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Helpful articles and tips

01 Jun 2017
rusted-steel-landscaping
By seowerkz Landscaping ,

Common Landscaping Uses of Rusted Steel

Rusted metal may look sinister in certain landscapes, but within a garden or other landscaping project, it can be charming and appealing. At Greenside, we offer numerous rusted steel design options for your next big landscaping project.

What are some of the potential uses of rusted steel within a yard or garden? Here are some of the most common and creative.

Fence or Gate

Whether it’s through weaving steel bars or perforating solid steel, a fence is one of the primary uses of rusted steel. It’s a strong and durable product, and can be crafted into a variety of sizes of fence. It can be built to allow light into a given area, or to keep it out entirely.

Rusted metal can also function as a quaint, creative design for an entry gate. Rusted gates set among shrubbery or other greens are a great contrast, and give visitors a homely feel. They can even be used as driveway gates in some homes.

Sculpturing

The options for sculpting based on rusted steel are virtually limitless. If you have water items in your yard already, rusted steel can be used to craft a beautiful waterfall or flowing stream. If you have garden beds, rusted steel can serve as a perfect wall. And for the more creative among us, abstract architecture is easily possible with rusted steel.

Pathways

Rusted iron can be a perfect material for a walkway – either threaded to create the walking surface itself, or simply as the walls that outline it.

Planters

Basic planters can be made from many materials, so why not go for one that’s inexpensive, healthy for plants and a unique design? Rusted steel works well here.

Retaining Wall

Whether it’s just a single wall or multiple on a cascading slope, rusted metal has the adaptive qualities you need for a retaining wall. It complements all different types of plants well, and is perfect for a contemporary landscape.

Fire Pit

For entertaining purposes, a fire pit is always a good idea. Rusted metal will help keep surrounding surfaces well protected, and you don’t have to worry about any marks or indents on what was already an imperfect surface.

Want to learn more about the uses of rusted steel in landscaping, or interested in any of our lawn maintenance or weed control services? Speak to the pros at Greenside today.

01 May 2017
By seowerkz Gardening, Landscaping , ,

Noticing and Preventing Yard-Related Pests

Within the world of landscaping and yard care, there are a number of priorities to take. These can range from lawn care and weed control to fertilization concerns, and at Greenside, we’re here to help with any and all areas of need.

Another important consideration for the discerning gardener? Preventing pests in the yard, and particularly in trees. There are several pests that can damage and even ruin landscaping projects – luckily, though, there are also a few telltale signs. Here are a few of these signs.

Boring Insects

Boring insects are the types that tunnel inside trees and feed on their bark. These are often the most destructive pets for ornamental trees and shrubs. These bugs often make it impossible for the tree to transport water and nutrients.

You may notice exit holes in the trunk or branches of the tree, or sawdust-like debris or frass. You could also notice lots of leaves in the area. If you notice these issues repeatedly, or in multiple trees, you should call our Greenside professionals and set an appointment as soon as possible.

Chewing Insects

Chewing insects are often the simplest to notice, and create major damage to leaves or needles. For most trees, this sort of minor defoliation is not a problem – but more severe infestation, or a loss of leaf surface over several years, can reduce a plant’s ability to thrive and continue growing.

With chewing insects, you’re likely to notice nests in place, or even the insects themselves. You’ll see holes in leaves, and the skeletonization or complete removal of leaf tissue. An extreme rate of leaf loss may also take place in some cases.

Sucking Insects

There are several insects that survive purely by sucking sap and nutrients from plants or trees. These are often the toughest yard pests to detect – small and difficult to see. Nearly all woody ornamentals are at risk of infection by these insects, including mites, scales, aphids and others.

Signs here will include withered leaves, dieback on branches and tips, a sooty mold coating, sticky sap or honeydew, or the loss of needles. Premature leaf drop may also take place.

If you see any of these signs, or if you’re interested in any of our other landscaping services, contact the experts at Greenside today.

