From the Landscaper

Quarterly article "From The Landscaper" featured in Cit E Scapes Newsletter.

• Spring 2005 article
• Fall 2004 article

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The following excerpt taken from the Spring 2005 Issue of the Cit E Scapes News newsletter

I’m recovering from the ‘week from heaven’ (or week from hell depending how you look at it). From December 19-26, our small company billed 250 man-hours in sidewalk snow removal and ice-melt services! I broke down and caught the flu, but am feeling much better now and ready to talk landscaping with you!

Did you know that sooner than we can imagine, it will be April? I spend February and March preparing for April (bidding, contracts negotiated, staffing, equipment prep, receiving nursery stock, etc.). When April hits, WHAMMO, we’re off on a 3-month marathon of landscaping and grounds maintenance missions. We rarely come up for air until July... In April and May, everyone wants us in their yard on the same day (this is logistically impossible)! Throw in unpredictable wet weather, equipment breakdowns, etc. and this can be a recipe for stress. Allow me to share a story with you, called ‘Customer A+.’

Customer A+ was referred to us by another customer. They hired us to do a large, late fall installation on their new home. They are entering their ‘golden years’ and wanted something they could really enjoy and that would set them apart from the other similar houses in their new addition. Since then, we’ve performed ‘upgrades’ and ‘new phases’ to the initial work, as well as some grounds maintenance. We discuss and agree on the work in December or January. They send me a deposit to book the work in February or March. Does this make me feel respected, valued and happy?! Does this help them relax and insure they’re one of the first installation jobs completed in spring as soon as weather permits?! We enjoy a friendly, relaxed and trusting relationship with customer A+. ‘Moral of the Story’! It’s human nature to wait until the last minute, but don’t wait until April or May to begin thinking about your yard. If you’re going to do something major, sooner is better to begin developing ideas, planning your work, contacting and communicating with contractors... Which brings me to my next point...

If you’re going to hire out a landscape install or a renovation, seriously consider a water feature. There is no comparison to the enjoyment you will receive from a well-designed, natural and beautiful looking water feature vs. traditional landscaping. There are many systems and kits available out there. We only install Aquascape Designs systems. Aquascapes has taken the confusion out of pond building with their amazingly simple and high quality product line, and their low maintenance, all natural philosophy. No yard or area is too big or small for a water feature. Consider this ... in 2 days or less, our burly young crew can build what would take the average homeowner an entire summer of weekends to complete properly, and, when we’re finished, you’ll have something that you will enjoy the sight and sound of every day, year round. I’m excited about water features! From an enjoyment and an investment perspective, studies have shown they’re the best thing you can do in and for your landscaping. I love nice landscaping, and we even sell trees and shrubs in the spring. But, my Boxwoods just don’t give me a sense of relaxation and enjoyment like dipping my toes into my pond at the end of the day, watching our water lily’s bloom, our Koi fish swimming, and listening to the soothing sound of our waterfalls. Throw in over 6 tons of stone and some landscaping around it, and you have something that looks like it’s been there for 100 years! Take the plunge! You won’t regret it. Go to www.aquascapedesigns.com and click on Image Gallery to see some amazing sights, or go to www.truenorthlandscaping.com to see some of our work. We’ll see or talk to many of you this spring...hopefully sooner!

Thanks for reading ... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The following excerpt taken from the Fall 2004 Issue of the Cit E Scapes News newsletter

I wish more people would plant in the fall. It seems everybody wants their projects done in May or June. This makes life hectic for a landscaper/contractor and frustrating for the customer. There are so many other good months that get neglected. October and November (even December if the ground is not frozen) are great times to plant most trees, shrubs, and even perennials. "Why is fall such a good time to plant?", you ask. As the days grow shorter and temperatures cool, plants begin to go dormant. Even though the energy is no longer being spent above the surface, below the surface their roots are sill active and taking in nutrients, right into December. If you dig now, that plant will have a stress free awakening in the spring, with the benefit of a root system that is already established. That is a big head start over something you install in April or May. This is a good thing! Also, make sure you dig a good hole. Experts from Purdue University promote a "simpler is better" approach with their planting recommendations. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and only as deep, NEVER deeper, as the root ball of the plant you are installing.

This is important because roots grow sideways more than they do down into the soil. Planting too deep can kill the plant - especially evergreens. Backfill using the soil you removed to make the hole. If you need to amend the soil, do so minimally or you may spoil the root system and discourage the roots from growing outside the amended area. Water in your new plant well. Apply a good balanced liquid fertilizer. Make sure to water your plant in well for the winter. On established plants, a deep root feed ot slow release fertilizer in October/November is a good idea. Contact True North Landscaping if you would like more information on deep root feeding. Keep it simple, use your intuition, and enjoy the autumn.

Cit E Scapes is located at 1230 South Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, and features True North Lanscaping products all year round.

• Cit E Scapes is open during the winter and its hours are:Tuesday thru Saturday 10:00-6:00
• Sunday 12:00-5:00
• closed Mondays

To visit the Cit E Scapes website and sign up for their newsletter, go to www.citescapes.com.