Walter Cornett Landscaping

Is your irrigation system prepared for the summer temperatures and/or dry spells?

For the past couple of weeks we have been visiting each of our client's properties to find out the answer to this question.  With many it has been very beneficial.  Recently while inspecting a new system in Patriot's Landing in the Quinton part of New Kent we found that one zone of the system was not operating at all.  Fortunately up until now there had been enough rain that this shaded area was not damaged.  A simple solenoid was replaced and all is fine now.

Summer and Fall visits for an inspection and timer adjustment is often looked at as unnecessary.  I assure you that Sarah, whose story I shared above, can now explain the value of this inexpensive service.

If you are not already on the list don't delay.  Each day we are receiving higher temperatures and less rain.  During these visits your system will be turned on zone by zone and inspected and timers will be adjusted. 

     Every year I receive many questions in reference to what type of mulch we will be using.  It is important that everyone does know that there are indeed differences.

     Mulch supplied from sawmills reduce the risk of diseases and insects.  Sawmills normally only mill trees cut from large wooded areas or tree farms.  Many mulches originate from dumping facilities and may include diseased trees removed by local tree services.  In addition these mulches will normally consist of a variety of different types of whole trees versus the sawmils offering of similiar barks.

     Professional mulch suppliers will pile freshly cut mulch into large piles.  These pile will begin to decompose.  This heat created from this process will basically "cook" the pile and kill most diseases and insects.

     If you are considering bagged mulch be aware that some manufacturers have been using this process as a way to recycle cocoa bean shells.  These shells can be harmful to your pets.

     Have you ever installed mulch only to discover that in just a few weeks it just doesn't look like it did when you first installed it?  It looks like it faded.  Another modern improvement is to die mulch.  Chestnut Brown or Chocoloate Chip mulch does not appear much different from natural colored mulch upon installation but the difference is more than obvious four, six or even eight months later. 

     Of course quality dyed mulch is normally more costly at the time of installation but present a great value when all of these factors are considered.

Hiring a professional versus doing it yourself.

You may want to consider some of the following.

With many items this is a no brainer.  When I have electrical issues I don't even hesistate to call an electrician.

Some decisions aren't as easy.  Recently I decided that applying spackle, commonly know as mud, on some new sheet rock was a simple enough job.  Well long story short, after a couple days of learning how to do this I ended with a contractor explaining to me how much more he was now going to have to charge to repair the wonderful work I had done.

Starting your irrigation system seems easy enough right?  However, without the knowledge of spray patterns, water pressures, timer operations etc.  you may be doing yourself a disorder.

 Improper hedging and pruning can prevent a blooming plant from doing so or worse, you can permantely injure a plant or shrub that you may have a substantial amount of money invested in.

 Even mowing can make a big difference.  The proper height for the season, rotating patterns, sharpened blades and proper edging and trimming can effect the overall quality of your lawn.