01 Apr 2017
By seowerkz Landscaping ,

Signs Your Lawn Needs Fertilization

For any homeowner invested in the care of their yard, lawn fertilization is an important consideration. Fertilization helps prevent the spread of insects on the lawn, and offers weed control to help your flowers and other plants retain enough room and nutrients to grow – among other factors.

At Greenside Landscaping, we’re here to assist with comprehensive fertilization services. Here are a few common signs or situations that typically signal a need for fertilization.

Nitrogen Deficiency

When lawns lack nitrogen, they can be susceptible to a weed invasion and a much lower number of grass clippings than usual after you mow the lawn. Some of the most common visible signs of a nitrogen deficiency include yellow or yellow-green grass, plus slow growth and low density of grass. A fertilizer higher in nitrogen will be the appropriate response here, and a common solution is grasscycling or applying poultry manure.

Fairy Rings

Fairy rings is the term for patches of grass you’ll begin to notice containing areas of light-colored or dead grass in the middle. At times, you’ll see mushrooms growing on the outer ring. This signals a problem with fungus on the lawn, particularly common with lawns grown in soil containing large quantities of organic matter. Aerating the soil manually is recommended here before applying a fertilizer high in nitrogen. You’re also advised to keep the areas in question moist for a few days.

Rust

Another fungal-related issue is rust on the grass, which will show up in a reddish-brown color along with normal yellow in many cases. In addition, if it’s untreated, rust can cause small bumps of a similar color on the older blades of grass, which will eventually die. A big chunk of rust prevention relates to basic maintenance on the lawn, plus a high-nitrogen fertilizer when the lawn is dry. Once this is done, irrigate regularly and try to mow a bit more often to prevent rust buildup.

Phosphorous Deficiency

A phosphorous deficiency will turn grass a dull, blue-green color in its early stages, and then in the later stages will turn the edges of the blades a purple hue. Eventually, the grass will look reddish. This signals a need for phosphorous-heavy fertilizer, including heat-dried or aged poultry and cow manure.

Want to learn more about fertilization, or any other element of our lawn care services? Speak to the experts at Greenside today.

01 Mar 2017
By seowerkz Landscaping , ,

Landscaping Tips for Early Spring Season

There may still be a snowstorm or two left in winter’s last gasp, but as the ground begins to thaw and the air gets warmer, spring is nearly here. That means more sun and warmth, but it also means folks in the landscaping game are gearing up for a more involved part of the year.

At Greenside, we’re here to help you with everything from lawn maintenance to sprinkler repair. We’re also here to offer our expertise – here are a few basic tips to observe as winter rolls into spring and the ground begins thawing.

Clean

First off, you need to clean the lawn and any gardening or bed areas. If any branches or debris has fallen, pick it up and confirm it didn’t do any lasting damage. Clean leaves off areas that will need soil or mulch (more on these in a moment), and if you’re getting right to work in any specific areas, clean that area as well.

Begin Planting

For those looking to use the springtime to plant new grass or install new sod, there’s no need to apply any pre-emergent at this time of year – simply a balanced organic-based fertilizer. In the fall, you’d need to use a pre-emergent.

For plants or new vegetables, the first big checklist item is making sure the soil is in the proper condition after thawing. Use a soil test if you’re unsure. If you can add organic matter or compost to the soil at the time of planting, this will help improve soil structure and promote deeper roots – meaning less insects and stress from heat, and possibly a lower water bill.

Mower Considerations

If you winterized your mower over the cold season, you’ll need to sharpen the mower blades early in the spring – dull blades can lead to tearing of the grass, and a resulting brown color and fungus development. Make sure you remove the spark plug before you take the blades off.

In the early spring, you also want to mow your grass high. Cool-season grass needs a bit more space to grow than warm-season grass. This sort of lawn care can make the difference a few months down the road in the hot months.

Mulch Layer

You’ll want to apply a mulch layer of about four inches over all your beds to help prevent weeds. If any weeds still pop up, apply a glyphosate product to help remove them.

Want to learn more about spring duties, or any of our other landscaping products or services? The experts at Greenside are standing by.

