not leave any questions unanswered.
Seasonal Color Care and Installation
Seasonal color is the way to dress up your landscaping throughout the year. Peachtree Inc. Landscaping is well experienced in dressing up landscaping in the central Tennessee geographic area. Their expert crews are ready to come in and change up your plantings to coordinate seasonal color with the calendar, so your grounds and buildings always look their colorful best.
You are not limited to keeping the same floral plantings after they have peaked and faded when their season has passed. Many spring flowers do not make it all the way to fall looking good. The same goes for fall floral plants. The reason to call in experts to make the seasonal switch is that to keep floral displays looking their best, much more is involved than just popping a plant into the soil.
Peachtree Inc. Landscape crews are trained in soil management and cultivation techniques that produce the best results in every season. To name a few, the grounds will glow with beautiful floral plants like Pansies, Begonias, Petunias, Tulips and Coleus. They swap out seasonal color in the spring and fall with custom created new displays.
Before the flowers go in, the soil beds must be prepped with soil conditioner and compost to renew the supply of nutrients floral beds must have for peak performance and bloom. Our crews add in custom fertilizer to encourage maximum blooming and color.
Ongoing care for floral beds is another necessity to keep the landscaping colors looking fresh and at their best. The beds require continual fertilizing and care to get the results you want from beautiful and colorful plants. Peachtree Inc. Landscaping crews are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable about the soil and geography indigenous to the central Tennessee region.
Our teams are in the central area towns and cities every day of the year keeping floral beds and general landscaping looking fantastic. We serve many businesses and residential properties in Murfreesboro, Nashville, Clarksville, Brentwood, Manchester, Springfield and many surrounding areas. We are very proud of the quality of our ornamental management, and our awards from Murfreesboro Magazine of “Best Landscaping Contractor” and our “Beautification Award” from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.
Our services include complete landscaping and grounds maintenance, irrigation service and installation, outdoor lighting, and property maintenance. If you need lawn care, landscape design, parking lot sweeping or any other property beautification services, contact us for personal attention. Visit www.peachtreeinc.com today!
Landscape Bed Re-Mulching
The Importance of Re-Mulching All Beds
Most people who care about landscaping understand the importance of using mulch on beds and around trees, but they may not realize the importance of re-mulching all beds periodically. Mulch is a protective covering of plant or natural materials or synthetics. The main reason for using mulch is to help offset any local climatic effects throughout the year. Mulch is also used for beautification of landscaping.
Our Landscape professionals at Peach Tree Landscaping have training and experience with applications of mulch products to the particular soils in the middle Tennessee region. We mulch, re-mulch and maintain landscape beds in residential and business properties in cities large or small, including Nashville, Murfreesboro, Gallatin, Brentwood and Clarksville. They know which mulch materials will work best in different areas and around various plantings. Our crews do regular mulch maintenance and renewal several times yearly for satisfied customers.
It is incorrect to believe that once mulch has been placed onto the landscape the job is done. Proper care of mulched areas means maintaining the quality of the original materials so that they work as desired. Since mulch is exposed to the elements of sun, wind and rain, it will deteriorate over time. Problems may also develop with unattended mulched areas. Re-mulching annually or twice a year can prevent many problems from developing. It is important that mulch be in good condition to function as intended.
Mulch is used on beds and in other landscape areas to protect plants from weather, keep soil moist, beautify, prevent weed growth, warm up soil for early season use, conserve water and to reduce soil erosion and compaction. Many types of mulch products can be used. Organics, compost, rubber, plastic or gravel are just a few common mulch materials that are popular. Some are temporary due to decay, while others are long lasting. All require follow-up attention for best results.
Things to watch out for include weed seed growth, termites, bacteria, toxicity, fungi and other problems that are negatives for plant success. Mulches should be kept a certain distance from buildings and trees to avoid unwanted damage. Layers should not be above two inches in height for maximum effectiveness and to allow air and water to circulate.
Peach Tree professionals know how different materials react over time and in the outdoor elements. Call our office today or visit http://www.peachtreeinc.comto learn more about our award winning landscape and design services.
Irrigation System Design and Installtion
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Irrigation System Design and Installation
Irrigation system design and installation is a task that requires an experienced project manager. It is not a do-it-yourself project by any means, due to the technical nature of the components involved. Hiring a door knocking contractor will not bring satisfactory results or an ongoing commitment to success like you are guaranteed when you work with Peach Tree Inc.
