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Spring Cleanups and Mulching: Setting Commercial Properties Up for a Successful Growing Season

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:40:05 GMT

As winter fades and spring arrives, commercial landscapes begin to reveal the wear of months of cold weather, snow removal, and heavy foot traffic. A professional spring cleanup, paired with fresh mulch, is one of the most important investments commercial property owners and managers can make to protect their landscape assets and maintain a clean, professional image.

Why Spring Cleanup Matters for Commercial Properties

Spring cleanup is more than cosmetic—it’s the foundation for a healthy, manageable landscape throughout the year. Throughout the winter, debris such as fallen branches, leaves, sand, and salt residue accumulates in turf areas and planting beds. If left unaddressed, these materials can:

Smother turf and prevent healthy growth
Encourage pests and plant diseases
Block drainage and contribute to soil compaction
Create an unkempt appearance for tenants and visitors

A comprehensive spring cleanup typically includes debris removal, bed edging, pruning, turf evaluation, and preparation of planting areas. For commercial sites, this work ensures the property is safe, accessible, and visually appealing as foot traffic increases in the spring.

The Role of Mulching in Commercial Landscapes

Mulching is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect and enhance commercial landscape beds. When applied correctly, mulch provides both aesthetic and functional benefits that last well beyond the spring season.

Key Benefits of Mulching Include:

Moisture retention: Mulch helps soil retain moisture, reducing stress on plants and limiting irrigation needs.
Weed suppression: A proper mulch layer reduces weed growth, lowering long-term maintenance costs.
Soil temperature regulation: Mulch insulates roots from early-season temperature swings.
Improved appearance: Fresh mulch delivers an immediate, clean, and professional look that reflects positively on the property.

For commercial properties, consistent mulch depth and clean bed lines also improve long-term plant health and simplify ongoing maintenance.

Timing is Critical

Scheduling spring cleanups and mulching early in the season allows landscapes to establish properly before peak growth begins. Early service also helps identify winter damage, drainage issues, or plant losses that may require attention before they develop into more serious issues.

For multi-site or high-traffic properties, early planning ensures work is completed efficiently with minimal disruption to tenants, customers, or employees.

Protecting Your Investment

Your landscape is a long-term investment. Regular spring cleanups and professional mulching help extend the life of turf, shrubs, and trees while reducing the need for costly replacements later in the season. Well-maintained grounds also support tenant satisfaction, brand image, and overall property value.

Partnering With a Professional Landscaping Company

Experienced commercial landscapers understand the scale, scheduling needs, and quality standards required for professional properties. Whether managing office parks, retail centers, industrial facilities, or HOAs, a structured spring cleanup and mulching program ensures consistency, safety, and strong curb appeal across the entire site.

Contact Akehurst today to ensure your property receives expert care and is fully prepared for a successful growing season.

150 Years of Great Landscapes

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:00:04 GMT

In 1876, our world looked very different. Horses pulled carts down unpaved roads, public parks were only just beginning to take shape in growing towns, and the idea of professional landscaping and grounds maintenance was in its infancy. It was in that year that Akehurst was founded, when Charles Akehurst and his son C. Edward planted the seeds of what would become a horticultural enterprise.

Now, as we turn the calendar to 2026, we are proud to celebrate 150 years of serving the horticultural needs of Maryland. From our humble beginnings to today, our reputation as a trusted commercial landscape leader continues to grow. Many people turn to Akehurst because Akehurst is “Where Great Landscapes Begin.” Our story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for creating landscapes that invite, thrive and attract.

The Akehurst legacy began with one simple principle: to grow plants and make them great for people to use and enjoy. Since 1876, we have weathered industrial growth and urban expansion, two world wars, presidential assassinations, changing environmental standards and sustainability priorities, advances in machinery and materials. Yet, through it all, our commitment to quality and service has never wavered. We have adapted, learned, and evolved — ensuring that we remain a trusted partner for every client we serve.

Growing Through Generations

Six generations later, in 2026, our firm continues to evolve. From its origins in nursery and plant production, to landscape installation, grounds maintenance, and snow removal, we have consistently adapted to the changing needs of our clients and the market. From historic grounds and public spaces to commercial sites and private landscapes, we have always believed that well-kept environments improve daily life.

