Organic Lawn Care Services

Spring Core Aerating, Top-Dressing & Seeding 

Add 1/4 inch of Composted soil

This spring Cedar Run Landscapes will begin our new organic lawn care services. A big issue many homeowners have, especially in newly constructed homes that have been heavily graded, is that the soil is in a very poor condition. The process of spring core aeration, top-dressing, and over seeding will provide your lawn with the nutrients needed to successfully thrive without the need for quarterly fertilizations and pesticide control.

The next step to beginning your organic lawn care is core aerating. Core aeration is when plugs of grass and soil, usually around 3 inches long and ¾ inches in diameter, are removed from the lawn. The plugs are left in the lawn to break down, adding organic matter and bringing beneficial bacteria up to the surface. Core aerating increases air, water and nutrient movement to the roots of the lawn while also relieving soil compaction. Once core aeration is completed the lawn is top-dressed. Top-dressing is the process of adding a thin layer of a custom blend of organically rich compost. By top dressing you will be gradually adding organic matter and building up the biological value of the soil in your lawn.

Request our organic lawn services by February 28^th and get your soil test and interpretation for a discounted price of $35.00, a $75.00 value.

Fragrance in the Landscape

 Hamamelis intermedia

The witch hazel is one of the earliest flowering shrubs in our area and a welcoming sight after a cold and snowy winter. Hamamelis intermedia is a hybrid cross between Hamamelis mollis and Hamamelis japonica. With its many varieties H. x intermedia provides colorful blooms that are often described as spidery. Appearing before the spring foliage emerges, between January and March, they can range from butter yellow to a coppery orange and many are fragrant. As it is an early bloomer, the flowers tend to open and close depending on the weather conditions.  

The many varieties of this deciduous shrub  provide a range in sizes anywhere from 8 to 20 feet tall and wide. Its best flowering is in full sun but can grow in partly shady areas. Witch hazels prefer well-drained soils with consistent moisture as leaf scorch can occur during summer droughts. This multi-stemmed shrub is loosely branched and will provide an upright oval shape in its youth, rounding and spreading as it ages. Another great attribute of the witch hazel is its beautiful yellow autumn color. Witch hazel is commonly found in woodland and woodland margin areas as well as along riverbanks, making it an excellent choice for larger rain gardens. They also make for a great border planting or used as a specimen.   

Security with Landscapes

Using Landscaping & Lighting for Protection

Landscape features not only enhance the appearance of your home but they also provide protection by deterring potential intruders. Proper maintenance, strategically placed plantings and landscape lighting are all part of a comprehensive plan to securing your home.

Maintenance:

Trimming tree branches away from upper story windows and decks will prevent intruders from using your tree like a ladder. Pruning shrubs near walkways and doors to a maximum height of 3' will minimize hiding places while also improving your curb appeal.

New Landscaping:

When adding new plants to the landscape think about thorny plantings such as hawthorne, holly, or roses under windows, along property lines and next to fences. Another option along property boarders would be to plant bird friendly brambles such as blackberry or raspberry. Thorns provide a natural barrier for intruders and critters alike. Also take into consideration the mature size of the plants you are using. Overgrown shrubs are a great place for unwanted visitors to lurk.