lawn mowing in loudoun county va
by SUN SUN

How to Make Grass Greener

Want enviable green grass? It’s not as simple as just mowing and watering.

lawn mowing in loudoun county va

Have you ever wondered how to make grass greener? How do some yards look lush and vibrant while others look dull and forgotten? It’s not necessarily as simple as mowing and watering; lawn care can actually be very complicated. Read more for our professional tips on lawn maintenance and soon you’ll have your grass looking greener!

Seven Core Areas of Lawn Maintenance to Make Grass Greener:

Soil testing

Sometimes the most important step is the one most often overlooked. Testing your soil for its pH level and nitrogen and phosphorus content will actually save you a lot of headaches in the long-run. Once you know your soil makeup, you’ll be able to figure out what types of fertilizers (and what quantities) your lawn really needs.

Fertilizing

At a minimum, you should fertilize every spring and fall. There’s ammonium sulfate and numerous all-purpose fertilizers to choose from. Make sure to use caution, though. Too much fertilizer can burn your lawn, and ammonium sulfate only provides a short green boost to it. Your lawn needs a balanced diet of nutrients in order to stay green and healthy.

Watering

The frequency and amount of time you need to water your lawn is going to vary based upon your grass variety and location. Most of the time, watering deeply once a week will do the job. Deep watering encourages the grass to dig deeper roots, which helps the overall health of your lawn. If you step on your grass and it springs back up, you know that you’re on the right track moisture-wise.

Mowing

Mowing is a calculated effort. The more thought and planning you put into it, the more you will get out of it when it comes to how to make grass greener. Make sure you remove any debris from your yard before you fire up your mower. Debris is not only a safety hazard, but sticks and rocks will dull your mower blades, making your mower less effective. During the spring and summer growing seasons, mow only the top third of your grass, keeping it between 3” to 3.5” tall. Taller grass develops a better root structure and blocks out weeds on its own. When the growing season stops this fall, you can cut it back down to a shorter height.

Weeding

Nothing cuts out weeds better than a healthy lawn. Herbicides can be used, but be careful about the chemicals they may contain. Another way to help choke out weeds is to mow often, cutting off the heads of weeds like dandelions before they are able to spread.

Aeration

Those little cylinders of dirt fight soil compaction. The holes allow nutrients, air, and water to penetrate your lawn, helping your grass grow deeper roots.

Seeding

Seeding is all about choosing the right grass – or the right mixture of grass – for what you need. There are literally hundreds of grass varieties to choose from. Depending on the situation, sod may be a better option, too.

Lawn maintenance is definitely more complex than it seems. That’s why companies like Sunrise exist; we’re here to help when you can’t tackle it all on your own. We always customize our lawn services to our clients’ needs.

Still not sure how to make your grass greener? Save time and contract Sunrise!

Sunrise Landscape and Design is Northern Virginia’s premier landscaping company offering a full range of landscaping services.  Our landscape and design services include hardscapes, water features, irrigation and landscape lighting, year-round lawn maintenance and more. Our property maintenance services will keep your landscape vibrant and healthy year round with mulching, edging, garden cleanups, lawn mowing, tree pruning and mosquito/deer control. Contact us today for all your landscape and lawn care needs!

Serving the following Northern Virginia locations: Ashburn · Belmont Ridge · Brambleton · Broadlands · Centreville · Chantilly · Great Falls · Herndon · Lansdowne · Leesburg · McLean · Oakton · Potomac Falls · Reston · South Riding · Sterling · Vienna · Aldie · Willowsford

 

landscape design with trees and flower beds in Great Falls, VA
by SUN SUN

Spring Landscape Clean-Up

Spring Landscape Clean-Up Essentials
for Loudoun County and Fairfax, VA residents.

Spring landscaping with blooming flowers and green grass Reston Leesburg Northern Virginia

With warmer temperatures and longer days, it’s hard to ignore the fact that spring is right around the corner and it’s time to think about a Spring Landscape Clean-Up. March is the perfect time for your yard’s spring clean-up and it’s not just about pruning and raking. We’ve complied a simple list of spring clean-up tasks for you to follow in your own yard:

Prune, pull, and cut!