Today, our team combines traditional horticultural knowledge with modern practices, sustainable techniques, and state-of-the-art equipment. This blend of heritage and innovation allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality results while caring responsibly for the environment. The company now focuses exclusively on serving commercial, municipal, and institutional clients, bringing over 150 years of experience to properties across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Generations of Trust

One of the greatest honors in reaching 150 years in business is knowing that many of our customers have stayed with us for generations. Parents have introduced children, grandparents have shared stories, and long-standing relationships have become the foundation of our business.

Many of our employees over the years have also chosen to build their careers here, and it is exciting to see the next generation of many of these employees come and join the ranks at Akehurst. Akehurst truly is a company shaped by many families that recognize that their hard work planting and maintaining the landscapes they care for creates a rewarding experience for themselves and for our clients.

This continuity reminds us that we are not just providing a product and service — we are part of a larger story, woven into the lives of the people, clients, and the communities that we serve.

Rooted in History, Built on Values

When our doors first opened in 1876, the world looked very different. Yet from the very beginning, our purpose was clear: to provide reliable service, honest work, and lasting value. While technologies, industries, and expectations have evolved over the decades, our core values have remained unchanged. Those values of integrity, craftsmanship, and care for our customers have guided us through wars, economic shifts, technological revolutions, and changing times. They are the reason we are still here today.

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

As we celebrate 150 years in business this year, it is a moment to reflect, it is also a moment to look forward. We remain committed to innovation, excellence, and meeting the needs of future generations, just as we have for the past century and a half.

Our promise is simple: to honor our history while embracing the future, and to continue serving with the same dedication that defined us since the beginning.

Reaching 150 years is not something we take lightly. It is a milestone shared with everyone who has supported us along the way. Thank you all for being a part of our journey in making Akehurst, “Where Great Landscapes Begin!”

Choosing the Right Snow Contractor: Snow Removal Pitfalls to Avoid

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:40:00 GMT

A winter weather event can be either a nuisance or a nightmare for your property. Having the right contractor to manage your site is crucial to keeping it open for business and reducing the liability risks should a slip and fall occur on your property. Selecting the right snow contractor is the foundation for successful winter management; the key to staying calm when old man winter throws his punches.

At Akehurst Landscape Service, we want property managers to sleep soundly and keep their nightmares from happening, knowing their sites are in capable hands. Before you finalize your choice of snow management vendor, we recommend considering the following:

1. Insurance Coverage

When it comes to ice, the odds are against you that an accident will happen on your property when the ground is frozen and the precipitation falls. You need to reduce your chances of liability by hiring a contractor who will work to keep your site as clear as possible. In addition, your contractor should have an insurance policy that will help protect their employees and yourself. Always request a Certificate of Insurance naming you or your entity as an additional insured party. This step ensures protection in the event of an accident.

2. The Contractor’s Strength

When it snows, you are at the mercy of the contractor you’ve hired. Are they equipped to handle heavy snowfalls to get your property cleared in a timely fashion? When the snow gets too deep to clear with conventional trucks with plows, you need a vendor who has the capabilities to bring in bigger equipment to get the results and have your facility open for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic as soon as possible.

In addition, snow removal is hard on equipment. And it is guaranteed that, sooner or later, your contractor will experience a breakdown. Find out from your vendor about their contingency plans- how they handle these situations and what policies they have in place to give your property the attention that it needs.

A reliable snow contractor keeps their fingers on the pulse of mother nature. They are prepared to go at the slightest risk. Due to the geographic location of Maryland, we are prone to sudden overnight “clippers” that sneak in from the north without warning and that no one on the eleven o’clock news was calling for when you went to bed. Your contractor should have multiple weather monitoring systems and should be located close to your property in the event that they need to spring into action quickly.

When a long storm hits or back-to-back storms approach, it can create salt shortages. Your contractor should have an adequate supply of deicers and salt to carry them through. At Akehurst Landscape Service, our strength goes beyond the ordinary. When Old Man Winter throws a jab and an uppercut combo, we have the ability to call in other contractors from outside our area to send additional equipment and labor as an extra layer of protection for our clients — much like the utility companies do.

