Get with the Program in 2018!

Everyone admires a beautiful lawn but how do you get one? If you already have a great lawn how do ensure that it stays that way? The answer is with a solid turf treatment program. A good program should include a mix of fertilizer, pre-emergent, and post-emergent herbicide treatments. One other thing, and this is big, your program should include a soil test.

Why test your soil? Soil testing is the best method available to evaluate the nutritional status of the soil. Why is that important? Nutrient stresses and imbalances can reduce plant vigor which increases susceptibility to damage from drought, disease, insects, and other conditions. Furthermore, a soil test creates an ideal starting point by allowing you to tailor your program and provide exactly those nutrients which your soil requires.

Spring is fast approaching which means if you haven’t already applied those pre-emergent herbicides it’s time to do so. Have you had your soil tested recently? Do you have a program in place to keep your lawn looking beautiful in 2018? Are you currently enrolled in our turf treatment program? Here is a sample of our turf treatment program: TTP – 2018 – Sample

Did we mention that we include a free soil test when signing up for the program? That’s right, no extra cost to have your soil tested. Once you sign up we take a sample from your lawn and send it off to a laboratory for proper analysis. You receive a copy of the results within 7 days. We then use this information to tailor treatments that provide precisely what your soil needs. Here is a sample soil analysis report:

Spring will be here before you know it. Are you prepared to fight off those pesky weeds? Are you prepared to give your grass the nutrients it needs to thrive? Contact us today to request a quote or get more information about our turf treatment program! (-AH)

*From existing customers to weekend D.I.Y. warriors, our blog is designed to provide you with knowledge and tidbits on all things horticulture and landscape management. Consider subscribing for email alerts and/or following us on Twitter at @divlandscape

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WE’VE GOT IRRIGATION COVERED!

We’ve recently added a full-time irrigation specialist to our staff with over 10 years of experience in the irrigation industry. Have you ever been curious about installing an irrigation system? Perhaps you’re not satisfied with the current company that performs your system maintenance. Let us help take care of your irrigation needs!

Why install an irrigation system?

-Save Time: No more wasting time manually watering with a hose. Irrigation systems are designed to automatically run at the ideal time and apply the exact amount of water that your lawn needs.

-Save Money: Efficiently provide the necessary water that your lawn needs (no more under or over-watering). Certain systems can instantly certify your home as ‘green’ and qualify you for a $500 tax credit.

–Add Value: An irrigation system will add substantial valve to your home as well as improve your curb appeal.

Why choose us for irrigation maintenance?

–Customer Service:  We’re your local and family-operated landscape contractor. With us you’re never a small fish in a big pond. Don’t worry about having your system winterized too late in the fall or started-up too late in the spring.

–Certifications: We are Hunter certified as well as State certified to test backflow devices. Our specialist has over 10 years’ experience in installing and maintaining irrigation systems.

–Response time: Being located in Oak Ridge allows us to respond quickly in the event of an irrigation emergency. Most repairs can usually be completed the same day.

Call us today for a free quote! (865) 272-9669

Staying Safe in Winter Weather

As we approach winter we’d like to remind you of some important winter safety tips. Remember it’s always best to avoid going out in these conditions if at all possible.

• When driving: slow down for wet, snowy, or icy conditions. Remember you won’t be able to stop quickly so leave a good amount of space between your vehicle and any objects or vehicles around you.
• Use caution when approaching bridges, intersections, and shaded areas.
• Before you leave, make sure to remove as much snow as possible from your windshield, turn signals, rear window, headlights, and tail lights.
• Drivers in Tennessee can learn more about driving conditions by calling 511 or visiting http://www.tn511.com

Snow and ice removal is one of the many services that we offer. During these conditions we often put down ice melting applications at many of our managed properties. While these applications do a great job of melting ice and snow they do have one drawback that not many people are aware of. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride (chemicals commonly used in ice melt applications) can leave behind an oily residue that can become slippery on smooth floors. These ice melts tend to stick to your feet and are commonly tracked inside buildings. It is important to wipe your feet thoroughly to reduce this risk, especially if you are walking on tile, marble, or hardwood flooring.

We hope these tips will help keep you safe during winter weather. Don’t forget to stay informed about any changes to weather and/or driving conditions before heading out. Stay safe!

Help Us Say ‘Thank You’ for Protecting Our Turf!

Oak Ridge residents—we need your help! Do you know an active-duty service member currently deployed? Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops is a nationwide outreach program that connects local green industry professionals with men and women serving our country in the armed forces away from home. We want to participate in this program by offering FREE services to a deserving service member. If you would like to nominate a deserving candidate please e-mail us at: info@divlandscape.com (Note: candidate must be currently deployed and reside in Oak Ridge, TN)

Help us find a deserving candidate by sharing this post on social media!

Learn more about Project EverGreen and how you can get involved!

Add a Splash of Color with Spring-Flowering Bulbs!

Spring 2014 may seem like a far off thought but right now is the perfect time for planting spring-flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths). These bulbs will bloom in the spring to show off their beautiful colors. Last year we had an enormous amount of positive feedback from our clients who purchased bulbs. Many of them expressed what an “eye-catcher” they turned out to be. Take a look for yourself!

Because of this positive feedback we have decided to again offer the following special:

• 50 of any one set of bulbs *delivered and planted* for only $99!*
• 100 of any one set of bulbs *delivered and planted* for only $149!*
• Need more than 100?—just add $1 for each additional bulb over 100 (sold in 50 bulb increments)*

OK—you’ve decided you would like to purchase bulbs. You’ve decided how many you want. Here comes the fun part–at the following website: www.springdisplays.com –using the password: shovel –you can shop and decide which bulbs will best compliment your property.

