Advantages & Disadvantages of Drip Irrigation
May 10, 2018
Deep, penetrating watering is the best way to ensure your landscape survives the stresses of the warm season. Proper watering technique calls for watering less frequently, but more at one time, to give your garden a quality soaking that gives roots a sufficient supply of water. This is better than the quick surface watering you see by less experienced gardeners.
For commercial landscapes, as well as larger residential landscapes, a drip irrigation system can be an effective alternative to hiring a landscaping crew or doing the task yourself.
Drip irrigation is a more controlled watering method than using a surface sprinkler or a hose. It uses plastic tubes that distribute water along the length of the system through small holes. These holes connect to emitters that are set near your plants and allow for watering at a slow and very thorough rate.
Team Spotlight: Tyler Smith
April 27, 2018
We wanted to help you get to know the team behind the great reputation at Hively Landscapes with our team spotlight series. Tyler Smith, Account Manager, was kind enough to join us on the hot seat and answer a few questions.
Learn more about what Tyler had to say below!
Q: Where would you like to travel to?
A: I would love to travel to Australia and go scuba diving in the great barrier reef!
Spring Soil Preparation Tips
April 24, 2018Some of us want to grow the best looking plants each year, ones that will flourish and become the envy of the neighborhood. Others don’t share that dream, but if you’re one of those who does, we have some tips from the landscape professionals here at Hively to help transform your garden into something special. Follow these guidelines and your landscape will be on its way to being the best-looking property for miles around.
First, Test the Soil
The most important thing you can do for your landscape is a simple soil test. A soil test will help ensure landscape success by revealing pH and nutrient levels in your soil. With this information you can correct soil abnormalities, improving the effectiveness of fertilizers, helping the grass grow, and improving long-term resistance to pests and diseases. Spring is a great time to get your soil tested and corrected.
8 Springtime Pests That Will Destroy Your Landscape
April 17, 2018
Do you know who else enjoys the warm-up that springtime brings each year? Pests! Putting all that time, effort and money into your landscape helps it look great. Left untreated, though, it also looks great to hungry critters who may be hiding in your landscape. Warm, moist landscapes are the perfect breeding ground for a variety of fungi and diseases.
Warning signs of a problem include dieback, defoliation, and discoloration. If you begin to notice any of these, immediate action must be taken to avoid eventual damage and possible death.
Essential Spring Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips
March 23, 2018Spring has arrived here in PA, and despite the late snowfall it will soon be time to dig out those handy lawn mowers and start your mowing routine.
Before you jump right in and discover your lawn mower isn’t quite as ready to start the season as you are, check out these spring maintenance tasks that can help your mower engine to run strong and keep your lawn properly trimmed.
Here are four simple lawn mower maintenance tips for gasoline-powered mowers.
Team Spotlight: Dave Wildasin
March 20, 2018
We wanted to help you get to know the team behind the great reputation at Hively Landscapes with our team spotlight series. Dave Wildasin, Operations Manager, was kind enough to join us on the hot seat and answer a few questions.
Learn more about what Dave had to say below!
Q: What would you like to be your greatest accomplishment?
A: Making sure my family all make it to heaven someday.
The Fight Against Crabgrass: You CAN Win!
March 8, 2018Every year we receive dozens of calls for help eradicating crabgrass. The problem is that by the time you see crabgrass, you’re already well behind in the battle. You can win the fight, though, with some thoughtful planning and action.
Today we’ll take a look at why crabgrass appears in your lawn, and offer a few suggestions on how you can control it.
Why does crabgrass appear in my lawn?
One of the most common weed problems in lawns here in Pennsylvania, crabgrass releases seeds each summer and then emerges the next spring. Crabgrass seeds are particularly tenacious, as the amount of seed produced is extremely high, and they can stay dormant in the soil for several years before germinating.
Top 5 Things to Ask Your Landscaping Company
February 23, 2018Great landscaping companies do far more than just routine maintenance. While there are countless projects you can hire a landscaping company for, there’s not an unlimited number of companies capable of doing a great job.
How well you research and qualify these companies can mean the difference between a great looking landscape and one that can actually end up costing you MORE money. Picking the wrong landscaping partner may just mean a bad trim job, but in the worst case, you can be stuck with expensive legal bills should an accident occur.
Fortunately, you can screen out the bad apples with a bit of effort. We’ve taken some time to put together a simple, straightforward list of questions you should ask.
- Are you licensed and insured?
Deer Problems? Here’s What You Need To Know
February 8, 2018
Pennsylvania winters and deer problems seem to go hand in hand. According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s website, we had the second highest rate of vehicle accidents involving deer in the country last year. In fact, Pennsylvania residents, on average, have a one in 70 chance of being in an accident involving a deer.
Unfortunately deer don’t just cause damage to vehicles, they also can be quite destructive to your landscape. As the winter arrives and their smorgasbord of food dwindles to scraps, deer will search for anything to satisfy their appetite.
If you’ve found your landscape the target of some hungry deer, you may be interested in some helpful information about minimizing winter deer damage.
Team Spotlight: Matt Vandewater
February 6, 2018
We’re starting a new spotlight series here at Hively, showcasing some of our talented team members. Matt Vandewater, Mowing Division Leader, was first to volunteer to sit down on the hot seat and answer a few questions.
Learn more about what Matt had to say below!
Q: What is your least favorite food?
A: Cheese!
Q: You’re hosting a dinner party. Who are the 3 people, living or dead, who you would invite and why?