Winter Pruning Tips for Healthy Trees and Shrubs in Brandon, SD
Many trees lose their leaves during the winter, causing them to be bare and not look alive. However, like bears and other wild animals, trees hibernate during the winter to survive the cold months. Dormancy extends a tree's lifespan as it protects and prepares for the warmer months.
Trimming trees in winter is a great way for you to help them stay healthy. This blog will talk about some of our top tips for winter pruning and general tree care in Brandon, SD.
Remove Dead Foilage and Branches
You can remove dead or diseased wood from your tree at any point during the year. Winter is the best time to do so since the live foliage can't get in your way.
We recommend pruning the dead wood where the branch meets a larger stem or branch. You can remove the entire branch if the whole thing is diseased or dead.
Other tips to keep in mind when removing branches include:
- Pruning unwanted lower branches from the tree
- Removing smaller and overgrown branches to increase air and light around the tree's crown
- Maintain the tree's structure and shape
Trim Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees lose their leaves when they go into hibernation. The main sign that your tree is going dormant is when its leaves begin to fall. Types of deciduous trees include:
- Red oaks
- Sugar maple
- Ash
- Willow
- Aspen
- Walnut
Prune on a Mild Day
Taking care of your outdoor chores on a day where it's dry and a mild temperature isn't just more pleasant for you. The absence of moisture in the air deters waterborne plant diseases from spreading. This will also prevent additional cold weather-related damage from happening to your tree.
Keep in mind that you don't want to prune your trees too early in the winter. Any cuts you make in the tree can dry out if the temperature goes below freezing.
Finish Before Your Tree Buds
Healthy trees will start to bud as the temperatures rise and the days get longer. These are signs that your trees are coming out of dormancy and starting another year of growth. Finish your pruning before this happens so the cuts can heal before the tree needs to focus on leaf development.
Work With a Partner
As we've mentioned, pruning in winter is ideal since the foliage won't get in your way as you trim. A partner can help keep an eye on the tree's shape as you cut branches. They can also let you know what branch needs to get pruned next.
Get Help Trimming Trees in Winter
Trimming trees in winter can help you keep your shrubs and trees healthy all year long. Take advantage of the time when your trees are dormant to prepare them for spring and summer. Partnering with an experienced tree and shrub pruning company can ensure the job is done correctly.
Tree trimming experts at Next Level Outdoor Services are here to help with your commercial and landscaping needs in Brandon, SD. Contact our office to schedule a consultation. We'll come to your property and provide you with expert recommendations for your trees.
Comparing Sioux Falls, SD Snow Removal Methods: Plowing vs. Salting vs. Snow Blowing
The record amount of snowfall in South Dakota is a whopping 52 inches. Unfortunately, snow removal is a staple of life in Sioux Falls. The methods employed for snow removal help maintain aesthetics and safety.
The exact method you need depends on your specific situation. Keep reading to learn about three primary snow removal methods in Sioux Falls.
Why Is Snow Removal Necessary?
Snow removal is the key to a safe winter season. Accumulated snow and ice create hazardous conditions for both pedestrians and drivers.
Prompt removal reduces the risk of accidents and injuries caused by slippery surfaces.
Plowing Clears the Path in Harrisburg
Plowing is a traditional and widely used method for snow removal in Sioux Falls. Heavy-duty plows are employed to clear roads, parking lots, and other open areas.
This method is effective in swiftly pushing aside large amounts of snow, allowing for quick access. Plowing is particularly essential for maintaining traffic flow and preventing disruptions during heavy snowfall.
Salting Melts the Ice in Tea
Salting is another reliable Sioux Falls snow removal technique, especially when dealing with icy conditions. Salt is spread across roadways and sidewalks to melt ice and provide better traction.
This strategy is crucial for preventing accidents caused by slippery surfaces. The importance of salting extends beyond immediate safety concerns. It contributes to the general well-being of the community by reducing the risk of injuries and accidents over the winter.
Snow Blowing Is Precise
A snow blower is a tool that offers precision in clearing snow from specific areas. This technique is often used for pathways and driveways. The same is true for smaller spaces where plowing may not be as efficient.