3. Legalities

Always plan for the worst but expect the best. At Akehurst Landscape Service, we love to hate snow. We assign each crew a limited number of job sites to ensure our clients receive timely and attentive service when a major storm hits. Many contractors will overextend their resources by taking on too many properties, which can cause delays during a heavy snowfall. The last thing you want during a major storm is to be waiting for your contractor to “finally get to your property”.

Sooner or later, an accident may happen. That’s why it is in both your interest and your contractor’s to maintain detailed records of what was performed and when it was done on your property. At Akehurst Landscape Service, we document every action performed on your property and retain these records along with weather data for up to seven years as a protection against litigation.

Hopefully these three tips on avoiding pitfalls when hiring a snow contractor will help guide your decision. We recommend that you ask your prospective vendor the right questions:

· How do they prepare for a storm?

· What equipment and manpower will they designate for your site?

· How will they communicate with you before, during, and after the storm?

Asking these questions before you sign the contract will help you avoid time consuming issues when the ice and snow hits.

Cool Season Annuals

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:22:57 GMT

How to Make a Colorful Statement for Your Property in the Fall

As shorter days and cooler temperatures settle over the Mid-Atlantic, the vibrant blooms of summer annuals and fall perennials begin to fade. At Akehurst Landscape Service, we understand the importance of curb appeal and the powerful role color plays in enhancing your property’s appearance. To keep landscapes looking their best, our crews are busy removing summer displays and planting “cool-season” annuals that bring new life and color well into next year’s summer season.

When planning your cool-season plantings, there are several varieties to choose from, each with its own benefits and considerations, depending on location and desired impact. Chrysanthemums, for example, will make a bold, colorful statement, but bloom for only a few weeks. Plants with characteristics like these make them ideal for special events or grand openings. For longer-lasting displays, consider ornamental kale and cabbage, which maintain their beauty deeper into the season. For continuous color and cheer through early spring, pansies and violas are reliable favorites.

“You must consider the space, when designing a color display,” says John Akehurst, President of Akehurst Landscape Service, Inc. “Is it viewed up close by pedestrian traffic or by car traveling past your signage? These two different types of viewing can change the plant layout and/or color option(s). With cars traveling past, it may be a one-color or two-color combination in a mass to catch the eye of the occupants, whereas a pedestrian viewed display may allow for a more complex design of colors and textures to spark intrigue.”

When choosing your color palette, Akehurst Landscape Service recommends warm tones such as orange, red, and yellow during winter months to create warm and vivid effects against the cooler landscape. Because cool-season annuals are typically smaller, planting them more densely ensures a lush and impactful display.

If you wish to learn more about how Akehurst Landscape Service can enhance your property with vibrant cool-season color, contact us today. Our team will work with you to design and implement a plan that brings visual warmth and beauty to your landscape all season long.

Unlocking the Advantages of Fall Landscaping

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:43:12 GMT

As the seasons change and nature prepares for its annual cycle, fall is the optimal time to enhance your property’s landscape. At Akehurst, we understand that a beautiful and sustainable landscape not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of your property, but also adds significant value and environmental benefits.

Why? Contrary to popular belief, fall is an incredibly advantageous time to undertake landscaping projects, especially for planting new trees, shrubs, and perennials. The cooler temperatures and increased soil moisture create ideal conditions for plants to establish strong root systems before the onset of winter. This ensures they emerge healthier and more vigorously in the spring. Setting the stage for vibrant growth and an impressive landscape year-round.

Six Compelling Reasons to Plant in the Fall

1. Optimal Root Development

Planting in the fall allows roots to establish during the cooler months when plants are not focusing on growth above ground. This early root development gives new plants a head start, leading to more vigorous growth in the spring.

2. Enhanced Plant Survival Rates

Plants introduced during the fall are less stressed by high summer temperatures and drought conditions. The cool weather and consistent moisture levels contribute to higher survival rates compared to spring and summer planting.

3. Reduced Maintenance and Care

Fall-planted greenery generally requires less immediate watering and care, as the natural conditions of the season support healthy establishment. This results in less maintenance effort and costs.

