Author: firmlystaging

Should I consider irrigation installation?

Posted on May 7, 2021 by - Uncategorized

Irrigation Installation Services by Firmly Rooted

One of the biggest misconceptions around irrigation installation is cost. Often irrigation systems are thought of as a luxury item designed for golf courses and sprawling estates. This is simply untrue! Irrigation systems are cost-efficient, convenient and ideal for any size lawn. In fact, a home irrigation system is an excellent way to save time and money while reducing the amount of water waste. Not to mention, the impact the sprinklers will have on your lawn, trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables.

 

Let’s talk about some of the benefits of investing in an irrigation system: 

1. Environmental Benefits

Modern sprinkler systems use sophisticated moisture sensors, water gauges, and timers to ensure only the amount of water your lawn needs is delivered. Such irrigation systems are designed to NOT waste water by overwatering your lawn
Now, compare this to imprecise hand-watering, which is likely leaving you with a yard that is either over– or underwatered.

 

2. Financial Benefits

Not only is a well-cared-for lawn beautiful to look at, but it also benefits your wallet. Sprinkler systems are calibrated to use the right amount of water while cutting out wastefulness. This can have a significant impact on your water bill in comparison to manual watering.

 

Adjusting the sprinkler system’s watering schedule based on the season and time of year is another money saving feature. You can set the system to water daily during the hot summer months and reduce watering to once per week during the early months of the much cooler, damper fall weather.

 

Finally, installing an irrigation system can potentially add value to your property!

 

3. Convenience

For most people, the convenience of a sprinkler system is by far the biggest benefit.

 

They eliminate the exhausting task of having to hand-water your entire lawn and garden. This is huge for people who have very large yards, elderly homeowners, and those who are simply too busy to devote hours each week to watering.

 

Set it & forget it! Many homeowners plan their family vacations during New Hampshire’s summer months. Not having to worry about coming home to a brown, crispy lawn can put homeowner’s minds at ease.

 

Enjoy the Benefits of an Irrigation System

Installing an irrigation system is a game changer! With benefits ranging from financial to aesthetic and convenience. A programmable sprinkler system avoids issues of over-watering or under-watering which is common when you attempt to hand-water your lawn with a hose. Not only does this lead to a healthier, greener lawn, but it’s also cost-efficient.

Chris Champagne

Have questions about lawn irrigation?

Contact Chris

Spring Clean-Up: Prepare Your Lawn For The First Mow of The Season

Posted on March 27, 2021 by - Uncategorized

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, the first crocuses or daffodils return, all wonderful indicators of the coming of a new spring season. Spring is the season we look forward to after a long New England Winter. In preparation for warmer weather, it is the ideal time to get your lawn ready for the growing season with a spring clean-up. Our goal is to recommend services to help grow a healthy, green lawn this summer. Our  “Spring Clean-Up” includes an array of services tailored to your lawn in preparation for the first mow of the season. 

 

De-Thatching:

Even if you did a superb job of raking leaves in the Fall, de-thatching is a must to remove grass blades that died over the winter.  Thatch is compiled of leaves, roots, and dead grass blades that build up between the live grass and the soil. If this layer becomes too thick it can keep water and air from reaching the grass. 

 

Aeration:

Another way to reduce thatch and the effects of compacted soil is to use an aerator, which removes plugs of soil so more air, water, and nutrients can reach the grassroots. Aeration is especially good for lawns that get heavy traffic, such as lots of running and playing in the same spot, leading to soil compaction. 

 

» Click here to learn more about mowing and other lawn care services we offer.

 

Overseed:

Overseeding is the process of sowing seed over existing grass. This is ideal for lawns riddled with bare patches due to dog spots, heavy traffic, or neglect may need an application of grass seed to fill in those bare patches. This service can improve your lawn’s appearance by promoting growth and increasing thickness.

 

Fertilize:

One important benefit to lawn fertilization is that your lawn will require fewer amounts of weed killer. A thick, healthy lawn creates a natural resistance to weed growth. We recommend our customers apply early spring lawn fertilizer once in the Spring when your grass is starting to green up and begin to actively grow (around the time your lawn first needs to be mowed). Ideally, one or two more applications should follow during the growing season.

 

Spring clean-ups are scheduled when we are pretty confident the snow season is over, which is usually the end of March through May (fingers crossed in New Hampshire). We would love to provide a spring clean-up estimate including services that will help your lawn reach its maximum growing potential!  

Chris Champagne

Have questions about mowing your lawn?