Snow blowers use powerful mechanisms to disperse snow to other areas. This ensures a neat and thorough removal process. This method is preferred for its ability to target locations with accuracy.
The Importance of Snow Removal Services
The significance of snow removal services in Sioux Falls cannot be overstated. Efficient snow removal ensures that daily activities can continue without major disruptions.
Businesses can run smoothly, and residents can go about their routines without unnecessary obstacles. The economic and social impact of reliable snow removal services contributes to a tighter and more functional community.
Best Time to Shovel Snow in Brandon
While snow removal services are essential, you can still do some things to maintain your immediate surroundings. Shoveling snow from driveways and walkways is a great way to improve personal safety.
The best time to shovel snow is after it has fallen. Doing this prevents the formation of compacted and icy layers. Those layers can be more challenging to remove.
Snow Removal Is a Must
With the right snow removal method, you can enjoy a beautiful and safe environment.
Instead of breaking your back over tons of snow, you can rely on Next Level Outdoor Services. We serve Sioux Falls and nearby areas with pride. This includes Buffalo Ridge, Dell Rapids, Lennox, Canton, and elsewhere.
Are you ready to receive high-quality snow removal and landscaping? If so, schedule your snow removal service with us today.
When Is the Best Time to Shovel Snow in Tea, SD?
It's astounding that Tea, South Dakota, gets around 37 inches of snow each winter.
Knowing when to grab your snow shovel can make a world of difference in managing snow. You shouldn't have to worry about property damage or scary accidents.
When is the best time to shovel snow in Tea? Read on for our complete Tea snow removal guide.
Early Morning Advantage
In Tea, winter brings about challenging weather conditions, which is why understanding the optimal times for snow shoveling is crucial. One of the best times to grab your snow shovel is early in the morning.
As the day breaks, the temperature tends to be lower, reducing the likelihood of snow melting and refreezing into hazardous ice patches. This proactive approach ensures safer pathways.
Choosing the Right Tool: The Snow Shovel
Efficient snow removal begins with the right tools. Selecting a reliable snow shovel is paramount to clear pathways and driveways. You'll need a shovel with a sturdy handle and a wide, durable blade to make the task easier on your back and more effective in tackling snow piles.
Tea residents can benefit from investing in quality snow removal equipment.
Ice Accumulation Prevention
In Tea, combating slippery surfaces is a common challenge during winter. To prevent the formation of slippery surfaces, consider applying ice melt to the shoveled areas. Sprinkling ice melt right after shoveling can create a safer environment, particularly on sidewalks and driveways.
Local stores in Tea offer various ice melt products tailored to combat freezing temperatures and enhance safety.
Professional Assistance: Snow Removal Services
Many Tea residents take pride in managing snow removal on their own. Some may find the task challenging due to age, health, or schedule issues. In such instances, exploring professional snow removal services becomes an incredible option.
These services come equipped with the right tools and expertise to clear ice and snow buildups. You'll never have to worry about getting your timing right or being exhausted and freezing. Your property can be a safe and stunning winter wonderland.
Managing Snow Piles: A Proactive Approach
Tea residents need to be mindful of snow buildup, as it can escalate rapidly during heavy snowfall. Addressing the accumulation early in the morning allows for a proactive stance, preventing the formation of hard-packed snow piles.
Regular maintenance is key to managing snow buildup. It reduces the effort required to keep outdoor spaces clear and accessible.
Weather Awareness: Staying Prepared
Tea is no stranger to winter storms. This is why the importance of staying prepared for sudden snowfall can't be highlighted enough. Keep tabs on Tea weather forecasts so you can plan your snow removal activities well.
If a snowstorm is predicted, shovel smaller amounts of snow throughout the day. This can prevent overwhelming accumulation and maintain safer surroundings.
Now You Know the Best Time To Shovel Snow in Tea, SD
The best time to shovel snow in Tea is in the morning. You'll need the right tools and maybe even professional snow removal services. You can keep your property safe all winter long.
You deserve the most reliable snow removal services. Contact Next Level Outdoor Services to hear how we can help. We've been looking after our clients in the Tea, SD area since 2014.
