LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

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Our designers can help you determine what seasonal plants will best suit your needs and budget.

We come highly rated as the best landscape designers serving South Charlotte, Monroe, Indian Trail, Waxhaw/Weddington and nearby communities.

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Natural/organic options available for maintenance – call now for a price quote.

Healthy lawns are the foundation of the vegetative showpieces that typically feature flowers, shrubs and trees. Performance Lawn and Landscape has the experience and the equipment to fill all your Charlotte landscaping needs. Some of our basic services include: Tree & Shrub Installation includes both planting and transplanting, Planting Area Preparation includes amending the soil and tilling, & Seasonal Flowers are the crowning glory of many landscape designed residences.

Sod Landscape Designer

Is a Sod lawn less work?

Yes, a professional sod lawn needs no special care because it is a healthy mature lawn when installed, whereas a sprigged or seeded lawn requires years of nurturing to reach maturity. Sod is grown under expert supervision from top quality seed blends. After it’s been installed, just water, mow and fertilize your sod lawn as needed and it will remain a healthy, green carpet of grass, requiring very little maintenance.

Where is Sod best used?

Sod can be installed practically anywhere even where seeding is impossible or too costly. Sod is often used to stop soil erosion and water pollution on slopes where rain would wash away both seed and soil. Sod is available in a variety of grass blends to suit various needs such as climate, amount of usage, sun and shade conditions.

Can Sod Withstand Heavy Usage?

Certainly Sod establishes itself quickly. In a few weeks, it’s ready for full use. It creates the perfect surface for lawn games and family outdoor living. with today’s various blends of hardy grasses, sod is chosen for parks, golf courses, athletic fields, as well as residential homes and business parks.

When can Sod be Installed?

Sod has revolutionized the lawn care business! Now you can install a sod lawn anytime during the year when the ground can be tilled. There is no need to wait for the “right” season to put in your lawn.

Is Sod a good investment?

Yes – it’s the only way to go – from bare, soil to lush, green lawn in just hours. Yet, it’s relatively inexpensive to use. In the few hours it takes to install your sod lawn, your property value increases significantly and even more in aesthetic value.

How will Sod affect our environment?

With today’s ecological concerns, many more people are considering sod for its environmental benefits. Sod cools and cleans the atmosphere by reflecting the sun’s heat and absorbing noises, carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. It releases valuable oxygen and moisture into the air we breath. As it grows, sod silently contributes to a healthier environment.

Landscape Designer Services

Sod Installation

Landscape Maintenance Tips

Trees & Shrubs

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Sod Installation & Care Guide

For best results, rototill or spade the area to be sodded to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Eliminate drainage problems by sloping soil away from foundations, etc. Soil test your lawn with the assistance of qualified service in your area. The soil test results will tell you the amounts and type of fertilizer needed. Then rake in fertilizer, lime, peat, and compost as needed to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Rake and smooth the soil, removing rocks, roots and large clods. Be sure the surface is leveled well as the sod will not “fill in” the low spots. Along sidewalks or driveways we recommend lowering the grade by 1″.

Turf Installation

Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive! Install your lawn immediately upon delivery. Begin watering within 30 minutes of installation. In hot weather, protect unlaid turf by placing stacks in the shade. Begin installing turf along the longest straight line, such as a driveway
or sidewalk. Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching. Avoid gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion, using large sharp knife to trim comers, etc. Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges as they will not maintain moisture. On slopes, place the turf pieces horizontally across the slope.

It is important to remember that turf needs to be installed promptly. Sod that is left rolled for a long period of time will overheat and die. To avoid causing indentations or air pockets, avoid repeated walking or kneeling on the turf while it is being installed or just after watering.

Watering

Give your new lawn at least 1″ of water within 112 hour of installation. Water daily, or more often, keeping turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Then less frequent and deeper watering should begin. Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering. Be certain that your new lawn has
enough moisture to survive dry, hot or windy periods. Remember to water areas near buildings more often since reflected heat dries the turf.

Caution

During the first three weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This will give the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil and insure that the turf will remain smooth.

Landscape Designer Maintenance Tips

Great care and effort have been put into producing our “Premium Quality” sod. The most disease resistant Kentucky Bluegrass varieties are selected to produce a resilient, high quality sod that will add to the beauty and value of your surroundings. With proper care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface and an improved environment. Here are some maintenance tips:

Mowing

Your new living carpet generally needs mowing 6-7 days after installation. Mow often, generally removing no more than 1/3″ of the grass height with each mowing. Always remember to keep you mower blade sharp. Mow when grass height reaches 3″ Set your mower a cutting height of 2-3″ The recommended mowing height will promote deep rooting to better survive dry periods.

Aeration

To promote deep rooting and reduce soil compaction created from new construction, we highly recommend aerating your lawn in the fall and spring when the ground is easy to penetrate. A soil plug of at least 1/.2″ by 3-4″ deep should be removed, leaving a series of holes approximately 2-3″ apart. If you are using a wheel type aerator you will have to go over the lawn several times to get the density of holes needed to keep your lawn healthy.

