Call: 631-652-8035
Logo of "Rolling Hills" featuring a minimalistic design of a sun rising behind hills with pine trees and birds in silhouette in Suffolk County, NY
Call: 631-652-8035
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Landscaping FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have scattered bare spots covering less than 50% of your lawn, reseeding usually works well and is a more budget-friendly lawn care solution. But when you’re dealing with more than half your lawn being damaged, compacted soil, or you need results fast, sod installation is your better bet. Sod gives you an instant, thick lawn that’s ready to use in just a few weeks, while seeding takes months to establish and might not take evenly in Suffolk County’s sandy soil. For larger areas, sod installation also provides immediate erosion control and effectively blocks out weeds from the moment it’s laid down. To determine the absolute best approach for your specific property, we highly recommend a professional lawn evaluation from our team to assess the soil conditions and underlying issues.

Professional tree trimming keeps your trees healthy by removing dead or diseased branches, improves air circulation, and prevents branches from threatening your home during storms. We know exactly when and how to trim different species without damaging them. DIY trimming often leads to over-pruning or cuts that invite disease. Plus, we handle the safety risks and cleanup, so you don’t have to worry about ladder accidents or hauling debris. Our team is fully insured and equipped with the right tools to perform the job efficiently and safely, giving you complete peace of mind. For a healthier, safer, and more beautiful property, contact us today for a free assessment.

Water your new sod daily for the first two weeks, keeping it consistently moist but not soaking wet. You’ll need about 1 inch of water per day, which usually means watering 2-3 times daily for shorter periods. After two weeks, you can gradually reduce frequency but water deeper. The key is never letting the sod dry out completely during those critical first 14 days when roots are establishing in your soil. To test if you’re watering enough, gently lift a corner of the sod; the soil underneath should be damp, and you should see new white roots beginning to grow. Adjust your schedule based on weather, watering more during hot, windy days and potentially less during cool, cloudy periods.

Suffolk County’s sandy soil and coastal conditions favor native species like Eastern Red Cedar, American Holly, and Bayberry. For shade trees, consider Red Oak, Sugar Maple, or Eastern White Pine. These handle our salt air and drainage conditions well. Avoid shallow-rooted trees near your house and plants that need constant moisture. We always factor in your specific soil conditions, sun exposure, and proximity to the coast when recommending plantings to ensure your new trees and shrubs not only survive but thrive for years to come. For a personalized consultation tailored to your property’s unique environment, please contact our team to get started.

Tree trimming removes dead, diseased, or damaged branches that can spread problems to healthy parts of the tree. It also opens up the canopy for better air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing fungal issues. Proper trimming encourages strong branch structure and removes competing leaders that weaken the tree. When done correctly, trimming redirects the tree’s energy into healthy growth rather than maintaining struggling branches.

Land clearing starts with assessing what needs to go and what should stay, including checking for utilities and property lines. We remove unwanted vegetation, stumps, and debris, then grade the area for proper drainage. Depending on your project, we might need to bring in topsoil or amend existing soil. The goal is creating a clean slate that’s properly prepared for whatever landscaping comes next, whether that’s lawn installation, garden beds, or hardscaping.

Fall cleanup involves removing leaves that can smother grass, aerating compacted soil, and applying winter fertilizer to strengthen roots. We also trim back perennials, clear debris from gutters and drainage areas, and do a final mow at the right height. Don’t skip the leaf removal – wet leaves create fungal problems and dead spots. A proper fall cleanup sets your lawn up to come back strong in spring instead of starting the season damaged.

Sod gives you an instant, mature lawn that’s ready to use in 2-3 weeks, while seeding takes 3-4 months to establish and might need reseeding in thin spots. Sod costs more upfront but eliminates the risk of poor germination, washout, or uneven growth. With Suffolk County’s sandy soil and unpredictable weather, sod is often more reliable. Seeding works well for large areas where budget is tight and you can wait for results.

Brown patches usually come from overwatering, poor drainage, or fungal diseases that thrive in humid conditions. Water deeply but less frequently, preferably early morning so grass dries before evening. Make sure your soil drains well – Suffolk County’s clay layers can create soggy conditions even with sandy topsoil. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer in summer heat, and don’t let grass get too long between cuts, which creates humid conditions at soil level.

Yes, but invasive removal requires the right approach for each species. Some invasives like Japanese Knotweed need multiple treatments and careful disposal to prevent spreading. Others require removing the entire root system or they’ll regrow. We identify what you’re dealing with and use appropriate removal methods, whether that’s mechanical removal, targeted treatments, or complete soil replacement for severe infestations. DIY removal often makes invasive problems worse by spreading seeds or root fragments.

Look for dead branches, cracks in the trunk, or branches hanging over your house or power lines. If more than 25% of the tree is dead or damaged, removal might be necessary. Trees leaning significantly, showing root damage, or with large cavities in the trunk are safety hazards. However, many trees that look problematic can be saved with proper trimming. We assess the tree’s overall health, structural integrity, and location before recommending trimming versus removal.

Spring cleanup includes removing winter debris, raking out dead grass and leaves, edging beds, and assessing winter damage. We’ll check for fungal issues, compacted areas, and spots that need reseeding. This is also when we apply pre-emergent treatments to prevent weeds and start your fertilization program. The goal is clearing away winter’s damage and setting up your lawn for healthy spring growth rather than letting problems compound.

Sod installation gives you mature, thick grass that’s already established and disease-resistant. Unlike seeding, you get consistent coverage without thin spots or bare patches where weeds can take hold. The root system is already developed, so it handles foot traffic and weather stress better than new seedlings. Plus, quality sod is grown under controlled conditions, so you’re getting grass varieties that are proven to perform well rather than gambling on seed germination.

We use professional-grade chainsaws, pole saws, and climbing equipment for tree work, plus chippers for debris processing. Land clearing projects require excavators, stump grinders, and brush hogs depending on the scope. All our equipment is properly maintained and our crew is trained in safe operation. This professional equipment lets us handle jobs efficiently and safely that would be dangerous or impossible with homeowner tools, especially larger trees or extensive clearing projects.

Professional maintenance often costs less than you think when you factor in equipment, materials, and your time. Plus, we prevent expensive problems like needing to resod damaged lawns or remove trees that weren’t properly maintained. DIY seems cheaper until you need to rent equipment, buy commercial-grade materials, or fix mistakes. Our regular maintenance keeps small issues from becoming major expenses, and you get consistent results without the weekend work and storage headaches.