Landscaping

Some of the landscaping services we offer at Muskoka Property Management.

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New Lawns

Sod vs. Seeding

Sod is a term for grass that has been grown for the purpose of being transplanted to a new location.  The system of grass, roots and soil are rolled up during transport and then laid down in strips to continue growth and establish a luscious lawn in next to no time.  Laying sod is the quickest way to achieve a mature lawn although its costs are higher than traditional seeding.  The advantages of laying sod are numerous:

  1. Less competition of weeds during the establishment period.  Sod is mature enough to protect against the invasion of weeds during the critical growth period.  Young seedlings may suffocate as weeds take over the territory and grow faster and stronger than your young lawn whereas sod is already beyond that sensitive point at the time of its introduction. This is especially important in marginal areas like Muskoka where weeds are quite tenacious.
  2. Protection against erosion by wind and rain.  Sod can insulate your soil against weathering it may otherwise be subject to.  Wind, rain and even sun can strip your lawn of its valuable soil.  Laying sod will quickly resolve these problems by quickly rooting to the soil.
  3. Instant lawn.  Sod can immediately transform the look of your property.  Whether you have just built a new home or are looking to update the quality of your lawn, sod offers a quick makeover.  Sod may also be used for partial lawn treatment to fix a damaged area.
  4. Thicker, heartier lawn.  Since sod undergoes careful inspection at the nursery, you are guarenteed a thick, healthy lawn for your Muskoka area cottage.

  There are four general methods of installation of sod.  Each has their pros and cons and many homeowners and landscapers have their chosen method that they prefer to stick to. 

The “shave-off technique” (a.k.a. “sod-cutter technique”) is useful for those who have general landscaping tools such as shovels or hoes.  A sod-cutter is a machine that will essentially shave off the top of your lawn so that new sod may be planted, although other tools may be used for this process as well.  The discarded lawn is taken away and the remaining soil is rotovated (a.k.a. roto-tilled).  Once the soil has been loosened a quality top soil may be applied if the original soil is not rich enough in nutrients.  The soil is straightened out and the new sod may be applied on top. The downside to this method is that snips of roots and other weeds may remain in the original soil and may eventually make its way back up to the surface and ruin the look of the sod.

The tilling technique is used by first using a roto-tiller to churn the soil before applying the sod.  Two methods exist to property till the original lawn.
The first method is named the “till-it-all technique” and it consists of tilling both the original soil as well as the existing grass.  This will create a nice platform for which to install the new sod. 

The second method is named the “tiller-to-grass technique” which consists of tilling only the surface grass from the lawn and then carrying away the discards.  This will leave the original soil untouched and may be tilled a second time to create a loose bed upon which to install the sod.

The herbicidal technique starts by applying herbicide to the original and then waiting 1-2 weeks while all the grass dies.  The landscaper then returns to the lawn and rakes up all the dead grass and possibly applies a layer of top soil if the original soil is lacking in nutrients.  Sod may be installed upon this new bed of soil.

Installation upon an existing lawn is the simplest application method for new sod.  The landscaper simply applies the new sod on top of the old lawn.  The idea is that the old grass will eventually die (loss of sunlight) and as it decomposes it creates a layer of fertilizer for the new sod.  Some homeowners worry that the old grass and weeds may grow up through the new sod and ruin the lawn however, research shows that this no more likely to occur using this method than with other methods.


The advantage of traditional seeding is the lower cost. 

The disadvantages of seeding are:

  1. The loss of seed due to wind, drought or even birds and other animals. 
  2. Soil erosion may be a problem even after planting if the land is extremely dry or near water. 
  3. Lengthy period of establishment.  Seedlings take a long time to grow upon being planted.  Sod, on the other hand, after 1 month of growth resembles a seeded lawn after 1-2 years of growth.

Care after installation requires that the new lawn (whether it is seeded or sodded) be fertilized with a quality fertilizer to help boost its success.  A fertilizer with a one-to-one-to-one ration of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen will aid proper root development right after planting/transplanting (careful not to touch the roots directly with fertilizer to avoid burning).  Although regular watering of sod is a must, over watering may prevent the roots from growing down into the soil in search for water and nutrients.  A happy medium is best.
When laying sod on a hill or in a ditch you may consider using sod staples.  This will provide proper support so as to avoid water from washing sod away.  Another practice is to place sod perpendicular to the slope of the hill. This adds extra strength. 
For the best results over time it is crucial to test the pH of the soil and avoid high acidity.  Grasses do well within the pH 6.0-pH 7.0 range.  If too acidic, limestone may be crushed to a powder and added to the soil to neutralize the pH.

Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding is a method of seeding a lawn.  It allows for quick germination and easy access to large areas.  It is a great choice for commercial lawns/fields where the cost of sodding and turf is too great and seeding will take too much time.  A licensed professional uses a mixture of seed and mulch is sprayed uniformly across the prepped area.  The mulch helps the mixture retain moisture for the new seedlings to grow.  The mixture may also contain fertilizer as well as other additives.  Hydroseeding, like other lawns, protect against the erosion of soil from wind and rain and help smooth out lumpy areas.

Why Should I Use Hydroseeding?

