Clean Cut Landscaping CT

Help Wanted! Landscaper Near Branford, Connecticut

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:23:00 GMT

Clean Cut Landscaping based out of Branford, Connecticut is looking for full-time lawn maintenance/landscaping personnel for shoreline customers.

Duties include cleanups, mulching, mowing, trimming, installations, etc. Please review our Landscaping Services page to find out more.

If interested, email a letter of introduction with your name, address, phone number, work history and compensation desired to office@cleancutlandscapingct.com or call 203 481 5680 to come fill out application in person.

Magic Salt: What You Need to Know

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 17:33:00 GMT

While the snow can provide a beautiful backdrop, it can also lead to very dangerous driving and walking conditions. When it snows—or rains and freezes—you want your walkways, driveways, and parking lots to be cleared as quickly as possible. At Clean Cut Landscaping , we rely on the effectiveness of Magic Salt to keep the hard surfaces of your property free from snow and ice, ensuring the safety of your employees and patrons.

What Is Magic Salt?

Magic Salt, also known as Ice B’Gone, is relatively new on the commercial snow and ice removal scene; however, it continues to grow in popularity because it is far superior to any other deicing product on the market. Magic Salt may start out as ordinary rock salt, but after it is treated with a unique blend of magnesium chloride and agricultural enhancers, it becomes a ‘magical’ concoction that literally melts snow and ice away. Not only is it extremely effective, Magic Salt is also non-toxic, non-corrosive, and biodegradable, making it an easy choice for deicing your Connecticut property.

Why Magic Salt is the Superior Deicing Agent

Most commercial snow and ice management companies in Connecticut use traditional rock salt or a sand/rock salt mix to make the pavement surrounding your property less slippery. But these methods have some adverse effects, and they can take time to work. On the contrary, Magic Salt is not only quicker and more efficient, but it has essentially no negative side effects to worry about. Here’s a brief rundown of why we only use Magic Salt for our Connecticut snow and ice removal services:

How We Use Magic Salt for Commercial Snow and Ice Removal in Connecticut

In Connecticut, snow is inevitable, and while we can’t control the amount of precipitation, we can control how badly it impacts your property. To help you get through any size storm with ease, we put Magic Salt to work before, during, and after it hits:

At Clean Cut Landscaping, we know that your safety—and the safety of your employees and customers—is dependent on swift and effective snow and ice removal. That’s why we don’t mess around with potentially harmful, ineffective deicers that require way more applications and leave your property looking less than desirable.

With over 15 years of commercial snow and ice management, around-the-clock service, heavy-duty snow removal equipment, and state-of-the-art weather tracking, you can trust your business with Clean Cut Landscaping. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial snow and ice management in Connecticut.

Edible Landscaping Options for CT

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:20:00 GMT

Edible landscaping offers CT homeowners the opportunity to live a more sustainable lifestyle and enjoy a lovely view, along with delectable smells and delicious tastes, from their yard and garden area. Edible landscaping design recognizes and is built upon the fact that food plants, everything from lettuce to fruit trees, are also naturally beautiful to look at. These food sources are truly a feast for all the senses. It turns out that food doesn’t necessarily have to be grown in long rows.

Healthy, Lovely and Environmentally Friendly Edible Landscapes

Edible landscaping can boost your health, because you can eat your homegrown foods with all their nutritional value still intact, rather than consuming them after they’ve endured truck travel over perhaps thousands of miles, all the while losing nutritional content and getting coated with insecticides. You may save money over time, and an edible landscape reduces your carbon footprint, since locally grown food doesn’t require transportation (with the environmental damage that goes with all that trucking and fuel emission). An edible landscape is convenient too – just step into the backyard for a fresh apple.

Edible Landscaping Design Protects Plants and Preserves Soil

When designing an edible landscape around your home , intersperse edible plants with ornamental varieties, and use them in place of some purely decorative plants. You can think of an edible landscape as a vegetable and fruit garden — artfully arranged. This arrangement may actually help protect the plants from insects who are more likely to be attracted to their favorite fruit or veggie if it’s in a huge orchard or farm field. Since soil is tilled in different small areas at different times, it maintains its nutrients for the next planting.

What You Can Grow: Edible Landscaping in CT With Fruit Trees

Our local climate in Connecticut is friendly to edible landscape design, including:

Edible Landscape Drawbacks

The situation is not all rosy in edible landscapes, however. Here are a few cons you might consider when contemplating your own edible landscape design:

If you would like to learn more about edible landscapes or would like us to design a custom landscape for your property, contact Clean Cut Landscaping today.