Many landscaping areas are not flat. They have slopes and hills or valleys to add beauty and diversity to the lawn areas. This type of terrain requires special knowledge for irrigation system design and installation to achieve proper watering. If an irrigation system is designed poorly, dry areas will appear and the system will not perform properly. There are many components that make up an irrigation system, including sprinklers, valves, controllers, central controls and sensors. Many technical calculations must be done to determine the proper pipe sizing, water pressure, volume and head spacing for the irrigation system. This should be done at the design stage and not later when a problem arises. Planning is the best solution for avoiding expensive redesign or repair work. Peach Tree Inc. is the best choice for irrigation design and installation. Our professional landscape crews have received many prestigious awards for their projects. We are experienced in working with all types of terrain in the middle Tennessee region, and we service over 400 satisfied clients in towns from Nashville to Springfield, Murfreesboro to Clarksville and others. We will design a custom system appropriate for your lawn and beds. We do not work by guessing; we know what to do. Peach Tree Inc. services all systems that we install, and provide year around maintenance and troubleshooting services. Winterization is important for maintaining your installed irrigation system. Our experience brings you streamlined service and lower costs to create maximum value for every dollar you spend. Our custom systems can reduce your plant losses and cut maintenance personnel costs. Because the system waters at night, no pedestrian traffic is interfered with during daytime hours. Large corporations trust Peach Tree Inc. with their landscaping, property maintenance, lighting, irrigation, parking lot maintenance and other landscape services. We gladly serve residential property as well as commercial and industrial locations for the entire central Tennessee region. Call our headquarters today for more information, or explore our website, www.peachtreeinc.com, for project details, testimonials, and photographs. Allow Peach Tree Inc. to beautify your landscaping today. |
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Turf Aeration and Overseeding
Turf Aeration and Overseeding
Annual turf aeration and overseeding are two methods for improving the looks and health of lawn areas. These procedures are done preferably in the fall, but are also effective when done in the early spring. Peach Tree Inc. Landscaping is well experienced with managing turf aeration and overseeding for the types of turf areas found in central Tennessee.
Turf Aeration by core plugging is a process that helps the soil by puncturing it with a special machine that removes small cores from the soil. Cores are reabsorbed into the lawn naturally. Core plugging turf areas encourages healthy growth by reducing soil compaction. The core holes allow air and water to get deep into the top layer of soil and help get nutrients and seeds into the soil. This is an important process to help stimulate root growth.
Aeration is an effective way to renew lawn areas that have heavy traffic or that are looking old and patchy. Peach Tree professional landscaping crews perform aeration and overseeding for many clients in towns across this area, including Murfreesboro, Manchester, Brentwood, Bowling Green, Gallatin, Spring Hill and Nashville.
Overseeding is another important annual lawn treatment that is frequently performed after core plugging to introduce new grass coverage to an area. Seeds are distributed over the existing lawn areas to boost new grass growth and help eliminate patchy or brown areas. Peach Tree performs overseeding with a premium turf type fescue grass following core plugging.
Peach Tree Inc. professional work crews are familiar with all soil conditions in the central Tennessee area. They take care when doing aeration to avoid damage to any sprinkler heads, underground shallow lines, and underground utility, cable or septic lines.
Call Peach Tree for your annual aeration and overseeding of lawn areas in the fall or springtime for best results. Attractive and healthy lawn areas require regular maintenance and care. Peach Tree is an award winning landscape and irrigation company located in Central Tennessee.
Snow and Ice Services
Snow and Ice Services
Snow and ice services are another specialty of Peach Tree Inc. Winter snow and ice management is just as important to landscaping as summer lawn and yard management tasks. Our landscaping professionals stay busy all year around because the central Tennessee area gets its fair share of winter snow and ice, including some heavy accumulations and snow banks.
When a winter storm threatens, one of the best things to be done is the pre-application of snow and ice melting chemicals. Salt is not preferred because it can damage paved surfaces and lawn and garden areas. Our crews apply a calcium chloride granular chemical for melting snow and ice. We never use salt. Using a pre-application will prevent ice build up from forming and make snow removal easier. During harsh weather outbreaks, you can rely on Peach Tree Inc. to arrive as scheduled to clear your parking lots and paved areas from dangerous snow and ice.
Our professional landscape crews are on the way to towns all over the Central Tennessee area, from Nashville to Cookeville and other towns. We are regularly seen at large and small businesses, as well as personal residences. No job is too big or too small for Peach Tree Inc. Our operators are experienced and ready to respond to every call quickly. We do our job thoroughly and safely. When there are heavy accumulations, we bring out our quality snow plows and other snow and ice removal equipment. Businesses value our services because they know that keeping a business open in all types of weather is essential to successful operations.
Maintaining landscaping and paved surfaces is just as important in winter as in summer. Keeping parking lots clear of snow, ice or debris is a safety factor and that is one job that cannot wait. Call on Peach Tree Inc. or visit our website for details, www.peachtreeinc.com. We are ready to serve and are regularly on the job in middle Tennessee towns like Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Franklin, Manchester, Henderson, Gallatin and Brentwood.
We are proud to be the recipient of the “Best Landscape Contractor” award from Murfreesboro Magazine. The Nashville Chamber of Commerce has also bestowed the “Beautification Award” upon our company recently. We proudly serve the entire mid state region of Tennessee. We offer everyone the highest quality services at the best prices all year around. Call us today for top quality landscaping in any season.