The Importance of Professional Snow Removal for Safety and Convenience in Brandon, SD
It's hard to believe that South Dakota gets at least 30 inches of snow each winter.
In Brandon, professional snow removal is critical for both safety and convenience. The winter season may be beautiful, but it also poses potential hazards. This makes fast and effective snow removal crucial.
Why is professional snow removal equipment important? Read on for a full snow removal guide.
Preventing Property Damage
Winter's snowfall brings with it the potential for property damage. Professional snow removal plays a crucial role in preventing structural stress on roofs and other vulnerable structures.
The weight of accumulated snow can be substantial. This makes timely removal essential to lower the risk of property damage.
Preserving Pavements
Damaged pavements are a common consequence of neglecting snow removal. Snow can melt and seep into pavement cracks. This is followed by freezing and thawing cycles.
This process can lead to structural deterioration. Professional snow removal services clear pavements. This prevents long-term damage and maintains a safe walking surface.
Tackling Clear Ice for Enhanced Safety
Clear ice poses a major risk of slips and falls during winter. Professional snow removal services use specialized equipment and de-icing agents to effectively clear ice. This creates safer pathways for pedestrians and vehicles alike.
Addressing this aspect of winter weather contributes to safety on the property.
Lowering Cracked Concrete Concerns
Cracked concrete surfaces are a common issue in regions with winter weather. Professional snow removal services use techniques to reduce the likelihood of cracks.
This proactive approach preserves the integrity of concrete surfaces. It lessens the impact of winter on the property's infrastructure.
Convenience: Clear Pathways for Daily Activities
Professional snow removal services offer unparalleled convenience. Driveways and walkways get cleared as soon as possible. This convenience extends to residents and businesses alike.
It allows for uninterrupted everyday activities despite challenging weather conditions. The time and effort saved by relying on professionals for snow removal help property owners a great deal.
Professional Snow Removal Equipment Saves Time and Effort
Clearing snow by yourself takes a lot of time and energy. Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, your schedule is too busy for this chore. This is why you should let the pros handle the snow.
You also don't have to worry about being uncomfortable outside either. There's nothing worse than working up a sweat when it's freezing outdoors.
Saying No to Pollution
Not many people know the role that snow plays in pollution. Pollutants from cars and other sources can get trapped in the snow. As it melts, it bombards the soil and bodies of water.
This is why removing it as soon as possible is helpful.
Do You Need Professional Snow Removal?
The importance of professional snow removal equipment in Brandon can't be highlighted enough. Protecting properties and people are only a couple of perks. This is why you can't afford to neglect snow removal services.
You deserve to have the greatest snow removal services in Brandon, SD. Contact Next Level Outdoor Services to learn about our services. We've been serving our community with pride since 2014.
Best Fall Plants for Harrisburg, SD Landscapes
Are you tired of staring at your dull, colorless yard? Maybe it's time to plant some new, colorful blooms.
But it's important to pick the right options.
Fall in Harrisburg typically features plummeting temperatures, so selecting plants that thrive in this environment is key. Read on to learn about the best fall plants for Harrisburg landscapes.
Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is an excellent choice for adding unique and colorful interest to your fall landscape in Harrisburg, SD.
Witch Hazel are fall blooms, typically from October to December, depending on the variety. The fragrant, yellow to orange-red flowers add vibrancy to the landscape during the cooler months.
Depending on the cultivar, Witch Hazel flowers can range from bright yellow to orange or red, offering a range of colors that can complement and contrast with other fall foliage.
This plant is low maintenance once established. It's adaptable to various soil types and doesn't require excessive watering. Just make sure you check for lawn diseases before planting, as these could affect your fall garden's health.
Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemone is an excellent choice for creating a touch of elegance within Harrisburg. These perennials are known for their charming, cup-shaped flowers and ability to thrive in the cool temperatures of autumn.
They tend to bloom in late summer or early fall, making them perfect for starting the season with a burst of vibrancy.
Once established, Japanese anemones are quite drought-tolerant plants. That makes them well-suited to the climate in Harrisburg, which can experience dry periods.