Tips to Protect Your Water Feature

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 12:15:00 GMT

A water feature, such as a fountain, can be a key component of creative landscape design in Connecticut. Water features provide a fuller experience of the natural world by adding the subtle element of sound to your home’s surroundings. The sights and sound of moving water also bring a peaceful and relaxing mood to your Connecticut yard or garden area. In addition, features like landscaped koi ponds and mini waterfalls add a completely unique ambiance to your home environment, which may include mulched and stone garden areas .

Whether your custom water feature is simple (a birdbath perhaps?) or more elaborate, with a little maintenance, it will provide years of enjoyment for you, your family and guests. Here are some tips to help Connecticut homeowners preserve their water feature and landscaping:

If you’ve been thinking of adding a water garden or water feature to your landscaping, or if you need help with landscape maintenance, call on the pros at Clean Cut Landscaping. We’ve offered landscape design, maintenance and related services throughout Connecticut for over 15 years. Contact us today!

CT Landscaping that Repels Mosquitoes

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 16:34:00 GMT

Landscaping does a lot for your home, such as enhancing its curb appeal and providing your family with lovely outdoor spaces to enjoy. Unfortunately, here in CT, mosquitoes can sometimes spoil your outdoor fun, requiring you to use chemical repellent on your skin or treat your lawn with insecticides. Before you turn to an inconvenient and uncomfortable chemical solution to keep your yard mosquito-free, consider natural CT landscaping that repels mosquitoes . With a little guidance, you can select hardy plants that survive CT weather and also keep mosquitoes at bay.

Practical & Beautiful CT Landscaping: Plants that Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard

For durable landscaping that thrives in the Connecticut climate, you’ll typically choose plants with a hardiness zone from 5b up to 7b. (Although plants ideal for other hardiness zones can do well if other requirements are met, such as moisture, light and soil composition.) Consider these plants to help make your outside space more pleasant and mosquito-free:

Citronella: You may have some citronella candles around your porch, but you’ll get a stronger odor from the actual plant. Its smell effectively covers up other odors that attract mosquitoes. Citronella is a grass that can be either planted in your Connecticut garden or yard (where there is proper drainage and lots of sun) or grown in pots placed on your patio. The fragrant, clumping perennial can grow up to 6 feet.

Catnip: Another perennial (a relative of mint) that you may have heard of, but perhaps haven’t grown personally, is catnip. As you are likely aware, catnip may attract the neighborhood cats while repelling mosquitoes.

Phenomenal Lavender: Landscaping with lavender in your garden or in pots to enjoy the lingering, lovely smell, while you also prevent mosquitoes from ruining your well-earned backyard leisure. Lavender scents encourage a good night’s sleep and keep moths away too. Make a lavender potpourri from dried buds to keep moths from your closets and clothing.

Marigolds: Mosquitoes hate the scent of marigolds, almost as much as most people love the sight of these flowers in Connecticut landscaping. Marigolds are annuals that need lots of sun and proper drainage. Pot them up and place them near your patio door and backyard party area. Marigolds also help protect any tomatoes you’re growing from insects, while attracting pollinators.

Peppermint: In concentrated form, peppermint can kill mosquito larvae. For best results in deterring mosquitoes, some people rub the leaves on their skin or use essential oils. Don’t do this if you are, or suspect that you may be, allergic.

Basil: This fragrant herb is good to have for spontaneous pesto recipes—and it’s also handy for repelling mosquitoes. The most effective types are cinnamon and lemon. A definite plus: The herb need not be crushed (as many of the other plants listed here might) to have the desired mosquito-discouraging effect.

Geraniums: These lovely flowers attract bees and bring in butterflies, but the hardy Wargrave Pink and Double Jewel varieties also ward off mosquitoes in Connecticut.

When you choose your plants carefully, you can incorporate practical benefits into the beauty of your landscape design. For expert advice, call on Clean Cut Landscaping. We keep outdoor spaces looking good throughout Connecticut, so contact us today.

Expert Lawn Aeration and Overseeding

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:33:00 GMT

For the Best Lawn on the Block: Start with Expert Lawn Aeration and Overseeding

Aeration and overseeding are essential to maintain a lush, healthy lawn and can produce quick growth results where grass is sparse. Fall is an ideal time for Branford homeowners and East Haven businesses to schedule lawn aerating, to shore up your lawn for the coming CT winter. (The timing of aeration and overseeding also depends upon grass type.) Lawn aerating and overseeding processes work together to make your landscaping the envy of the neighbors or attract customers to your business. If your golf green is looking brown these days or your front yard has bare spots, some urgent “resuscitation” may be needed. Aerating and overseeding is just the thing to help restore your lawn’s health and beauty.

