Summer might be almost over, but that doesn’t mean your landscaping should be. Late summer and early fall is an ideal time to rejuvenate your lawn. Obtaining a beautiful lawn takes time and effort. By taking the proper steps for lawn maintenance now, you’ll reap the benefits of having a fresh, lush landscape in the upcoming spring.  

Maintaining your landscape is a must year-round; don’t hold it off as a springtime task. Keeping up with your lawn and flower beds throughout the year is imperative to keep them healthy and reduce labor. Read on to learn the common end-of-summer landscaping needs that are often required. 

End-of-Summer Landscaping  

Seeding Your Lawn

Sowing seed is recommended if your lawn is damaged and the soil is exposed. New seeds germinate in the late summer or early fall if kept moist. The landscape determines the kind of seed you need.

Controlling Weeds

While annual weeds die in the first fall hard frost, perennials are best controlled during the fall months. Weeds can be removed by hand, but it’s often a short-term solution since they tend to regenerate quickly. Broadleaf herbicides offer the most effective control for nuisance weeds. 

Stimulate Growth with Fertilizer

Fertilizer promotes the growth of established turf and assists in thickening sparse patches. Healthy, thick lawns also combat weed growth. To ensure your lawn is vigorous, fertilizer applications in the late fall can help the yard develop a tougher root system with a vibrant green color in the spring. 

Aerating the Lawn to Help Seedlings

Removing core chunks of soil without disrupting the turf is important for circulation. Aeration is typically performed in the fall months to loosen dirt and prevent thatch expansion. When extensive seeding is required, lawn aerating is recommended to allow better germination of the seeds.

Keep Your Landscape Hydrated

Keeping your lawn hydrated throughout the summer is vital, as most plants are still growing their roots late in the season and preparing for the cooler months. Ensuring the roots stay watered means healthy root growth and more robust plants in the spring.

Prevent Fungal Growth

Avoid leaving grass clippings and thatch build-up on the lawn, as this fosters fungus growth. The combination of cooler temperatures along with blocked sunlight at the ground level creates a perfect environment for fungus to thrive. 

Pruning to Maintain Health and Tidiness

Anything that looks dead or dried out should be deadheaded or removed. Parts of trees, shrubs, bushes, and other plants should also be trimmed. All wilted flowers should be cut off to keep gardens tidy and encourage new growth.

Remember, even the most stunning lawns aren’t naturally so. Creating and nurturing a beautiful landscape demands dedication and hard work. Implementing these steps now can rejuvenate your property and prime it for the upcoming spring and summer.

Landscaping doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Contact the pros at T&T Property Maintenance to discover how we can help you create beautiful outdoor spaces for your business.  

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T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Your business’s exterior landscape is often your customer’s initial encounter when they visit – and this visual first impression carries significance. Is your landscaping aesthetically appealing by exhibiting neatness and beauty, or does it showcase a collection of weeds and rodent damage?

At T&T Property, we keep commercial properties in Livingston and Oakland Counties in tip-top shape with services ranging from lawn maintenance, fertilization, weed and pest control, and irrigation set up and repair.

What is Commercial Landscape Maintenance?

Commercial landscape maintenance involves the strategic planning, designing, and ongoing care of a business’s outdoor environment, ensuring its appeal and welcoming ambiance. The process not only maintains the curb appeal of a commercial building but also promotes the safety and usability of the property. It encompasses the removal of debris, like fallen leaves and branches, and keeps the area immaculate throughout the year.

Standard packages typically include mowing and ornamental care. Plans are customizable to cater to customer needs, such as periodic fertilization, weed control applications, and applying seasonal pest control measures.

What Are the Benefits of a Commercial Landscape Maintenance Program?