  1. Hydroseeding offers great coverage.  Hydroseed reaches small or awkward areas that aren’t practical for sod and it doesn’t leave seams or brown patches, just lush green lawn.
  2. Using hydroseed you will notice your lawn is more resistant to weeds.  This type of lawn fairs well after transplants and it proves very resistant to the encroachment of weeds.
  3. A Hydroseeded lawn will cost about twenty five percent less than a sodded lawn.
  4. Hydroseeding will show results faster than any other type of lawn system.  After hydroseeding you may begin to see your lawn growing within seven days and thicken into a lush lawn in under a month.

Design and Maintenance of Gardens and Flower Beds

Whether you are creating a landscape from scratch or simply remodeling we feel we can offer our expertise from the early design all the way through to the finished product.  Muskoka Property Management works one on one with clients to determine exactly the vision they hold for their property.  Our initial meetings consist of an exchange of ideas and goals and an inventory of the site is made.  The presentation of a plan which proposes a tentative timeline and a list of services to be undergone then follows.  Once the proposal is accepted a list of plants is created and an estimation of cost of materials and services is made.  Upon agreement the construction then begins as per the proposed timeline.  Delivery & Installation of New Soil
If you find that your lawn is suffering and is in need of a facelift then perhaps you should look into the type of soil that is predominant.  Often clients discover that the quality of their soil is poor and as a result their lawn and gardens have a difficult time growing.  We only use premium soils to ensure that your lawn and gardens stay beautiful.  Tree & Shrub Planting or Removal

Tree and Shrub Planting

If you are considering a new green addition around the yard you should be sure to plant it during the dormant period.  Early in the spring before the trees have formed buds on their branches or during the fall when the ground is not yet frozen and the trees have begun to lose their leaves are the best times for this.  Planting ahead of the summer warmth and rain will ensure that your new tree or shrub has the necessary time to grow deep roots instead of focusing on top growth and foliage.  When deciding on location be sure to keep in mind the characteristics of the species as well as the size of the full grown tree. 

Tree Removal

Our tree removal experts can safely perform controlled tree removal jobs that both protect your property and the safety of the experts involved. Our tree removal men have been operating successfully in the Huntsville and surrounding area for decades. As you can see in the demonstration image to the right, the trees are safely limbed before the trunk is felled.

Tree & Shrub Pruning
There are a number of benefits to annual pruning practices.  Not only does pruning create a more beautiful landscape by grooming shrubs to look orderly, but it will also provide health and safety benefits.  Firstly, trimming away dead or broken limbs will prevent the fungus found in decaying branches from finding its way into healthy parts of the plant and spreading an infection.  Also, when plants are looking congested then reducing the number of limbs will promote superior sunshine and air circulation within the plant.
Secondly, pruning will assist in improving the overall structural integrity of the plant by modifying the shape and altering the branch architecture.  When done early this developmental tree pruning could prevent more serious problems from arising down the road.
Thirdly, pruning your trees and shrubs may protect you against damage from high winds and rain during storms.  It is especially important to maintain trees along buildings, pathways and driveway to be sure falling branches are not causing harm.
Lastly, pruning trees creates an improved appearance to any landscape.  Whether it is your wish to increase your property value by enhancing your view or simply to keep your place neat and green, maintaining your plantings will surely achieve the goal.

Annual & perennial planting

Your decision to plant annual flowers versus perennial flowers will depend on your desired level of involvement and overall look of your garden.  The main difference between the two is the period of bloom and whether or not you have to replant them each year. 
Annual flowers generally offer a longer period of continual bloom as they near frost season and begin to produce seeds.  Once the plant has finished seeding it will simply die and you will need to replant it again for the following season.  Perennials, on the other hand, produce intermittent blooms as the plant completes its growth period.  Perennials will generally last you a few years, with the plant dying down over the winter and then re-sprouting from the roots again in the spring.  Every once in a while the plant will need to be dividing in order to encourage it to further thrive and grow.  Both types of flowers live well in confined conditions like that of a planter, especially annuals whose roots systems are compact and are easily crowded in a pot among other flowers.

Installation of Mulch

Mulching can provide your garden with protection from the elements.  Not only does mulch offer an improved appearance but it also shields the roots from harsh weather and bugs, adds nutrients, as well as protects against the stripping of topsoil from the garden.  Mulch is also practical for ensuring weeds stay out and moisture stays in.

Softscapes

The selection of plants throughout your property is an important part of creating a landscape of lasting beauty and functionality.  A great deal of thought and knowledge about different species will go a long way in this creation.
The initial step when choosing plants is identifying the specific needs and priorities of the landscape.  Ground covers such as grass and other plants not only offer soil protection but also lend themselves well to recreation and areas to relax in.  Some specific plants such as decorative trees and shrubs, with their unique colour and shape may offer an interesting focal point to the landscape.

Perennials are another addition to be considered as they provide changing beauty and fragrance along the seasons.  Older trees and shrubs offer a duality of privacy and attractiveness that may dramatically define your space.
At Muskoka Property Management we install only high quality plants and base our selection on the desire to make your maintenance as hassle free as we can.

Contact Us

We service Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Port Carling, Muskoka Lakes and all of their surrounding areas in Ontario. Clients on Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau and Lake of Bays will be especially satisfied with the sheer level of service we provide. Whatever your needs, we provide.