FAQs

How soon after having my yard sprayed or fertilized can I water my lawn?

You can water your lawn right away after a fertilization application but is a good idea to wait at least a couple hours before watering your lawn after any other spray service

For what services should children and pets be inside?

We ask that animals (particularly dogs) be kept inside for all services for their own safety and the safety of our employees

For what services can my children and pets be outside?
  • It is always a good idea to keep your pets (such as cats and dogs) and children inside for up to 2 hours after we perform any spray work.
  • With basic spray services, such as lawn weed spray and lawn fertilizer, it is safe for pets and children to be outside within a half hour of application.
What is the difference between regular fertilizer and organic fertilizer?
  • Organic fertilizer naturally builds up the soil by stimulating microbes that fight off disease and improves the overall health of your soil
  • Contains no unnecessary or unwanted salts and chemicals like regular fertilizer
  • Organic fertilizer releases slower and can last longer than regular fertilizer
What are the Green benefits of having a systemic soil drench applied to my trees?
  • Efficient – yearlong insect protection
  • Environmentally Friendly – targets only harmful insects, leaving the ecosystem intact
  • Pocket Book Friendly – only one application necessary
What will happen if I give my email address to Greenleaf?

It is Greenleaf’s policy to NEVER gives out your email or sell your email to vendors.

Will granular fertilizer stain my concrete if left on it?
  • No, our fertilizer blends do not contain ingredients that would stain your concrete
  • However, other landscape companies may use products that do stain concrete; usually these products are high in metal content such as iron
Why use native plants in your landscape?

Native plant landscapes need less water, which saves money and resources!
Native plants help control erosion and reduce runoff, keeping sediments and pollutants out of our waterways!
Native plants are more hardy, will survive better and are more sustainable than many ornamental plants!

What are rain sensors?

A rain sensor, also called a rain shut-off device or a rain switch, is a small device that turns off an irrigation system when it rains. Mounted in an open outdoor area and connected to your irrigation system, a rain sensor can significantly reduce your water bill while conserving municipal drinking water.
Some rain sensors have a function to turn off within the first few minutes of rainfall. The total amount of rain will determine how long your system will stay off. The rain sensor may shut your system off for one to several days after a rainfall, depending on a number of factors such as the amount of rain and the sensor’s exposure to wind and sun.

How do rain sensors work?

Most rain sensors have water-absorbing expansion disks that swell in the presence of rain – similar to a sponge – and after a certain amount of rainfall, depress an electrical switch, thereby bypassing the regular cycle of irrigation and turning off your automatic irrigation system. The disks shrink as they dry, until they release from the electrical switch, restoring the normal cycle of your irrigation system. Rain sensors with expansion disks are the most popular type because they are highly reliable and require little maintenance.

To learn more about rain sensors and incentives from the City of Spokane

Visit our Irrigation page under Other Services

 

When is the best time to plant a tree?

Greenleaf generally installs the majority of its plants March – May because the plant selection from local nurseries are much more desirable

When is the best time to prune?

Greenleaf Landscaping prunes all year long!

What is Spring Pruning?
  • Pruning that is completed in the springtime with the object of reducing the overall size of plants and removing poor, damaged, and otherwise unhealthy branches. Spring pruning includes the inspection of shrubs for winter damage.
  • Spring Pruning and Fall Pruning are essentially the same type of prune – we recommend doing one or the other but not both.
What is Summer Pruning?
  • Controlling new growth maintaining shape and continuity and inspect for damage
  • We recommend pairing a Summer Prune with either a Spring or a Fall Prune for optimum health and beauty of your plants
What is Fall Pruning?
  • Pruning that is completed in the fall with the object of reducing the overall size of plants and removal of poor, damaged, and otherwise unhealthy branches. Fall pruning includes the inspection of shrubs for damage.
  • Fall Pruning and Spring Pruning are essentially the same type of prune – we recommend doing one or the other but not both
What is Winter Pruning?
  • Winter Pruning is the pruning of juvenile trees during winter dormancy pruning for future structure of the tree
  • Ask us about our Winter Pruning Discount!
What are the effects of topping my tree?
  • Greenleaf avoids tree topping whenever possible due to the stress it puts on the tree and the longterm safety issues for future tree care providers. Tree topping decreases the longevity and health of the tree because it creates a wound that the tree can never compartmentalize and heal. When a tree is topped, the growth that returns is poorly attached and grows at a tremendous rate. Those who perform future tree care on topped trees are at risk of tree branch failure and falling when climbing and pruning previously topped trees.
  • For more information, please visit the official ISA website at http://www.isa-arbor.com/ to learn more about tree topping and its side effects
Shearing versus Natural Pruning
  • Shearing can be a slightly less expensive way to prune shrubs. It gives shrubs a more formal appearance but it also drastically decreases the life expectancy of your shrubs.
  • Natural Pruning can be a slightly more expensive way to prune shrubs. It gives your shrubs a more natural appearance and is a much more sustainable approach to pruning.
  • Greenleaf Landscaping practices Natural Pruning unless shearing is specifically requested.
Should I paint or seal the wound/cut present in a tree?