How Core Aeration Works

Nothing stifles grass growth like hard-packed soil, which can come about due to weather variations, lack of maintenance or just the makeup of the soil. To combat this problem, experienced, professional landscapers use specialized tools and equipment to aerate the soil under your lawn, removing small cores of dirt. As lawn aeration loosens densely packed soil, it allows your grass to easily absorb needed nutrients and grow even deeper roots.

The soil perforations literally help grass roots to breathe, allowing better oxygen and moisture absorption for continued lawn growth. The extracted cores are tossed onto the lawn surface to be broken down (by rain or lawn-mowing), acting like mulch, providing additional nutrients for the continued growth cycle of your lawn. In short, core aeration creates ideal conditions for new lawn growth– which is where overseeding comes in.

How Overseeding Works

The overseeding process spreads new grass seed over existing turf. Overseeding after lawn aeration can also introduce new types of grass to the lawn. The new seed rejuvenates your existing lawn, literally keeping the lawn young, so that it grows thicker and faster. The new grass takes root easily and grows quickly in aerated soil. For an even, healthy lawn, seeds must be spread evenly, in a straight line and specific pattern, to properly cover the area and wind disruption must be avoided.

Get Expert Lawn Aeration and Overseeding in CT

Aerating and overseeding is typically not a DIY process. It can be very heavy work for a homeowner and must be done carefully to avoid damaging the lawn. Professional aeration turns soil over efficiently and evenly without removing too much or too little. Expert overseeding creates just the right mix of grasses to meet your lawn’s needs and produce healthy, steady grass growth. Professional landscapers ensure an even spread of grass seed and select the proper variety of seed.

Overseeding and aeration work together to keep your home’s landscaping healthy despite challenges like bad weather and heavy foot traffic. (Aeration and overseeding are key strategies for golf courses–it’s how they can maintain quality turf.) For best results, have your lawn aerated once or twice per year and watch it thrive!

For professional aeration and overseeding, count on Clean Cut Landscaping . We’ve kept lawns green in East Haven, Branford, N. Branford Guilford, Madison and Clinton for more than 15 years. Contact us today.

Mulching vs. Decorative Stone Beds

Fri, 22 May 2015 19:38:00 GMT

Covering the soil in your yard can cut down on weeds and help your landscaping retain moisture. When it comes to picking a covering, your choices include organic mulch and decorative stone. Not sure which is right for your Connecticut yard? A few of the benefits of each:

Pros and Cons of Using Mulch

Mulch can be made of many different materials including wood, bark and other organic materials, as well as man-made materials like rubber. It helps the soil retain moisture and can reduce the amount of water required to maintain your Connecticut landscape. It can also retain heat from the daytime and keep your plants protected overnight against large fluctuations in temperature. When mulch breaks down, it can make your soil richer and better nurture your landscaping plants. Mulching helps guard against weeds, which improves your garden’s appearance and reduces competition with the plants that you want.

Mulch is typically inexpensive to buy. However, because it breaks down over time, it will need to be replaced on an ongoing basis. Because of this, any Connecticut homeowners find that the time and money investment in mulch over time can be excessive. Some mulching materials are very light and can be washed away by heavy watering or rainfall. These are all considerations that should be taken into account before choosing mulch for your N. Branford Guilford, East Haven or Madison yard.

Pros and Cons of Decorative Stone Beds

Stone offers many of the heat retention benefits that mulch does. However, in studies, it has found to be less effective at retaining moisture. Stone can offer many different looks to your yard, with options that include river rock, granite and others. Stone has an edge over mulch in that it does not break down over time. Stone can be spread in your garden once and then used for years. When used with landscaping fabric, stone is excellent at blocking weeds.

Decorative stone beds are very popular when used around swimming pools. Children (and adults) unwittingly splash water out of the pool when playing, which splatters chlorine and other pool chemicals on nearby plants and glass. A stone bed around the parameter of your pool can help protect your landscape from these chemicals. Additionally, it can be precarious to weed whack against the exterior walls of an aboveground pool. Decorative stone beds provide an attractive solution.

There is a higher upfront cost when adding stone to your landscaping. In general, putting in decorative stone will cost between three and six times as much as using organic mulch in the same areas. But, the cost can become equal over time, as the stone does not need to be replaced. Stone is low maintenance, usually only needing periodic washing and a replacement of the top layer of stones. But, because stone is heavy, it can be more onerous for a homeowner to install on their own. Because of this, many people choose professional landscapers instead.

There are no hard and fast rules for landscaping choices. You can even put in stone beds in some areas and mulch in others. When choosing a material for your yard, consider your budget, the amount of time you want to invest and the general look you want in your Clinton, Branford, Madison or other Connecticut town landscaping.

