Poinsettias add a welcome burst of color and beauty during a time of year when the landscape may be dull or blanketed in snow. These showy plants may be indigenous to Mexico, but during the holidays they can be found in homes everywhere—and with a little care and attention, they can last all year round. Here is everything you need to know about poinsettia care, courtesy of the experts at The ...
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Blog Posts in 2018
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All You Need to Know About Poinsettias
December 17, 2018 -
How to Build a Custom Wire Frame for Holiday Lights
December 7, 2018 Who says your holiday lights have to be strung across your eaves, or that you are limited in their placement? If you're looking to add a little extra sparkle to your home this season or would like to avoid a slippery trip up a frosty ladder, The Grounds Guys® have a fun and easy DIY project that you can accomplish in an afternoon or weekend. Read on to learn how to build a wireframe for holiday ...Continue Reading -
Which Fruit Bearing Trees to Plant in the North
November 16, 2018 Whether you are looking to add visual interest to your yard with ornamental trees, want to do your part for the environment, or have always dreamed of having your own private orchard, the key to your success lies in choosing the right type of fruit-bearing tree for your climate. For those living in the northern regions of the United States, there are many cold climate fruit trees to consider, and ...Continue Reading -
The Grounds Guys’ Best Practices for Easy Leaf Composting
November 14, 2018 You’ve got a lot of fall projects on your to-do list that can’t be put off until winter. One of these is getting rid of the fallen leaves on your property. Don’t stuff all those leaves in bags to be hauled off to the landfill – let nature do the work! Leaf composting makes fall cleanup easier because it allows the natural decay of leaves to take its course. Best of all, composting leaves provides ...Continue Reading -
Be Prepared for Leaves
November 7, 2018 Fall is here and you know what that means – leaves, leaves everywhere! They can be a burden, but this guide will help you deal with leaves this fall. You might even decide to keep some around instead of bagging them all. Read on to learn more! Raking Leaves Tips No one enjoys the back-breaking work of raking a large yard. Learn how to rake leaves fast so you can get the job over with quickly: Rake ...Continue Reading -
Make Trick or Treaters Safe with Lighted Walkways
October 28, 2018 Halloween is a fun time of year when miniature ghosts and goblins stroll through the neighborhood in search of tasty treats. Provide your visitors with safe passage on and around your property with a lighted walkway that creates a welcoming path to your door. Here are some helpful tips for outdoor lighting from The Grounds Guys® that can help enhance the safety and security of your home this fall ...Continue Reading -
How to Care for a Venus Fly Trap
October 16, 2018 While the Venus Fly Trap is not the only species of carnivorous plant, though it is arguably the most well-known. These plants are found in areas where the soil has little to no nutritive value which forces them to obtain its food from other sources. If you are looking for a visually interesting, fun addition to your plant collection a Venus Fly Trap may be just what you're looking for—and The ...Continue Reading -
Dormant Grass Seeding Tips for Homeowners
October 5, 2018 Does your lawn suffer from thin growth or bare spots? Early fall may be the right time to address these issues with dormant grass seeding. Ensure germination and lush growth in the spring by following these tips from The Grounds Guys®. What is Dormant Seeding? Dormant grass seeding is when you apply seed when temperatures are low enough to prevent germination, but the ground hasn’t frozen yet. ...Continue Reading -
How to Care for MUMs and Keep Them Blooming All Season
September 25, 2018 Mums are a lush, colorful addition to any landscape during the fall season when other elements of your landscape start to look drab and lifeless. Caring for mums really isn't all that difficult - and you can keep them blooming all season long with these tips from The Grounds Guys®. Regardless of whether you're going to plant your mums outdoors or keep them indoors in pots, choose those with lots ...Continue Reading -
When to Stop Watering Your Lawn in the Fall
September 19, 2018 The intensity of the heat and the sun's rays that are present during the summer months can wreak havoc on outdoor plants—but with consistent watering practices, it is easy to maintain a lush green lawn throughout the growing season. Once fall arrives, however, it is time to change the way you care for your grass to prepare it for the cooler weather ahead; here's how. When to Stop Watering Your ...Continue Reading -
Why you Need Rain Gutters Installed this Fall
September 12, 2018 When bad weather strikes this fall, will your home be ready? Gutters are a simple upgrade you can install to direct rainwater away from the foundation. Why does this matter? And what types of gutters and downspouts are available to make your home’s water removal system attractive and effective? Let’s take a look. Types of Gutters and Downspouts Gutters come in many shapes, materials, and styles to ...Continue Reading -
5 Decorative Mowing Patterns You Can Try at Home
September 5, 2018 Mowing your lawn can get repetitive, but with a little imagination and some great tips from The Grounds Guys®, you can turn your yard into a work of art that will make you the envy of the entire neighborhood. Here are five decorative lawn mowing patterns for you to try, that are guaranteed to enhance your curb appeal and bring new life to your landscape. Mowing Techniques and Equipment Periodic ...Continue Reading -
What Kind of Pest is Killing Your Grass?