Contact Chris

How often should you mow your lawn?

Posted on March 6, 2021 by - Uncategorized

How often should you mow your lawn in NH?

Weekly Mowing vs. Bi-Weekly Mowing

How often should you mow your lawn? This is a question we often hear when speaking with our landscaping customers. The answer is not as straightforward as you may think. Mowing once a week during the growing season is key to maintaining a healthy, lush lawn (and a must with an irrigation system). However, in times of drought, heat, or outside the peak growing season, your lawn may only need mowing every other week.

 

Benefits of Maintaining a Mow Schedule

There are two key factors in determining when you should mow your lawn: the ideal blade height for your grass and the season. We consider these factors when determining a mowing schedule beneficial to your lawn needs. There is a multitude of benefits in maintaining a specific time interval mow schedule, including:

 

  • Availability of Light & Nutrients – A weekly mowing schedule with a riding lawn mower allows light and nutrients to every part of your yard. This helps your grass grow evenly.
  • Reduces Amount of Thatch – Mowing often reduces the amount of thatch that will build up over time. Why is this important? The smaller pieces of grass will break down more quickly and act as a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
  • Roots – Regular mowing keeps roots healthy and better branched, resulting in lush, hearty grass.
  • Fewer Weeds – Some weeds can grow in a matter of days. Maintaining a weekly mowing schedule will keep weeds at bay by decreasing weed pressure in your lawn.
  • Stronger Yard – Weekly mowing makes for heartier blades of grass.  Cutting the grass stops vertical growth of each blade, causing it to grow thicker at the base.
 

Does Mowing Your Lawn Bi-Weekly Save Money?

You may feel you can save money with a bi-weekly mow schedule as opposed to a weekly mow schedule.  While this may seem like a great idea, there are many benefits to weekly mowing and several pitfalls with mowing less often.

Maintaining a bi-weekly schedule during the growing season can quickly to lead overgrowth between cuts. The simple fact is, mowing overgrown grass is much harder on equipment, tougher on the lawn, and takes extra time. In these cases, it can lead to customers accruing a “double-charge” for the extra time and efforts required of the mowing crew.

 

Lawn service companies may lure customers in by selling them on a bi-weekly mow schedule. The truth is, they are likely charging customers more.  It generally varies from 1.25 to almost 2 times the normal cost of weekly mowing.

 

Maintaining a weekly mow schedule during growth season is optimal for lawns and customer’s pockets.

 

Our Role When We Mow Your Lawn

Our goal is to consider each client, their lawn, and desired outcome. While we recommend weekly mowing to our clients, we allow adjustments to the lawn care schedule if needed.

Chris Champagne

Have questions about mowing your lawn?

Contact Chris

Why Use Pavers for Patios, Driveways and Walkways

Posted on September 11, 2020 by - Uncategorized

Firmly Rooted Hardscaping Services

Pavers – an attractive and durable way to make your property stand out

 

 

Paver patios, walkways and driveways are a particularly great investment in New Hampshire. With a true four-season climate – five if you count mud season – pavers easily handle our freeze-thaw cycle. Pavers add both form and function to hard yard surfaces. Paver patios are beautiful and when properly installed, they last for years and years.

 


Firmly Rooted has served the Greater Manchester and Concord regions of New Hampshire for two decades and takes pride in being ICPI Certified Paver Builders. ICPI is the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. ICPI certification and designations are the industry’s recognized credentials that show a company’s professionalism and dedication to continuing the team’s education to be on the forefront of the hardscape industry. It is the industry’s way of acknowledging the many hours of education and experience we have at Firmly Rooted Landscaping.

As a result of this training and continuing education, the Firmly Rooted Landscaping team is thoroughly educated and experienced in paver installation best practices. Our ICPI certification also means you can count on us to obtain top-notch materials and to create sturdy, long-lasting installations.


We are authorized contractors for both Belgard and Cambridge, leading national companies with a wide range of high quality paver products that are aesthetically pleasing and highly durable. You can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are using a durable building material that will last a long time installed by educated and experienced paver contractors.


Why Are Pavers Such Great Building Blocks for Patios, Driveways and Walkways?

Some of the benefits of pavers include:


Lower cost of ownership: Paver projects have a lower total cost of ownership than similar concrete projects. They do cost a little more up front, but they last longer and require much less maintenance than concrete.


Long lifetime: Pavers stand up to harsh weather without costly repairs. The average paver patio lasts 30 years. Unlike concrete, paver projects are segmented, so even when there is an issue it means replacing a tile or two: no jackhammers required and noticeable repairs seams.


