Frequently Asked Questions

Watering

How much and how often do I need to water my plants?

This is the most frequently asked question and the hardest to answer! How much and how often to water plants depends on if they are new or established, what type of plant they are, if they are in a raised or low area, in a sunny or shady area, and what the weather is doing. Please keep in mind that too much water is just as harmful as too little water. If you have any doubt whether you need to water or not, you can always check the soil to see if it is moist. In general planting beds need to be watered thoroughly 2-3 times per week for ~20 minutes with a rotating or fan sprinkler. If you have an irrigation system, most planting bed zones are mist heads and should be run 2-3 times per week for ~10-15 minutes. Please call your Greenhaven representative for site specific recommendations.

How much and how often do I need to water my lawn?

How much and how often to water lawn depends on if it is new or established, if it is a raised or low area, in sun or shade, and what the weather is doing. In general new lawns cannot be allowed to dry out and need to be watered thoroughly daily. Established lawns need to be watered for 3 times per week for ~30 minutes with a rotating or fan sprinkler. If you have an irrigation system, most lawn zones are rotor heads and should be run 3 times per week for ~30-45 minutes. Please call your Greenhaven representative for site specific recommendations.

How much and how often do I need to water annuals in beds and planters?

How much and how often to water annuals depends on what type of plant they are, if they are in a raised or low area, in a sunny or shady area, and what the weather is doing. Please keep in mind that too much water is just as harmful as too little water. If you have any doubt whether you need to water or not, you can always check the soil to see if it is moist. In general annuals should not be allowed to dry out to the point of wilting and need to be watered thoroughly daily. Please call your Greenhaven representative for site specific recommendations.

Who sets and controls my irrigation clock?

If you are in our site management program we monitor and manage your irrigation clock regularly. Otherwise we are happy to consult on irrigation issues at an hourly rate.

What do I do if my irrigation system has a problem?

If you are in our site management program we will coordinate the repair of the system with your irrigation company. Otherwise we are happy to consult on irrigation issues at an hourly rate if requested.

My irrigation system was installed a few years ago and now it does not cover the planting beds properly. Why is it no longer working effectively?

The landscape is a living thing and as plants grow and develop, they may start blocking spray heads. As the landscape matures, adjustments need to be made to the irrigation system to accommodate for growth.

Crews

How do I know who is the foreman of my crew?

The foreman of the crew wears a white shirt while the laborers wear tan shirts.

Do your foremen speak English?

Yes, all of our foremen speak English in order to provide the highest level of service.

Can I request that the crew parks in a certain area?

Yes, we ask for your parking preferences as well as other preferences when you become a client.

Can I ask the crew to help with other things while they are on site?

Yes, however requests made of the foremen will have to be cleared with your Greenhaven representative and will depend on that day’s schedule. We will do our best to accommodate your special requests, however, it is best to make plans in advance with your Greenhaven representative for scheduling purposes.

Who should I contact if I have a special request, question, or concern regarding the work being done on my site?

Special requests, questions, or concerns are best directed to your Greenhaven representative. If there is something urgent, please call our office.

Do you charge a design fee?

Yes, our design plans are professionally developed by a certified professional landscape designer and horticulturalist. We believe there is great value in our design process.

How long does it take to develop a landscape plan?

In general, landscape plans are best developed at least 3 months prior to installation to allow for us to study your site and proceed in a well organized manner. Smaller plantings may be accommodated more quickly, while larger projects should begin the design process as early as possible.

When is the best time to start developing a landscape plan?

As early as possible, for example if you are interested in a spring installation starting the design process by late summer will allow us to study the site before the existing plants go dormant and allow us ample time to finalize details over the winter.

Do you do perform any design only work?

No. We develop site plans and planting plans with the intention of implementing them with our skillful installation team. We believe that design is an ongoing process and in order to achieve the best results, our designer stays involved and is accountable for making sure that the vision for the site is achieved. In coordinating the installation of site plans we prefer to work with professional subcontractors that we have worked with previously and deliver quality work. If you have existing relationships with masonry, carpentry, irrigation, and lighting contractors we will respect your loyalty to that contractor, but cannot be responsible for their work unless they are working directly for us.

When is the best time to plant?

In general, deciduous trees and shrubs may be planted year round as long as the ground is not frozen. Evergreen trees, evergreen shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers are best planted before the middle of October to allow their roots to establish before the winter. Some plants are more sensitive than others and are cared for accordingly.

What kind of care will my new plantings need?

A new landscape is a serious investment. New plants require a great deal of care during establishment and will continue to need regular care and maintenance. We specialize in plant healthcare as degreed horticulturalists and recommend employing our thoughtful maintenance team to care for your investment.

What are your plant and workmanship guarantees?

We guarantee our plants and workmanship for one calendar year so long as they are being properly cared for. Each plant can only be replaced once and we cannot guarantee transplants, annuals, seed, and sod.

How long do stakes and guy wires need to be left on my trees?

Stakes and guy wires should be left on for no longer than one year. If supports are still necessary after one year, they have to be readjusted at least once yearly to avoid damage to the tree. Stakes and guy wires should not be required more than two years.

Lawn

How often is my lawn fertilized

Our standard lawn fertilization program includes five applications throughout the season.

What types of fertilizers do you use

All of our lawn fertilizers are granular and most are slow-release. Organic fertilizers may be requested.

How long do children and pets need to stay off of the lawn after applications

After any lawn application, it is best to stay off of the lawn for 48 hours but at least a minimum of 24 hours.

Does the fertilizer need watered in? What if it rains

It is best to water in the fertilizer and rain can do it naturally.

What types of insecticides do you apply to my lawn and how often

All insecticides are applied strictly on an as needed basis. The most common need for insecticide is for grub control. If your site has a history of grub issues, we will apply a grub control twice per season.

Planting Beds

How often do my planting beds need mulched

Typically we like to apply bark mulch and leaf mulch once per season to keep weeds down, protect the soil from erosion, regulate soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, protect perennials over the winter, and keep the site looking fresh. Sometimes bark mulch may be able to last for two years, but leaf mulch breaks down much more quickly and needs to be installed once per season.

How often are my planting beds fertilized

Planting beds are fertilized twice per season once in the spring and once in the fall.

Pruning

When do my shrubs get pruned

Every plant is unique and is pruned accordingly. Typically flowering shrubs are pruned after flowering. Other shrubs may be pruned during the growing season to keep the exterior of the plant well groomed.

Why do my plants need dormant pruning when they were pruned during the growing season already

Dormant pruning involves corrective pruning where we focus more on the interior of the plant. While the plant is dormant we can remove deadwood, improve structure, reduce overall size, or rejuvenate.

Do you shear or hand prune plants

We follow proper horticulture hand pruning techniques appropriate for each individual plant. We do shear formal hedges and groundcovers for a more tailored appearance.

Trees

Does the fertilizer that you apply to my planting beds take care of my large trees

No, the planting bed fertilizer takes care of shrubs, perennials, and groundcover. We work with an arborist to develop a separate deep root fertilization program for your trees.

Insects

Who monitors my site for insects

Both your Greenhaven representative and foremen monitor your site for diseases and pests during site visits.

What happens when damaging insects are found on my lawn or plantings

We let you know about the issue and inform you of your options.

Seasonal Color

Do you sell planters for seasonal color

Yes, we can help you select, order, and install seasonal planters perfect for your site.

Can I specify the colors and placement of my annuals

Yes, we love variety and an opportunity to do something special just for you.

When are bulbs planted

Bulbs are planted in the fall after the first frost.