Krob Landscape Blog

Do You Need Landscaping During Winter?

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 18:49:59 GMT

You with your favorite wooly socks, a cup of hot chocolate (with floaty marshmallows, of course), and watching the snow pile u………Wait, what?

According to the Farmer’s Almanac (and cousin Earl, who fancies himself an amateur weather-guesser), winter in the south for 2021 could be a mixed bag of ups and downs with temperatures and precipitation. So, you never know.

What to do then?

First, we need to remember that the lawns, trees, flowers – your landscape, is dormant, not dead. While it needs the winter to rest and replenish, it still requires some care and maintenance. And as we’ve talked about in previous blogs, preparation now will lend itself to beautiful lawns (and less startup care) come springtime. With that, let’s focus on what needs to be done.

Pruning, Pulling, Mulching

In our zone (8 or 9), the late winter to very early spring is the perfect time to do the vast majority of your pruning, because it allows the plant to be protected against incisions that cause plants to dry out, which happens if temps drop below freezing. Pruning should be done on dry days to ensure diseases aren’t introduced that could be waterborne. This is also the time to pay attention to your plant’s shape and location of lower branches and to prune the plant in question according to the desired outcome.

Look at your flowerbeds and outside planters and yank out those annuals that have seen better days, and you’ll be closer to ready when it’s time to plant anew.

You can use this time to mulch around plants, especially those that are younger (i.e. saplings), or add wire mesh and burlap to protect them from frost or freezing temperatures.

Take a look at your Hardscape, too!

When you’re not having to worry about what to cut, grow, pull or plant, it’s a good time to look at your more permanent structures (hardscapes) and see if you can move, remove, add or change locations or styles. Things like benches, hanging pots, trellises, and so forth, are easy to get lost in the spring and summer if there is overgrowth or other elements pulling your eye away. But, like grandpa in a union suit, winter reveals all! Take a look around to ensure you are happy with your design, and if not, consider changing elements to new locations.

You can also dress up your planters, pots and other hardscapes with winter features such as wreaths, pine boughs, ornaments, and on and on.

Is that It?

Not by a long shot. Part of landscaping concerns the tools you use. Some good tips to keep in mind:

Drain your mower’s gas and oil. Most experts agree that just adding a fuel stabilizer is not good enough. Older gas will gunk up carburetors, clog fuel lines, and potentially damage other parts. Oil, which can do similar damage, should also be removed from your mowers.

Drain your sprinkler systems. Find your main valve and ensure it is completely shut off. Then you should wrap it with insulation or even use just a plastic bag sufficiently wrapped around the valve and then duct-taped to withstand the winter months. If you have drain valves for your lawn zones, open them to release any standing water. And don’t forget to shut off your automatic timers!

Sharpen your tools. Get out those pruning shears, shovels (yes, shovels), tree or pole saws, and so on, and put ‘em on your bench and get busy, or find a local tool sharpener and you’ll be ready once pruning or planting season begins.

Need Advice?

Krob Landscape has been through a winter or two (or three, or…ahem), knows the land well, and so are happy to impart our love for our area and its winter requirements with you. We are experts in maintenance, removal, design and installation of all things landscape, whether commercial or residential and will listen to your needs and then help to either build a plan or a quote to provide any necessary services we offer to keep your landscape the example of beauty.

We are grateful for your business with us, thankful for your continued trust in us and know this season of giving lets us give you the best advice and ideas to keep your trust.

We hope to see you soon and wish y’all Happy Holidays!

How to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 22:28:09 GMT

Soon it will be time for Turkey Trots, turkey basting and for the woodsy types, turkey chasing. But before you get all up into who ate the last piece of Thanksgiving pie, consider your grass. That’s right, before it goes into hibernation, your lawn deserves some final touches to make it ready for a wintery nap.

All I Need is the Air That I Breathe

Before the weather outside gets frightful

And the fire feels so delightful

Prior to the first frosty blast

Make sure to aerate your grass

This fun jingle above is a reminder to all homeowners and caretakers: before the first frost of the season, aerate your lawns. Why? Like us, grass needs a little breathing room, and aerating also helps with the inevitable crowding that happens over the course of the warmer months. Plus, you will want to fertilize and by opening the soil a bit, this helps the grass store those needed nutrients it will need later on. And when it “springs” back to action, your grass will come up healthier and lusher!

Weed, Seed and Feed

Typically, the fall season brings about good conditions in which to work your lawn. Using either a good weeding tool or by hand, remove anything you identify as a weed. A broadleaf herbicide will also do the trick (make sure it’s labeled “selective”, as these should not harm your grasses). Also, remember it’s best to spot-apply the herbicide rather than treating the entire lawn.

The soil will generally be softer and moister (easier to work), especially with all the rain we’ve had this year! So, using a good, stiff garden rake, scratch the top layer of your soil; use a good seed (see last month’s blog to find out more about seed selection); generously spread - highlighting bare spots; then finish with a covering of straw to keep birds from treating your hard work as an invitation to eat.

You can also fertilize with compost or commercial material found at most home centers or nurseries. And lastly, keep the seeded areas well-watered until you see new growth.

Raking and Piling that which Falls

It can bring a smile to watch your kids, the neighbor’s kids, or your pup jump in a leaf pile, despite the work that goes into creating that pile of fun. But leave them too long, and your lawn will not find it funny. Piles of grass or leaves not meant for compost can prevent sunlight from reaching the grass underneath, hurting growth. Leaves or grass left on your lawn can cause weakness in the grass or the onset of winter diseases. The same can be said for that heap of joy causing mold by trapping moisture that can’t naturally evaporate. Take the time to remove the leaves and grass, and your lawn will thank you for it next year.

Questions? Advice? Help?

We at Krob are more than a full-service residential or commercial landscaping company, with a desire to help you with your design, maintenance or installation needs. We are your neighbor. And we care about our community and those we serve with our knowledge and expertise. Come by and see us, or give us a call if you have questions about your lawn, your garden, or if you just have general landscaping questions or concerns. We’re here to help.

See you soon, neighbor!

Krob Can Help Maintain Your Lawn Health

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 23:29:43 GMT

That Doggone Grass!

Author and Naturist Hel Borland once said, “Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence“.

If there’s one thing most any homeowner or caretaker of a yard knows, it’s that grass loves to grow, and grow, and grow. It will lend itself to growing in cracks of concrete, on trees, heck, even in between house siding! But sometimes, that tenacious grass doesn’t look like we want: lush green is more like not-so-lush brown. And when it’s like that, lying on a beautiful lawn at night to watch the stars, instead feels you’re lying on a bed of nails while performing a circus act. No thanks!

Where to Start?

One of the first things to consider if you are going to start a lawn, or attempt to recover or further a lawn, is what growing zone you and your lawn are in. For most of us along the Gulf Coast, it is Zone 8 (some say 9, but an 8 ½ is probably more realistic).

Once you have that knowledge, now your search for the right seed or products to support seeding can begin. Yes, believe it or not, there are actually recommendations for which grass to grow according to where you (and your lawn) reside!

When to Start?

Okay, so you know the zone, now comes buying the seed. I mean, after all, the seed is seed, right? Wrong! Are you seriously going to buy a house without taking a walk-through first? Aren’t you curious to know if there are any problems lurking before you sign documents? Well, guess what, grass selection requires the same diligence!

You want to read the contents of whatever container you are considering to find out about percentages of weed seed (less the weeds, better the seeds), drought tolerance, disease and insect resistance.

Now, remember talking about zones? Yeah, here’s where that comes in handy. Knowing the zone helps to know which variety of grass to purchase because there are cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses. There’s Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, centipede, ryegrass, and so on. (A Krob tip: stay away from annual ryegrass – it’s only good for the year!). And within genus grass types, sub-types exist. Uh-huh, that’s right. Fescues can be creeping red, chewing, or sheep, to name a fescue – oops, I mean to name a few!

