When it comes to landscaping, there are various services that you can provide as a property maintenance contractor on a property to enhance its overall appearance. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the potential landscaping services you can offer and how to complete each service properly.
Step 1. Take Photos of the Current Landscape
Before you start any landscaping, the first step is to take photos of the current landscape. This will provide you and the client with a record of how the property looked before any landscaping services were completed on-site. After taking photos of the location, you should remove any debris located in the yard and in the beds such as tree limbs or sticks. Heavy yard debris like fallen trees needs to be cut into smaller pieces and removed.
Step 2. Choose the Best Method for Removing Leaves
When removing leaves, there are two proper methods to follow. One is the bag method, in which you would dispose of the leaves by placing them into bags. Utilize a rake and a shovel to provide photos of the leaves being raked and placed into the bags. Remove these bags from the property and take them to the dump. The second option is the tarp method where you would rake or blow the leaves onto a tarp. Photos should be taken while the leaves are placed on the tarp. You will also want to estimate how many cubic yards of leaves are on the tarp and write this number on a placard. Additionally, you need to show the dimensions of your truck or trailer and provide the appropriate load photos.
Step 3. Edging and Grass Cutting
Once leaves are removed, edging can be performed. Make sure that a clear edge can be seen between the grass and the sidewalk. Cut all grass areas at the property.
Step 4. Trimming and Shaping Shrubs
All shrubs on the property must be trimmed and shaped appropriately. Any saplings growing out of the ground or around the base of a tree can be cut down with a hedge trimmer. All clippings must be bagged and removed once trimming is completed, be sure to not only clean up the clippings that have fallen onto the ground but any clippings that may have fallen into the trees or shrubs as well. Additionally, if there are any saplings growing in the gutters or if there are any tree branches that are over the roof, please bid to remove or trim tree branches should be trimmed 18 inches away from the roof.
Step 5. Calculating Square Footage and Volume of Mulch
When performing a mulching order, it’s essential to take photos of the areas where the work will be completed. The first step is to calculate the square footage of the areas where the mulch will be placed. There are two ways to do this: measure the lengths and widths of the beds with a tape measure or use a measuring wheel to obtain the measurements. Once you have the size of the area, you can calculate the amount of weed barrier and mulch you need.
Step 6. Clearing Flowerbeds
Before placing the mulch, it’s crucial to clear all weeds from the flowerbeds. Use a weed eater to clear as much of the weeds away as possible. Rake, bag, and remove anything that has been left. Remove any outdoor lighting in poor condition, along with any other loose trash or debris. Trim any shrubs in the beds to be mulched, and rake and remove all clippings to help prevent future weed growth.
Step 7. Installing Weed Barrier and Mulch
After the flowerbeds have been thoroughly sprayed with weed killer, place the weed barrier, which will need to be cut to size and fit around any barriers in or around the beds. If there are shrubs in the beds, the barrier will need to be cut to fit around them. Once the barrier is in place, the mulch can be put on the beds. Make sure the depth of the mulch is checked at various intervals, and the depth needs to be a consistent 3 inches throughout all the areas.
Step 8. Installing Borders
Some clients may require a border to be installed around the areas being mulched. There are various types of borders available, including those that are abstained into the ground and those that have been dug into the ground. Read the work order carefully to determine if this is a required step. Once the border is in place, the area can be mulched.
Step 9. Clean-up and Final Steps
After installing the mulch, check the surrounding grass and sidewalks for any pieces that may have fallen. Blow them back into the beds to ensure that those areas are clean of any debris. All debris collected throughout the entire mulching process should be bagged and discarded accordingly, just like any other yard order. Provide photos of the mulched areas and discuss any landscaping needs with the listing agent to ensure all interested parties are satisfied with the final result.
In conclusion, proper yard maintenance can make a big difference in the curb appeal of a property. By following the tips and steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your landscaping and mulching work is done efficiently and effectively. Remember to measure the area accurately, remove all weeds and debris, lay the weed barrier and mulch at the correct depth, and check the surrounding areas for any fallen debris.
