Power Raking VS Dethatching

It is that time of the season where I begin to get calls asking about power raking and dethatching. Many people interchange the two terms and have an idea that they are both the same lawn maintenance procedure. Although power raking and dethatching are similar, they are also two different services that each serve its own purpose for making sure a lawn has optimum growth.

I like how this article on ehow.com explains that although the two concepts are similar, they are different to an extent: "Power raking differs from dethatching in extent. While dethatching tears deeply into the soul, removing both dead layers and healthy root systems, power raking is a gentle process design[ed] to tear out only the grass material at the surface of the soil." See: http://www.ehow.com/about_5114936_power-raking.html#ixzz1qR51M77o

And according to Nutrilawn.com-

"Dethatching and power raking are both performed with the same machine. The difference in the two services is how deep the cutting knives are set on the dethatcher, as well as the type of cutting knives used. Dethatching generally involves the use of flail type blades that are designed to rip out excessive thatch. [Whereas] Power Raking generally involves using fixed knife type blades that slice the thatch as opposed to ripping it out."

See: http://www.nutrilawn.com/Your-Lawn/dethatching-a-power-raking/641.html

I hope this information was helpful... Give me a call and I'd be happy to review with you what you need to have done to make sure you can enjoy your lawn to its fullest extent this season. I use professional equipment to perform the thatch processes and would be happy to discuss with you what other options may be needed to make sure your lawn is lush and healthy.

Have a great day and hopefully the sun will peek out and see us in our Spokane area soon...

Let Me Pay You to Send Me Business!

I have learned over the past couple of years doing business that word of mouth is the best advertising for my services because it speaks not only for the quality of work I do, but for how someone views me as a professional and individual. I would like to reward anyone who can send business my way- regardless if they are my client or not.

This is why I have implemented the new “Referrals Pay” program this year for both clients and non-clients. Whoever you are- send me a referral and I’ll send you a check*!

For example...

Send me a $25 weekly yard I’ll send you a $25 check

Send me a $100 weekly yard I’ll send you a $100 check

Residential or commercial accounts welcome!

* All accounts (referee’s and referrer’s if applicable) must be in good standing after 120 days of new client’s service to be eligible. Rewards only apply for referrals of new accounts to be serviced weekly. Any one person can earn up to $600 in rewards yearly. Checks will be mailed towards the end of October or November dependent on start date of referred account.

Thanks for thinking of me and I look forward to working together often this year- whether I provide you or someone you know with high quality service.  Be sure to have your referral mention that you sent them- so I can gather your info and prepare to pay you!

Have a great day!

James

Owner/Operator of Green Jeans Lawn Service
Servicing the Suncrest, Nine Mile, and North Spokane County Areas
PH: 509.315.6516
Email: greenjeans509@yahoo.com

Spring Cleanup Time!

Ahhh the beauty of spring: Birds chirping, warmth of the sun, and longer days. With the official “first day of spring” coming up on March 20^th it is natural to get the Spring Fever of wanting to be outside and enjoy all of the wonders that refresh us after a long and cold winter.

But wait- Are you seeing an instantly beautiful yard when you take that first step outside after the snow has melted? Ugh- no- you are seeing the dreaded and dead yard debris left over. You feel for your grass while it is struggling to push through and breath. The bare spots and untrimmed areas are disgusting you and overwhelming you. Your overgrown bushes and shrubs are beginning to look like monsters.

Green Jeans Lawn Service would love to be involved in helping you with your spring clean up. There are many things that can be done to ensure the aesthetic enjoyment of your yard through the warmer seasons:

1.       Get your yard dethatched. What is dethatching and why do it? According to www.managemylife.com “Thatch is a layer of living and dead organic matter — primarily grass leaves and stems — that knit together just above the soil surface... When too thick… thatch is water repellent. [You]  may think [you] are watering enough, when in fact the water never reaches the soil…Insects and diseases find thatch a particularly suitable place to inhabit. Since water does not penetrate it readily, neither do pest and disease control products...Finally, because the thickness and density of thatch varies, lawn mowers are more likely to cut unevenly, causing scalping."

2.       Have Core Aerating done on your lawn. You can see why this is important by reading this note according to http://lawn-aerate.com: “When you aerate [your] lawn, you make holes in your yard that allow it to absorb more water, stimulate deeper root growth and reduce soil compaction. A lawn aerator also allows air and nutrients direct access to the root system. By removing cores from your lawn, it gives your soil room for expansion, this reduces stress on the roots and give you a nice looking lawn throughout the year.”

3.       Get your turf fertilized! You can read various reasons why this is a good idea on http://www.american-lawns.com/lawns/why_fertilize.html.  “Turf fertilization contributes greatly to lawn color, density, uniformity, and growth. Properly fertilized grass can compete with weeds and is able recover from damage caused by environmental stresses faster than improperly fertilized lawns.”

4.       Have your bushes and shrubs trimmed and pruned. Trimming and pruning helps encourage growth and blooming, manages the shape of the bush/shrub, and promotes overall health for the plant.

5.       First mow of the season- Get the grass down to a healthy level! 

Green Jeans has promotions available for new clients as well as some great opportunities for current clients! Give us a call or send us an email today!

James Halstead

509.315.6516
greenjeans509@yahoo.com

Hello All-
Although there is snow on the ground here in the beautiful Spokane area, it is not a hinder to thoughts of a promising spring and summer season ahead. 2011 was an interesting year for our weather but I am looking forward to 2012 being a great year of green grass to work with, and great clients to help maintain yards for.

Because this is a new Blog in place, I'd like to introduce myself to those who do not know me. I am James, owner and operator of Green Jeans Lawn Service.

I have been in the lawn care servicing industry for the last 18 years. I have learned and begun to master the arts of mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and general maintenance. Two years ago I branched out to own and operate my own lawn care service company and accomplish the tasks that running a small business entails. Because I am owner and operator of Green Jeans Lawn Service it is my top priority to make sure all my clients (commercial, residential, or one-time need) are treated with the utmost respect and show of responsibility and accountability by both me and any workers I may have associated with me.

As a small business owner, I offer very personalized service with attention to detail. I enjoy working with my customers in making sure they are completely satisfied with what I offer them. I have the necessary requirements to run my business and offer many services to my clients by being licensed, insured, and bonded and by having top of the line equipment. I also have the needed support from my wonderful wife and two young children to keep up with the demands of client needs and office organization, and to encourage me through it all.

I will be offering many promotions to new and current clients this year that I service in the North Spokane, Nine Mile Falls , and Suncrest area. Keep up with this blog for posts on what I can take care of for you, how much you can save on my services, and for interesting tidbits of information on lawn maintenance, lawn equipment, and other related thoughts.

I look forward to getting to know you and to working with you in this new year.

Let Me Maintain Your Yard, You Just Enjoy It!