Winter desiccation is a common type of winter injury that occurs when the amount of water lost by foliage exceeds the amount picked up by the roots. During winter months photosynthetic processes are slowed, but evergreens continue to lose water at a higher rate than deciduous trees, through their needles and to a lesser extent … Read more
Sprinkler systems are convenient, can save you time, and are more effective than watering your lawn on your own. Whether you’re interested in getting a sprinkler system installed or learning the components of your irrigation system, it’s important to know the components of how it works. How It Works In order to have a functional … Read more
Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service is proud to announce the acquisition of Community Landscape Company. In a letter to his clients, Community Landscaping owner Phil Borelli said: “Piscataqua Landscaping and Tree Service is a quality organization and believes in all the same things that I do: long-term relationships, depth of resources and support for their … Read more
Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service is proud to announce the acquisition of Jacquelyn Nooney Landscape. In a letter to her clients, Jackie Nooney said, “After 38 years of designing, building, caring for gardens and managing snow in the Seacoast, I have decided to retire.” She stated that her decision to sell her company to Piscataqua Landscaping was made because they are “the one company in the region that can continue to provide the high-quality service [her customers] are accustomed to.”
As of January 1, 2021 JNL, Inc. will be transitioning most of its staff over to Piscataqua to ensure a seamless transition and keep the teams in place for the existing JNL, Inc. clientele.
President & CEO of Piscataqua Landsaping & Tree Service, Justin Gamester, said, “We have worked closely with Jackie over the years and this was an opportunity that is very aligned with our commitment to excellence when it comes to providing landscaping, tree care and snow management services throughout the Seacoast. It’s an honor for us to continue the fine work JNL has become known for over these past four decades and we plan to carry her legacy forward for many more years to come.”
President & CEO of Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree pictured here with retiring Jackie Nooney, founder of JNL, Inc. celebrating the recent sale.
When a winter storm hits, it’s important to have a reliable and trustworthy snow removal contractor that will provide excellent service for your commercial property and for your investment. In order to hire a quality snow removal company, there are a few questions we recommend asking before making the decision. Before hiring a snow removal service in southern Maine or Seacoast New Hampshire, be sure to ask the following questions.
1. Is the snow removal company insured?
Although a low-cost snow plow option is tempting – it might not be as ideal as you think. Just because a certain plow company is charging less than others doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. In fact, it might mean that their snow removal company doesn’t have the proper insurance coverage. It’s important to always ask for proof of their insurance before they service your property in case something happens on your property.
2. Does the contractor offer 24/7 snow plowing?
Another important question to ask your snow removal contractor before officially hiring them is if they offer 24/7 service. The answer to this question might make or break your decision to hire them. However, your contractor should always be willing to give you multiple points of communication including phone, text, or email information. Make sure to give them your information as well in case they have questions while servicing your property.
3. What is an average response time to snow storms?
Your snow removal contractor should be on top of all snow storms and ready to respond as quick as possible to a sudden snowfall. If you’re looking for a responsive contractor, make sure they can communicate effectively to let you know when they will be able to service your property. If their average response time to a snowstorm is 2 days, you might want to consider going with another option so you aren’t snowed in.
4. How large is their crew?
Although supporting small companies is important right now, having a small snow removal contracting company isn’t always the best idea. If you hire a small company, they might not have enough crew members on their team to service all their customers after a big snowstorm. However, larger snow contractors aren’t always best either. Large snow crews might only be able to do one round of plowing on your property and might not get to your house until the late night or early morning. Look for a company with a specific route that is organized so crew members can service multiple properties close together. These crews are more conscious of the properties they serve because they are able to take the time to do the job correctly instead of having to worry about getting to the next property on time.
5. Does their snow removal service include salting?
This is one of the most important questions to ask. Keep in mind that not all snow removal contractors include salting services! If you’re looking for salting on your driveway, pathway or walkway after the snow has been removed, make sure you communicate with your contractor to make sure those services are offered. When winter gets icy here in the New Hampshire Seacoast and Southern Maine, salting can be extremely helpful after snow removal because it eliminates the chance for the snow to turn into ice.