Maintaining any landscape, particularly a large one, can become a manageable task with a structured commercial landscaping plan. Considering this, we list the advantages of implementing a comprehensive commercial landscape maintenance program:

• The promise of lush, green grass that visually pleases and feels soft.
• Flourishing and healthy flower beds that add vibrance.
• Tidy and weed-free planting zones that enhance neatness.
• Shapely and well-tended shrubs and greenery.
• Creating welcoming, tranquil outdoor spaces for the enjoyment of your clients, visitors, and employees.
• A pest-free area using wildlife pest control management.

Commercial landscape maintenance programs cater to a property’s landscaping requirements, saving valuable time for business proprietors and administrators.

What Does a Commercial Landscape Maintenance Program Include?            

Most landscaping firms customize their commercial offerings to match the individual requirements of their customers. However, most packages commonly incorporate the following services:

• Trimming and pruning trees and hedges ensure they are safe, healthy, robust, and aesthetically pleasing.
• Mowing and edging regularly as scheduled to maintain your lawn’s tidiness, health, and greenery.
• Weed management by frequently treating and eliminating harmful and invasive weeds.
• Mulching and fertilizing regularly to help retain moisture, keeping your landscape green and lively throughout the seasons.
• Irrigation, drainage inspection, and repair, which may involve implementing a new irrigation system or adding drainage to avert flooding.
• Tree care ensures that your trees remain healthy and robust, providing shade and enhancing the beauty of your landscape. 
• Removing leaves, branches, and other debris throughout the year, providing a clean and clutter-free landscape.
• Setting up preventive measures against pests such as moles and gophers to keep your lawn lump free and avert damage to landscapes, lawns, and flower beds.
• And much more.

How Much Does a Commercial Landscape Maintenance Plan Cost?

It depends on the size of your property, the number of garden areas you have, and the specific services included in the package. Below are a few factors that will determine the cost:

• Maintenance Frequency: The overall cost will escalate based on the frequency of maintenance services required.
• Property Size: The acreage or square footage for property maintenance will determine the cost. Obviously, the larger an area, the more expensive it will be to maintain, as an increase in the workforce and equipment are necessary.
• Required Services: Full-suite maintenance programs will be more costly than basic moving services. Premium services like ornamental plant care and irrigation may carry a higher price tag than base care. 

Looking to set up a commercial landscape maintenance plan? Contact T&T Property Maintenance to schedule a free estimate today!

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

One of the best ways to achieve a healthier, greener lawn is to fertilize the grass. While this might sound easy enough, incorrectly fertilizing can wreak havoc on your precious landscape. It is imperative to contact a professional to properly apply fertilizer, which will yield the following: 

Color
While pretty much everyone wants bright and beautiful green grass, the chemicals used in store-bought fertilizers can have the opposite effect. Nitrogen-heavy fertilizer can cause unpleasant patches and burn grass if not applied correctly. Moreover, the ratio of chemicals should be left up to the experts, as they know exactly what type of fertilizer your lawn needs based on a variety of factors.

Weeds
Everyone knows about dreaded weeds invading prized lawns across the country, yet most people do not treat them properly. With the correct fertilizer, grass can grow thicker and more luscious, blocking sunlight from lower weeds. Moreover, deep grass roots can overcrowd weed roots. Most fertilizers contain a pre-emergent fertilizer, particularly in the early spring mixes, helping the growth process. Professional lawn care specialists know when to apply these fertilizers. 

Roots
Lawns need strong, deep roots to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. If roots are underdeveloped or cannot grow properly, the grass will grow thin and frail due to a lack of nutrients. Thankfully, professional lawn fertilization experts are well-versed in root growth and know exactly how much to apply based on the lawn’s specific needs.

Pests
Bugs, insects, and other creatures can sense decaying lawns, as they are attracted to thin grass, bare spots, standing water, and more. With help from certain fertilizers, a special chemical deters most pests but can have negative effects if misapplied. Excess nitrogen is a wonderful environment for fleas, ticks, mites, etc.

Diseases
Just as Mother Nature created most things on our planet, yards and grass live with unique ecosystems susceptible to bacteria, mold, fungus, etc. Lawn disease can result from grass that is thin and weakened by illness. In high-nitrogen lawns, proper fertilization is important, as many fungi thrive in those environments. 