We have extended our ordering deadline to Sunday, November 10th! You may place your order by sending us an email: info@divlandscape.com or calling (865) 272-9669. Please give us your contact information and let us know which bulbs and how many. Please contact us if you have any questions and cheers to a colorful spring!

*Please note that a few select varieties may not qualify for the quote listed above. You will be advised of this before confirming your order.

GIE+EXPO: Plug In & Charge Up

Last week we took two of our team members to attend the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky. This event is our industry’s largest showcase and exposition. Everyone from homeowners, equipment dealers, and landscape professionals choose to attend the event. Our idea was simple—let’s send members of our organization who use these products and equipment on a daily basis. They were excited to be able to test out the new equipment and products in the outdoor demo area.

One theme that we noticed this year was a big push towards electric equipment. Many big name manufacturers such as Husqvarna have begun to introduce small, electric-powered equipment aimed at both homeowners and landscape contractors alike. Such equipment includes chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers, and self-propelled mowers. Check out the following video from Husqvarna:

We have already added several electric chainsaws to our fleet and plan to test more electric-powered equipment this off-season. If you’re a homeowner and are interested in electric-powered equipment make sure to check with your local dealer or give us a call. As always, if you’re looking for the best landscape contractor in the Oak Ridge/Knoxville area—give us a call at (865) 272-9669. You can request a bid by emailing: info@divlandscape.com

Protect Yourself from the “Good Ol’ Boys”

In our industry there are many who believe it is a “get rich quick” opportunity. Basic grounds maintenance (mowing and trimming) doesn’t require much training or education. It doesn’t require much initial capital. You’ve probably seen them before—the “good ol’ boys” with a pickup truck and trailer. Some of these individuals are running a legitimate business but many are not licensed, bonded, or insured. So what does that mean for you?

Choosing an unlicensed or uninsured contractor (knowingly or unknowingly) can have a major impact on you or your business. Did you know that you (a homeowner or property manager) and be held liable if an uninsured contractor becomes injured on your property?

It seems that more and more companies are under increasing pressure to always take the lowest bid. Homeowners almost always look at the bottom line before considering anything else. Our message is simple: protect yourself. The expense of licenses, bonds, insurance, and certifications means increased overhead for legitimate businesses who play by the rules. It’s important to first make sure that all considered contractors have required licenses and credentials and then look for value—not just the bottom line.

The State of Tennessee has created a website to help you stay protected from unlicensed contractors: http://verify.tn.gov

If you’re looking for landscaping services don’t take your chances on a group of “good ol’ boys.”  We have been in business since 1996. Each year our staff earns continuing education credits to stay on top of changes in the industry. We are licensed, bonded, insured, and hold a general contractor’s license in the State of Tennessee. We are also the only company in Oak Ridge to be a state licensed pest control operator for lawn and turf.

Contact us today to inquire about our services or to request a bid—(865) 272-9669 or e-mail: info@divlandscape.com –but most importantly, no matter which kind of contractor you’re looking for: protect yourself!

Fall Aerating and Overseeding

Fall is almost here! It’s time to starting thinking about aerating and overseeding your lawn. Whether you do this yourself or choose us–it’s important that you understand why it’s important!

Why should I aerate my lawn?

Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps to strengthen the roots and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn.

Aeration also helps reduce soil compaction. If you have an established lawn and have never aerated there is a good chance your soil has become compacted. Compacted soils are not able to receive proper nutrients –putting more stress on the lawn and making it more easily susceptible to disease.

Why should I overseed my lawn?

Overseeding is the process of applying grass seed over an already established lawn. Think of this as applying an extra coat of green to your lawn each year. Grass plants tend to slow down their rates of reproduction after only a few years so it’s important to establish new grass each year to make sure your lawn stays full and healthy.

We almost always put down fertilizer at this time. Once the lawn is aerated the soil is open to receive key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These nutrients give an already established lawn a healthy boost of nutrients.

What now?

If you’re the “do it yourself” (DIY) type–aerators and seed spreaders can be rented at equipment rental companies. We recommend purchasing seed at John Deere Landscapes in Knoxville.

If you’re not so much the DIY-type, and live in the Oak Ridge/Knox area, give us a call today at (865) 272-9669. You can also e-mail us at: info@divlandscape.com. We would love to help you achieve a lush and healthy lawn!

Powered by Propane

We are excited to announce an initiative to convert many of our commercial mowers to propane-power.

What does this change mean for us? It means no more gasoline. The majority of our fleet will be powered by the same propane you use for your gas grill at home. Since propane is a clean burning fuel this equates to longer engine life, no fuel contamination, and less engine maintenance.

What does this change mean for you, the customer? By reducing our operating and maintenance costs we’ll be able to deliver a better value. We’ll also be reducing our carbon footprint by up to 70%!

We have are already begun the conversion process and hope to have it completed by early 2014.  So, if you happen to see a large aluminum canister on our equipment– it’s not a beer keg….it’s propane!

3rd Annual Mutt Strutt!

We are proud to be a corporate sponsor for the the 3rd Annual Mutt Strutt benefiting the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter. Bring your mutt(s) this Saturday, June 15th, to A.K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge. Don’t have a mutt? Don’t worry! There will be dogs from the shelter available for you to walk (and even take home)!

This event is presented by Young Professionals of Oak Ridge. For more details visit their website: http://www.ypor.org

Please join us in supporting this cause!