If you have any questions or would like a consultation, please contact us today.

When Should I Start Landscaping in Connecticut?

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 16:55:00 GMT

Winter in Connecticut never seems to end. But, you can indulge in daydreams of spring by getting a jump on planning your spring landscaping. A few ideas to get you started with thick green grass and lush plant life:

If you didn’t get grass seeds planted in the fall, it’s not too late. You can plant grass seeds early in the spring. Cold weather varieties like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue and rye can be sown as soon as the soil is warm enough to work. If you want to use a warm weather variety like Bermuda or St. Augustine, wait until soil temperatures reach 65 degrees.

After planting, make sure that you keep the ground moist until your grass is growing well. Light and frequent waterings are best to keep the grass seeds moist without risk of over-watering. It will take about three weeks for grass seedlings to get established.

When to Buy Your Landscaping Plants

Adding new trees and shrubs to your landscaping is a satisfying endeavor. The best time to add deciduous trees and shrubs or broadleaf evergreens is in the early spring. The less time a plant spends out of the ground, the better. So, try to buy your landscaping plants as close as possible to the time that you will be planting.

If you want to add pines or other conifers to your landscape, it is better to wait for fall. Mark the area where you wish to add the new plant and use annual plants to fill the spot while you wait for the right time of year to add your shrubs or trees.

The Best Time for Vegetables and Flowers

A mix of perennials like your shrubs and trees and showy annuals makes a pleasing outdoor area. Seeds for early vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and eggplant can be sewn as early as February or March. Warmer weather vegetables like tomatoes, corn and beets are best sewn in April or May.

If you have bulbs for tulips or daffodils that you did not plant in the fall, try to add them to your garden as soon as possible after the soil can be worked. These bulbs do not do well when kept out of the soil indefinitely.

While gardening usually requires patience, transplanting flowers allows you to enjoy a bit of instant gratification. Talk to Clean Cut Landscaping about which annual flowers are the best fit for the amount of light and drainage you have. These can usually be added to your garden as soon as the risk of frost is gone.

Looking forward to a greener yard? We offer landscaping services in Clinton, Madison, Branford, N. Branford Guilford, East Haven and the surrounding areas. Call us to talk about the ways we can beautiful the landscaping around your home.

Best Plants for Privacy Fences in Connecticut

Fri, 13 Feb 2015 16:24:00 GMT

If you want more privacy and a more intimate, enclosed yard, fences aren’t the only option. There are a number of hedges and plants that can effectively form a living fence. A few gorgeous green options for creating a privacy fence out of plants in Connecticut:

Arborvitae ( Thuja occidentalis )

This evergreen bush provides insulation against sight and sound year-round. It’s tolerant to a wide range of temperatures, making it a good choice for Connecticut. It will grow well anywhere you have full sun whether you live in Branford, Madison, Clinton or elsewhere in the state. You can get privacy benefits right away by buying bushes that are around 6 feet tall. As they mature, they will grow to a height of around 13 feet. This bush stays neat as it grows and needs no pruning. But be careful, the deer like to chomp on this one!

Rose of Sharon ( Hibiscus syriacus )

This cold-tolerant member of the hibiscus family grows quickly to screen out unwanted views. On average, the plant will grow 8 to 12 feet high and 5 or 6 feet wide. It’s low maintenance, which is a boon to those who have plenty of other landscaping plants to care for. And, it treats you to showy flowers every summer.

Bamboo

This tall, stiff plant in the grass family grows vigorously to quickly provide a screen against noise and unwanted views. Depending on the type you buy, the height can vary from 6 to over 25 feet. Bamboo’s quick growth makes it a tempting choice for quick privacy, but, the plant needs maintenance to ensure that it doesn’t get out of hand. Install a barrier around patches, such as a sand trap, to keep the rhizomes from spreading. You should also root prune bamboo once a year. Left unchecked, underground runners could allow this vigorous grower to escape into other areas of your yard or even into your neighbor’s space.

Vines to Cover an Existing Fence

Do you have an unsightly chain link fence that you’d rather not see? Quick-growing vining plants can get it out of sight while providing extra privacy. Ivy grows quickly and tolerates soils that range from sandy to hard. If your soil is all clay, add some peat or other amendments to break it up. Hops are another vine that add color and interest. They are low-maintenance and tolerate a wide range of soil types. Clematis grows quickly and adds the interest of seasonal flowers in the spring and fall. Be sure to pick a variety that will grow as large as you need it. Smaller ones grow to around 2 to 5 feet in height, while large types can get between 8 and 12 feet.