6. What equipment do they use?
Most snow removal companies have a full lineup of trucks and equipment designed to tackle the New England winters. If you hire a commercial snow service company, they will typically have snow plows and skid-steer loaders to use to remove snow. Smaller companies typically just use snow plows. Along with checking what equipment they use, make sure you also ask what their backup plan is in case the equipment breaks down or fails. Do they have backup vehicles? Will they still be able to service your property on backup vehicles? Make sure you check with them before you find yourself in this situation down the road.
7. Do they provide snow shoveling?
For some people, this might make or break whether they decide to go with a certain company or not. Sidewalk crews can be helpful for condo associations, schools, apartment complexes, and housing spaces that are sensitive to noise that snow blowers and other snow removal equipment causes. If you aren’t able to shovel your property, make sure you ask your contractor before officially hiring them.
After asking your snow removal contractor these questions, you should be ready to make the decision on if you want them servicing your property for the next few months or not. If you’re interested in hearing our answers to these questions, feel free to reach out to our team at Piscataqua Landscaping. To learn more about residential snow plowing, commercial snow and ice control, and pre/post storm deicing in Seacoast NH, contact our team of snow experts or call us at 207.439.2241.
Did you know that trees can get stressed?When exposed to tough conditions and harsh weather, trees can undergo stress. This is especially true along the Seacoast and in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, where we have a truly seasonal climate.
Help your trees survive the cold months by preparing them properly for cold weather. Spending time making sure they’re well cared for in the fall and winter will ensure they’re ready to start blooming again in the spring. Our team at Piscataqua Landscaping and Tree Services are certified members of the American Society of Consulting Arborists and the International Society of Arboriculture. We are experts in the field of landscaping and tree care in nh. To help care for your trees, we’ve put together a few tips on tree care to help you and your trees prepare for colder months ahead!
Pruning
Pruning your trees helps them stay healthy, beautiful, and safe. To properly prune, remove dead, damaged, and weak limbs. Removing dead or damaged limbs relieves stress on trees and keeps them growing strong. This will also increase air circulation and sun exposure, for the tree and your property. Fall is the best time of year to remove branches because you aren’t working around leaves. When the trees are bare, you’re able to see what you’re working with. Please remember that it’s easy to get carried away with cleaning a tree and removing weak limbs. Be aware that a tree can become injured and more weak if too many branches are taken away.
Plant New Trees
Just because all the leaves on your landscape are losing their leaves doesn’t mean you can’t plant a new tree! Fall is the perfect time of year to plant a tree because the air is crisp and there is a good balance of sunlight and rainfall. Plus, the soil conditions are ideal for stimulating root growth in new trees. During the fall and the winter, the roots are able to grow strong and then they’re ready for top growth in the spring and summer.
Use Mulch & Water
Mulch is always helpful to your trees, regardless of the season. Putting mulch under your tree in the fall or early winter helps keep the roots and tree warm when the temperature drops. Adding a layer of mulch adds a blanket of protection and warmth for the tree’s roots. It will also help your lawn grow thick and green. If leaves land on mulch, they’re much more apt to decompose rather than if they were to land on the grass. Similar to mulch, it’s also important to make sure you’re watering your trees year round. This is helpful for their growth and overall health. Although it seems strange, try watering your trees (especially the young ones) during the winter months. Water the soil when the trees are cool and not frozen. This will give them an extra boost of hydration that they need to keep growing strong.
Help your trees out before the cold weather starts by using these tips. Each factor can make a difference on the success of the growth, stress, and health of your trees. If you’re looking for more advice on tree care or just looking to talk to a local tree care expert, contact us at Piscataqua Landscaping or call us at (603) 439-2241. We really like what we do, and we think you’ll like it too.
It’s that time of year again! Time to prepare for another cold and snowy New England winter.
Before winter hits, there are a few things you should do to prepare your property. By taking care of your leaves, cutting your lawn, and watering your plants, your property will be strong enough to survive the cold winter and be healthy to start growing again in the spring!
