FAQs
Services at Preferred Landscaping Services
Have Questions?
At Preferred Landscaping, we are dedicated to addressing all your questions and concerns while providing comprehensive information. Many of our clients, especially first-time customers, share common inquiries. Here are some frequently asked questions that we often encounter:
General FAQs
No, we do not charge for the initial site visit. This visit serves as a valuable opportunity for you to communicate your ideas and vision for your landscape project. It’s the starting point for our design process, where we can discuss initial concepts, identify any landscape challenges you may be facing, and understand the overall scope of the project. Additionally, this initial meeting allows you to get acquainted with our team, learn more about our company, and ask any questions you may have.
Hiring a licensed contractor provides numerous benefits that outweigh potential cost savings with unlicensed contractors. Licensed contractors offer legal protections, adhere to industry standards, and are more likely to deliver quality work. They also carry insurance, protecting you from liability for accidents on your property. In contrast, unlicensed contractors may lack expertise, insurance, and accountability, leading to subpar results or legal complications. While initial costs may be lower with unlicensed contractors, the risks and potential long-term costs of hiring them far outweigh any short-term savings.
Irrigation FAQs
The main purpose of a backflow prevention device is to safeguard the public water supply from contamination. It prevents cross-connections and stops backflow from entering the main water line, ensuring the integrity of our clean drinking water.
If your property is connected to a community (city) water system in Idaho, you are required to have a backflow prevention device for your sprinkler system.
Additionally, Idaho regulations stipulate that this device must be tested by a registered backflow assembly tester within 15 days of activating a new irrigation system or before June 15th of each calendar year to ensure compliance and maintain water safety standards.
No, we do not perform Backflow testing. We will install and replace backflows for systems we are working on.
For backflow testing we recommend Scotty’s Backflow.
A sprinkler blowout involves removing water from your irrigation system to prevent freezing and damage during winter. It’s necessary because water left in the lines can freeze, expand, and lead to pipe bursts and costly repairs.
While DIY blowouts are possible with the right equipment, hiring a professional is advisable for thorough water removal and to prevent system damage.
It’s best to contact a service such as Scotty’s Backflow now to make sure you are on their schedule for a fall blowout. Waiting until colder temperatures arrive is usually
Seeded Lawn FAQs
Watering newly seeded lawns lightly and frequently is crucial to maintain consistent soil moisture until grass germinates. If our team seeded your lawn, they should have already adjusted your irrigation system to run multiple times each day to ensure optimal hydration for seedlings. However, as watering requirements depend on many variables such as weather, soil type, and topography, you will need to monitor the watering and adjust accordingly.
Once the grass is established, it’s important to transition to deeper, less frequent watering. Common starting points are 20 minutes every day or 45 minutes every other day, but adjust based on your lawn’s specific needs. Watch for signs of overwatering such as soft, soggy areas or puddles, and signs of underwatering like dry, wilting, or color change. Modify your watering schedule accordingly to promote healthy growth and root development.
Yes, we apply fertilizer after seeding to encourage robust root development. It’s important to continue regular fertilization thereafter to sustain lawn health and growth.
Allow one full year of establishment before applying any high nitrogen fall fertilizers.
For ongoing care, we highly recommend partnering with a professional service like Ramey’s Yard Care, especially during the initial year of establishment.
Germination time varies depending on the grass type and environmental conditions, usually falling between 7 to 21 days.
During the germination period, it is vital to maintain the seeded area undisturbed (this includes pets!). Steer clear of walking on the freshly seeded area to prevent seed disruption or soil compaction. It is advisable to wait until the grass reaches a mowing height and develops a robust root system, typically occurring 6-8 weeks after seeding, before using the lawn.
Mow the grass once it reaches about 3-4 inches in height, ensuring not to cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. It is best to have a sharp lawnmower blade to prevent tearing the young grass. Regular mowing helps promote a dense and healthy lawn by encouraging lateral growth.
Prepare the area by loosening the soil, applying fresh seed, and lightly covering it with soil. Keep the area consistently moist, adjusting your watering routine as needed for optimal seed germination and growth. Monitor the patched areas regularly for signs of new growth, and once the new grass reaches mowing height, integrate it into your regular mowing and maintenance schedule.
Since weed seed can lay dormant in soil for many years, so it is likely that weeds will germinate in recently disturbed soils – especially once you have begun watering. Weeds compete with newly sprouted grass for nutrients and space. To reduce weed growth, hand-pull any visible weeds with care. It’s important to refrain from using herbicides until the grass has fully established to avoid harming the young turf. Once the grass has matured, you can explore using a herbicide to help manage weeds while maintaining the health of your lawn.
For persistent weeds, we recommend consulting professional services such as Ramey’s Yard Care.
Sod FAQs
While installing new sod, it’s crucial to water it immediately to keep the soil and roots adequately moist.
After sod is down, water lightly multiple times a day as it is not able to soak up much water all at once. Too much water will cause root rot. If our team laid your sod, they should have already adjusted your irrigation system to ensure optimal hydration. However, as watering requirements depend on many variables such as weather, soil type, and topography, you will need to monitor the watering and adjust accordingly.
As the sod roots begin to establish themselves (typically after 3 weeks), transition to deeper and less frequent watering sessions. Common starting points are 20 minutes every day or 45 minutes every other day, but adjust based on your lawn’s specific needs. Watch for signs of overwatering such as soft, soggy areas or puddles, and signs of underwatering like dry, wilting, or color change. Modify your watering schedule accordingly to promote healthy growth and root development.
Since weed seed can lay dormant in soil for many years, so it is likely that weeds will germinate in recently disturbed soils – especially once you have begun watering. Weeds compete with newly sprouted grass for nutrients and space. To reduce weed growth, hand-pull any visible weeds with care. It’s important to refrain from using herbicides until the grass has fully established to avoid harming the young turf. Once the grass has matured, you can explore using a herbicide to help manage weeds while maintaining the health of your lawn.
For persistent weeds, we recommend consulting professional services such as Ramey’s Yard Care.