If you are looking for ways to increase your home’s privacy while beautifying the property, living fences are an excellent choice. Contact us at Clean Cut Landscaping to help you choose the perfect privacy plants for homes in Branford, East Haven, N. Branford Guilford and the surrounding areas.

Snow and Ice Removal | Commercial Snow and Ice Management Connecticut

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:32:00 GMT

While the odds of a damaging Connecticut earthquake are 1-in-20, the likelihood of snow and ice accumulation during the winter months are almost a given . Snowfall amounts vary throughout the state, but most areas can expect to see several inches of snow annually plus the development of ice on various surfaces. Snow and ice management in Connecticut often requires contracting professionals with the training and capability to assess a weather event and then to execute a removal plan.

Ice Management: Liability and Risks

According to Connecticut law , property owners must in a timely manner, remove both snow and ice from their property as well as apply an anti-slip agent such as salt or sand. Property owners are required by law to reasonably maintain their public areas, including driveways, parking lots and pedestrian walks. A professional snow plowing and ice removal company, one who understands the risks associated with ice, can help reduce the potential for slips-and-falls as well as vehicular accidents while on the property.

Snow and Ice Management in Connecticut: Benefits

Benefits of hiring specialists in snow and ice management are numerable. Clean Cut Landscaping monitors the weather conditions 24/7, maintains contact with state meteorologists before as well as during a weather event and has full insurance coverage at all times. By focusing on the timing of a storm as well as the type and amount of accumulation, we can provide a comprehensive snow and ice removal plan specific to each property.

As a member of SIMA (Snow & Ice Management), we keep up-to-date on safe industry practices and stay connected with the most current and innovative techniques for snow and ice removal, including the use of Magic Salt®.

Environmentally friendly, Magic Salt is an ice melt designed to effectively and safely speed up the process of snow and ice removal. It’s created by treating ordinary rock salt with an eco-friendly, agricultural-based enhancer that has been blended with magnesium chloride. This powerful new ice melt works better at colder temperatures (as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit) than regular rock salt and is safer for people, pets, plants, pavement and machinery.

Magic Salt is less corrosive, helping to reduce seasonal salt damage often suffered by sidewalks, driveways and parking areas. It also doesn’t leave behind any unsightly white residue that has to be removed later. By using Magic Salt versus traditional rock salt or sand, there is less mess to clean up after the weather warms and no mess tracked indoors at any time.

We only use Magic Salt. By pre-treating surfaces with Magic Salt, it melts the first two-inches of snow on contact, which allows for an easier, more thorough snow/ice removal. This allows us to get clear down to the pavement with plow and shovel. In addition, surfaces that have a base of Magic Salt before a weather event will be less slippery during and after the storm.

Snow and ice management in Connecticut can be hassle-free. Contacting Clean Cut Landscaping , a professional snow removal company, eliminates worries and ensures your business stays safe and accessible even during the worst of winter’s weather.

Commercial Snow Plowing in Connecticut

Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:29:00 GMT

Commercial Snow Plowing in Connecticut

By the end of December, Connecticut residents typically see about 10 inches of snowfall. With winter rapidly approaching it’s time to consider snow removal plans for both home and businesses. Commercial snow plowing in Connecticut is essential to provide safe walkways and parking lots for valued customers as well as reduce the development of pavement cracks and potholes.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reports that on average, the Northwest Hills see about 50-inches of snowfall annually, while the coastal areas of the state receive between 30 and 35-inches. Average monthly snowfalls for Connecticut winters vary. Typical snowfall amounts per month are:

Snow can and does fall in this area during April. In 1996, Connecticut had its snowiest winter with a cumulative total of 115.2 inches, with the last snowfall of that snowy winter arriving on April 10.

Winter can be a brutal season — intense wind speeds (wind speeds are higher in winter than in summer), bone-chilling temperatures and precipitation that includes both snow and ice. It is simply not an option to allow snow and/or ice to accumulate on walks, driveways and parking lots. A Connecticut commercial property owner must remove snow and ice as well as apply sand/salt after a storm in a timely manner, according to state law . In addition, all property owners must reasonably maintain their property’s public area, which in the winter means removal of snow and ice.

Beyond the dangers of a customer or visitor slipping on a slippery walk or a cars skidding in a snow-packed lot, snow and ice accumulations plus their freeze/thaw cycle can damage pavement leading to costly repairs in the spring.

Benefits of Commercial Snow Plowing in CT

Snow removal can be a hassle for both small and large business owners. It’s difficult to constantly monitor weather reports and coordinate a specific plan to keep your property safe and accessible to visitors at all times during the winter season.