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Contact the experts at T&T Property Maintenance to learn more about our commercial property fertilizer service.

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Before nightly freezing temperatures fall upon us, it’s imperative to take the necessary steps to prep for winter. The wintery season brings adverse weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, snow and sleet, and icy roads and sidewalks. As a business owner or property manager, you know how important it is to remain open and fully operational, no matter the weather. This means proper planning and preparation for winter storms to keep your business, property, and employees safe.

Preparing for winter is doing as much as possible to avoid accidents and damage to the premises. Although the goal is to prevent disasters, sometimes it’s impossible. Be ready to respond quickly to winter weather emergencies, such as evacuating a building if snow and ice deem the structure unsafe, or stockpiling emergency supplies, like food, water, flashlights, a radio, extra batteries, and a first aid kit for power outages, closed off roads, and similar scenarios.  

How to Prepare Your Business for Winter:

• Be Aware of Storm Warnings: Be aware of your local weather and download a reputable app to alert you when severe weather approaches.
• Develop a Business Winter Safety Plan: Protect your employees and business assets by preplanning an alternative operational plan so that the continuity of business workings transitions smoothly.
• Protect Your Property from Winter Storms:
• Install a backup generator (avoid operational downtime, prevent loss)
• Relocate equipment and vehicles indoors (preferably not all under the same roof)
• Check the roof (check and repair any damage, and know the snow load capability of the roof)
• Prevent frozen gutters and pipes (insulate unheated areas, add insulation to vulnerable pipes)
• Remove snow in parking lots and sidewalks (clear snow and ice regularly and use road salt or sand to prevent accidents, also place non-slip mats at entrances/exits to prevent slips and falls)
• Protect Your Workforce: Protect your most valuable resource, your workforce! If possible, set up remote services to work from home or coordinate alternate plans to help keep staff comfortable during a shut-in.

Still need to line up your commercial snow plowing services? Then you’re in luck; T&T Property Maintenance, INC. has a few openings for the 2022-2023 winter season. We offer 24/7 snow-clearing packages for any size of business. Contact us today for a free estimate.

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

When it comes to commercial lawn care, sustainable watering is a delicate balance. Keeping the grass bright, lush, fresh, and green is nice, but so is managing our carbon footprint. Read on to learn some tips for keeping your business landscape looking sharp.

Watering Schedule
Do you know the best time to water your property’s grass? Around 10 a.m., cooler temperatures are lifting, and calmer winds are flowing throughout the grass blades, enabling water to soak into the soil and be more absorbed by the grassroots before the sun evaporates. Keeping your lawn on this regulated daytime schedule also helps prevent the spread of disease, as fungal growth flourishes in a wet yard at night. 

Lengthy but Sparingly
Frequent, shallow watering only touches the surface of the plant root system, which causes moisture to evaporate out of the soil before the roots ever receive nutrients in the water. Instead, water your lawn with lengthy waterings that penetrate the root system and encourage the grass to grow stronger. Do this sparingly, as too much water can cause other issues. Lawns should receive one inch of water per week, spread out between two sessions.  

Smart Irrigation System
Past irrigation systems deliver less control than modern systems, which deliver flexibility and convenience such as WiFi connectivity, schedules, and weather condition adjustments. Smart irrigation systems are beneficial for monitoring local weather and automatically adjusting to prevent drought, flooding, and other issues. 

The appearance of your landscape can impact your business’ reputation. It is possible to keep an aesthetically appealing space while monitoring your environmental impact. Sustainability is growing in popularity; don’t be left in the dust.

If you are looking for a commercial maintenance company, contact the experts at T&T Property today.

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Landscape contractors have many responsibilities, some of which include installing and maintaining outdoor elements. Depending on the client’s budget, timeline, and size of the project, landscape professionals should have the correct licensing, insurance, and qualifications. 

