Ask Advantage Lawn & Landscape

Below is a collection of common questions we get asked. Chances are they may address your particular questions. However, if these FAQ's do not answer your questions please feel free to visit our Contact Advantage page and submit your questions. We will research your question and provide you a answer.

This page will be updated as new question are asked.

The Landscaping Process

What is the benefit of professionally landscaping my home?

Professional landscape design and installation is perhaps the single most cost- effective way to increase the value of a home. By spending 5% of the value of your home on the installation of quality low-maintenance landscape, you could boost the resale value by 15%, earning back 150% or more of your landscape investment.

How far in advance should I begin planning my landscape?

Depending on the time of year and the projects we have in queue, you can expect that from the beginning of design to the beginning of installation will take approximately 30 to 60 days. Once the estimate is completed and all aspects of the design have been secured, we can proceed to scheduling for your installation and signing the installation contract. Every project is unique.

Do you do free estimates?

Advantage offers free estimates and we'd love to sit down and talk to you about a plan. Landscape designs are fast and easy with Advantage's 3D computer drawings. You'll see just how the finished product will look before any work is started.

What if I already have a plan, will you install my design?

Yes, we will be happy to look at someone else's design and give you an estimate on what it will take to install it.

How do I maintain my new landscaping?

Depending upon the type of landscape installed, Advantage will provide you with specific watering and care instructions.

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? What does this mean?

Advantage is fully licensed, bonded and insured. Using a company that is licensed by the State of Illinois and local jurisdictions protects the customer, insuring that the contractor has met all criteria required by the State. Bonding gives the homeowner the opportunity to be reimbursed for non-performance by a licensed contractor. Insurance protects the homeowner from unforeseen accidents caused by the contractor.

Maintenance

What does lawn maintenance include?

Weekly lawn maintenance includes turf mowing, edging along foundation walls, planting beds, tree rings, fences, walkway and curbs. Any grass clippings will be blown off of walkways, patios, driveways & curbs.

When do you normally start service in the spring?

We get started when the snow clears and the weather permits. Typically, this is around March 15th. It usually takes about 4 - 5 weeks to get all of our round 1 customers done, so you can expect to see us sometime between Mar 15 and April 25 as long as the weather cooperates.

How is core aeration beneficial for my lawn?

An aeration has many benefits.

1. It allows water, air, water and nutrients to get directly to the roots.
2. It helps to break down thatch.
3. It is one of the best ways to fight disease.
4. It helps allow roots to become larger and healthier, which intern makes your lawn thicker and greener.
5. It also lowers your watering bill because less water is wasted through evaporation.

When is the best time to seed?

Early fall is the very best time to seed your lawn. Spring can also be a good time to seed if you are able to make sure the tender, newly germinated seed is adequately watered during the extremely harsh conditions that exist during the summer.

How often should a lawn be watered?

Watering frequency varies depending on the time of the season, turfgrass species, soil type, amount of shade, and other factors. Early morning (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) is the best time to water. Wind and evaporation are low, application efficiency is high, distribution is best; and grass leaves will dry quickly which can reduce disease problems.

Why is grass cut higher in the summer?

Lawns that are cut higher are more stress resistant. Grass leaves are made up of 80% water. Letting the grass grow a little taller allows the plant to store more water for periods of drought as well as promotes deeper root development.

What are fall and spring clean-ups? What do they include?

We offer clean-up services twice a year to help keep your lawn and landscape looking their best at all times. During our spring clean-up, we rake leaves and debris from lawn areas and clean out all shrub beds. Driveways and walkways are also swept clean. During our fall clean-up, leaves and debris are cleared from lawn and bed areas, driveways and walkways are swept clean, and perennials and ornamentals are cut as needed.

Seasonal Questions

I have a lot of landscaping with mulch, do I have to replenish my mulch beds every year and when is the best time to do that? Also are there any other benefits besides the fresh look?

I always suggest mulching every spring after an initial spring cleanup, hopefully before the perennials pop up. Mulching yearly doesn't require as thick of dressing and allows you to clean up the landscape edge and bed. Mulch has many benefits besides dressing up your landscaping. Your plants will thanks you as it conserves soil moisture, protects from drying roots, and prevents shock form cold and hot days. Mulch also is a natural weed blanket, stopping weeds from germinating. For a healthy, beautiful landscape you'll want to continue mulching.

I love spring, especially the first signs of flowers blooming, where and when can I plant those and what are they called?

You must be talking about bulbs. Bulbs are great for filling in between shrubs or perennials. You want to plant bulbs that are going to bloom at different times than your shrubs and perennials. Unfortunately, spring flowering bulbs need to be planted in the fall. I would make a list this spring of the bulbs you like and plant them this fall, some of my favorites are daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips.

When should I prune or trim my shrubs?

We'll look at your specific plant species to give you a definitive answer, but a good rule of thumb is to prune spring-flowering shrubs and trees shortly after they bloom. On the other hand, summer-flowering shrubs and trees are best pruned a month or two before spring growth begins, because they bloom best on bloom best on new wood, and are best pruned 4-6 weeks before spring growth begins.

Advantage Lawn & Landscape is a company deeply committed to providing quality landscape services.