Winter has most likely taken some toll on your yard. Prune away dead branches, pull out last year’s annuals, and cut back spent perennials. It’s a good time to go ahead and shape your hedges, too.

Clean up leaves, old mulch, and other garden and yard debris.

Old mulch and leaves can breed disease, both fungal and bacterial, which can hurt your plants and lawn. Debris, other than being unsightly, can be dangerous and costly. Running over sticks and other debris can cause lawn mower problems, like dulling the blade.

Speaking of lawn mowers, now is a good time to mow your lawn.

It probably isn’t overgrown all over, but it’s patchy. Mowing it now simply sets a nice stage for the growth coming very soon.

Prepare your lawn for seeding.

It’s a great time to prep dead spots for seeding in the months ahead.

It’s time for transplants!

Take those perennials and divide away. Fill in bare spots or share them with your neighbors… either way, you’ll be helping your own garden stay neat and clean.

Fix your hardscapes, fences, and trellises.

Maybe a snow plow took out part of your fence or your front path needs more gravel? Make repairs now before the weather gets too hot and the bugs come out in force.

Remove weeds.

It’s best to attack these guys when they are just sprouting. If you start pulling and spraying early, it will be easier to keep your weeds under control during the rest of the year.

Tune up your lawn mower and other equipment.

It’s best to find out any issues now before your grass is 10 inches tall. If you need to purchase a new lawn mower, stores such as Home Depot often have good sales, or better yet, contract Sunrise to maintain your lawn year-round.

Take pests and other animals into consideration.

If your neighborhood is a regular crossing zone for deer, you may want to abandon plants that appeal to them.

Plan, plan, plan.

Your spring clean-up would not be complete without a plan for your yard for the rest of the year. Figure out your annuals and diagram your vegetable garden. The more you prepare in advance, the better off you’ll be the rest of the year.

Don’t feel overwhelmed

Your spring clean-up may seem overwhelming, but it’s not. Just take it one step at a time. If you need help, contact Sunrise Landscape and Design.  We love spring clean-up jobs! And don’t worry – all the time and effort in hard work will pay off in May!

Save time and contract Sunrise!

Sunrise Landscape and Design is Northern Virginia’s premier landscaping company offering a full range of landscaping services.  Our landscape and design services include hardscapes, water features, irrigation and landscape lighting, year-round lawn maintenance and more. Our property maintenance services will keep your landscape vibrant and healthy year round with mulching, edging, garden cleanups, lawn mowing, tree pruning and mosquito/deer control. Contact us today for all your landscape and lawn care needs!

Serving the following Northern Virginia locations: Ashburn · Belmont Ridge · Brambleton · Broadlands · Centreville · Chantilly · Great Falls · Herndon · Lansdowne · Leesburg · McLean · Oakton · Potomac Falls · Reston · South Riding · Sterling · Vienna · Aldie · Willowsford

 

by SUN SUN

Winter Landscaping Tips – Loudoun & Fairfax, VA

Winter Landscaping Tips and 12 Days of Christmas Checklist:

Winter is not often a time that people think about their landscaping, but it’s an important time of year to take the right steps to prepare your yard for the winter in order to ensure you have a beautiful yard in the spring. The month of December is a great time to check your winter list and have peace-of-mind until the warm weather returns.

If you are dreaming of a great outdoor space in the spring, this is also a perfect time of year to discuss your vision with our design team. We are able to install patios and landscaping until the first freeze, and if your community requires HOA approval, it’s best to start planning a large project during the winter to avoid delays installing when spring arrives. Want to see more photos? Check out our posts on Facebook!

Ready to prepare your yard for winter? Use our 12 days of Christmas landscaping tips and checklist is below. Happy holidays from all of us at Sunrise!

1st Day: Prepare your fire pit for winter with these helpful tips

  • Starting at the base of your fire pit, be sure to remove the propane tank after shutting off the gas line and valves.
  • Inspect the gas lines and portholes for any signs of damage or obstruction.
  • Clean the unit and accessories to sustain maximum efficiency. Be sure to thoroughly dry each area to prevent ice formation!
  • Keep moisture and other weather-related elements from damaging your fire pit with a vinyl cover.