Landscape architects clear and level land, construct hardscape elements (water features, pavers, decks, retaining walls, etc.), manage irrigation systems, install lighting, and apply pest treatments as necessary. 

Check out our tips below to hire the right landscaper for your project. 

Plan Ahead
Do you need full-service landscape assistance or simply maintenance? Full-service landscape companies typically employ designers, account managers, and a full crew to plan, design, construct, install, and maintain your lawn. Maintenance landscape businesses provide basic lawn services such as mowing, weed control, edging, leaf cleanup, pruning, etc., and are typically owned and operated by a smaller team.

Research
It’s important to do your homework before choosing a landscape contractor. Thoroughly examine online reviews and look for long-term experience in the field. Ensure the business is licensed and insured. Referrals are also a surefire way to find an experienced landscape contractor. Check with close family, friends, or local online community boards for solid leads. 

Choose Wisely
Vet and interview your top prospects by contacting them directly. Ask them how long they have been in business, whether they use subcontractors, what their warranty policy is, payment expectations, etc. Compare your results and pick the landscape professional that suits your needs. 

Set it in Stone
Once you are ready to hire, collect estimates from your top three contractor options. Ensure they send you an estimate in writing, with everything included, such as company contact information, total cost, maintenance schedule, terms and conditions, warranty details, and more. 

Total cost, company experience, budget goals, testimonials, and much more are huge factors in determining which landscape company is best for you. 

Need help for your commercial property? Call T&T Property Maintenance to schedule a consultation!

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Unsightly or uncared for outdoor spaces, particularly commercial ones, can turn people away, especially potential clients. Commercial landscape clients often need a slight nudge to improve their surroundings. Once they see how impactful the benefits are, they will surely come calling. Here are five ways to help encourage those clients to invest in their lawn.

Deal With What Exists

Are there overgrown bushes covering windows and signage? Weeds in the parking lot? Dead trees or unsightly shrubs? This sends a message to customers – in the wrong way. Remind clients these issues can also be a danger to potential clients, as limbs can fall, break, or cause bodily harm. A bit of pruning, grass-cutting, and edging can really brighten up a space.

Maintenance

It’s important to keep up with landscaping, as it grows quickly, and time can slip away from us. Without a regular schedule, the work that’s been done is basically for naught. Explain to your landscaping client that fertilization, irrigation, mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, and more are all imperative for success.

Seasonal Adjustments

Every fall, leaves cover the ground, resulting in an ugly mess. Property owners can attempt cleanup themselves, but it seems like a never-ending task; one that can easily slip through the cracks when it comes second to running a business. Remind clients how time-consuming autumn can be. Likewise, the spring season often requires mulch application and weed control. Same idea, different time…both fall and spring can be overwhelming and time-consuming for potential landscape clients.

Brighten it Up

Pops of color throughout an outdoor space is ideal for drawing in new potential clients with eye-catching designs or flair. Landscape beds filled with the same drab plantings can be boring; instead, opt for easy-to-care-for perennials such as roses, hostas, hydrangeas, daylilies, etc. Annuals can also be added to containers or pots, increasing revenue throughout each season.

Landscape Enhancement

Once your clients have already made the above investments but are still looking for that “wow” factor, direct them to a landscape project. Many business owners are seeking ways to attract – and retain – employees. Suggest adding an outdoor area where their team members can enjoy breaks while boosting morale. Additionally, analyze their property and look for ways to enhance it, such as designating walking areas or paths, adding a fire pit or fountain, sprucing up the entryway, creating a landscape bed, etc.

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T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Most commercial properties have a goal of drawing customers to its storefront. A well-groomed landscape plays an important role in making the business appear attractive and tidy. Moreover, a clean, welcoming outdoor area improves the company’s overall image. 

Both potential customers and employees can be positively impacted by an attractive landscape, which allows you to retain staff and increase profit. Plants and landscape such as grass or trees will need to be maintained to ensure appearances are kept up. 