That It?

Ahh - you’ve spread, sown, scattered, or downright chunked the seed, and now it’s time to prop up your feet, grab a nice tall glass of sweet tea and watch that grass fixin’ to sprout. Sorry, but there’s oh so much more. Mulching, fertilizing, watering, and keeping pesky neighbors off the lawn are also a requirement if you want that ‘Yard of the Month’ lawn.

So, just like shopping for a house or a Washer Dryer set, educating yourself on what you are buying will save you lots of trouble (weeding, dying grass) later on.

Krob Can Help!

Do you want more porch sitting and less mowing? Call us! We provide complete and total lawn care and maintenance. We can help you navigate the outdoor lawn and garden centers to find the right and proper material you need if you decide to go it alone. Or, we will work with you on developing a comprehensive plan to bring your lawn to a place of enjoyment.

Truth is, grass produces oxygen (and 2,500 sq. ft. lawn can provide enough oxygen for a family of 4 – unless y’all are football players, then it might only be 2!), helps filter the quality of the air we breathe, can help cool a house, provide erosion control, and other benefits. So, with all that grass provides us, shouldn’t we care all we can about our lawns? And the best place to get advice, get a plan, or get it done for you, is right here with the lawn experts – Krob Landscape!

Preparing and Protecting Your Home during Hurricane Season

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 23:46:11 GMT

What Is Known

If you live near or are visiting the Gulf Coast area, you should know hurricane season around here is now. More specifically, hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th - September being the most active month, with the climatological peak happening around the 10th of September (that’s climate geek-speak for statistically the most likely day to find storm activity in the Atlantic Basin).

Hurricanes are caused by a lack of wind shear combined with warm water, a mishmash of evaporation, higher winds and other phenomena that, mixed together, create the potential for destructive weather.

Our big storm from last year, Hurricane Sally, produced over 3 million cubic yards of debris – more than Ivan did ten years previously, at an estimated damage value of $5-7 Billion! Almost no one was immune to some sort of landscape loss.

Predicting is not Preparing

We are all aware of the weather changes along the Gulf Coast as fast as all get out, and during these summer months when we’re not preoccupied with pools and beaches or praying for football, we’re watching or listening to the latest news for rain, humidity – and hurricanes. But paying attention to weather patterns in the form of cones or cooked spaghetti and making decisions based on predictions can be a recipe for disaster.

When it looks as though we may be in the path, even early on, it’s time to review things like food, water, fuel, an alternate means of power (i.e. batteries, generators), and your or your family’s evacuation plan. What is too often overlooked, however, is preparing the outside of your home, to include your landscaping.

But preparing also means thinking of hurricanes BEFORE you plant! Tree locations, for example, should be carefully considered, like proximity to a structure can be the difference between windows being replaced or surviving the storm.

Give us a call when you are looking at design, and our experts will help you consider the possibilities to get the maximum appeal from your trees as well as help determine practical locations to minimize storm damage.

Prevent Pots & Plants Being Projectiles

When getting prepared for the impending storm, think beyond just the rain. There’s the potential for high winds, flooding, flying debris, and so on. Wrap larger plants in a heavier burlap tied with rather robust string, rope or bungees. Build a canopy around garden plants, wrapping them if possible.

In the case of storm prepping, look at your beautiful design of potted plants, not as the work it will take to piece it back together once it passes, but the projectile you may have sitting close to your vehicles, homes or other out-buildings. Move the pots to a more protected area, such as under the cover of a garage or carport. If they are sensitive or delicate plantings, bring them inside temporarily.

Planning is Prevailing

You’ve taken all these steps or some form thereof, and now you’re ready, right? Not so fast. What about your gutters? They need to be cleaned out.

Take another look at your trees to ensure there aren’t more limbs to take out, palm fronds to pull down or cut, or pieces already on the ground. Think about pruning to create some better openings for the wind to pass through.

And once the storm has passed, there is the cleanup involved. Heavy limbs, upturned sod or garden patches, etc., all need to be addressed as quickly as possible.

One thing to remember: take pictures and document ALL of your damage. Landscaping included!

Now What?

The aftermath of any devastating storm can at times be overwhelming, but with a post plan in mind, the days ahead need not be quite so daunting. When steps are taken before the storm, it can make a big difference when it is deemed safe to venture out and survey what you are facing.

But you are not alone. Krob can help, both before and after. We will help with design to potentially reduce plant loss to a storm. And we clean gutters, do clearing of debris, can blow off roofs, and so on.

Krob knows hurricanes, so give us a call or come see us today!

Reasons Commercial Landscape is a Must for your Business

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 23:46:10 GMT

Curb Appeal Attracts Customers

A recent survey of a southern community found that 74% of the public will frequent businesses based on landscaping, including parking lots and areas in front and around your building.

You can stand out amongst your competitors with thoughtful and tasteful design, installation and maintenance of the outside spaces surrounding your business.

More than owners think, consumers will pull into a parking lot, only to pull away if the business looks unkempt or uncared for, even without knowing anything else! Point is, make your curb appeal, appealing.

Focus On Your Business

The world seems to be spinning faster and faster each day, with little signs of ever slowing down. And that spin requires more of your time to be dedicated to the success of your business – meaning less time for those pesky tasks which nevertheless affect your bottom line.

Like the landscaping. By partnering with Krob, we’ll take the stress out of “just another thing to do” for you. We listen, suggest, then we’ll implement our shared vision of what you want for your customers, for your company.

Let us do our business, so you can do your business.

Landscape Companies Have the Proper Tools

Nothing is more aggravating than needing the right tool for whatever task you are wishing to accomplish. And just as the right wrench, ladder or software can save time for either the DIYer or business owner, so can having the right landscaping tools.

Problem is, good landscaping requires much more than just a garden rake or shovel of some kind. Garden tools, fertilizer, ladders, trash removal material and so on, not only make the job easier, they can make the difference between “eh” and “wow!” However, the investment can be significant if you want to do it yourself.

But Krob relieves you of having specific tools, and of keeping a schedule to maintain your yard or lawn. We also use premium tools and material, meaning your landscape is not only done well, and on time, it’s done with quality results.

Think Safety

Trees are your thing, so you’d like to incorporate them into your design. Gardens add to the overall pleasing effect of your business, and you’d prefer a natural-looking area surrounding your location.

But with trees come limbs, branches or sticks, and so does the opportunity for them to fall where and when they shouldn’t, and often when you least expect or realize it. Nature is a wonderful thing, but pests love it, too.

Krob’s professionals can spot and properly care for trees before they are a liability, and are trained to spot potential pest control problems so that your landscape is maintained not only aesthetically, but with safety in mind as well.

Lower Your Energy Bills

That’s right, lower them. By selectively planting well-placed trees and shrubs, you can provide shade to your place of business, and help reduce heat absorption, which in turn lowers air conditioning requirements. Shrubs protect from heat against your building’s walls and windows, while trees can help with taller structures.

Krob will help select the ideal spots, and their expertise ensures your building is protected against both erosion and water saturation, by allowing wind flow and drainage away. Smart!

Be A Community Leader

Your street, your block, your neighborhood. The poet Alexander Smith once said, “A man doesn't plant a tree for himself. He plants it for posterity.” When you care about how you look, others take notice.

And when they care, the seed is planted for everyone to care about, now, and in the future. Your commercial landscape means more than just beautifying your immediate spaces, it means you believe in bringing others around you up.

We at Krob believe in working with businesses to develop comprehensive yet elegant landscapes and are committed to helping you succeed by creating a pleasing and carefully planned design.