2nd Day: Keep your freshly planted trees thriving this winter with these helpful tips

  • Continue to water your tree(s) regularly during the winter growing season.
  • Monitor any dead, diseased and damaged branches – don’t hesitate to call us for assistance when it’s dry.
  • Keep an eye out for invasive pest eggs that survive through winter (i.e. the spotted lanternfly)

3rd Day: Protect your foundation this winter with these helpful drainage tips

  • Clean your gutters to prevent excess water from overflowing!
  • Pipe all point sources of water away from your home.

4th Day: Allow your retaining wall to remain durable with these helpful tips

  • Make sure water is directed away from the wall.
  • Check for any loose stones, blocks, etc.

5th Day: IPM helpful tips

  • Check that dryer vent covers are intact to prevent pests from entering your home.
  • Keep bushes and tree branches trimmed back and away from your home to keep rodents from scaling and gaining access to your attic.
  • Identify post damage so you can treat at the appropriate time for the next season.

6th day: Hedges helpful tips

  • Keep hedge growth under control by getting them carefully trimmed before rapid growth in the early part of the year.
  • Now is the time to think about rejuvenation pruning, and cutting your hedges back for the spring.

7th day: Walkway pavers helpful tips

  • Make sure to clear away any debris to reduce stains.

8th day: Mulch tips

  • Fall mulching helps to protect plant roots throughout the winter.

9th day: Shoveling tips

  • Avoid metal shovels or scarpers at all costs! Utilize plastic shovels and snowblowers to clear your walkways.
  • Mark areas around your property that have obstacles (i.e. fire hydrants) that may get buried in the snow.

10th day: Planter tips

  • Cover your delicate plants with frost barrier fabric or burlap to avoid freeze damage.
  • With a sturdy, porous container (i.e. fiberglass or plastic) that can withstand the winter months, keep your potted plants buried in the ground with a bottom layer of gravel to facilitate drainage after the soil thaws in the spring.
  • Sheltering your potted plants in clusters close to your home can protect them from exposure to strong winds, as well as provide them with some heat.

11th day: Pruning tips

  • Pruning in the winter lessens the likelihood of attracting disease-carrying insects, which are easier to spot when trees are neatly pruned.
  • Get rid of those weak and damaged branches that may break off during a snow storm or in heavy winds.
  • Absent leaves make it much easier to improve branch patterns and allow for you manipulate growth for the next season.

12th Day: Deer Deterrent tips

  • Taste repellents (rather than odor repellants) applied in October, November, and December are the best option for deterring deer during the winter months once the ground is frozen.
  • Refrain from hanging bird feeds until after the first hard freeze to reduce the smell that entices the deer to draw them closer to your property.
  • Frequently letting your dog outside to leave their scent around your property can significantly reduce the return of deer.

Contact our experts at Sunrise

Sunrise Landscape and Design has been trusted by Loudoun County and Fairfax County residents and commercial businesses for over 37 years. If you are ready to enjoy your outdoor space, our team is standing by to discuss your landscaping needs.  Let’s get started.  Contact Sunrise Landscape and Design

 

by SUN SUN

Lawn Maintenance – Loudoun County, VA

Lawn maintenance Loudoun County, VA

As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to think of New Year’s resolutions. Why not make lawn maintenance a part of your plan for 2020 in Loudoun County?

Winter is the best time to start

Winter is actually the best time to sign up for a lawn maintenance contract. Now is the time to get organized and commit to activities that will enhance and enrich your life. Establishing a lawn maintenance contract now will put your mind at ease for the rest of the year. Your Loudoun County lawn and landscaping needs will be taken care of, and you can enjoy results without worrying about the time and effort required to maintain the landscape you want.

Lawn maintenance includes seasonal clean-up

A lawn maintenance contract may offer multiple levels of lawn care. As you begin to plan your year, think about the types of service you will want. Seasonal clean-up is a very labor-intensive and time-consuming task that really enhances the beauty of your landscape.

Seasonal clean-up is usually in the spring and fall in Loudoun County and may include removing debris from mulch beds such as leaves, branches, spent perennials, and weeds, as well as edging, mulching, and cultivating the beds. As you lay out your plans for the year, be sure to include what you need to meet the goals you have for your landscape.

It’s more than just mowing

Lawn care involves more than just mowing. The maintenance of a well cared for Loudoun County lawn may include core aeration and overseeding, trimming, edging, weed control, lime application, and more. Again, think about the goals you have for your lawn and how a lawn maintenance contract will help you to meet those goals.