Choosing a commercial snow plowing eliminates an array of worries and physically exhausting chores. Professional snow and ice management means timely removal by a fully insured company that monitors weather conditions 24/7 so you don’t have to. Our company not only has 15 years of snow plowing and removal experience but we are SIMA (Snow & Ice Management) members and have the knowledge, equipment and trained staff to handle any weather event.

As professional snow and ice management specialists, we remain in constant contact with state meteorologists prior to a weather event, during and after. We can focus on the storm’s timing including how long it may last and what type and amount of accumulation may occur. It’s this knowledge that allows a professional snow plowing service to confidently prepare a customized removal plan for each property to insure it stays safe and accessible regardless of a storm’s intensity. Contact Clean Cut Landscaping for your commercial snow removal needs.

Best Low Maintenance Plants for Connecticut

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 18:06:00 GMT

Defining Low Maintenance Plants

Plants for a low maintenance landscape should not require excessive nurturing, watering, weeding, trimming or pruning. Invest in the right low maintenance plants for your Connecticut home now and enjoy more free time later. Look for plants that are hardy for USDA zones 5 through 7. Plants within those zones will survive Connecticut winters, thereby eliminating the need to replant. Plants that thrive in average to dry soils will need less water, placing them in the low maintenance category as well.

The National Audubon Society of Connecticut encourages the planting of native plants in your landscaping. A native plant is one that occurs naturally in the region or habitat. Native plants and regional wildflowers are ideal low maintenance options as they easily adapt to the local soil and moisture conditions, which allows for reduced watering and care.

Tall tickweed coreopsis is a tall native perennial that blooms from July to September. It needs dry to medium soil and enjoys full sun. Its bright yellow blooms will add cheer to any landscape. Spotted Joe-pye-weed is another native perennial that grows tall and flowers from July through September with light lavender flat-top blooms. This native plant is easy to grow and enjoys shade plus a moister soil.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are ideal low maintenance landscaping plants because their natural spread reduces the need for weeding, which can be a very time-consuming chore. Ground cover plants also help maintain their surrounding soil temperatures, reducing the need for watering. Look for grounds covers such as grey owl juniper, a non-flowering needle evergreen that also can be used as a hedge. It’s hardy for zones 2 through 9, requires full sun and does well in medium, well-drained soils. Other ground covers to consider are:

Perennials come back each year and many can be considered as low maintenance additions to your landscaping designs. Most perennials need to be deadheaded during their blooming season, but will thrive with minimal care if planted where they’ll receive the correct amount of sun or shade.

Grasses and more

Many ornamental grasses, such as blue fescue are low maintenance plants ideal for Connecticut conditions. Blue fescue needs only partial sun and is drought tolerant, deer resistant and even attracts birds. Another option is pampas grass, a perennial ornamental grass that grows to reach a statuesque 8 feet tall and is drought tolerant. It does best in zones 7 to 10 so it will thrive in Connecticut’s southern coastal region.

To keep landscaping and garden chores to a minimum consider more container plants and bordered planting beds. Containers are ideal for annuals such as geraniums, marigolds and petunias. Remember that it takes planning, design and imagination to create a low maintenance landscape that you will love season after season.

Contact Clean Cut Landscaping to transform and maintain your residential or commercial landscape.

Lawn Care Testimonial From Lucille & Ann Marie

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 13:33:00 GMT

July 23, 2014 –

Lucille and I wanted to thank you very much for the wonderful lawn care you provided to us these last several years. However, this house is now sold and we will be moving July 29th after having occupied this house the last 53 years.

I wanted to tell you that this home sold quickly not only because of the right price but because of the curb appeal it provided to those passing by to look at the agent’s phone number. A few people I spoke to said they wanted to see the inside of the house and it if was as beautiful as the exterior, then it was worth taking a look. Please express to the crew who handled our property that it was mainly their work which really sold our house! Today’s world people always criticize, complain, nag, and are even mean spirited to these hard working guys… It’s not easy working in heat, humidity, and the elements, but your men took it in stride and provided excellent service.

Again, thank you again for your wonderful service to us….. Wishing you all the best.

Incidentally, we are moving into a 55+ rental in Branford…. It’s time for a change and I think this is a good fit for us…

Sincerely,
Ann Marie and Lucille F. (satisfied customers)

Client Added:
Lucille and I don’t mind at all if you want to post it, share it, with yours customers on your page. We had nothing but good luck with you and your crew these last few years and if it will boost your business, that’s all well and good.

Again, many thanks for making our property look like a Beverly Hills estate… Believe me, it showed and paid off….