01 Feb 2017
By seowerkz Landscaping ,

Tips for Sprinkler Maintenance

Spring is just around the corner, and as your lawn experts in Utah, we at Greenside are here to get you prepared. We handle a number of lawn care items as part of our services, and one of the most common problems we run into – especially coming out of winter – is sprinkler issues.

There are certain sprinkler problems which only a professional like ours at Greenside can solve. However, there are a few issues which you might be able to do something about on your own, or at least identify before they become more serious. Let’s take a look at a few.

Leaky Sprinkler

There are several elements which can cause a leaky sprinkler, including the seal wearing out over time and during the winter. It can also be caused by lawn mowers or physical damage. Leaky sprinklers can cause dry and soggy areas, plus more importantly can waste a lot of water and up your water bill.

If the sprinkler is leaking from the top, this is usually an easy fix – just make sure the cap is screwed on tightly. If that’s not it, there’s a chance it’s an issue with the seal or a clog. If the leak is coming from the body of the sprinkler, you may have to replace the entire thing.

Clogged Sprinkler

Generally caused by buildups over long periods of inactivity (like a winter), sprinkler clogs will stop water from spraying as far as it should. Usually, fixing these is as simple as opening the sprinkler with a screwdriver, then removing and cleaning the sprinkler filter. This may require you to take apart a few other parts, but these are usually simple.

Overspray

This is a situation where water is spraying too far and landing outside the desired zone. This will create grass or plant issues, but can also contribute to high water costs. It’s usually caused by bad positioning, though, which is an easy enough fix for you. It’s often just an issue of the sprinkler not sitting straight up off the ground.

Blocked Water Flow

This is usually just a temporary issue like a trash can or branch disrupting water flow, but there will be times where it could relate to an issue in pipes or a connector somewhere. If basic checks to remove blocking items don’t do the trick, you may have to call in the pros.

To learn more about sprinkler care, lawn care or any of our landscaping services, speak to the experts at Greenside today.

15 Jan 2017
By seowerkz Pest Control , ,

Tips for Preventing Ant Infestations

Within the pest control world, ants are some of the biggest issues. They’re small but strong, and multiply and expand their territory at incredible rates. They may start out as small annoyances, but they can grow into huge household issues if left unchecked.

At Greenside, our pest removal strategies are designed to hit any infestations you may have at their core. In the case of ants, there are several things you can do around the home to help prevent an ant infestation from forming – let’s take a look at a few.

Cleanliness

For ants and most other pests, keeping things clean is the first line of defense against an infestation. Things like food crumbs, excess garbage and dirty dishes all contain exactly the types of food and sugar particles that attract ants, and you’re asking for trouble if you frequently leave these around.

Wipe up any spills as soon as you can, and remove their food sources. For pets who need food and water in bowls on the ground, spray vinegar mixed with water – it won’t harm your pets at all, but it will keep ants away.

Trails

If you do notice the early signs of ants getting into the home, you can be proactive about it. In particular, you can eliminate the trail they leave. This is a scent that ants leave for their fellow ants to follow, and it’s a big part of the way they invade your home once they’ve found a way in. If you notice a trail, sweep or mop it up and then spray vinegar mixed with water in the area. This should stop more ants from following the same trail.

Entry Points

If there’s nowhere for ants to get in, they won’t be a problem. Look for any holes or cracks which might be functioning as their entry point, and use insecticide to keep them away. There are times this can be a difficult process because it only takes a very small entryway for ants, but this is where an exterminator like Greenside comes in.

Outdoor

Ants often colonize outside before eventually finding an entry point and invading your home. Using traps and insecticides outside is both a proactive way to keep them from infesting your home and a great way to make sure they don’t interfere with any outdoor leisure activities.

Want to learn more about this or any of our other pest control solutions? Contact the experts at Greenside today.

01 Jan 2017
By seowerkz Pest Control , ,

Health Hazards Caused by Pest Infestation

The most obvious reasons people require out pest control services at Greenside is obvious: They’re gross! The various creepy crawlers that might infest your house are both unsightly and unwelcoming for residents and guests alike, and their quick, safe and permanent removal is our specialty.