Contact us for a quote!

Sunrise Landscape and Design is more than happy to help you lay out your plans and select a Loudoun County lawn maintenance contract to meet your landscaping goals for the year. We make it easy for you by breaking your payments into 12 equal installments over the course of the year. You can rest easy knowing your 2020 goals for your landscape and lawn will be taken care of. Simply enjoy the results.

View our year-round lawn maintenance packages here.

Looking for a custom landscape maintenance plan? Contact us for a personalized quote. Happy 2020!

by SUN SUN

Prepare Your Lawn for Winter – Reston, VA

Winter lawn preparation Reston, VA

As the temperatures fall and the days get shorter, many of us prepare ourselves to stay warm indoors. But before we do, here are some tips from Sunrise Landscape and Design to prepare your lawn for winter in Reston and across Northern Virginia.

Fertilize

Now is a great time to fertilize trees and shrubs and cultivate existing mulch. Before the ground becomes frozen, root systems can still take up nutrients so that plants are healthy and ready to grow in the spring. Apply lime and a late-fall fertilization to prepare your Reston lawn for winter. The grass will look better through the winter months and increase root development for a better and earlier spring appearance.

Mix Up Mulch

Over time mulch becomes compacted and doesn’t let water through. Mix it to break it up. As a bonus, it will also look like you put a fresh layer down.

Prune and Protect Plants

Examine your plants and prune out damaged or broken branches. Any damage will only become worse with heavy snow or ice. Just like us, plants can be sensitive to the cold. Newly established landscapes and less-hardy plants can be wrapped with burlap to protect them from cold temperatures and wind.

Keep Deer Away

With less green in the landscape, deer are even more likely to become permanent fixtures in your Reston lawn. Now is the time to start applying deer repellents.

Fill Bird Feeders

Plants aren’t the only things that need attention. As you prepare your lawn for winter, fill up your bird feeders if you don’t keep them replenished year-round.

Clean Gutters

As you are putting up Christmas lights, clean the debris out of gutters so snow and ice can melt and run off the roof properly.

Mow One Last Time

Mostly likely you will soon be mowing for the last time of the season. If you have a mulching mower, you can mulch up the few remaining leaves in the turf. Also, cut the turf a little shorter so that blowing debris doesn’t get caught in it.

Store Your Tools

After your fall yard work is done, winterize your mowers, blowers, and trimmers so they are ready to go when spring arrives.

If it sounds like too much of a task to prepare your lawn for winter, contact us for a personalized quote. Sunrise Landscape and Design has a team of professionals who are more than happy to do the hard work for you in Reston and across Northern Virginia!

You can also check out our full lawn service maintenance packages to prepare your lawn for winter!

by SUN SUN

Leaf Removal Tips- Oakton and Fairfax, VA

leaf removal Oakton and Fairfax, VA

Earlier this month we discussed the importance of removing leaves from your Northern Virginia lawn. This week we’ll give you leaf removal tips for Oakton and Fairfax, VA, but these tips also apply across Northern Virginia and beyond!

While we all enjoy the beauty of a Northern Virginia fall – the brilliant oranges and reds of maples, dogwoods, and oaks – those once-beautiful fall leaves completely cover our lawns when the season ends. It’s important to clean-up those falls leaves to allow your lawn to breathe and prepare for the dormant season.

Sunrise has a number of fall leaf clean-up tips for Oakton, Fairfax, and across Northern Virginia:

Mowing

The use of a mulching lawn mower is very effective in returning nutrients to the soil and providing weed protection. Make sure to insert the mulch plug into the mower and drop the mower to the lowest setting (just above the grass). Then mow as you normally would, with a second pass at an opposite angle to mulch the leaf clippings into the grass.

Leaf Blower

This leaf removal tip is great if you have a large yard. Leaves can be blown into garden beds, providing a natural cover for the winter season or into manageable piles for removal. Make sure to wear ear protection when using a blower – the majority of blowers can be very loud.

Tarps

Tarps can be used in conjunction with a blower or rake. If you live in a community that picks up leaves with vacuum trucks, a tarp is an easy way to transport large piles of leaves to the curb for pick up.