Let Krob partner with you to increase value and save time while beautifying the world around you and your business. Call us for a quote today!

Everything You Need to Know About Krob Landscape’s Lawn Management

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 01:31:22 GMT

If managing your lawn is driving you to madness, you’re not alone. A lush carpet of vibrant green grass will certainly boost your curb appeal, but keeping it that way can be a real drain on your time and energy (not to mention your wallet).

The good news is, you don’t have to mow the months away. Hiring a lawn management service like Krob Landscape can give you the best of both worlds: a lush, healthy lawn and the time you need to enjoy it.

If handing over your lawn management hasn’t crossed your mind, here’s everything you need to know about Krob Landscape’s Lawn Management.

Mowing

Believe it or not, mowing isn’t only about the way your lawn looks. A proper mow actually keeps your lawn healthy and resistant to problems, which helps it stay spectacular for seasons to come.

At Krob Landscape, we provide a masterful mow each and every time. Our professionals know the optimal height for your turf type and use specialized mowing equipment to keep your lawn nice and neat (so no more hours spent sharpening your mower blades). We even offer customizable schedules to provide personal service all season long.

Hedging

If you’re tired of spending hours hacking at your hedges, Krob Landscape has the solution you’ve been searching for. Our professional landscape staff knows how - and when - to prune your hedges to keep them square in shape (or any other shape you desire). After giving your hedges a happy trim, we’ll clean up the clippings to leave your landscape in clean and perfect condition.

Edging

Edging looks excellent, but it takes the right tools and extra time many homeowners don’t have. Luckily, Krob Landscape has the skills and the service to give your entire lawn a crisp, clean look. Our specialists know how to shape up any edge, from garden beds to sidewalks to driveways and more.

Lawn Blowing

After a good mow, discarded lawn debris can leave your landscape with a less-than-desirable look - and hours of clean-up time. Luckily, Krob Landscaping can handle both without handing you any additional stress. Our team uses professional-grade blowers to rid your driveway, deck, and any other hard surfaces of unsightly lawn clippings for a clean, polished landscape.

Fertilizing and Pre/Post Emergents

If you’ve ever gotten frazzled in the fertilizer aisle, you’re not alone. There are so many choices in chemical landscape products, and the wrong one may harm more than help the health of your lawn.

The good news is, there’s an easier way. Krob Landscape has a team of expert lawn professionals that know which fertilizers to apply - and which ones to avoid - for a lush, healthy lawn. We can even take the worry out of weeds with pre- and post-emergents that prevent and protect your lawn from unwanted invaders.

Mulching

A layer of mulch can help you make the most out of your landscape. Beyond keeping your plants in prime condition, a perfectly paired mulch can add a pop of sophistication to your overall landscape look.

However, making the most out of mulch isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Too much mulch can suffocate your soil, while too little leaves the root systems exposed. Mulch also comes in a variety of styles and sizes that each bring unique pros and cons to your plants.

Krob Landscape can take the madness out of mulching by helping you choose the right form and applying it in the right places for maximum benefit to your plants. With seasonal service, we’ll even maintain your mulch at optimal levels month after month for a magnificent look all year long.

Personal Lawn Programs

Your lawn is special - and your lawn care should be, too. Krob Landscape offers residential lawn management (RLM) programs that are completely customizable, from personal services to tailored schedules for every season. If you’re ready to love your lawn again, contact us today!

The Best Times To Mulch Your Beds

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 22:26:52 GMT

When is the best time to mulch your beds? Even landscape enthusiasts find themselves
asking this common question. Mulching is one of the best things you can do to preserve the
health and beauty of your landscape - if you add it at the right time. Add your mulch too early or
too late and you may get the blanket with none of the benefits.

The good news is, taking stock of your beds, your goals, and the weather can help you find just
the right time. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to decide the best
time to mulch your beds.

Why Mulch Matters

When it comes to mulching, the why is just as important as the when. While mulching certainly
helps your landscape maintain a polished appearance all year long, it also has some key
benefits that explain why some times are better for mulching than others. The benefits of mulch
include:

Weed Control. Mulch acts as a natural weed suppressant because it blocks sunlight from
reaching the soil, smothering any weeds that are trying to germinate and grow. It also prevents
any loose weed seeds that are blown into your beds from reaching the soil below.

Fertilization. Organic mulch such as pine straw, leaves, and grass clippings break down over
time and naturally fertilize your bed soil, leading to improved plant growth.

Stable Soil Temperature. Applying a layer of mulch on top of your soil helps it maintain a
stable temperature in extreme heat or cold. It also protects the roots of your plants, which
typically extend only an inch or two into the topsoil.

Maintains Soil Moisture. Heat and wind cause the moisture in your soil to quickly evaporate.
As temperatures rise, adding a layer of mulch holds moisture in the soil, cutting back on how
often you need to water your beds.

When To Mulch

So you need to add mulch to your beds. When is the best time?
In general, the best time to add mulch to your beds is in mid to late spring. This will help your
landscape with weed control, protect your soil from the summer sun, and create a contrasting
look against your vibrant spring plants.

Ideally, you want to mulch after soil temperatures have warmed but before weeds have the
chance to sprout in your beds. Mulching too early in the season can prevent your soil from
thawing and delay your seasonal blooms.

Many gardeners also add a layer of mulch to their beds in the fall. Fall mulching insulates the
soil and protects it from the extreme cold of the winter season. Fall mulch will also begin to
degrade by early spring, delivering a powerful dose of nutrients that can help your spring plants
shine.

If you can’t make time to mulch, let the professionals at Krob Landscaping handle it for you! Our
expert landscapers will use the right products at the right time to help you get the most out of
your mulch. Contact us today!

How To Help Your Landscape Spring into a Weed-Free Season

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 19:07:30 GMT

Spring is in sight, bringing with it warmer temperatures, gentle breezes, and vibrant new growth. It would be great if that growth was limited to lush lawns and fantastic flowers, but unfortunately, the season also brings a much less welcome guest: spring weeds.

The good news is, being proactive can help your lawn and landscape stay healthy and free of weeds all season (and year) long. In the days and weeks before spring’s arrival, complete these two easy steps to help your landscape SPRING into a weed-free season.

Use Pre-Emergents

We all know the bliss of spring’s warmer temperatures after months of winter cold. What you may not know is that the soil underneath your lawn warms long before you can feel the change in the air. This means waiting until spring weather begins to tackle weed growth is much too late - weeds have already started to germinate underground.

That’s why using pre-emergents is so important. Pre-emergents contain a mix of fertilizers and herbicides that are designed to prevent pesky weeds like crabgrass and clover from sprouting in the spring. Once applied and watered, pre-emergents will form a protective barrier that kills weeds as they attempt to germinate and grow.

Timing is key if you want to get the most from your pre-emergents. You want to apply them in the last few weeks of winter before the soil has a chance to warm, or ideally from late February to Mid-March. Although it may seem otherwise, pre-emergents are not effective at killing weeds that are already there - once they sprout from the ground, you’ll need harsher weed killers to handle them.

Lay Fresh Pine Straw

Pine straw is a tough multi-tasker - it conserves soil moisture and temperature, acts as a natural mulch, and deters weed growth, all while helping your flower beds and landscape look great.
Pine straw is a great addition to your landscape year-round, and now is one of the best times to lay a fresh batch. Like pre-emergents, pine straw works best to deter spring weeds before they begin growing. That’s because it prevents weeds by blocking seeds access to bare ground, and then deprives any new seedlings of sunlight so they can’t germinate.

As a bonus, a pre-spring application of fresh straw will also protect the growth of new plants! Spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils can easily penetrate pine straw if it’s already there, but their delicate blooms are easily trampled by new straw. You’ll want to get it applied and spread before they begin to grow to guarantee beautiful spring beds.