What to Consider When Landscaping Your Connecticut Home

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 13:44:00 GMT

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture changed the plant hardiness zone map, the standard by which gardeners, garden centers and nurseries, select plants that are hardy enough to withstand winter conditions in a particular area. Most of the state of Connecticut falls in hardiness zone 6, although the extreme northwest part of the state is zone 5, and the southern coastal region is now considered zone 7.

This is a pretty significant change for the state of Connecticut because it means that plants have a greater chance of surviving winter. When you choose plants that are indigenous to the New England area, you have the certainty that they’ve survived in the area for many decades, if not longer.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Plants

Although hardiness is an important factor to consider when choosing plants, you also need to think about other important issues that will affect the success of your Connecticut landscape.

Qualities to Look For in Low-Maintenance Plants

Zone Hardiness – The most important thing to look for regardless of the type of plant and growing conditions you have, is zone hardiness. If you want to lessen your landscaping maintenance, stick to hardy perennials that will survive tough winter conditions.

Ground covers – think of ground covers as a useful tool to help you avoid weeding. They also help soil temperatures stay consistent and keep it from drying out as fast.

Regional Wildflowers – Because they are native to the area, they adapted to climate conditions, not only to survive winter; they also spread or reproduce themselves, so once you plant them, you won’t have to replant them – until you divide them, but that won’t happen for several years.

Drought-Tolerance – Drought-tolerance means plants can survive extended periods without water. The ability to survive without frequent water makes these plants low-maintenance, easy to care for, and ideal in most conditions. Just be sure that you choose plants that are hardy in Connecticut.

Perennials – If you’re looking for low-maintenance plant options, choose perennials because they come back every year. Although your property may not look complete the year you plant them, you will see the benefits in future years, and you won’t have to plant new things every year – something you have to do when planting annuals.

Descriptions to Avoid for Low Maintenance Landscaping

If you are trying to cut the amount of work you have to do on your property, there are certain words to look for; they are indicators that that plants whose description or label bears the words, need a lot of maintenance.

Soil pH – Avoid plants that must have a specific soil pH or that need a certain acid or alkaline level. It takes work to get the soil to those levels.

Organic Matter – Avoid plants that must grow in soil amended with organic matter. You don’t want to have to keep running to the garden center to buy bags of compost to improve your soil.

Moist or Wet – Plants that need moist or wet soil are water-loving plants that have to be watered often. They may also need frequent feedings. If you are looking for low-maintenance, steer clear of this description.

Low maintenance plants thrive with minimal care, so you won’t be a slave to a water and fertilizer schedule. As long as you keep your property clean and free of weeds (either with ground covers or mulch,) you’ll be able to enjoy the things you plant for years, as they reseed themselves, spread, and produce more flowers and lusher foliage.

How to Fix Yellow Spots on Lawn Caused by Urine

Fri, 06 Jun 2014 19:08:00 GMT

Fix Yellow Spots on Lawn Caused by Urine

Nothing is more beautiful than a lush, green lawn unspoiled by weeds, bare patches, or the telltale signs of dog spotting—those yellowish-brown areas where dogs return over and over again to relieve themselves. Dog urine contains rich amounts of nitrogen compounds and salts that, when concentrated in a small area, result in turf discoloration and death. Although grass does require some nitrogen to thrive, it cannot cope with the excessive nitrogen found in puddles of dog urine soaking into the same spot of lawn repeatedly and “burning” grass.

Fences Don’t Work

Some people consider protecting their lawns from roaming dogs by erecting a fence around their lawns. Unfortunately, you would have to establish a very tall, deeply embedded fence to completely prevent dogs from urinating on your lawn. Not only are dogs great jumpers but they are also efficient diggers. If a dog wants to mark his territory by urinating on your lawn, he or she is going to find a way to do it, regardless of a little obstacle like a fence!

Changing a Dog’s Diet?

Giving your dog food that advertises reduction of alkaline levels in the urine won’t prevent your lawn from suffering “urine blight.” Remember, it’s not the acidity of canine urine but the high concentration of nitrogen that kills grass. In fact, feeding your dog this kind of food may cause kidney and bone problems because it interferes with amino acid production.

“Curing” Dog Spots with Cleaning Products

Sprinkling yellow spots with gypsum or baking soda or dousing them with dishwashing liquid to “neutralize” dog urine are ineffective myths that continue to be perpetuated by desperate lawn owners.

Only one “product” will actually neutralize the negative effects of dog urine on grass and prevent ugly patches of dead grass from disrupting the beautiful, green expanse of your lawn.

Water!

Advantages of Irrigation Systems

Clean Cut Landscaping has been providing expert lawn care in Branford for nearly 15 years and frequently gets calls from frantic homeowners and business about unsightly yellow or brown spots spoiling their lawns.