Commercial & Residential Property CareTips:
Get Rid of Leaves Although the colorful leaves are pretty on your lawn and fun to play in, they aren’t beneficial for your grass. Why? Well, when leaves cover your yard, they don’t let natural light in. They also trap any moisture that your lawn needs during these last few months before winter hits. To help your lawn out, rake or blow away the leaves as often as you can. It’s easier to keep up with gradually as the leaves fall rather than waiting until all the trees are bare and you’re stuck with a covered lawn. Be sure to check in places the wind might have carried the leaves around your yard, as this is where leaves pile up and make grass soggy and dead in the spring.
Keep Cutting Your Lawn Since summer is over here in Seacoast NH and southern Maine, it’s easy to think that lawn mowing is now off the list of landscaping responsibilities. The truth is, you aren’t done mowing your lawn until the first hard frost. Make sure you’re regularly cutting your lawn to keep it at a 2½ to 3-inch height. If you don’t cut your grass before the first hard frost and let it get long, it will mat and let fungi grow. Typically, long grass before the first frost attracts snow mold, which shows up after the snow melts in the spring. On the other hand, if you cut your grass too short it can curtail the root systemand decrease the ability for the lawn to survive through dry and cold weather. Plus, mowing as often in the fall as you would in the summer might help chop up the leaves and add organic matter to the soil.
Keep On Watering your Lawn! Another important tip as the weather starts to change is to keep watering your lawn. Your lawn still needs water, despite the fact that there is more rain, more dew, and less evaporation in the air during this time of year – it still isn’t enough to keep your lawn properly hydrated. To ensure your lawn is getting the right amount of water, keep track of rainfall (we recommend a rain gauge) and be sure your lawn gets at least an inch of water a week. By the end of October, don’t forget to disconnect your irrigation systems and hoses so your pipes don’t freeze!
Getting rid of leaves, cutting your lawn, and watering your property can be time consuming and hard to keep up with. If you aren’t sure where to start on landscape property carefor cold weather, or are interested in our snow removal services, reach out to our team at Piscataqua Landscapingor call us at 207.439.2241.
It’s the time of year when you’re able to enjoy your outdoor living space and all that your yard has to offer. If you’re looking to enhance your landscape there are a few hardscape construction designs that our team of experienced masonries recommend. Adding hardscape to your property can add flair and uniqueness to your yard, and also increase your property value. Whether it’s adding a paver patio or a brick pizza oven, we’ve got you covered. So, you might be thinking, what hardscape would be the best addition to my property?
Masonry & Stone Work
If you’re interested in adding a simple wall, patio or a designed stone work project made specifically for your property, we would love to help you. By adding custom stone work to your outdoor living space you can completely revamp the look of your backyard. Here at Piscataqua Landscaping we’re able to build a custom patio or a deck style of your choosing. If you’re looking to entertain and have a larger space with less maintenance then a patio would be a great fit for you. Unlike decks, patios tend to last longer and are able to withstand the harsh New England seasons. Plus- you don’t have to shovel off a patio!
A deck is also good for revamping your space. It allows for entertainment but for a smaller space in your backyard. Although decks can be a lot of continuous work due to the changing seasons of New England and the toll on the wood, there is nothing like a classic style deck. Another fun aspect of hardscape projects is outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and stone work fireplaces. These additions add a centerpiece to your backyard and create a fun space for you and your guests. Once you’ve decided which project you would like to implement into your property, it’s all fun from there. You can pick out outdoor kitchen equipment, and choose from plenty of customization options.
Planting & Installations
Adding plants to your outdoor living space can help bring your property to life. Although patios and decks can provide you with a space to sit in the sun, plants and trees allow you a space to get shade. They also provide you with privacy, and add a boost of color to your backyard. Our team of trained planting crews is able to professionally install anything from a one-quart container to a thirty-five foot tree.
If you’re looking for a masonry, stone work, or a planting and installation expert to help you revamp your property, we’ve got you covered. Here at Piscataqua Landscaping, we really like what we do, and we think you’ll like it too. For more information, contact us at Piscataqua Landscaping or call us at (603) 439-2241.
Is your grass dry in some areas and damp in others, or maybe its thinning out? Does your soil seem too sandy, chalky, clay-like, or silty? Do you feel like your gardens or grounds could be a lot lusher, greener, or more inviting? If you answered yes to any of this you aren’t alone.