August 25, 2018 Having a lush, green lawn is a source of pride for most home and business owners, but even the most well-tended landscape is susceptible to damage from a variety of lawn pests. The key to successfully treating the problem and restoring health and vitality to your property is proper identification, using our lineup of common flying, crawling, and burrowing insects and creatures. Lawn Pest ...Continue Reading -
Spraying for Fleas is a Must
August 14, 2018 Fleas are tiny, dark-colored parasites that feed off the blood of birds and mammals. In addition to making your pets miserable and itchy, fleas can also transmit diseases and parasites, and every precaution should be taken to protect your home, yard, and animals from these and other annoying pests. While there are several widely available commercial sprays and applications for flea prevention and ...Continue Reading -
What’s the Best Way to Pick Up Fallen Acorns in My Yard?
August 7, 2018 Oak trees are a magnificent addition to any home or property, providing an exceptional canopy for shade and a brilliant display of foliage. Your oak trees may also be home to any number of creatures from birds to squirrels, and while they may find the acorns scattered on the ground below to be some type of treasure—to homeowners they may be little more than a nuisance. If you're looking for the ...Continue Reading -
Mosquito Prevention Tips for Homeowners
July 31, 2018 There are so many things to love about summer—but mosquitoes aren't one of them. Nothing can ruin an otherwise perfect day like the whine or bite from a mosquito, and where there is one there are dozens, or even hundreds more. In addition to these annoying qualities, mosquitoes can also transmit diseases including: West Nile virus, encephalitis, yellow fever, and more. Mosquitoes can multiply ...Continue Reading -
Low-water Landscaping Solutions
July 23, 2018 Water is the most vital natural resource in the world. Without it, there’s no life. Perhaps you recognize this, so you have already installed water-conservation devices inside your homes, such as low-flow toilets and aerated showerheads. However, in the U.S., outdoor water use accounts for about 30 percent of residential water consumption. This amounts to about 58,000 gallons of water per home per ...Continue Reading -
Featured Tree: Oak
July 16, 2018 The oak tree is a favorite for many people who want to incorporate beauty and shade into their landscapes, but many property owners aren't aware of some of its interesting facts. The Grounds Guys® is featuring this highly popular species to enlighten you not only about some of its history but about its care, regions where the oak tree thrives, allergies and other information you'll find both ...Continue Reading -
How to Pave a Walkway if You Aren't a Contractor
June 25, 2018 Sidewalks, walkways, and patios are all synonymous with the term hardscape. According to the dictionary, hardscape is a man-made feature used in the landscape as contrasted with any form of vegetation. The materials are endless from concrete to pavers, wall blocks, and tile. Outdoor living is a growing trend that can be as simple as a small walkway to an elaborate design creating spaces for ...Continue Reading -
Consider These 10 Things Before Installing a Pool
June 18, 2018 Building a pool is a fun addition for all ages to enjoy and experience the addition of water. Installing a pool takes planning and budgeting of finances and time before, during and after the actual construction. There are ten steps to consider when deciding on the additional of a pool. What is the budget? Building a pool is not only the cost of building but also the maintenance and other amenities ...Continue Reading -
The Pros and Cons of Installing a Yard Irrigation System
June 6, 2018 The secret to any successful landscape is finding the right balance of sunlight, fertilization, and water—but when it comes to your lawn, the process of watering can not only be time consuming but ineffective if done incorrectly. A yard irrigation system takes the guesswork out of watering and is a popular addition to homes and businesses across the country. However, before you invest in one for ...Continue Reading -
Install a Flagpole for Memorial Day Weekend
May 23, 2018 How do you usually spend Memorial Day ? Why not honor the holiday appropriately by installing a flagpole in your front yard or business entrance? If you’ve thought about doing this project for a while, there’s no better time than Memorial Day Weekend! Why We Celebrate Memorial Day It’s easy to forget the meaning behind Memorial Day when you’re sitting at the poolside enjoying your day off. ...Continue Reading -
Is a Sprinkler System Worth the Monthly Water Bill?