Contact Krob Landscape!

If you’d prefer to save your time for smelling the spring flowers, ask about our residential maintenance programs! From seasonal bed changes to weed control and lawn care, our expert team can keep your landscape happy and healthy through spring and beyond. Contact us today!

Why You Should Mulch Your Leaves Instead of Raking Them

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 19:52:40 GMT

We all love those big and beautiful shade trees that turn such brilliant colors in the fall - until they drop into a time-consuming carpet on your lawn. Then you’re forced to spend your autumn days raking, bagging, and dragging piles of dead leaves off your grass when all you really want to do is sip your apple cider in peace.

Believe it or not, there’s a better way: mulching them. An easy ride on a mulching mower turns those fallen leaves into a free fertilizer that boosts your lawn, helps the environment, and saves you hours of time and effort.

If you need more convincing, here’s why you should mulch your leaves instead of raking them:

You’ll save time and effort. Raking, bagging, and hauling your leaves is a grueling task that can take hours out of your day. In contrast, mulching leaves is no harder than mowing your lawn - and takes the same amount of time. Now you can spend your autumn days gazing at that beautiful fall foliage instead of removing it!

You’ll save money. While you may need to buy a mulching blade for your mower, mulching your leaves each year will save you money in the long run. That’s because you won’t need to buy industrial-strength garbage bags, pay for debris collection, or spend money on a store-bought fertilizer. Not to mention all the dollars you’ll save on doctor visits for a bum back!

You’ll naturally fertilize your lawn. Leaves contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, all critical elements of lawn fertilizer. As mulched leaves decompose they release these beneficial nutrients into the soil, helping it retain moisture and balance soil chemistry. They also act as a free-for-all buffet for earthworms and microorganisms, which turn them into even more beneficial nutrients for your lawn. In other words, you’ve been throwing away bags of free fertilizer for years!

You’ll suppress weeds. Bare areas of lawn are perfect for weed germination. When you cover them with a layer of mulched leaves, you protect the root system and work with the lawn canopy to prevent pesky weeds from forming.

You’ll help the environment. By mulching your leaves, you ensure they don’t end up taking landfill space or releasing harmful chemicals into nearby waterways. They also serve as a protective habitat for local wildlife like birds, reptiles, and amphibians, which make sure your landscape has a balanced (and insect-free) ecosystem.

How to Mulch Your Leaves

Mulching leaves is unbelievably easy. Simply remove your grass catcher and mow over the leaves until they’re reduced to dime-size pieces. To avoid smothering your lawn, mow until you can see about a half inch of grass underneath the new layer. You may need to spread the mulch around or move it to nearby flower beds for even distribution.

Of course, the easiest way is to let the experts at Krob Landscape handle the mulching for you! Contact us today to learn how our residential maintenance services can handle everything from leaf removal to seasonal tree pruning and more.

When to Know it's Time for a Landscape Redesign

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 21:17:18 GMT

When to know it’s Time for a Landscape Redesign

With the seasons changing, many homeowners and businesses are curious when they should redesign their landscaping. While there is no wrong time to redesign, there are a few guidelines to follow to ensure you’re getting the most out of your time, money and effort. Krob Landscape takes the guesswork out of the equation!

While it can be tempting to DIY your landscape, it is a delicate process that needs frequent upkeep. This can become daunting when trying to balance the obligations of everyday life. We highly recommend leaving this process in the hands of the professionals.

Transitional Seasons

Fall is one of the most ideal times to redesign your landscape. The weather places less stress on plants than the droughts and uncertain weather patterns of summer. Planting during the fall allows landscaping elements to cultivate a strong root structure, making the plants prepared to endure heat and lack of water the following summer and decrease the chance of dying due to disease or pests.

Your Outdoor Space is Outdated

Like all elements of design, styles come and go. Something that was textbook chic 10 years ago could be considered an eyesore today. If it’s been at least over 8 years since a redesign, you should definitely consider one.

Your Space is not Being Efficiently Utilized

Maximum efficiency should always be a priority. If you have the space, why not use it to its full potential? Talk to a residential landscape design professional to help map out a design that makes the most sense for your space.

You Avoid Looking at your Yard

Do you find yourself ignoring your yard altogether when entering your home? You’re not alone. Landscaping can become an overwhelming process when unattended for a long period of time. Mapping out a redesign can be an empowering process for getting your yard back on track.

Ready to let the professionals at Krob Landscaping handle your residential landscape redesign? Contact us today!

How Krob Landscape Can Maintain Your Lawn

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:03:21 GMT

When choosing a landscaping company to maintain your home’s lawn, there are several things to consider. You want to choose a company that’s reputable, highly trained, local to your area, and that will work with you to fit your landscape vision and your budget. Sound challenging? With Krob Landscape, it’s not!

Krob Landscape is a full-scale landscape company serving clients on the Alabama Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle. Our residential lawn maintenance services offer homeowners in the area stress-free lawn care that boosts your curb appeal, protects your home investment, and keeps your landscape in prime health and beauty year-round.

How we do it? We’re glad you asked! Read on to learn how Krob Landscape can maintain your lawn.

Mowing Service

Tired of spending nice afternoons tending to your overgrown grass? Take back your weekend with our professional mowing service! Our expert maintenance team uses a variety of professional-grade mowing equipment and the best industry practices to guarantee a clean and even trim every time.

Weed Trimming

We never cut corners when it comes to lawn maintenance. After a quality mow, our weed trimming services handle hard-to-reach areas around trees, fences, structural walls, and more to tackle any weeds that may mar your landscape.

Edging

Nothing ruins a perfectly trimmed lawn like sloppy, overgrown hedges. Krob Landscape can give your lawn a clean and polished look with our quality edging service! We use quality equipment to create sharp, precise edges around any walkways, driveways, patios or planting beds. After the initial trim, we'll keep your edges maintained year-round for lasting (and stress-free) beauty.

Hedging

A nicely-shaped hedge adds a big boost of curb appeal to any landscape - but takes hours of work per year to maintain. Let the professional team at Krob Landscape handle the leg work for you! We use professional-grade trimming equipment to give your hedges a sharp and even shape while maintaining the health and integrity of your shrubs.

Lawn Blowing

After mowing and trimming, our maintenance team provides quality lawn blowing to remove any grass clippings, leaves, or other debris from unsightly areas like driveways or sidewalks. This allows the organic material to give beneficial nutrients to your lawn while giving your landscape a neat and tidy look.

Seasonal Tree and Major Shrub Pruning

Proper pruning doesn’t just improve your landscape’s look - it also keeps your trees and shrubs healthy by removing excess weight, increasing fruit production, and helping with structural stability. Krob’s Landscape provides seasonal maintenance trims to your trees and major shrubs to keep them (and your landscape) in perfect shape and form.

Fertilizing and Pre/Post Emergents

Sometimes, your lawn needs a little extra help to stay lush, green, and weed-free. We can help maintain the health and beauty of your lawn by applying seasonal fertilizer and pre/post emergents. Our expert lawn professionals are trained to choose the right fertilizer for your lawn’s needs and apply it safely and efficiently at the proper times. We also offer pre and post-emergent herbicides to stay on top of weed control before and after they take root in your lawn.

Mulching

Mulching offers a variety of benefits to your landscape. A quality mulch improves your soil quality, retains moisture, reduces weeds, and adds rich color and a manicured look to your outdoor space. Our expert team will help you choose the right color and composition of mulch and apply it to your landscape beds, around trees and shrubs, along your home’s foundation, and other areas as needed to keep your landscape in optimal health and beauty.

Irrigation

Krob Landscape can handle every aspect of your landscape’s irrigation system, from installation to upgrades to fall winterization and beyond. Our expert irrigation specialists are trained to install new systems, make upgrades to existing setups, and ensure your irrigation works properly through regular testing and maintenance.

