Landscaping FAQ’s
Keeping your lawn properly maintained and looking pristine, fresh and green can be complicated, with several factors determining the outcome of your landscaping. To assist you with your landscaping projects, check out our selection of landscaping frequently asked questions:
Lawn Maintenance
How short should I cut my grass?
Mowing height is SO important. While mowing your lawn short might seem like a good idea because you can go longer between mows, this allows the perfect opportunity for weeds and grassy-type weeds to invade the lawn, as well as cause your lawn heat stress in the hot summer months. In addition, this can promote lawn diseases to occur. We recommend mowing your lawn no shorter than 3.5” with sharpened blades, while not removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade on a single cut. In the Northwest Indiana region, blades can be sharpened at equipment stores such as Terpstra’s Salts, Service & Rental, Rigg’s Outdoor Power Equipment, or Gruel Brothers Inc.
Do my mower blades need to be sharpened?
Always make sure mowing blades are sharpened. Mowing with dull blades will leave the tops of your grass brown and open the lawn to potential disease.
Why should I switch my mowing patterns?
It is very important to switch the pattern in which you mow your lawn. By mowing the same direction week after week, you are training the grass to lean a particular way. This stresses the lawn and makes it appear worn down. By switching up mowing direction each week, the grass will be able to grow straight up and tall, the way grass should.
How can grass clippings affect my lawn?
Grass clippings can both help and hurt your lawn depending on the amount. Clippings are a valuable source of nutrients that can give back to your lawn. Excessive clippings that are left in clumps can damage your lawn by leaving discolored areas and eventually killing those sections. It is important to only mow 1/3 of the blade of grass at a time, so there is not an excessive amount of clippings. Make sure to blow out any clumping areas to spread the clippings or bag the grass if there is more than expected.
Irrigation
What is a Backflow Prevention Assembly and who needs one?
A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical device installed in your private property after the water meter. It prevents water already in your property pipes from “backflowing” into the City water system, possibly contaminating the City’s potable water system. All customers that have a land irrigation system, including those installed at a residential location, that is connected to a public water supply are required by the State to install either a Reduced Pressure Principle device (RP) or a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB).
Why does a backflow assembly fail to work property and why have it tested?
A backflow prevention assembly is designed to prevent contamination of our potable water system. Foreign matter in the water supply system, such as sand, grit or rust particles from the piping system, can damage internal parts of a backflow preventer. Normal wear and tear of the assembly will eventually cause the assembly to fail and need repair. Because the backflow assembly may fail due to foreign matter, it is required by law that they be tested on an annual basis by a certified technician.
What happens if I do not have my backflow preventer(s) tested and maintained?
Non-compliance with Indiana Administrative Code (327 IAC 8-10) will jeopardize your ability to be serviced by a public water system. Many water providers use a third party to maintain their backflow testing certification paperwork. There is a fee associated for the filing which is included in your price.
What type of maintenance does an irrigation system require?
Proper maintenance of your home’s irrigation system can reduce water waste and improve plant life. It is recommended that your system is checked twice a year – first when turned on and again halfway through the season to adjust for temperature changes and landscape needs. Regular maintenance includes inspecting the controller, updating watering schedules, checking all wire connections, repairing any problem areas, etc. In addition, RLM Inc. can perform a system audit to assess your system to help determine the efficiency of the water being applied throughout your sprinkler system and adjusting accordingly.
How much should I be watering my lawn throughout the year?
During the hot summer months, it can get too hot or dry for the cool season grasses. When temperatures rise above 90 degrees, cool season lawns can start to go dormant and turn brown until cooler weather and enough moisture reach the soil. During those hot summer months, we recommend watering 2-3 inches a week during the morning hours either by rainfall or irrigation.
During the cooler months, a healthy lawn needs 1-2 inches of water a week. When a lawn receives more water than normal, this allows moisture to build in the soil. Having too much moisture can bring diseases into the lawn. If possible, let your lawn dry out for the next couple of days and continue with the recommended watering instructions. A Hydrawise Wifi controller can help save money on your water bill and increase the health of your turf.
Fertilization / Turf Care
Why do I need fertilizer?