The Right Amount of Water Is Critical to Good Lawn Care
As a homeowner, you know how much work it takes when you try to manually manage the health of your lawn — especially watering it.
Beyond mowing or fertilizing, watering your lawn is critical to its well-being; and it’s a delicate dance and practically impossible to do it right. In fact, you might spend your weekdays and weekends waking up early, wrangling heavy hoses, repositioning cheap sprinklers, and constantly fretting and fighting the forecast all in hopes that you don’t under or over water plant-life on your property… and yet despite best your efforts, brown patches still appear, weeds persist, and each inefficiency in your process only drains that much more water from the land and time and money from your wallet.
That’s Why You Should Install an In-Ground Lawn Irrigation System
Today, more and more homeowners are enjoying the benefits of installing in-ground lawn irrigation systems that are customized to achieve ideal growing conditions. The result is uniform lawn hydration, reduced environmental impact, greater long-term cost savings, and increased home resale valuations due to curb-appeal.
Some features of a modern lawn irrigation systems may include:
Advanced layout designs that avoid overlap and decrease water waste
Programmable controllers that optimize and automate watering schedules
Smart technology and sensors that enable systems to download or evaluate weather info and decide if and/or how much water to apply based on existing or expected wind, rain, or cloud cover
Remote monitoring and control options accessible from your phone’s wi-fi during travel, from the office, or wherever you might be
As you can see, irrigation systems have improved a lot in recent years and now many take into account everything from where any given sprinkler faces and when it turns on, to the volume of water it delivers and if this needs to shift with the forecast. This ultimately creates one of the most efficient, effective, and sustainable ways to maintain a beautiful yard, keep utility bills lower, and protect our natural resources — so long as its installed properly.
We’ll Help You
Whether your existing system needs to be replaced or repaired, or you’re new to irrigation altogether, Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service is happy to help you update or install the automatic sprinkler system that will work best for you and your landscape.
We offer custom-designed irrigation systems and service plans that are perfect for everything from one-zone to multi-zone residential or commercial properties; we’re an EPA WaterSense partner and a proud member of the Irrigation Association which promotes smart water practices and sustainable irrigation solutions; and we even have an in-house Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) on our team who is professionally trained to manage irrigation design, repair, and installation based on building codes, water flow, piping, and back-flow prevention best practices.
Regardless of your landscape, whether commercial or residential, having outdoor light fixtures can make your property appear more inviting, improve its security and still be cost effective. Whether you are installing landscape lighting yourself, or hiring a professional landscaping lighting company, it’s important to know the science behind a system. Make sure you’re illuminating the proper features and characteristics of the landscape strategically while taking advantage of low-voltage energy efficient options.
Finding the right points of a landscape that enhance curb appeal can be challenging. The key is to think about a property’s trees, planting beds, home facade, garden walls, and focal points. If you want to highlight trees or shrubs, consider using well, bullet, flood, or downlights. A well light is subtle and can be hidden in your lawn. A bullet light fixture is good for smaller trees and shrubs that need specific lighting. A flood light gives off a wider light and is ideal for tall trees or the backside of houses. Downlights are installed in tall trees and can make a property look as if it’s being illuminated from the moon.
Lighting walkways with lower level ground garden lights can provide security and safety. For lighting a house, wash lights are often recommended. Wash lights give off a faint glow and add a subtle touch of light to a property’s exterior. Lastly, try finding a component of the property that you want to bring more attention to. This might be a water feature, unique flower bed, or stone hardscape. Bring these areas of a property to life during the night time by adding a flood, bullet, or wash light.
Remember, there is such a thing as over-illuminating a property. Too many lights can create a glare or cause light to spill over onto a neighbor’s lawn. Make sure the light is illuminating effectively and efficiently, and consider reducing electricity costs by utilizing low-voltage LED landscape lighting components.
When thoughtfully arranged a landscape lighting system can have a dramatic effect on a property’s appearance giving it that extra glow in the evening and night hours. If you have any questions about landscape lighting, or would like to talk about the design and installation process for your exterior home lighting, contact Piscataqua Landscaping and Tree Service and speak with an outdoor lighting expert today!