At the same time, perhaps our biggest concern given how much we care about each and every one of our clients? Safety. Pest removal isn’t just about getting rid of these creatures we dislike – it’s about creating a healthier environment. Many pests cause potentially serious health hazards if they’re left unchecked without proper pest control, and our biggest goal is making sure this never happens to you or your family. Let’s go over some of the most common health conditions posed by major pest infestations.

Asthma/Respiratory Problems

Many different kinds of pests can directly cause increased issues with people who have asthma or other respiratory diseases. A major triggering of allergic conditions also happens frequently. Roach droppings and carcasses release a protein that’s known to cause asthma attacks, and this sort of thing isn’t uncommon among the most common infestations.

Hantavirus

This is a type of virus which can lead to everything from fever to respiratory problems, and can be fatal in the most severe cases. Hantavirus is most commonly found in mice and rodents – typically from their droppings, or dust with particles from their feces or urine.

Leptospirosis

Again caused by rodents, this is a bacterial disease that can be as mild as a basic fever or as severe as major brain swelling, kidney and liver failure and even death. Once again, rodent feces and urine are the two main culprits here.

Food Contamination

Various conditions like gastroenteritis, dysentery and salmonella are all caused by bacteria in food that generally comes from pest infestations. Flies, mice and roaches mostly cause these kinds of foodborne illnesses, which can lead to pain symptoms, dehydration and problems in the intestinal tract.

West Nile Virus

Generally transmitted through mosquitos, this common disease can become life-threatening and fatal quickly. Because of how quickly mosquitos can multiply and how easy it is to get bitten without knowing it, this is a particularly dangerous infestation.

If you’re worried about these or other conditions for you and your family, and you have the markings of an infestation, call the exterminators at Greenside today.

15 Dec 2016
By seowerkz Pest Control , ,

Tips for Winter Pest Prevention

For some of us inexperienced with these issues, the onset of winter may signal a rest from any pest control issues. It’s cold after all, we think, and don’t pests die off at certain cold temperatures?

That would be a wonderful utopia, but it doesn’t reflect real life. Pets like rats and squirrels are alive and well at these times of year, and worse yet, they indeed aren’t huge fans of the cold temperatures – meaning they’ll try even harder than usual to get into your home where it’s warm and toasty. At Greenside, our pest control services are called upon just as regularly during the winter months, and sometimes even more often. Rodents invade over 20 million homes per year, according to the NPMA.

Before a rodent extermination becomes necessary, what are some tips to help prevent these pests in the home during winter?

Food Storage

Rodents and other pests can smell your open food from far away, and it’ll be their primary goal if they do. Make sure you store all food in airtight containers, and be sure not to let garbage pile up anywhere in the home. Uneaten food should be well sealed, and you should generally prefer plastic sealing containers rather than cardboard boxes which can be eaten through more easily.

Windows, Doors, Chimneys

These are some of the easiest places for pests to sneak in if you’re not diligent. Make sure you have screens over windows and chimney vents, and check all your doorways to ensure there aren’t any large cracks or spaces between the door and the doorway which might be allowing rodents in.

Seal Cracks

There are several additional areas where cracks or openings may form, including pipe entries, corners and crevices. Make sure you do a thorough examination of both the inside and outside of your home, and seal any areas that might be allowing unwanted visitors in.

Water Channeling

Many pests are drawn to water and can mate and replicate more quickly around it, so be sure to divert water flow in other directions where possible.

Watch for Signs

A common sign of a rodent infestation is gnaw marks on electrical wires or insulation, which rodents will often chew through. You may also find rodent feces, or in many cases you’ll actually be able to hear rodents scurrying around in your walls or pipes.

If you see any of these signs or believe you’re experiencing a winter infestation, call the pest removal experts at Greenside. We can diagnose and eliminate your problem with no hassle to you, and at a great low rate.

01 Dec 2016
By seowerkz Landscaping ,

4 Tips for Winter Lawn Care

 It’s winter and the snow is falling, which means there’s no longer any need to worry about your yard for a few months, right?

