FAQ Category: Maintenance & Care
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What should I do before winter for landscaping installed by a company?
Preparing your landscape for winter protects both plants and systems. Start with an irrigation blowout: hire a professional to use compressed air to clear water from lines, valves, and heads before consistent freezing nights arrive. Without this step, pipes can…
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How do I program the irrigation controller installed by a landscaping company?
The first step is to note the make and model of your irrigation controller. Most manuals are available online, often with step-by-step instructions. Begin by setting the date and time correctly, since all schedules run from that clock. Next, assign…
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Should a landscape company add fertilizer or soil amendments?
Yes—based on testing and plant needs, not guesswork. In Salt Lake and Davis Counties, many sites have alkaline, clay-heavy soils with low organic matter. A simple soil test pinpoints pH and nutrient gaps so your landscaper can choose the right…
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Some plants look half-dead—should I ask for replacements?
Before requesting replacements, it’s worth diagnosing the problem. Utah’s heat, clay soils, and dry winds can stress new plants even when installed correctly. Start by checking moisture levels about three to four inches down in the soil. Overwatering and underwatering…
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Is drainage supposed to puddle like that from a landscape contractor?
No — standing water usually signals a grading or drainage issue. In Salt Lake and Davis Counties, clay-heavy soils hold water, but a well-designed yard should slope away from the house at least 2% (about 1/4 inch per foot). Puddling…