Over time, soil naturally loses important nutrients. Fertilizer provides a slow release of organic nutrients along with carefully blended amounts of nutrients which help your lawn by promoting new leaf, cell wall development, and root growth. Using quality fertilizer will also aid in nutrient uptake, provide a barrier to protect your lawn from surface and subsurface insects which could cause massive destruction, as well as protect the root system during harsh winter months. Lawn fertilization requires a balance of chemicals at various times of the year. Having a professional company provide this service eliminates a lot of headaches for you as a homeowner.
Do I need to be home for these applications?
You do not need to be home for our fertilization program. Our trained technicians will care for your lawn and leave you with an invoice. Be sure to check the back of your invoice after each visit for any notes the technician may have left regarding the care of your lawn including watering instructions. We do ask that gates are unlocked, and pets are in the house. If you need to be contacted a day before your appointment, please notify our office.
How long do I need to stay off of the lawn?
For most applications we ask that people and pets remain off the lawn until the weed control has had time to dry. In most cases, this will take less than an hour. Once the weed control has dried, there is no danger from being on the lawn.
Why does RLM use a blend of organics and synthetics in their lawn care program?
All plants need essential nutrients to grow and thrive, which are both contained in organic and synthetic fertilizers. RLM, Inc. spends time as a team with our turf technicians, our vendors, and our office staff to review soil samples we have taken throughout Lake and Porter County each year to determine what products to use based on what the soil needs.
Ultimately, our goal is to provide the nutrients and chemicals needed to keep weeds under control and to establish strong root growth and protect your lawn from surface and sub surface insects. Using a hand selected blend that is prepared specifically for RLM, Inc. and made at a local facility, we can provide the best solutions for your turf, year after year.
Why is RLM, Inc. more expensive than others in the industry?
Are we though? You must consider the quality of the product, the experience of the technicians, the overall knowledge of the team caring for your lawn, including the office staff who is knowledgeable in answering many questions. Going with a cheaper company often means you will be getting sub quality products bought in bulk and being applied at a lower rate than your lawn needs. Over time, this will cause the root structure to diminish and you will have to spend more money to start to repair your lawn to get it healthy again. Think of it like junk food. Yes, you can eat fast food for dinner, and it might be inexpensive. However, if you eat every day, day after day, your body won’t feel right, and your health will decline. You must provide your body with the nutrients it needs so your body has energy to perform each day. Soil is the same, it needs quality care to remain healthy. Having a lush vividly green lawn is amazing, but to get that, RLM, Inc. focuses on the overall health of the soil.
Our technicians are certified and will take precaution to use what is best for your lawn, not just a general application. The other advantage is we offer liquid aeration treatments, similar to a core aeration, this product is applied during a fertilization round and will allow for better nutrient uptake, reducing soil compaction which is great for clay and hard soil as it allows air and water movement which is essential for a healthy lawn.
What makes a new construction lawn different from an established lawn?
When you build a new home, the layer of dirt that is removed is the layer that holds all of the nutrients. Although your new sod will look great for a while, your lawn may have a low CEC, Cation Exchange Capacity. This is the ability or total capacity of the soil to hold onto essential nutrients. Adding organic matter is essential. Our technicians or office staff can guide you with a program including a product that is the ringleader for a healthy lawn. This product aides in aeration and helps to reduce compaction, buffers the pH and increases nutrient uptake. Best of all, it is sustainable, natural, and safe.
What are the benefits of Core Aeration and Lawn Overseeding?
Core Aeration and Overseeding provide the most optimal results for your lawn when done in the fall. Core Aeration will help your lawn with increasing the air flow to the roots of the grass, increase the effectiveness of fertilizer or any seeding that is done, increase water intake, and improve the root depth and strength. Overseeding your lawn will improve the thickness of the turf and in turn making it healthier while also raising your home’s curb appeal. These two processes work hand in hand to benefit your lawn. Learn more about the benefits of overseeding and aeration.
Mosquito / Pest Control
How does a mosquito treatment work?
Our trained technicians will use a special blend of insecticides designed to target both adult pests as well as their eggs. This insecticide will then be applied to your property with a misting system. The mist will be sprayed throughout your landscaping, trees (up to twenty feet in height) and across the entire lawn.
How long does my mosquito treatment remain effective?
Our mosquito control treatments will provide you with protection for up to 21 days. With our spray package, a technician will visit your home every two-three weeks to ensure that the mosquito barrier never has time to break down. That way you can consistently enjoy your outdoor space all season long.