Fertilization

Fertilize your newly sodded lawn 30-45 days after installation. Always use a slow release formulation of plant food with a 3:1:1 ratio, such as 12-4-4 or similar formulations. Fertilize moderately applying 3-4 Ibs. of nitrogen per 1,000 Sq.Ft. per year. Avoid heavy fertilization in spring (April) wait until June to fertilize. Fertilize 3-4 times a year and apply most of the fertilizer in September & October. Spread fertilizer evenly to avoid streaking and burns. Apply when the grass is dry and water it in. Please note that our Wisconsin Green Fescue Mix and Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Mix only requires 1/2 of the above recommendations.

Weed Control

The best weed control is a healthy lawn. Keeping turf vigorous does not allow weeds to get started as easily. When weeds become a problem, hand weeding or herbicides are suggested. Crabgrass is an annual that develops from the seed produced the previous year. To control it, apply a pre-emergent herbicide in April, before the crabgrass starts to grow. Apply herbicides for broadleaf weeds (dandelions, plantain, etc.) in May or September. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions listed on the containers.

Trees & Shrubs – Landscape Design

Planting trees and shrubs requires more than just digging a hole and putting them is the ground. Many times I have seen landscaping companies and home owners install new trees and shrubs only to watch some of them die from incorrect planting. This is not only a waste of time, but more important a loss of money. You don’t have to be a professional horticulturist to be successful and have the landscape designed area you desire. For healthy trees and shrubs it all starts at the beginning with a good foundation, by following the right planting tips.

Before purchasing, selection is very important . Make sure that you only choose trees and shrubs that are adaptable to each location. Light requirements and mature size, need to be considered. Quality is also important, so shop at a reputable garden center or nursery. For shrubs, pick ones that are not “Broken”, “Cracked”, or “Scared”. For trees, choose ones that are “Upright” and full of Branches (Not Thin). Look at the foliage. If they are Dropping their Leaves or don’t look Healthy with Droopy Leaves. If they are, Don’t Buy Them!

Planting Tips

Prepare area by removing debris such as rocks, dead leaves, dead branches, and old mulch using a garden rake. Grade area to a proper level for proper drainage.
Do Not add amendments for they are not beneficial to use when planting. The roots will be kept from spreading. Shrub Roots need to grow beyond the branch spread. Roots of large trees need to grow at least 30-feet from the trunk, providing support and for them to find nutrients.
Remove tree or shrubs from it’s container by laying it on it’s side and hitting the pot with heel of your hand. pull it out after it has been loosened. If it does not come out freely, cut the container down the side away the “Root Ball”.
Break apart “Root Ball” down the side with garden shears, an ax, or your hand. This gives the roots a chance to grow outward to become established quicker, and absorbing nutrients and water faster.
Avoid air pockets by filling the hole with water first. Place tree or shrub in the hole and fill the sides with dirt but not compacting it to tightly. Water after the tree or shrub when you are finished planting.
Do Not Plant or Bury Trees or Shrubs Too Deep. Plant them no deeper than they have been grown in the container. The “Root Ball” should be even or slightly above the soil surface to allow for settling. I recommend slightly above. Planting at the correct level assures they will receive the right amount of air.
Plant the good side facing forward (the direction you want them to be seen) because they might not have been shaped properly by the retailer or nursery before being sold. This is especially for shrubs. Proper pruning after tree or shrubs become established will help them to grow well-rounded.
Planting tips for shrub placement – Do Not place shrubs too close to each other. You want to give them room to grow to their mature size (Read Label) It is important to know how each type will eventually grow in size. Plant shrubs Three Feet apart and Three feet away from Buildings, or Fences. Over planting is a common mistake causing over-crowding and over spending.
Apply mulch over the root ball around the base at a two-to-three inch layer. Do Not pile mulch up against the trunk of the tree or shrub leaving space, and spread it evenly around it. Too much mulch piled against shrubs can cause root or stem rot. They need air circulation.
Planting tips for fertilizing – Fertilize after “Thirty Days” of planting. Place Granular Fertilizer one to two feet away from the trunk around the tree or shrub at an even rate. Place top of mulch or pull mulch apart and place on top of the soil. Use trees and shrubs fertilizer 8-10-10. Follow directions for amount on the fertilizer label.
Planting tips when planting trees – It is important they have a strong foundation and are placed upright. Staking larger trees is recommended for support protecting them from wind before roots become established. form a saucer like basin with a berm around the tree to aid in watering.
Do Not plant trees that will become large too close to buildings for the roots can damage the foundation. Limbs can break off during storms damaging roofs and windows.
Do Not plant trees where the roots will grow under driveways and sidewalks for the roots can damage concrete or brick Plus, the tree can have health problems from roots being buried under them.
Remember if you have a large tree on your property line the owner is responsible for trimming limbs growing into your neighbors yard, and any damage done from broken falling limbs. Following these planting tips will ensure healthy growing trees and shrubs. Proper shrub planting will avoid any of them from having possible problems, which can lead to them eventually dying. Correct trees planting gives a good foundation for them to grow and live for a long time in your landscape designed yard.