Customized Maintenance Programs

No two landscapes - or homeowners - are the same. That’s why our residential lawn maintenance services are completely customizable to meet your needs. We’ll help you build a customized maintenance program to handle as much - or as little - of your lawn care and maintenance as you need. Whether you choose just one service or a full-scale maintenance plan, we guarantee quality work that fits in your budget and keeps your lawn and landscape in peak condition year-round.

Ready to let the professionals at Krob Landscaping handle your residential lawn maintenance? Contact us today!

How To Prepare Your Lawn For The Fall

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 17:25:22 GMT

With autumn officially here, many homeowners are looking forward to entering the off-season of lawn care. While lawns are certainly less maintenance during the fall and winter seasons than in their warmer counterparts, there’s still work to be done! A few last-minute lawn care practices in early fall will guarantee a bright and healthy lawn come spring and prevent winter from wreaking havoc on your carefully nurtured landscape. Here are 5 easy ways to prepare your lawn for the fall:

Kill Weeds

To prepare for the colder months, tackle those pesky weeds before the first cold snap of the fall season. During early autumn your perennial weeds begin storing energy in their roots, making them substantially easier to kill. Additionally, once weeds go dormant weed-killing chemicals will no longer work and they’ll have to be removed by hand.

Trim Trees

Those blankets of colorful fall leaves may be pretty to look at (and play in), but they’re terrible for your lawn. To minimize the amount of time you’ll spend raking as the leaves change, trim your trees in the first few weeks of autumn. This will cut down on the shed and save you hours of time raking, bagging, and composting.

Keep Mowing

Although grass growth has slowed as autumn approaches, your lawn doesn’t officially stop growing until the first freeze. In South Alabama, that can be as late as November! Continue cutting your grass at normal height until it stops growing completely to best prepare your lawn for the fall and winter months.

Reseed Bare Spots

Late summer to early fall is the best time to reseed those dead eyesores that sprung up over the hot season. Seeds rarely take in the peak of summer, and once the ground freezes you’ll have to wait for next year.

Aerate The Soil

In the simplest terms, aerating means driving holes into the ground and removing plugs of compacted soil. This can be done by hand, but it’s easiest to rent a professional aeration machine from your local home and garden store.

Ideally, you should aerate your lawn 2-3 times per year, but it’s especially important in the early fall months. Many lawns suffer from soil compaction and heat stress during the summer, so aerating as the temperatures cool helps return much-needed nutrients and moisture to the soil. It also gives your lawn plenty of time to rejuvenate before taking on the cold winter months.

If the thought of prepping your lawn for autumn doesn’t make you FALL in love, the experts at Krob Landscaping can help! Our lawn services include maintenance and prepping services to keep your lawn in optimal health and beauty at any time of year. Contact us today to learn more!

7 Ways to Bring Your Dead Grass Back to Life

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 19:55:05 GMT

Nothing ruins your home’s hard-earned curb appeal like a patch (or more) of brown, lifeless grass. Whether it’s due to disease, drought, or just plain ol’ heat, a dead lawn can be the bane of homeowners (and HOAs) everywhere.

The good news is, dead grass doesn’t have to be permanent! With a little effort and some handy tips, you can revive your dead grass and return it to its lush springtime glory. Read on to discover 7 easy ways to bring your dead grass back to life!

Note: Before you set out to revive your lawn, be sure it’s actually dying. Some grasses go dormant during the hot summer months to conserve resources, especially cool-season varieties. To determine if your grass is dead or dormant, inspect the crowns at the base of the blades. If the crowns are alive, the grass is probably dormant. You can also try the tug test - tug gently on a patch of brown grass. If the grass resists your pull, it’s dormant; if it comes out easily with no resistance, it’s dead.

Water It

Like all living things, grass depends on water to survive. Many lackluster lawns will perk back up after a consistent drink from the hose or sprinkler, especially in areas that are prone to drought or have intense summer temperatures.

Be sure not to overdo it - drowning your lawn can be just as bad as dehydrating it!

Weed It

Weeds aren’t just an eyesore. They compete with your grass for nutrients and water, literally sucking the life right out of your lawn. Pull weeds by hand or use an herbicide to rid your grass of troublesome weeds and restore it to its former glory.

Aerate It

Grass needs plenty of air and nutrients to thrive. If your soil becomes compacted, your grass can struggle to push both to its roots, resulting in a slow (but obvious) death. Aerating involves driving holes into your lawn so air, nutrients, and water can reach the roots. This can be done manually or with a powered aerator from your local home and garden store.

Dethatch It

Dethatching your lawn removes the thick buildup of organic material that can accumulate on lawns that are highly fertilized. These thick blankets of thatch can prevent water from reaching the soil and roots underneath, killing your grass.

Dethatching can be done with a powered dethatching machine or a simple garden rake. Be sure to dethatch vigorously - you only want to see soil and grass blades when you’re finished.

Fertilize It

Adding nutrient-rich fertilizer to your lawn is an easy way to give your grass a needed boost. Before choosing a fertilizer, test the soil to determine its levels of phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium; a healthy lawn needs optimal levels of all three to grow properly.

Depending on the composition of your lawn, you may need a fertilizer that contains one or all three of these crucial ingredients. Compost, grass clippings, and chemical fertilizers are the most common (and most effective) choices to revive a dead or dying lawn.

Seed It

Replace patchy spots by spreading grass seeds over the area with a thin layer of soil. Before spreading your seeds, remove any dead or matted turf and loosen the top 2-3 inches of soil. This will prep the area and help the seeds take root quickly and properly.

Call the Pros

If all else fails, it may be time to call a professional. The experts at Krob Landscaping can diagnose and treat your dead grass to return your lawn to a lush, green oasis. If you need help with a dead or dying lawn, contact us today!

7 Great Plants To Add To Your Landscape For Summer

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:28:31 GMT

For many, the intense heat of an Alabama summer doesn’t invite you to roll up your sleeves and hit the yard work. But you still want to enjoy a bold, beautiful landscape that puts you in a summer frame of mind! How do you get both? With the perfect summer plants, of course!

The perfect summer landscape combines dramatic color with plenty of texture and doesn’t require hours of draining upkeep. You’ll want to choose plants that are hardy and drought-resistant or be ready to spend long afternoons watering and shading them.

We’ve compiled a list of the seven best plants to add to your landscape for summer that will give you a festive look without needing hours of maintenance. Read on to learn more!

Hibiscus

The large, colorful flowers of the hibiscus plants may look delicate, but they’re astoundingly resilient. During the late summer to early fall, saucer-sized blooms erupt in gorgeous pinks, whites, and reds, adding a festive splash of color to your landscape. Some can even grow to over 8 feet tall! They need full sun and moist soil to shine their best, so be sure to plant them in full view and water them often.

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

This native gem provides tall, bright red blooms through the summer that are a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. They also have an intensely sweet fragrance, making them popular with gardeners but not with scavengers like deer or rabbits. They grow best in full sun and moist soil.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are well-known as one of the best landscaping plants for summer. Their puffy balls of bright, colorful blooms come in a variety of colors that add a dramatic pop to your summer landscape. They also grow back bigger and better every year, making them the summer gift that keeps on giving! They prefer afternoon shade and need plenty of space to spread out, so plant accordingly.

Lavender

Those iconic purple blooms aren’t just a great addition for curb appeal - they also repel mosquitoes and flies, making them pretty and functional in your summer landscape. They’re also drought-resistant and flourish in full sun. Plant them near your windows for a fragrant breeze that will fill your home (and your dreams) with their sweet, rejuvenating scent!

