LAWN MOWING
Weekly site visits from May 1st to October 31 st or as contract indicates. Turf maintained at a height of no less than 2″ to maintain a healthy root structure. After lawn mowing all grass clippings will be cleaned off patios, walks, and parking lots. Excessive grass clippings will be removed from lawn areas.
GARDEN MAINTENANCE
All planting and tree bed areas will be weeded regularly by either chemical or mechanical means. Soil bed areas will be cultivated and edged regularly. Annuals and perennials will be deadheaded as needed. Annuals will be removed from beds and planters after frost. The varieties of herbaceous perennials and bulbs that die down to ground level will be cut down to 2″ above the soil level at their appropriate time.
TREE/SHRUB CARE
All trees and shrubs to be checked regularly and where necessary tighten and straighten ties and/or stakes. All trees and shrubs will be pruned for health and esthetic requirements at the appropriate time. Trees over 15′ high will be sub-contracted out. Prune Roses (except climbers) to within 4″ to 6″ of ground level in March or April. Remove all 2 yr. plus canes from climbing Roses in March or April. Winter protection will be installed on trees, shrubs & plants as per Owner specifications or Contractor recommendations. All Hybrid Tea, Floribunda and Grandiflora Roses will be heeled up in November to prevent winter frost damage. Clean, sharp tools will be used when pruning. Cuts will be smooth and sloping, parallel to the main branches and 1/4″ beyond the branch collar.
SPRING CLEANUPS
All lawn and planting bed areas will be free of all debris. Planting beds are to have weeds removed, and soil beds to be cultivated and edged. Work is to be completed by April 30, weather permitting. All snow plow damage repair and heavy winter storm damage clean up will be an extra to the contract and will be dealt with only after consultation with the Owner.
FALL CLEANUPS
In November all fallen leaves and debris on lawn and planting bed areas will be cleaned up. All soil flower and tree beds are to be cultivated and edged. All fallen leaves and debris will be removed from the site, unless permission given by Owner to dump on site.
NEW INSTALLATIONS
Murphy Property Maintenance will plant your annuals in the spring, bulbs in the fall and perennials throughout the growing season. We also install small trees and shrubs.
AERATING
By loosening the compacted soil it increases the availability of water and nutrients to reach the root zone. In doing this it enhances the oxygen levels in the soil, stimulating root growth and enhancing the activity of thatch decomposing organisms. While removing cores of soil, the tines also sever roots, rhizomes and stolons. Grass plants are stimulated to produce new shoots and roots that fill up the holes in the lawn and increases the density of the turf. Thus making a denser, fuller, lush lawn.
DE-THATCHING
A thatch layer greater than ½ inch thick makes watering difficult, since thatch dries out quickly and is difficult to rewet. It also restricts the movement of pesticides, thus reducing their effectiveness. Nutrients and water cannot be properly absorbed by the grass roots that tend to grow into this area. We use vertical mowers to remove thatch buildup in the early fall where lawns are growing vigorously. It is important to make sure lawns have at least 3-4 weeks of good growing time for the lawn to recover.
FERTILIZATION
Fertilizer will be applied to all lawn areas in spring, summer and fall or as specified by Owner. The fertilizer blends used will give lawns a good balance of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium to maintain lawns in a green and healthy condition, provided sufficient water is applied.
WEED CONTROL
Weed spray will be applied spring and fall or as specified by Owner. Murphy Property Maintenance follows IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and applies only what is needed to control the problem.
INSECT/DISEASE CONTROL
Owner will be contacted if any insect or disease problem arises in lawns, shrubs or trees. After receiving Owner’s authorization an approved control program will be applied. Murphy Property Maintenance follows IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and applies only what is needed to control the problem.
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