4. Extended Gardening Season

Starting in the fall will offer a longer window for planting, allowing you to be more flexible with scheduling. This also means that your landscape can begin its growth cycle early in the spring, providing a quicker turnaround for your investment.

5. Cost Savings and Better Plant Selection

During the fall, nursery inventories often include a wide selection of mature and healthy plants.

6. Preparation for a Blooming Spring

Plants established in the fall are primed to burst into bloom and flourish as soon as the weather warms, giving your property a colorful and lively appearance earlier than usual.

Timing is crucial when it comes to landscaping, and the fall season offers a myriad advantages that can significantly impact the health, appearance, and longevity of your investment. Whether you are considering planting new trees, shrubs, or perennials, now is the perfect time to plan and undertake your landscaping projects.

At Akehurst, we are committed to helping you make the most of this optimal season. Our team of experienced professionals are ready to assist you with expert advice, quality plant selections, and seamless installation tailored to your specific property and preferences.

Contact us today to discuss your commercial property’s landscaping goals or to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a stunning landscape that will thrive for years to come.

What to Look for When Hiring a Grounds Maintenance Firm

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 19:11:31 GMT

Whether you just acquired a new property to manage or if you feel that you need to make a change regarding your current service provider for grounds maintenance and snow removal services, the start of acquiring a vendor to provide service to you can be time consuming and sometimes frustrating when deciphering all the options to see who will be the best fit for you and your property.

In regard to the amount of time that you will spend with RFP’s and the process of selecting a vendor… it is truly a choice on how extensive you get with the number of firms that you wish to contact, set up meetings with etc. We do encourage that you have face-to-face meetings on site so that everyone can be on the same page regarding the needs of the property as well as each party’s expectations. After that, and once the proposals from the various vendors have been obtained, selecting the right landscape firm is still not an easy task. Looking at the bottom-line expense between each vendor can vary greatly. Additionally, when you have a big variance in numbers… a careful review of the services provided must be performed and compared to your desired services.

In order to sort out the best prospects before you obtain the proposals, we recommend the following thoughts to qualify who will be bidding on your project.

Four questions to ask your landscape provider:

1. What is the reputation of the landscape provider, and will they be reliable?

While it may seem obvious, it is still quite common to see property managers and business owners who hire firms based on the lowest price with no consideration of the track record of the firm.

“How long have you been in business?” This is a wonderful question to start off your interview when soliciting a vendor to bid on your property. This will give you great insight hopefully as to how the potential vendor has weathered hardships and where they plan to go. Ask for references. If they haven’t been around for very long, ask for a few personal references that you can contact to confirm the firm’s ability to be able to meet the demands of service that you require. While contacting the references, ask the hard questions of not only the positives of dealing with the firm you are inquiring about, but also ask about the concerns that they have had. There is not one landscape company on this planet that is perfect, and if anyone ever sells the idea that they are a perfect firm, then that should be a red flag to you.

“At Akehurst, we strive for perfection, but we do occasionally make a mistake, and when we do make a mistake,

we don’t ignore it or hide it, we fix it… and that is when some of our clients truly see how great of a company that we are…

when there is a problem we fix it.”

- Company President, John Akehurst.

We believe in the American Dream, and we believe that everyone should have an opportunity to start somewhere. After all, we had our “opening day” too. Our firm was started by Charles Akehurst back in 1876. Charles probably never envisioned that the tiny seedling of his business would still be around today having experienced and survived through economic upswings and downturns the Second World War, presidential assassinations and blockbuster blizzards. Now, with the sixth generation of his family being a part of the business team that services its clients; Akehurst prides itself in leading the industry and continues to expand its operations in the growing commercial market. We encourage you to read more about our story ( https://www.akehurst.com/about-commercial-landscaping-company ).

2. What value will this vendor bring to me and my property?

As a property manager or facilities manager, you have a lot of responsibilities associated with the maintenance of your property. When you can rely on a single service provider for your landscape, you free up some of your time in management. Outlining what you are looking for in a vendor will give you some good insight into questions to ask those who will be providing quotes to you and assist you in the decision-making process.

Some routine values desired that we have found common among our clients are:

- Vendor responsiveness.

- Vendor reputation.

- Vendor quality of work.

- Vendor professionalism.