Can I get a mosquito treatment to protect guests for a party or special event if I’m not signed up for the year?
Absolutely! For the most effective control for your event, we suggest having at least two applications. We will apply one treatment two weeks before your event and another two days before your event. Contact our office to schedule this service.
Is a mosquito treatment harmful to children or pets?
It is recommended that you stay off the treated areas for a minimum of 60 minutes after treatment. This will ensure that the products have had time to dry. Once the treatment has dried, your property is once again available for your enjoyment, without danger to your family and pets.
Why should I continue to get treatments for the whole year? Are Mosquitos active in the Fall?
The Mosquito / Pest Control treatment not only covers mosquitos, but also fleas, ticks, mites, and other harmful pests that could cause damage to your loved ones, pets, or landscaping. Once temperatures drop in the fall, mosquitos may not be active, however ticks and other insects still are.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN MAINTENANCE
How Can A Well-Landscaped Property Help Sell My Home?
When selling your home, the landscaping is often one of the first details prospective buyers notice — and attractive and well-maintained lawns and plantlife adds curb appeal and a welcoming aesthetic. With a well-landscaped property, you can even see up to 10% home value added, so take your landscape project seriously. Read More.
When Is the Best Time To Reinvent Landscaping?
Many may assume springtime is the ideal season for landscaping installations, but for plantings like trees, shrubs and grass, fall is the best time for projects because of the warm days and cool evenings and the increased precipitation that assists new plant establishment. With fall plantings, you’ll have six to eight months to get roots established before warmer months, weeds are less frequent and the soil temperature is still warm. However, for perennial and annual flowers, springtime is the best time for planting.
What Is Landscaping Color Theory?
Color theory refers to the aesthetic art of mixing colors and the visual effects of those color combinations — to create a relaxing feel, make small spaces seem larger, attract attention to an area or tie areas together, for example. In landscaping, the color spectrum is divided into four groups:
- Primary: reds, yellows and blues
- Secondary: greens, violets and oranges
- Tertiary: blends of primary and secondary colors
- Neutral: white, gray, tan and silvers
Using color combinations, you match colors to complement each other or provide a variety of color transitions throughout the different times of year.
What Are The Best Types of Trees to Plant in Indiana?
Some types of trees that grow well in Indiana are the American Hornbeam, Hackberry and Japanese Tree Lilac. Each of these species not only grows best in Indiana’s weather patterns and soil conditions, but they also give lawns a touch of beauty. Learn more about these tree species and other tree types for Indiana lawns here.
What is the Best Type of Grass For Indiana Lawns?
Cool-season grasses grow best in Indiana due to the colder temperatures seen there. Some types of grasses that thrive in Indiana include:
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Fine Fescues
- Tall Fescue
- Perennial Ryegrass
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Backyard Water Feature?
There are many different types and sizes of water features that you can add to your yard landscape, so the cost varies based on the water feature you choose and the size of it. Some of the different types of water features you can install to upgrade your lawn include fountains, ponds and waterfalls. Learn more about the water features offered at Ricci’s Landscape Management, Inc. and their starting prices. Read More.
WINTER LAWN CARE
What Do I Need To Do To Prepare My Lawn For the Winter?
In Indiana, there are several things you can to do prepare your lawn for the colder weather and winter season. Some of the best things that you can do to prepare and prevent a dead lawn when the spring comes around are:
- Remove lawn debris such as sticks and leaves
- Complete a final mow on your grass cutting it a little shorter than normal
- Core Aerate your lawn
- Apply a winter fertilizer application with a post-emergent weed control.
Read more about winter lawn preparation here.
How Do I Mark My Property For Snow Removal?
Staking your lawn helps to show snowplow operators where your lawn meets the road or sidewalk edge. Other items you should mark for snowplows include fire hydrants, retaining walls, curbs, driveway stops and patio edges. The best way to mark your lawn is to place markers at any obstacle that a snowplow may hit or damage during the snow removal process. Read More.
For Stunning Landscape Projects and Maintenance, Call Ricci’s Today
When you need reliable, flawless and caring landscaping professionals for your installation or maintenance, call the experts at Ricci’s Landscape Management. We develop unique and customizable landscaping design and maintenance plans for all our homeowners located throughout Northwestern Indiana communities. To learn more about our services, complete our online scheduling form or call 800-595-4339 — one of our specialists will be happy to answer your questions.