Japanese anemones can be used in borders, as a ground cover, or in containers, providing versatility in your landscape design.
The flowers of Japanese anemones attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem even in the fall.
Chrysanthemums
When it comes to fall flowers, chrysanthemums are a crowd-pleaser.
Mums come in many different fall colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white. This diversity allows you to create a colorful and eye-catching autumn landscape.
When it comes to selecting Chrysanthemum varieties for your fall garden, you have lots of options to choose from. Chrysanthemum x morifolium, commonly known as Hardy Garden Mums, is a timeless favorite.
For those seeking compact and low-growing mums, Cushion Mums fit the bill. These charming varieties are perfect for edging your garden beds, lining pathways, or adding a splash of color to containers.
They exhibit a neat, rounded growth habit and are available in a variety of colors to suit your fall gardening aesthetic.
If you're new to gardening, you might want to bring in professional lawn care services to help you with maintenance.
Enjoy the Best Fall Plants for Harrisburg Landscapes
You should consider some of these best fall plants for your South Dakota home. Look at all the options, and figure out what suits your style and preferences.
Do you need help taking care of your beautiful new plants? Look no further.
Next Level Outdoor Services has been helping out families in the area for nearly a decade. Contact us today.
Fall Landscaping Projects: Enhancing Your Outdoor Space in Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Park is Sioux Falls' #1 attraction. It feels 128 acres and waterfalls of 7,400 gallons of water. There's no denying that Sioux Falls residents love the great outdoors. Because they do, they take fall landscaping for their homes very seriously. The fall season in Sioux Falls is not just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters. It's the perfect time for homeowners to transform their outdoor spaces into captivating, functional retreats.
So, are you ready to embark on a journey of fall landscaping projects that will elevate your outdoor space in Sioux Falls? Let's explore a range of ideas and tips that will make your property shine this season. Keep reading to learn more.
Lawn Revival: Rejuvenating Your Grass
Fall is right around the corner in Sioux Falls, so it's the perfect time to give your lawn some sprucing up. The cooler temperatures and increased moisture create ideal conditions for your grass to thrive.
Our professionals will start by aerating your lawn. This will improve the soil compaction and allow nutrients to penetrate deeper.
We'll then be overseed to fill in any bare spots and promote a lush, green carpet of grass. The final step is to finish with a layer of compost or mulch to protect your new seedlings from harsh winter conditions.
Colorful Foliage: Planting Fall-Flowering Perennials
Sioux Falls' fall foliage is a breathtaking spectacle on its own. Why not add some of these vibrant colors to your own backyard?
Planting fall-flowering perennials like asters, chrysanthemums, and sedums can infuse your landscape with rich hues of red, orange, and purple.
Add this to your list of fall landscaping to ensure your outdoor space remains inviting and vibrant.
Hardscape Refinements: Create Inviting Gathering Spaces
Don't let the cooler weather deter you from enjoying your outdoor space. Enhance your hardscape features by adding a cozy fire pit, a pergola, or even an outdoor kitchen.
These additions not only extend the usability of your outdoor space into the fall but also create inviting areas for family and friends to gather under the South Dakota skies.
Leaf Cleanup and Mulching: Maintaining a Healthy Landscape
One of the most crucial fall landscaping tasks is leaf cleanup. Falling leaves can smother your lawn and suffocate plants if left unchecked.
Our professionals will clear your yard of debris with a powerful leaf blower or rake. We'll collect those leaves and use them as valuable mulch or compost for your garden beds.
Take Your Fall Landscaping to the Next Level
Sioux Falls, with its stunning natural beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for homeowners to engage in fall landscaping projects. As you can see, there is no shortage of fall landscaping tasks to do for your home.
The good news is that you're already right where you need to be. Our professionals at Next Level Outdoor Services will get started right away. We will handle all projects, no matter how big or small.
Do not hesitate to contact our professionals for all your residential and commercial lawn care needs.
The Benefits of Hiring Professional Hardscaping Services in Sioux Falls, SD
A lot is made about your landscaping, but hardscaping is just as important. Whether you spend a lot of time out enjoying your yard or you're trying to improve your curb appeal, professional lawn care and landscaping are important. One aspect of lawn care services is hardscaping, which involves all of the non-organic elements of your yard.
