soil test
A random sampling of soil is collected and taken to the MSU/Washtenaw County Extension Service, where it will be tested for phosphorus and potassium levels, particle size analysis, and organic matter content. Once the results are known, technicians at Great Outdoors can best determine an approach to adjust the chemical makeup in your soil in order to provide the ultimate growing conditions.
spring clean-up
Prior to the first lawn-cutting of the season Great Outdoors technicians perform a cleanup designed to remove debris which may hinder the growth and aesthetic appeal of turf and landscaped areas. Turf areas, garden beds, patios, parking lots and window wells, for example, will be cleared of leaves and minor debris.
spring sprinkler inspection
During the inspection Great Outdoors technicians will activate your irrigation system. Necessary adjustments, cleaning and minor repairs will be made as needed so that your system is ready to handle the needs of the upcoming season. Access to the control box will be required. A deluxe inspection package includes turn on, shut down and four periodic inspections.
lawn mowing
Great Outdoors lawn-mowing technicians are fully-trained to provide dedicated, dependable, top-quality service during each service visit to your home or business. Technicians remove small debris from the lawn prior to mowing, and provide a high-quality cut with sharp cutting edges at an average height of 3.5 inches. Starting approximately in mid April and ending in November, mowing services are performed on a seven-day cycle as weather permits. To avoid injury to the lawn, during periods of dry weather, mowing frequency will be scheduled as conditions permit. To return important nutrients to the soil, grass clippings will be recycled and evenly scattered on the lawn. Technicians will trim around trees, shrubs and other obstacles at every mowing; ensuring a manicured appearance every time. Grass growing in sidewalk cracks and curbs will be trimmed as needed. After each mowing, grass clippings, dirt and small debris from sidewalks, driveways, patios and decks will meet their fate with a broom or a blower.
edging
As a part of Great Outdoors lawn mowing service, edging along curbs and walkways will be performed at least once per month to ensure a well-manicured appearance.
fertilizer program
Great Outdoors certified technicians perform four to six applications of fertilizer per season, which can lead to steady vegetative growth, increased turf density, improved root development, disease and weed resistance, winter hardiness and maintain that deep green color that your neighbors will envy. The majority of our fertilizers are slow release, which allow your lawn a continuous and even-feeding throughout the season. Organic fertilizer is available upon request.
tree and shrub care
Vulnerabilities to pest infestation, cultural and environmental problems are associated with most trees and shrubs. Great Outdoors technicians are trained to know what problems to look for during frequent property inspections. These inspections are designed to identify the problem and select an approved pesticide to be applied by the site inspector. Dormant oil is used to rid plants of over-wintering pests. Spring feeding initiates a headstart to the growing season. Insect and disease applications protect leaves and minimize pest problems. Fall feedings prepare plants for our unpredictable Michigan winters.
core aeration
A Great Outdoors technician performs this technique involving the removal of small cores of soil from the lawn to help reduce compaction, a condition occurring in the upper 1 to 1.5 inches of soil causing reduced air spaces, limited root growth and water run-off. To improve the grass root's ability to expand into adjacent soil, core aeration on irrigated lawns is performed once per year, non-irrigated lawns are performed twice per year.
hedge trimming
Great Outdoors technicians understand not only the health benefits but also the aesthetic benefits of shaping, pruning or trimming formal and ornamental shrubs and ground covers. Three types of pruning used to modify or regulate plant growth are: structural, corrective and maintenance. The style of pruning will depend on the variety of plant and the discerning taste of the client.
bed maintenance
Great Outdoors technicians accomplish weed removal either by hand or a careful application of a non-selective herbicide or perhaps a blend of both; garden beds will be relatively weed-free throughout the growing season. During the spring, technicians find it necessary to remove the bulk of the leaves from the beds, and whenever possible to cultivate the remaining leaves into the soil. In the fall, the majority of leaves are removed and browning perennials will be trimmed to ground level.
sprinkler shutdown
Great Outdoors technicians are trained to treat your irrigation systems for the upcoming harsh winter months. During the shutdown process, technicians force all residual water from the irrigation lines and turn off the outside water source to prevent freeze damage to your system. Access to your control box will be required.
fall clean-up
A final clean-up will be performed as timely as possible while taking into consideration city leaf collection schedules, the rate of leaves falling, the weather and contractual obligations.
snow removal
Great Outdoors can handle all of your commercial or residential snow removal needs. From plowing parking lots, clearing driveways and sidewalks, offsite snow removal to providing necessary ice-melt, we've got you covered!
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