Begonias

These bright, textured plants are technically tender perennials, but they often die at the first frost and need to be re-planted when winter passes. Their waxy leaves and vibrant, long-stemmed flowers make them a beautiful accent for any summer garden. They grow equally well in sun or shade and are resistant to drought and curious critters, making them a great low-maintenance plant for your landscape. They also look great in hanging baskets or containers for porch appeal!

Elephant’s Ear

This well-known plant will bring a tropical flair to your landscape with its large, bright green leaves that look just like their namesake. A single leaf can grow up to 4 feet, making a bold statement with relatively little work involved. They’re perfect for our warm southern summers, as they don’t withstand the cold well and need to be re-planted in climates with cooler winters.

Coleus

The perfect summer landscape isn’t just about the flowers - you need lots of lush foliage, too. That’s where coleus comes in. This vibrant, leafy plant provides texture to your beds in dazzling hues of green, purple, and burgundy that spill around and over your other blooms. It’s hardy, drought-resistant, and flourishes in the sun, making it an ideal summer accent.

For help planting and maintaining your perfect summer landscape, call Krob Landscape! Our expert landscapers can design a bold summer look and maintain it for you, so you can enjoy it all summer long (but still have time to play). Contact us today!

4 Ways to Properly Remove Sod

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 19:56:04 GMT

If you want to plant a new garden bed this summer, you’ll need to remove the sod first. There are a few different ways to remove sod, and which one you choose will depend on the effort you want to put in, your budget, and your timeline.

Now, we’ll explore a few ways to remove sections of sod for planting the right way so you can make the most of your home landscape. Read on to learn about 4 ways to properly remove sod.

Remove sod by hand. Removing sod by hand is a good choice because it only requires a few common tools and a little sweat, and you can immediately plant your garden in the area. It also saves the sod and organic matter, allowing you to use the grass elsewhere rather than throwing perfectly good turf away.

But removing sod by hand can be tough work, especially on a hot summer day. Be sure you have the tools you’ll need and plenty of water on hand if you choose this method.

Tools you’ll need

A water hose or sprinkler
A sharp spade or edger
A ruler or measuring tape

Water the grass. A few days before you plan to remove the sod, give the area a healthy shower. You want the soil to be moist so it clumps together easily, but it shouldn’t be so soggy it falls apart.

Cut the sod. Using a sharp spade or edging tool, cut the sod into parallel cross-strips. The strips should ideally be 1 inch wide by 2-3 feet long. If you plan to use the sod elsewhere in your landscape, an edger gives more precise cuts for replacement.

Remove sod sections. When you’ve cut your sod into strips, slide a spade or pitchfork underneath each section to lift it from the ground. Cut through any taproots underneath to minimize resistance and keep your sod safe for replanting. Be sure to remove any soil clumped underneath the sod, especially if you plan to roll or stack the sections.

Remove sod by tilling. A tiller requires less manual work than removing sod by hand, as most of the effort comes from the tiller’s engine. Tilling is beneficial because it allows you to use the organic matter in your sod to fertilize your future garden. You can also plant your new garden immediately, though tilling can bring weeds to the surface of your lawn that creates problems for your plants in the future.

Tools you’ll need

A tiller
Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, long pants, and shoes)
Stakes and string

Mark off the area you want to remove. It’s extremely easy to till well past your intended area thanks to the tiller’s powerful motor. Use stakes and string to set boundary lines around the sod area you wish to remove.

Till the sod. Using slow, careful lines, pass your tiller over your sod section. The blades will spin and turn over your sod, preparing it for planting. Depending on the thickness of your grass and soil, you may need to make more than one pass. It’s best to start the blades on a shallow setting and return again if needed.

Remove grass clumps. Your tiller may leave clumps of grass and soil behind. Remove these clumps and shake the nutrient-dense soil back into your freshly tilled area.

Remove sod by smothering. Smothering your sod, or denying it access to light and nutrients, causes it to decay quickly, making it easier to remove. Though smothering sod takes less effort than the other options, it also takes more time - sometimes an entire season.

Tools You’ll Need

An opaque material (plastic, tarp, or cardboard)
Rocks or bricks

Lay your material. Cover the desired area completely with a light-blocking material. Because of our humid climate, paper products like cardboard may disintegrate before your sod can die. We recommend plastic or paint tarps as the best choice.

Secure the corners. Place heavy rocks or bricks on each corner, securely anchoring your material to protect it from wind and animals. As the heat under the cover rises, the grass will decay (though this can take several months.)

Remove the sod. Depending on how long you wait, your sod may decay completely and require little removal. If needed, use a shovel or garden spade to remove any remaining clumps and roots.

Remove sod with herbicides. Specially designed herbicides that target grass are an effective (though not environmentally friendly) way to kill and remove sod.

Tools You’ll Need

Herbicide
Safety equipment (goggles, long pants, and gloves)

Choose the right herbicide. Choose a herbicide that’s designed to target the type of grass you want to remove. Some grasses are resistant to certain chemicals, and broad herbicides will kill beneficial plants and nutrients as well as grass. For help choosing, ask your home and garden store or contact the professionals at Krob Landscape!

Apply the herbicide. Some herbicides can be applied directly while others should be dissolved in water first. Always follow the directions provided by the herbicide manufacturer and keep chemicals away from children and pets.

Avoid applying herbicides if there’s rain in the forecast, as they can run-off into water supplies and nearby ecosystems. You may need to apply your herbicide more than once or even annually depending on your grass type.

Of course, you can always let the experts at Krob Landscape handle the work for you! From sod removal to seasonal beds and beyond, we’ll take the guesswork out of gardening to give you the home landscape you’ve dreamed of. Contact us today!

5 Simple Tips to Maintain Your Lawn

Mon, 18 May 2020 21:21:31 GMT

As a homeowner, you want your home and yard to look great from all angles. Nothing screams curb appeal like a healthy lawn full of thick, green grass. While maintaining the perfect lawn may seem like a job for the pros, a few simple tricks can help you get - and keep - a lush lawn year-round. Here are 5 simple tips to maintain your lawn.

Feed Your Lawn

Like any organism, lawns need proper nutrients to thrive. For a healthy, green lawn that makes you the talk of the neighborhood, apply a quality fertilizer at least 4-5 times per year. It takes six to eight weeks for nutrients to take hold, so be sure to apply your fertilizer at regular intervals.

A good tip is to avoid fertilizing dormant grass. Wait until after a period of heavy rainfall when your grass has had a chance to revive before applying fertilizer. The best results (and least effort) come from a slow-release fertilizer that keeps your lawn fed for weeks at a time.

Overseed Your Lawn

Applying new seeds to an existing lawn, a process known as overseeding keeps it thick, healthy and free of those troubling bare spots. While many homeowners only reseed when the lawn looks spotty, yearly overseeding keeps your lawn from thinning and helps it stay green and healthy during the winter.

The key to overseeding is timing. To combat thinning, seeding is best done during the spring and early summer when they enter active growth. To improve your lawn’s appearance during the winter, overseed during the early fall.

Before overseeding, you’ll need to prepare your lawn. Cut the grass at a low setting and rake the soil to remove compaction or thatch and prepare it for seeding. Be sure to choose a quality grass that’s appropriate for our southern climate, and use a professional seed spreader from your local home improvement store to ensure an even layer.

Mow Properly

The average homeowners mow their lawn over 30 times per year. But the way you mow your lawn is just as important as how often!

The key is to never scalp your lawn. While it’s tempting to cut the grass as short as possible to reduce how often you mow, cutting your lawn too short contributes to thatch and shocks the delicate blades and systems underneath. Only mow the top ⅓ of your lawn and aim to mow when the grass reaches a length of 3 inches. One simple way to do this is to simply cut with your mower blade on the highest possible setting.