- What other service offerings are provided by the Vendor.

- The ease of doing business with the Vendor.

- Pricing.

At Akehurst, we can provide you with much more than just the normal spring mulching and mowing services. We can also assist you with storm damage clean ups, tree removals, landscape design and installation, storm water management maintenance ( https://www.akehurst.com/a-101-on-storm-water-management-structures-and-what-you-need-to-know ) holiday decorating, power washing, parking lot sweeping as well as 24-hour snow & ice management ( https://www.akehurst.com/commercial-property-landscape-maintenance#CommercialSnowRemoval ).

The ability to provide a broad range of services is a convenience to our clients. Many of our services are done in-house but we also partner with an elite group of contractors that we have screened and selected for specialty services such as concrete work, paving, grading and more should the need arise. Because we can oversee all these services, Property Managers know that they can consult and rely on our seasoned Account Managers at any time to take care of all their needs.

With a century and a half of experience, Akehurst has partnered with property owners and property management individuals all over. Our services giving them peace of mind that their individual needs will be taken care of.

When selected for a project, Akehurst takes ownership of the work that they provide resulting in a landscape that shows that we care. We consider the fact that our client’s properties are of utmost importance and we respond to any requests and or concerns with value added solutions.

3. Will I have a consistent response, and landscape aesthetics throughout the year?

We know that the image of your landscape means everything for a first impression to your tenants and customers. From early spring clean-ups to fall leaf removals we utilize our depth of knowledge and experience to create, maintain and enhance commercial landscaping. Whether you’re a business owner, developer or property manager, the vendor of your choosing should take on the worry and hassles of your landscape and snow removal, allowing you to focus on what you do best. With 150 years in business, we encourage and teach our staff to be efficient and train them on the proper techniques to ensure a great curb appeal and a safe environment for the properties that we serve every time we make a visit.

We recognize that our reputation relies on yours. And we want your property to shine brighter than the properties that surround yours. With that in mind, we often make value added recommendations to assist you with enhancing your property’s appearance. If there is a need, your point of contact that is familiar with your property will respond.

4. What kind of reliability will I have with this vendor?

This should be another key question to find an answer to before you finalize the decision process on who you will entertain a proposal from. Especially if making sure that the work that you need to have performed is taken care of in a timely manner.

A professional vendor should be a true partner whose goals and vision align with yours and that of your property.

With the depth of resources within our organization, we are able to respond quickly when there is a need. And for those after-hour events, such as a downed tree from a storm or a busted water line in the parking lot during the middle of a freezing winter night, a simple phone call to our storm emergency hotline will instigate a response to handle your emergency. Another asset to your site is the partnership that we build with our clients on creating and maintaining the image and safety of the site. Many times, an Akehurst Account Manager will contact you concerning a safety issue before you may be aware of it.

 5. Does the proposal I received follow the site needs that I have requested?

Many contractors will use vague language in their contracts in relation to the number of times they will mow or how many times they will weed, prune etc. At Akehurst, we provide you with the details of how many occurrences per season in our proposal with the pricing so that you, as the customer, will know how many times each service will occur throughout the season.

If your property has a special space of attention, such as a storm water management device that you require to have mowed 4 times per season… our contract will show that as a separate line item and your Account Manager at Akehurst will schedule that it receives attention 4 times per season.

Take your time in doing your investigation in the beginning to eliminate your risk.

Choosing a new landscape provider is time consuming, but finding the right fit for you and your property is essential for a decrease of your burden of management while ensuring the proper aesthetics of your landscape and safety of your tenants, employees, customers and residents who reside or visit. Please contact us today if you wish to learn more about how great landscapes begin when you begin with Akehurst.

A 101 on Storm Water Management Structures and What You Need to Know

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 18:59:08 GMT

We are all somehow influenced and enjoy living near the Chesapeake Bay. Whether it be eating crabs (a favorite Maryland pastime) or just getting out for a lazy boat ride. The Chesapeake Bay is a significant and enjoyable natural resource that we all should care deeply about and the protection of it for future generations.