Incredible durability: Pavers are much sturdier than most other patio, driveway and walkway materials. The average paver can withstand loads four times heavier than poured concrete. This is ideal if you plan to set up an outdoor dining space on your patio, especially if you have a grill. In the winter, you may want to use your patio for temporary storage, which also requires a high level of durability.


Pavers are seriously weather-resistant: New Hampshire receives nearly 20% more precipitation than the national average, which causes many types of natural stone and concrete to fade, corrode, and crack over time. Weather changes cause asphalt driveways to heave and break apart. Therefore, local residents should only use yard surface materials that can withstand excessive rain and snow. The pavers that we use at Firmly Rooted Landscaping are made from corrosion-resistant materials, so you don’t have to worry that your investment will deteriorate with harsh weather.


Pavers have beautiful aesthetics: Poured concrete is functional, but it’s not exactly pretty. You will have your patio, driveway and walkways for a long time, so it’s important to make sure you’ll enjoy looking at them. Paver surfaces add to property values. Do you want your outdoor space to just be functional, or do you want it to also be gorgeous and inviting? Our pavers come in a wide range of tones and colors. We can even help you choose the one that best compliments your property!


Pavers require minimal maintenance: Any outdoor surface will require a yearly cleanup with a hose or power washer. Even pavers aren’t self-cleaning, but you won’t need to do much work to keep your patio, walkway or driveway looking nice. Their high level of durability means your maintenance is usually just an annual wash. In other words, you can just focus on enjoying your outdoor space!


Firmly Rooted Landscaping Install Paver Patios, Walkways and Driveways in New Hampshire

Paver patios are perfect for New Hampshire homeowners and businesses. Start enhancing your outdoor space today!

 

Irrigation Systems Help Eliminate Ticks

Posted on September 11, 2020 by - Uncategorized

Irrigation Installation Services by Firmly Rooted

What is Lyme Disease (and What is it Doing in My Yard)?

 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, is spread through the bite of infected ticks. The blacklegged tick (commonly called the deer tick),are prevalent in the northeastern states.

 

Ticks live in the grass and can attach to any part of the human body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp. They are also particularly fond of attaching to pets. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted.

 

Deer ticks are a major public health concern in New Hampshire. According to the NH Department of Health and Human Services, In 2019 the state had the 4th highest rate of Lyme disease in the nation.

 

What are Lyme Disease Symptoms?

Lyme disease symptoms include:

  • joint pain
  • swelling
  • meningitis (brain membrane swelling)
  • Bell’s Palsy (temporarily face paralysis on the right side)
  • muscle weakness
  •  

How Can I Prevent Lyme Disease?

You could just stay inside from April through December each year. But let’s be realistic – what’s the point of having a beautiful New Hampshire backyard if you never use it? As Lyme disease awareness has grown as has its reputation as a major public health hazard, more work has gone into prevention and treatment.

You’ll see signs on lawns about tick and mosquito control products. These types of products are only effective if they are regularly applied and can into account levels of moisture. At Firmly Rooted Landscaping, we can offer you a better alternative.

 

What is the BEST Lyme Disease Prevention?

We’re very pleased to offer a healthier and more seamless solution – AutoBugg. We combine our expertise in designing, installing and maintaining irrigation systems with AutoBugg, a fully automated system that sprinkles all-natural cedar oil into the irrigation system to effortlessly keep ticks and many other insects out of your yard. A tick-free lawn means no Lyme disease when enjoying your outdoor space.

 

Chris Champagne and Firmly Rooted Landscaping are AutoBugg’s New Hampshire exclusive irrigation specialists. Firmly Rooted Landscaping will add AutoBugg to your existing irrigation and install new irrigation systems with AutoBugg ready to go the first time the automatic timer turns on the water.

 

AutoBugg utilizes the cedar oil’s pesticidal properties to create a protective scent barrier around your home that will repel unwanted pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and mites. With repetitive applications and the proper coverage provided by your automatic irrigation system, the AutoBugg system provides a safe, all-natural way to rid your property of annoying and potentially dangerous insects.

 

Every time your irrigation system runs, AutoBugg sprays completely safe cedar oil onto your lawn, adding layer after layer of tick-repelling cedar oil goodness. 

AutoBugg is the best Lyme disease prevention solution because it:

  • Is completely safe
  • Repels the tick that carries the Lyme disease bacteria
  • Is automatic – no watering around your lawn with a sprayer on a near-daily basis!