Today, we're going to tell you some of the benefits of hiring professional hardscaping services in St. Cloud. Your lawn and plants come and go with the seasons, but your paths, planters, and decks are there year-round. Keep reading and see how a lawn care business can help you with the hard stuff, too.
Expand Your Backyard Experience
Hardscaping allows you to turn your backyard into whatever you want it to be. By building paths, walls, patios, or planters, you can craft the perfect outdoor living space for your needs.
It allows you to create different types of spaces in your yard. If you want somewhere to sit around a fire or more privacy, a professional lawn care company that offers hardscaping can do it.
Boost Property Value
When you invest in hardscaping, you're boosting your curb appeal and thus, your property value. The fact of the matter is that buyers care about outdoor space. If your home is already set up with gorgeous landscaping and hardscaping, you'll sell easier and get more for your home.
Hardscaping is an investment that doesn't degrade, either. When you install a stone wall or a patio, it's going to stand the test of time. Each passing year will boost your hardscaping ROI.
Complement the Landscaping
Hardscaping and lawn treatment go hand in hand. In working with a professional landscaper, you'll be able to implement hardscaping that complements your landscaping.
Whether it's a set of raised beds for flowers or shrubs lining a stone pathway, you'll be able to create the ideal outdoor living space that's both relaxing and functional.
Create Privacy
Certain aspects of hardscaping can greatly increase privacy in your backyard. A stone wall surrounding a sunken seating area, for instance, allows you to relax with complete privacy.
Hardscaping can also give your backyard more shade, making it more comfortable and better suited for different types of furniture. Outdoor furniture degrades when it's exposed to harmful UV rays, which are also harmful to your skin. More shade makes your backyard more usable.
Reduce Maintenance
The more hardscaping you implement in your yard, the less lawn treatment you'll need. This is down to the simple fact that you'll have less grass to water and cut, and less weeding and pruning to do in the spring.
Get the Best Lawn Care and Landscaping in Sioux Falls, SD
Getting professional hardscaping is the best way to improve your outdoor spaces. If you want to experience all of the benefits we've discussed here, you need a great lawn care and landscaping business to help you.
At Next Level Outdoor Services, we've been providing residents of St. Cloud with high-level landscaping, hardscaping, and snow removal services since 2014. To start transforming your property, contact us today and we'll help you create the hardscaping plan of your dreams.
The Importance of Professional Residential and Commercial Lawn Care in Sioux Falls, SD
Among homeowners who invest in curb appeal, 75% say they have a greater desire to be home since improving their lawns. Another 59% say they feel an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home. Investing in residential and commercial lawn care can save you time, energy, and stress. On the fence?
Read on to discover the importance of professional lawn care in Sioux Falls, SD today!
Less Physical Labor
The average American spends about six hours a month mowing the lawn, along with:
- Three hours laying mulch
- Three hours edging the yard
- Four hours pulling weeds
- Four hours watering the lawn
- Four hours tending to a garden
- Eight hours on miscellaneous tasks
You could end up spending 32 hours a month on your yard if you're not investing in professional services. Choosing lawn care services will give you more time to spend on friends, family, or your business.
Spending less time on physical labor could help you avoid a potential accident. People who have difficulty operating heavy equipment or who struggle with limited mobility won't have to strain themselves.
Instead, you can invest in professional lawn care with peace of mind knowing an expert is handling it for you.
Curb Appeal
Whether you own a business or home, it's important to maintain your curb appeal.
In most cases, your property's exterior makes a first impression on guests. A well-maintained landscape can convey a positive message. For homeowners, it's inviting, while for businesses, it conveys a sense of professionalism.
If you plan on selling your home or business, curb appeal can boost your resale value, too.
An Inviting Entrance
Investing in lawn care services will allow you to create an inviting entrance space that aligns with your needs and goals. For example, you can use different textures and colors to design a pathway that guides guests to your door.
Creating an inviting entrance is a great way to encourage repeat visits.