Another mowing tip is to alternate your mowing lines at 45-90 degree angles each time you mow. This will help prevent compaction and thatch issues that come from repeated cuttings.

Finally, be sure to keep your lawnmower blades sharp. Dull blades chop at grass rather than cutting it cleanly, making it more susceptible to disease and decay.

Aerate Your Lawn

That beautifully maintained lawn provides a great space for kids and pets to play, but all of that walking across your grass can lead to compaction. Aerating your lawn removes compacted pockets of soil, giving healthy grass more room to breathe and grow. It also allows fertilizers and weed killers to penetrate deeper into the soil, improving their efficiency.

Aerators can be rented from most local home improvement stores and are easy to use. They essentially poke holes about 3 inches deep, removing hardened and compacted areas of soil. For smaller lawns, there are also handheld aerators that are less expensive (but more time consuming). The best time to aerate your lawn is during the fall when soil temperatures have cooled.

Water Deeply and Less Often

Many homeowners turn on their sprinklers for a few minutes every day, assuming their grass needs as much water as possible. While a healthy lawn does need an appropriate amount of water to thrive, a few sessions of watering deeply is much more beneficial than daily sprinkles.

Ideally, your grass needs 1 to 2 inches of water once per week. Giving your grass a healthy dose of water less frequently will encourage deeper root growth and keep it moist and green during periods of drought. If you aren’t sure what your sprinkler output is, place a few shallow pans across your lawn and time how long it takes to fill all of them to 1 inch. This will also show if your sprinklers are watering evenly.

The best time to water your lawn is in the morning. The cooler temperatures during the morning hours cut down on evaporation and let your grass soak in as much water as possible. It also gives your lawn ample time to dry during the day, and lawns that stay wet overnight are more prone to fungus.

Need help staying on top of your lawn maintenance? Giving you a healthy, vibrant lawn is our specialty! From nutrient control to regular mowing and more, we can give you a well-maintained lawn without the work. Call us today!

How to Turn Your Grass Clippings and Leaves Into A Great Garden Mulch

Fri, 08 May 2020 21:54:13 GMT

You’ve just finished mowing your lawn and your mower bag is full. What will you do with the clippings and leaves inside? If you’re like many homeowners, you’ll empty them into trash bags and haul them to the curb for pick-up. But by doing so, you’re essentially throwing away hundreds of dollars every year!

Organic materials like grass clippings and leaves make an excellent mulch for your flower beds, lawn, and other naturalized areas. They decompose quickly, contain nutrients that feed your soil and plants, and they look more attractive than most store-bought mulches. Best of all, they’re completely free!

So, before you empty that bag into the trash, read on to find out how to save yourself tons of time and money by using your grass clippings and leaves as an organic mulch.

The Benefits of Organic Mulch

Organic mulch made of leaves and/or grass clippings includes the same benefits as more expensive store-bought mulches. It retains your soil moisture, blocks light to prevent weed growth, and improves your plant life. But using organic materials to mulch your yard also has benefits you can’t buy from a store! They include:

Save Money. Store-bought mulches can be expensive, but the grass clippings and leaves in your yard are free! You’ll also save the cost of having those bags picked up from the curb.

Save Time. Raking and bagging leaves and clippings can take hours, if not days. With a bagged mulching mower, you’ll cut your time in half and save yourself some back pain.

Natural Fertilizer. Grass clippings contain an excessive amount of potassium and nitrogen, making it a natural fertilizer for your lawn and plants.

Long-Lasting. Leaves and grass oxidize and decay slowly. That means your plants will have a long-lasting fuel source to get them through the upcoming season.

Eco-friendly. Recycling organic matter into mulch keeps it out of the landfills and creates a healthier environment for all.

Tips to Use Grass Clippings and Leaves as Mulch

Leaves and grass clippings can be used easily and effectively to mulch your lawn and your flower beds. There are a few other tips you can follow when using organic mulch from your yard in order to get the best effect:

We strongly suggest using a mulching mower to mulch grass clippings and leaves. These types of mowers use a specialized blade to cut the clippings and leaves several times, chopping them more finely than a regular mower.

Be sure to lower your blade setting when running over dense areas of leaves or overgrown grass to chop them into the smallest pieces possible. Ideally, clippings should be no more than an inch in length.

To mulch your lawn, simply remove your mower bag and leave your grass clippings and chopped leaves where they land.

To mulch your beds and other natural areas, spread your mulched leaves and grass clippings from your mower bag into your flower beds and other natural areas in thin, even layers.

When using fresh grass clippings as mulch, keep your layers under ¼ inch. This will allow the clippings to decompose before they rot, turn slimy, or smell. Leaves or dried grass clippings can be spread more thickly.

Using leaves and grass clippings as an organic mulch is a great way to care for your lawn efficiently and affordably. If you need help caring for your lawn or finding the right mulch for your landscape, we can help! Our expert landscapers can handle everything from lawn maintenance to nutrient control and more. Contact us today!

5 Common Pests That May Be Destroying Your Alabama Lawn

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 19:32:17 GMT

Bugs are a part of life - especially in the warm heat of South Alabama. We work to keep them out of our homes, but keeping them out of our lawns is harder. After all - that’s where they live, right?

There are a few pests in Alabama that dig in and destroy your lush, green grass - and they’re more common than you think. If your lawn is drooping, dry, or even dying, you could have a serious infestation that needs treatment. Read on to learn about 5 common pests that may be destroying your lawn - and what to do about it.

Spittle Bugs

When you look at your grass, do you see thin red lines down the middle of the blades? Are there large patches of foam at the base? If so, you may have a spittlebug problem.

Spittlebugs are common pests in lawns that have Bermuda or centipede grass. These small insects resemble leafhoppers -- they’re about ⅓ inch long, with tented wings in a V-shape. Those big foamy patches on your grass protect the babies from pesticides and predators until they reach adulthood. That’s when they use their piercing mouths to feed on a range of plants, from grass to ornamental perennials.

Heavy infestations are rare, but they do happen - and they can cause yellow, curling, or dead patches of grass in your lawn. Keep a regular mowing and de-thatching schedule to encourage a healthy lawn. Spittlebugs thrive in wet, humid conditions, so avoid over-watering your grass. If seen, remove spittlebugs by hand or spray them with a powerful stream of water - that foamy coat protects young spittlebugs from pesticides.

Mole Crickets

Those crickets chirping outside of your window aren’t just keeping you awake - they may be destroying your lawn, too.

Mole crickets live underground for most of the year, but they come out in droves during the spring and fall to mate and wreak havoc on Alabama lawns. These noisy pests dig tunnels underneath your grass, destroying the shallow roots. They also eat turf, including the shoots and roots.

There are a few ways to tell if you have mole crickets before they damage your yard. Small tunnels on the lawn, patches of dry or dead grass, or a host of predators digging for grubs all indicate a mole cricket infestation. If you still aren’t sure, try pouring soapy dishwater on a 4’ square foot of your lawn. If you have crickets, they should float to the top for air.

The problem is that by the time most of their damage can be seen - typically in mid to late summer - mole crickets have retreated underground until the fall, so proactive treatment is essential. A targeted pesticide during late winter - early spring is the best way to treat a mole cricket problem.

Fire Ants

If you live in South Alabama, you’ve surely felt that intense stinging that comes from a fire ant bite. Though the name comes from their distinctive red color, it’s a pretty fair description of their fiery bite, too.

Fire ants aren’t just a nuisance to your family - they can also cause real damage to your yard. Ants don’t eat your grass like other pests, but they amass large colonies on your lawn that can damage the root system and smother healthy grass. If you have several large fire ant beds on your lawn, you can bet they’re disrupting the delicate balance beneath.

The best way to combat fire ants is with a targeted pesticide spray over your entire lawn.

Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs love to feed on the warm summer grasses in Baldwin County, especially varieties of St. Augustine grass. These tiny lawn-dwellers are only ⅙’ long - smaller than your pinky nail - but they can inflict damage on your lawn.

Chinch bugs are multi-taskers. They use their pointed mouths to suck nutrients from your grass while injecting it with poison at the same time. Both the adults and the larvae feed on turf and they’re most active during the mid-summer months. They often cluster together in sunny areas to feed on grass and lay eggs.

Chinch bugs wipe out a lawn quickly. If you have a chinch bug infestation, your lawn may turn yellow, then brown, then begin to die in large patches during the summer. Pesticides are the best form of attack against chinch bugs, so be sure to call your exterminator if you think you have an infestation. Regular mowing and dethatching - especially if you have St. Augustine grass - is a good way to protect your lawn from chinch bugs.

Grubs

If you’ve ever seen a lawn grub, your first response was probably something like “oh, yuck!”.

Grubs are the larval form of a variety of scarab beetles like Japanese beetles, June “bugs”, or European chafers. These tiny pests are white, often oozy, and curl into c-shaped balls in the open air. Buried in the soil, they feast on grassroots and organic matter, causing large sections of your lawn to die.

A long, cyclical life cycle makes lawn grubs a problem year-round. Around August, beetles emerge from the soil to feed on your plant life and lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch in October, grubs begin feeding on your lawn. They hunker down during the winter but awaken in the spring to feed on your grass and turn into beetles, starting the cycle again.

To determine if you have a grub problem, keep an eye on your lawn in the spring. If sections of it don’t turn green, you may have grubs underneath. Lift a section of your turf - if it rolls up like a carpet or the grass doesn’t have roots, you probably have a grub infestation. You may also notice birds, raccoons and armadillos digging in your yard.

Grubs are most vulnerable when they’re young, so pesticides work best in late summer or early fall. A professional lawn service company like Krob Landscape can treat your grub problem and use prevention products to keep your lawn grub-free throughout the year.

No matter what type of pest is destroying your lawn, the best way to handle it is by contacting a professional. At Krob Landscape, our professional lawn specialists are trained in diagnosing and treating insect damage with the industry’s best pest control products. If you have an Alabama pest wreaking havoc on your lawn, contact us today!

Lawn Care, Lawn Maintenance, Landscaping - What’s the Difference?

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 15:49:17 GMT

So much goes into maintaining your yard. From mowing your grass to trimming your trees to planting new flower beds, keeping your outdoor spaces healthy and beautiful can be a full-time job. Many property owners turn to professionals for help. But with so many companies available, it can be hard to know which to choose!

It’s not always enough to know what you need. Some lawn companies call themselves lawn care specialists. Others market as lawn maintenance companies, while still others provide services in landscaping. To muddy the waters even further, many of them provide the same services! You know you need help with your lawn, so what’s the difference? We’re here to make it clear. Read on to learn about the differences between lawn care, lawn maintenance, and landscaping.

Lawn Care

As the name suggests, lawn care involves taking steps to improve and maintain a property’s lawn. Lawn care companies specialize in creating lush, green grass that is attractive, healthy and resistant to drought or disease. In this way, you can think of lawn care as caring for a property’s lawn without dramatically changing its structure or design. In fact, one of the defining features of lawn care is that you are caring for a lawn or turf that is already there.

Common lawn care services include seeding, fertilizing, performing pest control, aeration, and others. For this reason, lawn care specialists need to be highly experienced and, depending on your state, licensed to apply chemicals. Krob Landscape provides expert service in lawn care including weed and pest control as well as nutrient/water management.

Lawn Maintenance

The difference between lawn maintenance and lawn care is subtle, yet important. Lawn maintenance also involves improving and caring for an existing yard, but it includes services to maintain the entire landscape year-round (rather than just the turf). These often include things like mowing, trimming, edging and weed eating.

Somewhat confusingly, many lawn maintenance companies include lawn care services. It makes sense - a well-maintained exterior includes an attractive and healthy lawn, so maintenance companies often take care of both. For example, Krob Landscape provides total lawn packages that include turf management as well as full-scale lawn maintenance.

Landscaping

Unlike lawn care or lawn maintenance, landscaping involves the creation of new outdoor spaces through construction, planting, and design. Landscapers focus on creating outdoor designs that complement, improve, and functionalize your home’s exterior. There are two main categories of landscaping: softscaping and hardscaping.

Softscaping involves the live elements of your landscape - plants, shrubs, trees, grass, and other vegetation. Landscapers use these components to create vibrant outdoor areas full of color and life. Seasonal planting, flower bed designs, and the addition of trees or shrubs are common examples of softscaping.

In contrast, hardscaping uses man-made materials to improve the look and function of your home’s yard. Walkways, patios, retaining walls, driveways, and boulders are commonly used in hardscaping a property. Hardscaping can be done to up your curb appeal, create outdoor spaces for entertaining or relaxation, or improve the use and function of an area.

Although softscaping and hardscaping are different, both are necessary to create a well-rounded landscape, and most landscaping companies offer both. Krob Landscape offers a full range of landscaping services to design and create a pleasing outdoor space you can enjoy for years to come.

Ultimately, which lawn company you choose is up to you. Whether you need lawn care, lawn maintenance, or full landscaping services, knowing what is provided by each will help you make a decision to fit your needs.

No matter what your lawn needs, Krob Landscape can help! Our expert staff can assist you with turf care, lawn maintenance, landscaping, and more. Visit our services page for more info and contact us today!

Everything You Need to Know About French Drains

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 20:34:38 GMT

Do you find yourself with a soggy yard after a hard rain? Even worse, do those first drops make you run for the shop vac to dry out a flooded basement or garage? If so, you have a drainage problem, and a french drain may be the solution. But before you start picturing croissants and funny mustaches, read on to find out everything you need to know about french drains.

What Is A French Drain?

A french drain isn't French at all. It was invented by an American named Henry French in 1859 when he noticed that farmland was destroyed by too much standing water. It's primarily used to redirect surface water and groundwater away from an area. This prevents flooding, runoff, and pooling water from damaging your yard or home. It can also distribute water (like for a septic system) or relieve ground pressure behind a retaining wall.

The concept is relatively simple. It's done by digging a trench and inserting a perforated pipe along the bottom. Gravel is spread over the top to filter water down, and the pipe then guides it to a better outlet. There are two main types of french drains. Shallow Drains are dug approximately two feet from the surface and are best for fixing excessive surface water in your yard. Deep Drains are dug much deeper and placed around the perimeter of your home to help keep your basement or cellar dry during heavy rain. You can also install a french drain in the interior of your home.

Do I need a french drain?

If you need a french drain, there are virtually no other solutions that will fix the problem. Only you can decide if you need a drainage solution. But a french drain may be needed if:

Your yard is sticky and spongy after rain or has a permanent damp spot
Your basement or garage is wet after a heavy rain
Your driveway is constantly washed-out
You have a mold or mildew problem in the lower levels of your home

Can I Install My Own French Drain?

Hardware stores and intense DIYers will tell you that you can install a french drain yourself. But letting a professional do the work is always the best option for drainage solutions. A professional will have the tools and knowledge to find the right angle and depth, place the drain in the right place, and do the dirty work. And when properly installed, french drains can last for decades without needing maintenance.

Krob Landscaping can give you a perfect french drain to solve your flooding problems - while saving you the back pain that comes from hours of trench digging.

Rain cleans the air, fills rivers and streams, allows plants to grow - it's a beautiful resource that we can't live without. But it can be hard to see the beauty in it if all that water is turning your home and yard into a swamp. If you think you may need a french drain, contact us for an evaluation! We can provide a variety of draining solutions to help keep your home and yard dry even in the strongest storms.