But who is going to take care of your property? Most business owners do not have time to personally trim the bushes, mow the lawn, or plant vegetation. The best way to keep your property well-maintained is simple: hire a professional landscaping service. 

Those who work in commercial landscaping have an in-depth understanding about property maintenance and can make it unforgettable. Stand out from the gray mass of other landscapes by ensuring your property is beautiful, well-groomed, and colorful. 

Services typically included in commercial landscaping services include: 

Mowing Grass
While it might seem simple, mowing can be a challenge without the proper tools. Moreover, specialists know techniques that can make your lawn standout above the rest. 

Soil Fertilization
Special soil fertilization compounds assist the growth process and help to deter plant diseases. Soil has to be fertilized at specific intervals using the correct chemicals, which can be challenging without the proper knowledge. Specialists are trained to know all of the unique techniques, and can execute professionally for your lawn.  

Weed Control
Weeds can swiftly infiltrate your lawn, and without proper maintenance, they will surely take over your landscape. While store bought weed killers are a decent option, they don’t tackle every weed and need to be applied in a specific manner. Lawn care specialists know how to destroy, reseed or sow the area, and bring your lawn back to its glory. 

Aeration
Plants grow more quickly when they are aerated, and the soil is circulated with air. Unique holes are made by specialists and do not damage the surface of your lawn; rather, they help it grow. 

Pest Control
Insects can easily destroy vegetation and carry diseases that will negatively impact them. Oftentimes, once the owner is aware of a problem, it’s too late. Lawn care specialists are trained to identify pests and prevent their reproduction by using an insecticidal cocktail tailored to your landscape. If these substances are used incorrectly, they can adversely affect beneficial insects (bees, butterflies, and other pollinators) or the plants themselves. It’s imperative to always hire a professional to treat your lawn for pests. 

Reducing Plant Diseases
Plants can inevitably become sick from a number of causes including improper fertilization, fungi growth, and more. Landscape specialists can easily identify and correct these issues before your vegetation deteriorates. 

At T&T Property Maintenance, we specialize in providing excellent commercial landscaping for companies of all sizes. Contact us today to learn how we can beautify your lawn. 

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Check out our website, call, or e-mail us today to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

It’s that time of the year again, when Michigan grass awakens from a long winter dormancy. At quick glance, brown grass can be incredibly confusing, since it can signify both dead and dormant grass.

Before you can address the brown grass, you’ll need to know whether it’s still alive and assess the cause. While dead grass will not return to life in the spring, dormant grass will turn lush and green in no time.

If you’re wondering how to tell the difference between the two, read on to learn more.

• The Tug Test: find a section of brown grass and pull on a small section with your hand. If the grass comes out of the ground easily, it’s dead. If there is some resistance, your grass is dormant. If dead, consider contacting a professional lawn company to reseed your grass and help with landscaping.
• Scan for Patterns: If your entire lawn is brown, it is more-than-likely dormant. If you spot small patches or areas of brown grass, it is probably dead. Before you start reseeding your lawn, contact a lawncare specialist who can test for pests and diseases that can cause similar issues.
• Varying Temperatures: weather conditions have a major impact on your lawn. Certain types of grasses will go dormant during seasonal periods, such as prolonged cold or heat. To ensure your grass stays luscious year-round, plant a mix of cool- and warm-season types.
• Water Regularly: Maintaining a consistent water schedule ensures your grass has the chance to grow green again if it can. If the grass is dead, it will maintain its brown appearance. 

Though dead and dormant grass have similar qualities, they don’t necessarily have the same outcome. The best way to determine the state of your grass is to hire a lawn care company to assist in figuring out the issue that plagues your lawn.

After your lawn has a proper diagnosis, the lawncare specialists can help suggest the best ways to treat your lawn, making it as luscious as ever.

Is your commercial lawn brown? Let the professionals at T&T Property Maintenance correctly assess the situation and bring your lawn back to vitality.

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Check out our website, call, or e-mail us today to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.