Weed and Pest Control
If you're too busy to invest time on yard work, weeds could grow, attracting pests.
Professional lawn care services will help you maintain a pristine landscape. You can keep weeds at bay and ensure they don't take over your yard. Your lawn care professionals will keep your yard looking its best, which can ensure a pest-free environment.
Save Money
The average annual expenditure on lawn care and gardening activities in the U.S. was $503 in a single year. If you choose the do-it-yourself route, you'll have to dedicate time and money to tools and equipment.
Investing in professional lawn care services can save you money in the long run. You won't have to pay for mowers, mulch, blowers, or other tools. Instead, you can invest in your yard.
Remember, investing in your yard could improve your property's resale value later.
Invest in Residential and Commercial Lawn Care Today
Don't handle the yard work alone. Instead, invest in residential and commercial lawn care services. With professional lawn care, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your stunning yard without stress.
Need help with your yard in St. Cloud? Next Level Outdoor Services can handle all of your outdoor landscaping needs.
Contact us today!
Your Guide to Identifying 6 Common Lawn Diseases in Sioux Falls, SD
The average American spends 3.4 hours per week on lawn care. They spend $55 per month. Lawn diseases from harmful pathogens can ruin that investment. They thrive in certain weather conditions or during stressors such as droughts, excessive rain, or abnormal temperatures.
Proper residential and commercial lawn care removes the pathogens and helps your yard grow again, but it works best if you know what treatment you need. Read on for tips on identifying six of the most common lawn diseases.
1. Leaf Spots
Checking for color changes is one of the easiest ways to identify lawn diseases. Small, circular abnormalities could point to a range of issues.
Large lawn brown spots are common in warm weather when the heat and humidity increase. They often infect cool-season grasses such as ryegrass and tall fescue.
The spots affect the upper side of the leaves and can get darker. They're typically caused by fungal lawn diseases such as:
- Pythium blight
- Leaf smut
- Slime mold
You may also notice a smaller version of this issue called "dollar spot." Small lesions with a darker border appear. The perfect recipe for them is a combination of warm day temperatures, high humidity, and cool nights.
2. Lawn Rust
This fungal disease occurs in dry weather or when your grass is low in nitrogen. It thrives during warm periods with no humidity and makes the lawn susceptible to other turf forms of turf disease.
The best way to identify lawn rust is to pull a few blades. Check for orange-red to yellow-brown dust or spores.
3. Fusarium Patches
This fungus appears in small, round, wet patches. They range in color from orange to brown to light gray.
Consecutive wet, cool days in autumn or spring contribute to the disease's growth. Soil that's high in nitrogen but low in phosphorous and potassium and slow-growing lawns do as well.
4. Powdery Mildew
This fungus favors slow-growing turf and cool-season grasses, especially Kentucky bluegrass. It grows best in shaded areas during spring and autumn.
Powdery mildew first shows up on the blades of your leaves. It looks like a small cobweb or dusting.
Call a lawn care company early if you notice this disease. It grows quickly and can make your lawn look like it's been covered in talcum powder or flower. It can also cause leaves to wither and die.
5. Pythium
Pythium appears during warm, wet days. It favors low, wet areas such as the natural course of your lawn's drainage system.
It infects your grass with small, purplish, water-soaked patches. It also has a greasy or slimy feel. The blades around it will stick together, and their roots will rot and die. Perennial ryegrass and bent grass are the most commonly affected.
6. Snow Mold
Snowfall in St. Cloud Minnesota averages 50 inches per year. The city needs residential and commercial lawn care to prevent one of the most insidious lawn diseases.
Snow mold, as its name suggests, appears in early spring after the snow melts. It grows under leaves or in long grasses.
Pink snow mold affects the crown of plants. It causes more injury than the gray variety which only affects the leaf tissue. The spots can be large, and the blades get soaked.
Treatment for Lawn Diseases
Identifying lawn diseases keeps them from overtaking your outdoor space. A few of the most common are leaf spots, lawn rust, fusarium patches, powdery mildew, pythium, and snow mold.
Contact Next Level Outdoor Services for the best lawn service in Sioux Falls, SD today.