Ornamental Shrub Care
Peach Tree Inc landscaping is well aware of the importance of ornamental management. In addition to our design, installation and maintenance services, we specialize in protection of your landscaping investments. Ornamental shrubs, trees, flowers and bushes require simple preventative applications of fungicides or pesticides in a timely manner. This monitoring for insects and ornamental plant diseases is incorporated into our affordable landscape maintenance packages that can save thousands of dollars in replacements should damage be allowed to progress unchecked.
Our service crews will inspect ornamental plantings to determine the sources of problems. They are experienced and trained to know what to look for in different types of plants and trees. The middle Tennessee area has specialized ornamental management needs that are constantly changing as the landscapes around the area are redone and replanted. Problems can show up on flowers, leaves or on the entire plant.
For some areas of grass there is endophytic fungus that is the problem. In fescue grasses the problem fungus actually gives a benefit to the grass although the end result is bad for wildlife. The fungus causes the grasses to become inedible due to toxic qualities. Knowing what to look for, how to treat the problem and what time of year is best for treatment is essential to solving these problems. Timing of herbicide application is critical. Peach Tree landscape crews will treat your ornamentals properly and at the right time for success.
Our service teams and design teams work together in landscape planning, to try to avoid future problems from the beginning. If certain trees are planted they will be subject to weather breakage problems (Hackberry, Virginia Pine, Chinaberry, Weeping Willows) or insect invasion. Silver Maple and Boxelder are notorious for hosting mites, aphids and scales that damage the trees and create lawn litter. Other trees like Norway Maple make growing grass underneath the trees a problem. Many trees are subject to pests including Eastern Tent Caterpillars, Fall Webworms, Cankerworms, Gypsy Moths and Sawfiles. They can become unsightly with seeds, pods, bird droppings, smelly odors and other problems that planning prior to planting can avoid.
Problems will produce unsightly damage on flowers, leaves or on the entire plant. Ornamental management is a Peach Tree Inc specialty. We have received many honors and awards including “Best Landscaping Contractor” from Murfreesboro Magazine. We serve over 400 clients in Nashville and hundreds more in the central Tennessee area. Our crews service properties in Franklin, Clarksville, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Brentwood and other towns with design, installation, irrigation, lighting and maintenance services.
We provide ornamental management services to residences and large corporations such as McDonald’s, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart and Lowes. To set up an appointment or consultation just visit our website at http://www.peachtreeinc.comor contact our Peach Tree Inc landscaping home offices. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and ornamentals can be very weighty! Call today for fast service from the experts in ornamental management at Peach Tree.
Landscape Design
Landscape Design
At Peach Tree Inc., our landscape design team envisions your property as an opportunity to create a fresh new living work of art. Professional landscaping adds value to your industrial, commercial or residential property and designing can be done at any time. Experience shows that the best time to bring in our in house landscape design team is during the initial planning stages prior to building. It is like starting with a blank canvas and creating a masterpiece with all the little essentials included.
Our team meets with clients to gather and exchange ideas to formulate a game plan that will efficiently and effectively create all the landscape features desired by the client that also work for the property. Our design services include planning, installation and maintenance services. Irrigation systems, piping, outdoor lighting, patio, deck, garden and water features are all important to proper landscape design. Our award winning staff is also proficient at planning and maintenance of hardscape areas such as patios, paved areas, and walkways.
Our Peach Tree staff includes an award winning landscape designer who is available for consultation and creation of custom master landscape plans for our clients in middle Tennessee. Our company serves commercial, industrial and residential customers in the central area of the state including Nashville, Bowling Green, Clarksville and Franklin. Our crews do maintenance regularly in all size towns and are always able to add new clients to our service routes.
We have over 400 clients in Nashville. Large corporations such as Wal-Mart, Lowes, Taco Bell, Cracker Barrel, McDonald’s, Kohl’s and Kroger have entrusted landscape services to Peach Tree Inc. We have many satisfied customers in Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Brentwood, Clarksville, Manchester, Springfield and Cookville.
Our landscape design team starts from below the ground up, planning for custom irrigation systems, plant and garden beds, green areas and water features. They take all the guess work and hassles that come with achieving proper watering out of your project so your project progresses smoothly. Being able to get a photo finish look when completed is only possible with expert landscape design planning from the start.
You can rely on Peach Tree Inc. for continued maintenance service to keep your landscaping looking exactly as planned. Maintenance also keeps costs to a minimum as problems that might develop are caught promptly. We take Tennessee pride to heart and will be around for years to come with the same excellence of service. The size of our company also benefits your landscaping projects as we are able to make advantageous purchases for projects and have the best equipment available.
Contact our office or visit our website at www.peachtreeinc.com to arrange for professional custom landscape design service for your property location.