Maintenance & Fertilization
Our theory behind maintenance: “As contractors, we take pride in installing a beautiful project that is capable of lasting the test of time, but our work is nothing without proper & routine maintenance & upkeep… “
General Rule of Thumb: All projects require general & routine maintenance
Overall Maintenance:
- General Monthly Inspection of Project – This includes a complete walkthrough of project, looking for signs of problems.
- Monthly Irrigation Inspection (view our irrigation page)
- Inspect Irrigation Controller (make sure settings are accurate for time of year, and no programming has been accidentally changed.
- Inspect Drip System (manually turn on each zone, and check each plant/emitter for water flow – although uncommon, these emitters can get clogged with debris, bugs, or water calcification)
- Inspect Sod Coverage (manually turn on sod pop-ups and check for proper coverage, unnecessary over-spray (which can cause water staining on walls/patios), and major leaks)
- Inspect Pot Irrigation (if applicable – pot irrigation requires weekly adjustment and care, since overflow can happen, proper distribution of water to flowers is critical, etc…)
- Monthly/Quarterly Fertilization
- Plants/Trees – we recommend fertilization of plants approximately 3 – 4 times per year with a general multipurpose fertilizer (this is best purchased from a nursery, and there are recommended fertilizers for each season – ask your local nursery pro)
- Palms – we recommend fertilization of palms approximately 3 – 4 times per year (mainly in the warmer, growing seasons). Most palms need a standard PALM fertilizer, commonly found at your local nursery – and sometimes fertilizer spikes can be a great investment, for long lasting distribution of nutrients. Most queen palm problems are caused by micronutrient deficiencies such as manganese, iron and zinc. Occasionally the problem is due to lack of nitrogen, magnesium and potassium – so, make sure you fertilizer contains these nutrients!
- Sod – Turf lawn requires proper fertilization also, approximately 4 times per year for year round greenery. Our Summer lawn is bermuda grass (your type may vary, but it’s all a hybrid bermuda species). Summer lawns require nitrogren & overall nutrients. Again, your local nursery will have seasonal fertilizer for turf grass. Winter lawns require a different type of fertilizer, generally lower in nitrogen content (which can burn your tender Winter Rye lawn!).
- Monthly Lighting System Inspection
- Our lighting systems are properly designed and installed for years of enjoyment, and very little maintenance! However, things can go downhill fast if lights are not replaced when they burn out (because of voltage spikes – your other lights will experience premature wear – causing them to go out faster!)
- Do a monthly inspection of lighting fixtures, and replace lamps (bulbs) when they are out. It’s easiest to do so in the early evening, around dusk (although you can manually turn on the system during the day – but you will have to cover the photocell to simulate darkness…) Walkthrough the entire project, and make note of the bulbs that are not working. Replacement of these lamps (bulbs) is as easy as purchasing a new lamp from your local hardware store (Home Depot / Lowe’s). All of our fixtures contain lamps that can be purchased from a local vendor, none are special order or custom. With the system off, remove the old lamp, insert the new one. Power it up, make sure it works – you are done!
- Monthly Checks (Hardscapes/Utilities)
- Waterfeatures – these need to be checked monthly. Make sure your pump is working properly and not overheating. Check for leaks or excess water. Keep your filters clean from debris, this will allow the pump to work better.
- Gas/Electric – most of our projects contain gas & electrical lines that need to be inspected a few times per year. Just make sure these area in good working order, valves close properly, and there are no “noticeable” issues, leaks, odors, etc…
- Yearly Maintenance can include many of these items (but not all are necessary)
- Battery installation and replacement in irrigation timer (this keeps programming only, and will not operate your system without electrical power)
- Re-application of sealer (Sealant is done every 1 to 2 years – depending on the product & patio) Application of sealant is not required, but helps to protect the stone (and your investment!)