Wrong. Winter may mean certain lawn care items are no longer necessary for a little while, but assuming you can simply leave your yard alone for four months straight is a big mistake. At Greenside, our lawn experts know just how vital maintaining a few big areas is during the winter months, and we’re here to assist you with all your needs. What are some things you can be doing leading up to and during the winter to help maintain your lawn and yard?

Fertilization

Not only is lawn fertilization recommended during the winter, but late fall and early winter months are the very best time of the year for fertilization for many types of grasses. A fertilization round near the very end of fall or in early winter gives your lawn added nutrients to help it get through the winter – once things get colder and freeze over completely, the fertilizer will remain in the soil and continue feeding your grass the entire winter.

Objects on the Ground

Objects left on the ground during winter can become inconvenient or cause injury to young children, but in some cases they can also create problems for the lawn itself. Any bulky items left on the grass that remain there through major snowfall can cause large dead spots due to the weight of the object, and this could take you weeks to correct during the spring once grass thaws.

Before winter begins, and then at least once every few weeks during winter (especially if you have children who play outside often or outdoor pets who do the same), be sure to do a sweep of your yard for any foreign objects.

Lawn Traffic

Down similar lines, reducing as much foot and other traffic on your lawn will help keep grass healthy. Grass can survive a lot, but consistent pressure may damage it for the upcoming spring. Keep sidewalks and driveways clear so you and any guests don’t need to walk across grass often, and never allow anyone to park or drive on your lawn.

Fall Preparation

There are a few late fall tips to keep in mind every year:

  • Fertilize before first freeze if possible
  • Rake away leaves and other dirt
  • Clear debris from yard
  • Cut grass shorter over final few months of fall – discourages mice and also protects new growth

To learn more about this or any of our landscaping services, contact our friendly customer service specialists at Greenside today.

01 Nov 2016
By seowerkz General ,

3 Things to Look for in a Snow Removal Company

Now that the snowflakes have started to fall, it’s time to think about how you will be able to clear that snow away. Whether you’re a business owner, a property owner, or simply a homeowner who doesn’t have a way to clear your own snow, a snow removal company in Utah can help. But you can’t hire just any company—the key is to know how to find the best company for your needs.

Reliability

It’s impossible to predict at the beginning of the season just how many days it will snow, or how much, during any given winter in Utah. For that reason you need to know that whenever it snows your snow removal company will be there to help. That means being there in the middle of the night, the early hours of the morning, or during rush hour commutes. A reliable snow removal company will be there no matter what.

Equipment

The next thing to consider is whether the snow removal company you are considering has all the necessary equipment to do the job. Clearing snow from your driveway requires something different than clearing snow out of your neighborhood or your company’s parking lot, but all will require vehicles that can handle driving in slippery, snowy conditions. In addition to clearing the snow, the company you hire will need to have equipment to spread salt or other ice melt.

Personnel

Having the wrong equipment can make a difference for snow removal, but so can having the wrong people. Clearing snow is about more than just driving a plow; it’s understanding the most effective ways to move snow from driveways and parking lots to places where people can safely navigate walking and driving.

Protection

Even with the most skilled employees, snow and ice can be unpredictable. That means you want to hire someone for your snow removal who carries proper insurance to protect your property in the event something does go wrong. Some companies may even have insurance, but if you don’t check the fine print you might find out the hard way that you are liable if someone slips and falls or crashes in your parking lot as the result of the snow and ice left behind. Having a minimum amount of insurance and coverage that protects you as a company will help.

Affordability

The final consideration in evaluating your snow removal contractor is the cost. Make sure you choose a company that provides great service with a price tag that keeps you on budget. However, in many cases—and snow removal is no exception—you will get what you pay for, so don’t just go for “cheap” service; in that case you’ll probably get “cheap” work done.

Rather than dreading the snow, hire a snow removal company with the best equipment, that is reliable, that has trained employees, and is affordable, and you can get through the snowy season without worrying.