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) research done on covering wounds found that it is detrimental to the tree, as it creates a hospital environment for decay to form and run at a accelerated rate.What if it rains after my spray application? Will it be less effective?

  • No, we use a special ingredient called Syltac which makes your spray applications rain fast almost immediately, so rain should not be a problem.
  • In light of this fact, we still do not recommend watering your lawn for up to twelve (12) hours after a spray application
What does IPM stand for?
  • IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management
  • We practice IPM which is a more environment friendly approach to insect and weed control and plant health.
  • More site visits insure early detection of pest problems – early detection means fewer applications are needed and fewer products are used. As a result, predatory insects survive and the ecosystem remains balanced
Will the residual spray for weeds or insects harm the birds or my pets?
  • We always use the most environmentally friendly products available and we recommend using Organic Dormant Sprays and Systemic Soil Drenches
  • You can learn more about Organic Dormant Sprays and Systemic Soil Drenches on our Green Page
How soon after having my yard sprayed or fertilized can I water my lawn?

You can water your lawn right away after a fertilization application but is a good idea to wait at least twelve (12) hours before watering your lawn after any other spray service

Why should I spray for Noxious Weeds?

Noxious Weeds are non-native plants introduced into Washington State. They spread quickly and can be difficult to control. They invade our croplands, rangeland, forests, prairies, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and estuaries, causing both ecological and economical damage that affects us all.

Chapter 17.10 RCW – Noxious Weeds – This is the primary noxious weed law, and it holds landowners – including state and county land agencies – responsible for controlling noxious weeds on their property. To learn more about noxious weed laws please visit Noxious Weed Laws

What are the benefits of having a professional landscaper install my plants?

Proper planting is crucial to long-term plant health and sustainability. If your plants are installed to deeply, rot can occur. If your plants are installed too shallow, the roots will not be anchored properly which will eventually result in plant decline

What are the detriments of improper plant watering?
  • When plants such as trees are not getting enough water there roots may rise to the surface, searching for water and sunlight.
  • Water from your lawn sprinkler system is NOT enough to sustain your trees and plants
  • Call us today to find out more about installing a drip system for proper watering of your valuable trees and plants
What are the benefits of installing bark in your shrub beds?
  • Besides giving your beds a neat and groomed appearance, bark can actually help cut your water costs because it holds moisture, keeping water longer in your beds!
  • Bark also acts as a natural mulch to your beds as it slowly breaks down over time
What are the benefits of properly installed poly-edging to your beds?
  • Poly-edging is a great way to keep grass from spreading and invading your shrub beds, keeping your lawn tidy and well groomed
  • Improperly installed poly-edging will work itself up out of the ground and have to be re-installed, causing extra expense and hassle
Why Are My Rhododendrons Yellow?
  • The most likely causes are that they are over-watered or that they are in need of a spring fertilizer.
  • Our knowledgeable Horticulturists would be happy to personally inspect your plants and correct whatever is ailing them
What Is Eating My Plants That Are Low To The Ground?!

The most likely culprits are slugs. Our Horticulturists can swiftly and effectively rid your valuable plants of these damage inflicting pests.

Why Aren’t My Geraniums Blooming?!
  • It is possible that your geraniums are not blooming because they are infected with thrip – have not fear! Greenleaf can effectively treat your geraniums for this disease.
  • FYI – You must have a certified spray license to treat for thrip
Why Aren’t My Roses Blooming? Why Do My Roses Look So Unhealthy?
  • If your roses aren’t blooming or if they look unhealthy they are probably suffering from aphid damage.
  • Our experienced Horticulturists can treat your roses for aphids and get them back on the mend in no time!
Why use native plants in your landscape?
  • Native plant landscapes need less water, which saves money and resources!
  • Native plants help control erosion and reduce runoff, keeping sediments and pollutants out of our waterways!
  • Native plants are more hardy, will survive better and are more sustainable than many ornamental plants!
What do I need to do before they come to winterize my sprinkler system in the fall?
  • Make sure that any water controls with inside access (garage or basement) are turned OFF
  • If you will not be home when we come to visit, please make special arrangements with our office so that our technicians have sufficient access to the sprinkler controls
What do I need to do before they come to start up my sprinkler system in the spring?
  • Make sure that any water controls with inside access (garage or basement) are turned ON (Do not do this step if your bleeders were left open in the fall)
  • If you will not be home when we come visit, please make special arrangements with our office so that our technicians have sufficient access to the sprinkler controls
How often should I be watering my lawn?

Please view our general watering schedule for basic guidelines to proper lawn watering. The watering schedule link can be found on the Irrigation page.