Bagging

Shredded leaves make great mulch or compost. Leaves are naturally rich in trace minerals that are beneficial to your garden and lawn. They are also a great source of carbon which helps to balance the nitrogen in your compost pile. Use the bagging option on your lawn mower to shred the leaves and then simply add to your garden beds for mulch or to your compost pile.

One final leaf removal tip

Make sure to remove leaves when the weather is good. Rain will make the leaves heavy and more difficult to manage.

If your Oakton or Fairfax, VA fall leaf clean-up tasks are too large or you simply don’t have the time, contact Sunrise and we’d be more than happy to help!

Have more to tackle than leaves this fall? Check out our full fall landscaping service offerings in Northern Virginia.

by SUN SUN

Leesburg Leaf Removal: Why is it Important to Rake Leaves?

Leesburg leaf removal services Northern Virginia

It’s the time of year for leaf removal in Leesburg and across Northern Virginia.  Did you know that 75% of our fall waste stream is leaf debris?  Most municipalities and even some private collection stations take this leaf debris and compost if for future use in planting or mulching around trees and shrubs!

Leaf removal is crucial for the health of your landscape.  Below are our top reasons to grab that rake and get moving on your leaf cleanup!

Leaf removal keeps your Leesburg grass happy

Leaf debris can smother turf and even kill some of the new grass that you just planted this year.  Wet matted leaves cut off the air supply to your turf and block the sunlight your grass needs to store energy for growth. Save your yard by keeping it clear of leaves, especially over the winter months.

Leaves can be dangerous

For safety reasons, it’s smart to remove leaves from driveways, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces. As many of you may have found out, leaves are slippery, especially when wet!  Leaves can also mask other hazards such as holes or items that can cause you to trip and fall.

Leaf removal enhances the look of your winter landscape

Removing leaves enhances the aesthetic of your landscape, preparing it for some beautiful Leesburg snow in the winter. Keeping your yard and plant beds free of leaves gives them a clean look and increases your home’s curb appeal. This beauty is even further increased if your pristine Leesburg landscape is surrounded by natural woods or tress.

Collected leaves can be re-purposed for mulching

Leaves can be a great form of insulation around tree and shrub roots over the winter.  The leaves prevent the soil from drying out and keep the roots warm and moist so they can stay healthy.  Over time, the leaves break down and provide nutrients to help the trees and shrubs grow.

As the leaves fall this autumn, make a plan for leaf removal. Our experts at Sunrise Landscape and Design are happy to help! We offer a range of fall services in Leesburg and across Northern Virginia. Contact us for a personalized quote and enjoy the beauty of the season without any of the worry of leaf clean-up!

by SUN SUN

Creating a Safe Lawn for Halloween – Fairfax County, VA

fire pit design safe lawn for halloween fairfax va

Creating the perfect Halloween Haunted House can be a spooktacular experience! Remember that ghosts and goblins of all ages will be running through your yard to fill their bags up with treats as they race from house to house. Crafting a scary yet safe environment can mean the difference between a hauntingly good time and someone actually getting hurt. Follow these tips to create a fun and safe lawn for Halloween night.

Light your lawn

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of creating a frightening ambiance. A well-lit yard with low voltage LED lights can light your walkways and sidewalks, and are economical to install and maintain. Compliment your LED lights with Jack-O-Lanterns with glow sticks inside or use battery powered lights to illuminate your yard without introducing a fire hazard. Also check to make sure that your outdoor lights are working, including flood or sensor lights.

Clean up hazards

In addition to setting up lighting, make sure to clean up your yard before the big night. Clearing potential hazards ensures a safe lawn for Halloween visitors of all ages. Remove all tripping hazards like children’s toys, hoses, and bikes. Mark any exposed tree roots to make sure every child in costume can see them; especially those with masks as part of their outfit. Leaves should be raked away from sidewalks and curbs so everyone can identify where the drop off is between sidewalk and street.

Keep pets away from the door

Pets can be cute dressed up in costume for Halloween, but it is best if they are leashed so they do not inadvertently jump or bite someone. Also, some children are highly allergic to dogs and cats so do not let Fido or Kitty help answer the door. Little kids, especially, may be frightened of your pet.