Living in Maryland, most of the state’s surface water run-off eventually finds its way into the Bay. This is a significant issue that affects this natural resource, with pollutants and erosion which can affect the aquatic plant life, fish, birds and more. In 2007, the legislature of Maryland passed the Storm Water Management Act (SWM) with guidelines of how they are to be created and managed. According to the Harford County Government website, Harford County alone has over 1,000 structures that they inspect.

Each county/jurisdiction in Maryland is responsible to oversee that the storm water management plans are followed. And this results in routine inspections to make sure that your property is compliant. The owner of the property is accountable for storm water drainage and that means that they are required to maintain their Detention and Retention Ponds/Basins.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOUR STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF?

Damage by erosion and unprotected run-off can be created on your property and neighboring properties if the water is not flowing the way that it was designed to handle the flow. This, if ignored, can become a significant liability for the owner and increased expense of repairing a bigger problem that would have been minor if dealt with sooner.

WHAT ARE INSPECTORS LOOKING AT REGARDING MY STORM WATER RETENTION?

As mentioned earlier, each county sends out inspectors periodically to check on the storm water retention systems in their jurisdictions. Sometimes, they show up un-announced. When they arrive they will inspect your systems to make sure that there are no debris (sediment and or trash) or vegetation building up or growing that blocks the water flow. They will look for areas of erosion around the basin and or banks both inside and outside of the structure among a few other items.

WHAT CAN I DO TO ENCOURAGE A PASSING GRADE ON MY SWMP INSPECTION?

Make sure that all inlets and outlets are clear of sediment, debris and vegetation that tend to build up and grow. Routinely checking on this area a couple of times per year and addressing any needs will protect the investment of your retention system and help to insure a passing grade with the inspector(s).

With wet soil, comes specific plants such as phragmites and cattails that thrive. These tend to be extremely invasive and can take over quickly. These should be cut back as much as possible and a thorough cut back can be done in the winter months as well.

Pay attention for bank erosions both around the inside and outside of all embankments and repair them before they become bigger. If you have any bare areas that should have grass growing on them, re-seed them immediately so that their root systems can establish reducing areas of “Washouts” to the soil.

At Akehurst, many of the properties that we maintain have us routinely service their SMW systems a couple of times per season. If your system is not being serviced routinely let us know so that we can help you with yours.

Understanding The Principles and Benefits of Aeration and Overseeding

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:51:50 GMT

One of the biggest misconceptions of lawn management by the public is that left on its own, grass will grow and produce a full rich lawn naturally. Unfortunately, that is not the case. If a uniform full look is desired, aeration and overseeding is a vital step among other steps to achieve it. Together these techniques help to create a beautiful, thick, green, and lush lawn.

About Aeration and Overseeding

Aeration is the process of de-compacting the soil by cutting small holes into it. These holes allow oxygen, water, and fertilizer to reach the grass’ roots, promoting stronger root growth. The holes also assist the grass plants to grow deeper roots which strengthen the turf grass. Overseeding is a process for improving the density of the turf by adding fresh grass seed to the existing lawn. These two combined services work in harmony and can improve the health of the turf for the next several years. The holes created by aeration allow grass seed and starter fertilizer to achieve better soil contact, which improves germination results.

How (and Why) to Use Aeration and Overseeding Together

While both aeration and overseeding are separate techniques to improve the turf, they can (and should) be used together to create a rich, vibrant lawn. Overseeding immediately after core aeration allows excellent soil contact for your new grass seed as it falls into the holes you made in the turf. This improves the germination rate, and you simultaneously strengthen existing grass plants while thickening your lawn with healthy new seedlings.

Choosing the Best Time to Aerate and Overseed Lawns

In most landscaping and gardening projects, timing is everything. And that’s true for aeration and overseeding. But there’s not a one-size-fits-all “best” time to aerate and overseed the lawn. The geographic region of the United States where the turf is growing, and the type of grass you have will dictate when you should perform these services. This is because you want to give the grass time to grow and strengthen before harsher weather conditions arrive, so you want to aerate and overseed your lawn just before your grass has the ideal growing conditions. Those conditions largely depend on the geographic location and how seasonal changes affect the grass.

When to Aerate and Overseed Warm-Season Grasses

In the southern portions of the United States, the lawns are primarily made up of warm-season grasses. The best time to aerate and overseed in this region is in late spring. This is because warm-season grasses thrive and grow best during the heat of summer.

