Monthly Archives: April 2016

Minnesota Landscaping Companies: How to Choose the Right One

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Everyone’s landscaping needs are different, but there are certain qualities all homeowners should look for when selecting a company to work with. Here are a few tips for choosing a reliable, trustworthy landscaper in the Twin Cities area.

Choose the right landscaping company to create your backyard sanctuary!

Choose the right landscaping company to create your backyard sanctuary!

Customer-focused service

As a family-owned business, our name is on the line. That’s why our owner and designer, Mike Olson, personally meets with each client to gather information about the proposed project. Look for a landscaper who really listens to your needs and makes you part of a collaborative process. Also, make sure the company you choose has a top-notch Better Business Bureau rating and good customer reviews online. If possible, talk with previous clients and ask if they would use the company again. The highest praise is a return customer!

Creative, custom designs

Your home is a unique reflection of you and how your family enjoys the outdoors. There’s no cookie-cutter solution for your yard. Check out each landscaping company’s portfolio of work. If you notice that many of their patio designs tend to look the same, or that they have certain “fallback” plants that anchor every garden installation, proceed with caution. Make sure you’re selecting a company that will work with you to turn your unique vision into reality.

Local expertise

Plenty of companies can offer simple services like lawn-trimming and leaf-raking. But when you’re making your yard into your dream outdoor space, you want landscapers who have seen it all—who know the local microclimates, soil conditions, and seasonal weather patterns like the back of their hand. Look for a company that has been in business in the Twin Cities area for many years (Great Goats has been here over a decade!); they will have a deep well of knowledge to draw from when tackling any new project.

Transparent pricing & scheduling

That beautiful backyard deck won’t look so beautiful if it takes twice as long and costs twice as much as promised. Any company worth its salt will give you a clear estimate for pricing and timeframe—up front and in writing. Ask them to explain how the total price could change based on later design alterations and how they schedule their clients to avoid delays. At Great Goats, we include all of that information in your personal consultation with Mike.

Put us to the test! Give us a call today to learn about our services.

Spring Lawn Care – 5 Tips for a Beautiful Summer Lawn

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Temperatures are finally on the rise, and that means it’s time to revitalize your lawn after its winter hibernation. One of the most common questions we receive is, “What should I do now to have a great lawn in the summer?” All it takes is some basic maintenance and preventative care. Below are five of our top spring lawn tips to get your lawn looking its best.

Spring Lawn Tips

A little yard maintenance now can help your lawn look good all summer.

Spring Lawn Tips

  1. Clean up winter debris

    It’s a spring tradition: the last snow melts and hidden treasures appear in your yard. Whether it’s trash, toys, or organic debris that accumulated during winter storms, spend a few hours clearing the decks and raking up leaves and twigs. Tip: this is an easy chore for kids to help with!

  1. Do basic weed prevention

    The best way to be weed-free in the summer is to be proactive in the spring. There are many organic, safe products on the market that will prevent weeds from taking root. Of course, if you’d rather not buy an additional product for your lawn, hand-weeding is also an option. We often find that the combination of a non-toxic product and some old-fashioned elbow grease is the most effective combination.

  1. Prune plants

    The ideal time to prune plants varies between plant families. However, there are many perennials that are best pruned in the spring before new growth has started.

  1. Perform soil tests

    Here’s a pro tip that’s easy for any homeowner to do. Acidity levels in soil can range from 4 to 10 pH. Each plant has a prefered pH level. To ensure the grass in your yard will thrive, it’s helpful to determine your soil’s pH level. Then steps can be taken to increase or decrease the acidity as needed.

  1. Give your tools a tune-up

    Get your hardware in shape before summer hits.

    – Lawn mower/leaf blower: Make sure the oil is fresh and the fuel tank is full. Replace the air filter and the spark plugs, and sharpen mower blades.

    – Gardening tools: Treat rusted tools with vinegar and rub wooden handles with oil. Sharpen pruning shears.

    – Sprinkler system/hoses: Check the system for wear and tear, debris on the sprinkler heads, and correct water pressure. Verify that the valves are working properly.

Here’s to a green, healthy lawn this spring. As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call for help with your spring yardwork needs!