May 14, 2018 If you still water your lawn manually, you may stick with this technique because you’re worried that installing an automatic sprinkler system will increase your monthly water bill. Rest assured that most sprinklers improve watering efficiency to lower your water usage! Use the information here to help you determine if the costs associated with a sprinkler system are worth it, and how to maximize ...Continue Reading -
How to Build Your Own Backyard Pond
May 7, 2018 A backyard water feature brings you one step closer to nature, and there is no better way to incorporate water into your landscape than with a backyard pond. With endless design possibilities, you can create a one-of-a-kind oasis that your whole family will enjoy. If you're wondering how to make your own pond, the experts at The Grounds Guys have you covered, with tips and techniques to help turn ...Continue Reading -
How to Care for Bermuda Grass
April 23, 2018 Bermuda grass is a popular choice among homeowners and businesses looking for a lush, resilient ground cover that is both heat and drought tolerant and can handle moderate to heavy traffic. Whether used alone or mixed in with other varieties of grass seed, this unique warm season grass will thrive under ideal conditions, but the secret to Bermuda grass care is knowing what those conditions are. ...Continue Reading -
The Pros and Cons of Sod
April 14, 2018 Nearly every homeowner dreams of having a lush green lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood. When planning your landscaping you'll need to choose between grass seed or sod, and there are arguments in favor and against each option. Regardless of the size of your property your new lawn will require an investment of both time and money, but just how much depends on which option you choose. Let the ...Continue Reading -
It's Time to Buy a Riding Lawn Mower
April 4, 2018 While everyone may desire the type of lawn that makes people stop and stare, not everyone is willing or able to put in the work to achieve and maintain it—particularly when the property in question is anything but small. A riding lawn mower is a perfect solution for anyone wanting to save time and energy caring for their yard while remaining comfortably seated behind the wheel. Once you've made ...Continue Reading -
Checklist for New Homeowners Emphasizes Exterior Home Inspection
March 31, 2018 As you arrange the furniture and pick paint colors, it’s easy to forget about the landscaping around your new home. Your home’s landscaping not only provides visual appeal, it protects it from the elements, as well. As the leading expert in the landscaping industry, The Grounds Guys know how important it is to catch any problems early before they become an expensive fix. That tree leaning over the ...Continue Reading -
Plant Flowers Right Now for Winter Blooms
March 22, 2018 When it comes to gardening advice - The Grounds Guys® deliver respected, time saving tips along with a full scope of landscape management choices. You know you want color all year round. It doesn't matter if you have a residential garden or a corporate park - The Grounds Guys can make sure your view is filled with color and blooms even in the cold drear of winter. Pieris Japonica The buds on ...Continue Reading -
The Ideal Watering Schedule for Your Home
March 19, 2018 For a lush, healthy lawn, a regular watering schedule is an essential part of the equation. However, knowing when you should water your lawn, how much water your lawn needs, and how frequently to water are all important questions. Here's what you need to know to create an ideal watering schedule for your home. When You Should Water Your Lawn The best time to water your grass is early in the ...Continue Reading -
The Benefits of Adding Compost to Your Lawn
March 10, 2018 For the incredible effect of having really lush landscapes - adding compost to your lawn is essential. Anyone who intends to support the radiant health of your landscapes - will need to generate compost for optimal organic fertilization. What Exactly is Compost? Compost is used for lawn seeding, and for enhancing your soil with life-affirming nutrients that cause your landscapes to glow. Adding ...Continue Reading -
DIY Raised Garden Beds
March 7, 2018 Raised garden beds can be used in almost any setting - commercial or residential - to accomplish offsetting areas with color, shapes and even edibles. Regardless of your setting, raised garden beds usher in an opportunity for clustering and enlivening specific areas with flowers, trees, flowering shrubs or vegetables. Elegant, elongated raised planter beds can be designed to fit the space ...Continue Reading -
Inconsistent Weed Growth Can Lead to Angry Neighbors
February 28, 2018 Weeds are more than an eyesore in what would otherwise be a beautiful landscape. We all know those neighborhoods or communities that would be just perfect, if it weren't for that one house that seems to stick out like a sore thumb! Don’t let your lawn stand out as being less than immaculate. What problems can unwanted weeds cause, and how can you get rid of them? Weeds Can Attract Pests Unwanted ...Continue Reading -
Landscape Maintenance, Ground Guys Make Home Maintenance Checklist
February 23, 2018 The Importance of Landscape Maintenance A home only looks as good as the landscape that surrounds it. GetNeighborly.com echoed the importance of curb appeal in their Home Maintenance Checklist . A Canadian version of the Home Maintenance Checklist is also available on GetNeighbourly.ca . The checklist is a collaboration of the Neighborly network to give homeowners a guide to keep their home in ...Continue Reading -
How to Prune Dormant Trees
February 12, 2018 Most people take a break from their job during the summer months in order to take advantage of the warmer weather, but for trees, winter is the prime time for resting. This period of dormancy temporarily slows the growth of the tree, providing a great opportunity for homeowners to perform much needed maintenance with less stress to limbs and foliage. Pruning trees in winter is just one of the many ...Continue Reading -
Snow Blower or Plow: What's Better?
January 19, 2018 Freshly fallen snow looks beautiful, as white crystals blanket everything in sight. Unfortunately, that includes your sidewalks and driveway, where snow removal is necessary for ease of movement and safety. There are a number of snow removal options to choose from, and which works best for you and your property is a personal decision that only you can make. Before you head out to purchase a snow ...Continue Reading