When to Aerate and Overseed Cool-Season Grasses

Here in the Mid-Atlantic Region and North of us (areas with four distinct seasons and snowfall over the winter), our turf is made up of cool season grasses. These grasses thrive in the cooler months of the year (Spring and Fall) and will typically struggle to maintain their green color during the heat of the summer. For our region, early spring is an OK time, and early fall is the ideal time to perform aeration and overseeding to get the best results. In the spring, the window for success is very narrow. Too early and the soil will be too cold for the seeds to germinate. Too late, and the seedlings won’t have the time they need to develop the root system that will sustain them through the heat and drought of summer and may struggle while competing with annual weeds. Fall is the best time for aeration and overseeding because annual weeds have faded, soil temperatures are warm from the hot summer months, and the growing conditions are ideal (cool, rainy). By the time winter comes, the turf should be thick and healthy with strong roots, ready to perform well in the spring. Remember to make attempts to skip a mowing right after seeding so be sure to schedule mowing around the overseeding services to allow time for the seeds to stick and begin to germinate. A week between overseeding and mowing at a minimum and two or more weeks is most ideal.

Image Sources:

Sasha (2013) Lawn aeration. The Grass Outlet.com. https://thegrassoutlet.com/
Sasha (2013) The Grass Outlet.com. https://thegrassoutlet.com/

"Right Plant, Right Place": Selecting Plants for a Managed Landscape.

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:51:50 GMT

Most of us have a car that overtime needs to be replaced due to time taking its toll on the components and weather deteriorating its appearance. Did you know that most landscapes around buildings and entranceways require a similar replacement investment in keeping your property functional and aesthetically pleasing?

The average landscape that is maintained properly may need a face lift approximately every 20 years as the plants begin to aesthetically reach their maturity date. Property owners of buildings and communities with landscapes over 20 years old should analyze their landscape at least once per season (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter) to evaluate their trees and shrubs and determine if they are providing the function that is desired to make the property stand out from the neighboring properties.

At Akehurst, we assist our clients with new landscape designs / installations to increase the curb appeal of their properties by replacing worn out landscapes that have gone beyond the years of providing aesthetic values and at times, create new outdoor spaces for the employees, their clients and their tenants to enjoy, whether it be a sitting area, smoking area or just a little oasis in the landscape for people to go and unplug for a bit during their workday.

Choosing the “right plant(s) for the right place” is an important consideration for all types of landscaping. Ignoring these guidelines may lead to increased maintenance, a failure of plants to thrive, and sometimes the death of the installed plant material. Careful planning and site evaluation are the first steps in applying this concept. Trees and shrubs vary considerably in their ability to tolerate different site conditions, and it is crucial to select plants to match the existing growing conditions of the site in addition to their ornamental value. Even the best planting practices will not help a plant to thrive if it is poorly suited for a particular site. It is also important to know the mature height and width of selected plants so that they will not outgrow the space allotted to them.

Some site conditions to keep in mind when selecting landscape plants include:

Light availability, intensity and duration (full sun to deep shade)
Water availability, both quantity and quality.
Exposure to wind and temperature extremes.
Soil type, drainage, compaction.
Hardiness zone.
Competition from existing vegetation.
Below ground conditions in our urban sites.
Above ground obstructions, such as roof lines, wires, etc.

Aesthetic consideration for plant selection include:

Growth habit, i.e. pyramidal, columnar, spreading, etc.
Season and color of bloom.
Foliage color, texture and shape.
Winter interest of bark, fruit, or structure.
Benefits to wildlife.
Fall color.
Longevity.

Low-maintenance landscaping does not mean that no maintenance will be required, as all plants will require some routine care to succeed. In addition to plant selection, proper planting practices and the grouping of trees and shrubs according to their needs for water, fertilizer, and maintenance will go a long way to ensure good plant health. With a good site evaluation and plant selections, your plants will thrive and enhance the landscape for many years. If your HOA or Business needs a face lift to freshen up its appearance or even a little oasis needs to be created somewhere on the property, our team of plant experts will assist you in putting together the perfect plant combinations and provide a fresh appearance to your property.