Clean Cut Landscaping strongly urges installing an irrigation system because water is the only “product” that will dissipate and neutralize the heavy amounts of nitrogen in dog urine that are responsible for killing grass.

Automatic irrigation systems are low maintenance and completely effective at keeping your dog’s (or any other dog’s) favorite lawn potty area thoroughly diluted and free of grass-killing nitrogen. In addition, lawn irrigation systems also:

Stop the slow death your lawn is experiencing due to dog urine by installing an irrigation system today, and enjoy watching the transformation of your lawn from brown, dry, and drab to green, lush, and spectacular.

Local winter warrior joins the Snow and Ice Management Association

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 15:07:00 GMT

(BRANFORD, CT January 9, 2014) – Clean Cut Landscaping recently announced its new membership to the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA). SIMA is a nonprofit trade organization dedicated to ensuring professionalism and safety by helping those who manage snow and ice master essential skills and practices. Clean Cut Landscaping joins a league of snow and ice management service providers across the US and Canada who are dedicated to providing professional, high quality snow and ice removal.

“We as a company continually strive to improve our customer service by using the latest technology and educational resources at our disposal. I am confident that joining SIMA will give our staff a distinct advantage in managing the risk associated with snow and ice for our customers.” –David Malick, Owner Clean Cut Landscaping LLC

Clean Cut Landscaping has been serving the Shoreline Area (New Haven County) for 13 years. Clean Cut Landscaping works to provide a safer environment for the community during winter’s biggest storms. As a member of SIMA, Clean Cut Landscaping is now actively involved in promoting the snow and ice removal industry as a serious and worthwhile profession.

SIMA is an indispensable resource for members in communities that receive snow and ice during the winter season. The association provides an annual symposium and trade show, training, certification, and education to thousands of people each year. Visit www.sima.org to learn more about the training opportunities that are currently available to snow and ice removal professionals.

The Benefits of Property Management

Tue, 02 Jul 2013 18:16:00 GMT

It was expressed by the famous architect, Luis Barragan, that architecture, landscape and gardening are one, and cannot be divided. In all great landscape paintings, on all beautiful estates, this holds true. A resplendent landscape never competes with, nor detracts from, the architecture that hosts it. Gardening is an art form. A garden is a three-dimensional canvas of color, mass, shape and form, undergoing metamorphosis with each passing rain shower, season and year.

An expert property maintenance company will be keenly observant of the geometry of architecture on the property. The way the light falls on the land and through the trees, the shadows created by the height of the building’s façade; all these will factor into the final look of the project. Creating the perfect outdoor experience for the visitor or resident is an undertaking wrought with subtleties.

A paved curving walkway can be overly lengthy and ostentatious or it can give the stroller contemplative time to appreciate the manicured lawn or the carefully selected perennials. The pavers can be laid flat in an interesting geometric pattern or they can be crooked and uneven, creating hazards that force the walker to keep their gaze lowered to avoid stumbling. The difference between a landscape that imbues serenity and a haphazard collage of mishmash cuttings is professional property management.

Your commercial or residential property can live up to its potential with the help of a professional landscaping company like Clean Cut Landscaping . We offer our clientele in Branford and Guilford Connecticut much more than just lawn mowing services. Our staff will work with you on landscape design, installation and grounds management. We are experts in stone masonry, and can create natural and cultured stone effects. We design and install retaining walls, rock centerpieces, steps, plant borders, and even irrigation systems. Our green lawn services run the gamut of weekly mowing services all the way to seasonal mulching, spring and fall cleanup, snow plowing and complete lawn installation and upkeep.

Of course, we do all the heavy lifting for you. When you hire Clean Cut Landscaping, we deliver all materials on-site and dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner. All you have to do is enjoy the final view.

Have you been thinking of doing all this yourself? Here is what you can expect with ‘do it yourself’ landscaping:

You will have to purchase and store all lawn equipment, such as:

(If you have grubs, ants or other infestations, this would require even more products and treatments. Hopefully, you would be able to identify these problems and act quickly.)

You will need time to do all the work! Every weekend will involve some sort of lawn care.

If you want any kind of shrubbery or flowers, they have unique needs of their own. Get your checkbook out again, because even ubiquitous foliage that you see around town like Hydrangeas and Rhododendrons need special fertilizers and regular trimmings. Not to mention, you will lean to learn how to properly care for these plants.

The point is, you can spend your free time sweating in the back yard of your home or investment property or you can spend it doing the things you enjoy with the people you love most. Let Clean Cut Landscaping do the work for you. Clean Cut Landscaping’s total property management keeps your landscape beautiful.