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Get Your Landscape Ready for Summer

Spring Clean-upThe long, harsh Chicago winter is over and spring is officially here!  Now is a great time to walk around your outdoor space and see how your trees, shrubs, perennials and lawn are doing.  Outdoor spaces will benefit from a good spring cleanup now.  This preventive maintenance will bring big rewards all summer and into the fall.

Because of the unusually rough weather we had this winter, we’re hearing from customers about damage to landscape materials.  Some of the most common questions relate to:

Winter burn, especially on evergreens such as trees and bushes:  You may see brown branches on evergreens, and more prominently on the outer edges.  This is common winter burn.  Resist the urge to prune away these brown branches now.  They may simply fall off naturally in the next few months, revealing new growth.  Pruning now will only inhibit that new growth.  You may apply a small amount of fertilizer now, which will encourage the new growth.  The best thing to do is wait until June, and then take another look.  If the branches are still brown, pruning will be your best solution.  And of course, don’t forget to water! Read more about the affects of this year’s harsh winter in this Chicago Tribune article. 

Salt damage:  Applying salt to our sidewalks and driveways was a safety necessity this past winter.   Many cities and villages in our area reported that they depleted their salt supplies long before the winter ended.  All of this salt can result in damaged plants and lawns in the spring.  The best way to counteract salt damage is to apply water and organic materials to the affected plants.  Next, a layer of mulch will help retain the water and nutrients, protecting plants from further damage.

You may also see plants damaged by high winds, animals, and cold temperatures.  Before simply removing these plants, wait a few more months and see if they recover.  In the meantime, a good spring clean-up will help your yard by stimulating growth.  Cleaning out dead leaves from flower beds and around shrubs, raking the lawn to remove dead grass, and clearing away fallen branches will rejuvenate your yard’s appearance. 

Important additions to the yard are mulch and water.  Applying protective layers of mulch, and keeping up with watering, will give plants and trees the right start to the growing season.  O’Donovan Landscaping applies mulch and cuts a spade edge around your garden beds and lawn to provide protection and a neat appearance to your outdoor space.  Call us to schedule an appointment for spring clean-up. 

For over 45 years, O’Donovan and Sons Landscaping has been designing, installing and maintaining residential landscapes in Naperville and surrounding areas. We can help you design and install your new outdoor living spaces.  Contact O’Donovan Landscaping at 630-355-3370 to schedule an appointment!

De-Icing Concrete Pavers Safely

Homeowners in the Chicago area are busier than usual this winter, tackling large amounts of snow and ice on driveways and sidewalks.  If you’ve invested in concrete pavers around your home, you may be wondering about the safest and most effective way to keep them ice-free.  Safety is the top priority, but we also want to minimize potential damage to the pavers.  With many chemical de-icing choices available, which is the best for your concrete pavers?

Concrete pavers manufactured in recent years are strong and dense.  They absorb little water, which reduces the amount of expansion and contraction.  While less susceptible to damage from chemical de-icers than poured concrete, some precautions should be taken before applying chemical de-icers to concrete pavers. 

Commonly available de-icers include:

  • Sodium chloride (rock salt):  De-ices to just below 32⁰ F., making it less effective  in colder weather.
  • Calcium chloride: Faster-acting pellets, and are effective to around -25⁰ F.
  • Potassium chloride: A naturally occurring material, sometimes used as a fertilizer.  It is an effective de-icer.  However, overuse can cause damage to surrounding foliage.

While effective, the University of Nebraska and other professionals warn de-icers should be used in moderation only.  Overuse can cause damage to surrounding plants, burn foliage and inhibit rooting.  Keep in mind that concrete pavers may require less de-icing material than poured concrete.  According to The American Society of Landscape Architects, ongoing research suggests that most porous pavements (pavers) require less salting than impervious pavements, because thawed water drains so readily away through the pores.

Other, less desirable de-icers include:

  •  Ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate.  According to the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension, these can chemically attack concrete. 
  •  Magnesium chloride is an effective de-icer but also can cause damage to concrete.

Overuse of chemical de-icers may leave scaling, pitting and flaking of concrete pavers.  Sealing the pavers will help prevent this. 

Above all, be sure to read the label on the de-icer you choose.  Make certain that it’s safe for concrete pavers.  If you’re in doubt, give us a call at 630-355-3370 and we can track down the manufacturer’s recommendations.  We want you to keep safe this winter, and enjoy your hardscape for years to come.