Create a fall clean-up plan

Halloween can be a fun night for trick or treaters of all ages. Creating a spooky yard can be exciting, but remember that keeping the kids safe on your property is your responsibility. Sunrise Landscape and Design can help identify tripping hazards and lighting issues across Fairfax County and Northern Virginia to create a safe lawn for Halloween. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Whether you need landscape design, like fire pit installation, landscape lighting, and patios, or lawn maintenance services such as lawn mowing, fall clean-up, and leaf removal, we will work with you to make your landscape beautiful….even on Halloween!

Check out our fall services to get your lawn ready for this spooky season!

by SUN SUN

Core Aeration and Overseeding – Fall Lawn Care

Fall core aeration and overseeding lawn care

Fall is coming! After a hot and humid summer and predictions of a very cold winter, it’s time to create your game plan for putting your yard to bed. Fertilization, core aeration, overseeding, and pruning are all crucial ares of fall lawn care to include on your checklist.

Fertilize

Summer may have created burn or brown marks throughout your lawn due to the high heat and humidity. Fall is the perfect time to feed your lawn to give it a healthy start for next spring. Fertilizing during September and October preserves your lawn’s roots while replacing nutrients that were depleted this summer.

Core Aeration and Overseeding

Along with fertilization, core aeration allows nutrients, water, and air to reach the grass roots by piercing the soil with small holes and removing soil plugs. Core aeration is done during these first fall months to help the grass roots produce a robust yard in the spring. Typically the best time to aerate in Northern Virginia is mid-August to mid-October.

Overseeding is the spreading of grass seed onto existing lawn. This introduces new species of grass seed that are more drought tolerant, disease resistant, or more aesthetically appealing. The right blend will allow different species to take over when another is struggling, keeping your lawn looking full and healthy through the harsh winter and into next year. This annual seeding is best done in the fall, between mid-August and mid-September.

Pruning

Finally, don’t forget to trim back plants and bushes, and plant fall bulbs such as daffodil and tulips to enjoy next spring. Remember to prune correctly, as you can do more harm than good if it is not done properly.

If you’re ready to tackle your fall checklist, contact us for a range of Northern Virginia fall lawn care services, including core aeration and overseeding, and fall clean-up packages.

For informational videos on pruning and core aeration and overseeding, visit our Educational Videos page.

by SUN SUN

Healthy Lawn Maintenance- Loudoun County, VA

Healthy lawn Loudoun County, VA

Soon the weather in Loudoun County, VA will be ideal to establish healthy grass! The second week of August through the third week of October brings cooler night temperatures and more moisture, perfect for growing cool season turf and grass. Whether you’re looking to improve your lawn health or completely renovate with new turf, there are a few things to remember when creating healthy grass.

1) Test your soil.

Test your soil for pH and nitrogen and phosphorus content. Once you know your soil composition, you’ll be able to determine which fertilizers, and in what amounts, your lawn needs.

2) Choose a blend of quality seed.

Most lawns in Loudoun County, and Northern Virginia in general, use cool season grasses, specifically a mix of Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and tall fescue. Here at Sunrise, we recommend a blend of 3 turf type tall fescues with 5-10% bluegrass.

3) Help the seed contact soil.

When overseeding, one of the most critical factors in the success of germination is seed to soil contact. In practice, this means mixing the seed into the soil in some way. Aeration, slitseeding, spiking, or topdressing are all good ways to get the seed to soil contact that is so critical to creating a healthy lawn.

4) Water.

After the seed has been spread into the soil, the next element to a healthy lawn is moisture. Providing adequate water to the seed is crucial to its success. Seed should be watered daily once spread and for the first few weeks after the seed emerges. After this point, keep the soil moist to continue to help it grow.

5) Fertilize.

Nutrition (fertilization) is the final element in maintaining a healthy lawn. Fertilization provides proper nutrition for your turf so it can grow for years to come.

6) Plan Ahead.

If you want to have success in establishing a lawn from seed, you should ideally finish before the end of October. The last week in October is usually too cold for germination to be as effective as earlier planting.

Want a professional hand in bringing your lawn back to life with healthy grass installation and lawn maintenance? Contact Sunrise today for a personalized quote!

Learn more about our lawn aeration and overseeding services, as well as our lawn maintenance packages.