What Mower is Right For You?

Deciding on what kind of lawn mower to purchase for your lawn should be an informed choice. Possessing the appropriate mower for the lawn will increase efficiency and make your job easier. There are a few things that you should keep in mind while shopping for a new lawn mower in Sarasota,Fl. Consider the type of features and what operations you need the lawn mower to perform. It is also a good idea to check the terrain and size of the lawn that is going to be mowed. Remember to observe and take note of landscaping and other site features that could inhibit mowing.

There are several different types of lawn mowers available. Lawn mowers can range from uncomplicated reel mowers up to complex riding lawnmowers. Reel mowers are among the simplest of lawn mowers and are inexpensive. The riding lawnmower can be quite expensive, but is a good choice for a large yard. Today, a zero-turn riding lawnmower is available for those with an extensive landscape that enables its rider to turn in a full circle.

Rotary mowers are the most common type of mower available. Many homeowners utilize the rotary mower because the blades are easily removed for blade sharpening or switching out. The popularity of the rotary mower can also be attributed to its lightweight. The rotary mower is available in either a gas or electric powered model. Electric models are usually more quiet than gas, and better for the environment.

Alex Mendoza Landscaping proudly serves Sarasota, Manatee, and the surrounding areas. Call our friendly staff at (941)518-9424 for your complete lawn care needs. Our company stands for excellence and is dedicated to offering quality work at reasonable rates.

Sabal or Cabbage Palm Trees in Sarasota/Bradenton Florida

When people think of Florida a few things come to mind. Usually people think of beaches and pretty palm trees. There are several different types of palm trees in Florida.The forestry department of Sarasota county has rated palm trees on their website.They offer recommendations as to which palm is better suited depending on what purpose you intend for the tree.Some palms are better suited for growth in urban areas while others can attract wildlife.They can be used to highlight landscaping or for practical applications.
Florida is well known for its beautiful palm trees.  It is easy to become overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a palm for your yard because of the numerous and diverse selection of palm trees.  A quite common palm that is native to Sarasota, Florida is the sabal palmetto.  The conventional or more familiar name for the sabal palmetto is the cabbage palm.  This palm ordinarily(customarily, generally,typically, regularly) grows to a height of 40-60 feet, but has been know to reach spans of over 90 feet tall!  The leaves, or fronds, grow at the top of the tree and have a fan-like shape.  It also has white to yellow flowers that grow in clusters during summer months.  This palm also grows a fleshy, black fruit that attracts birds and other wildlife.

An interesting fact about the cabbage palm is that it is the state tree of both Florida and South Carolina.  The forestry department of Sarasota county has ranked this tree as "highly recommended".  This palm is undemanding and its maintenance straightforward.  The care is so simple that you can plant it, water it, and then walk away from it.  It is capable of surviving in any soil condition and even thrives under bad conditions.  Not only is the cabbage palm easy to maintain, but it is also surprisingly resilient to many situations.  The tree is so wind resistant that  it is known as the most hurricane proof tree.  Cabbage palms have been known to endure extreme states such as flood, drought, fire, cold, and living in a salty coastal area.

Any Questions? Call  Alex Mendoza Landscaping at (941) 518-9424.  We provide dependable lawn care and maintenance, tree work, and bobcat work for Sarasota/Manatee county.  If there is any type of lawn service you need completed just give us a call and we will be happy to assist you right away!

Mosquito Care in Sarasota/Bradenton

Mosquitoes have always been considered an annoyance.  The trouble began with the first European explorers landing on Florida.  Their writings show that the problem was so severe that the explorers would actually bury themselves on the beach at night.  They did this to protect themselves from the mosquitoes.  Even back then, people were aware that mosquitoes cause and spread diseases.  Some of those diseases include the west nile virus, malaria, st. louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, and more!

Mosquitoes not only feed on blood, but they also eat plant nectar.  It is usually the females that consume animal blood and bite humans.  There are certain nutrients and proteins that the female mosquito requires to be able to lay eggs and successfully reproduce.  Many counties, including Sarasota county, have agencies that try to control mosquitoes and prevent them from reproducing.  Even with these procedures in effect, there are still things the average person can do to help keep the mosquito population under control.  

Inspecting a few things around the house can ensure that your family's risk for a mosquito borne illness is low.  First, repair any broken screens at your windows, doors, porches, and patios.  If given the opportunity mosquitoes will invade your home and make a meal out of you while you sleep.  Next, drain any standing water in or around your lawn.  Clear out old tires, cans and bottles, or anything you are not using that has the ability to collect any water.  The smallest amount of standing water can have thousands of mosquito eggs in it.

Avoid going outside at dusk and dawn if you can.  At these times of the day, mosquitoes are most prevalent.  If you can not escape going outside, then wear protective clothing and mosquito repellent   A repellent that contains DEET has been proven to be the most effective at warding off mosquitoes.  The best way of protecting yourself is to dress in loose-fitting long pants and shirts that cover as much of your skin as possible.

For any questions or more specific information, please call Alex Mendoza Landscaping at 941-518-9424.  We proudly serve Sarasota and Manatee counties.  We are a dependable lawn care service provider that also specializes in tree work,bobcat work, and total yard clean-up!

To sod or to seed?......That is the question - Sarasota Lawn Care

Many people wonder whether to sod or seed their lawns.  Most want to know which is more cost effective or which method's final product will look better.   Unfortunately, there is no "one size fits all" answer.  There are both pros and cons for each method.  Depending on your lawn's individual needs and how fast you need the work completed has the potential to alter what technique you decide to utilize.  Whichever process you select (whether it is seed or sod) for your lawn has one very important aspect that remains the same: planning and preparation.

The great thing about sod is that it is quite versatile.  There is no set time frame of merely a few months when sod can be laid down.  Sod can be put down practically all year long!  The only time sod is incapable of being installed is if the soil is frozen or if there is snow on the ground.  In some cases, erosion or problems with weeds can be solved or repaired by properly preparing the ground and laying the sod.

Sod's best feature is that once the project is completed the final look of the lawn is appealing and attractive. Although there are many positive attributes when  using sod, there are a few disadvantages.  Sodding your lawn has the potential of being quite expensive, but there are reputable companies that offer fair pricing.  Also, seeding has a much wider variety of grasses and turfs to choose from than sod.

The seed method has some advantages over sod. Seeding your yard can give the same lush, beautiful look as sodding, if you have the time and patience to wait for it to grow.  One of the benefits to seeding is that there is a wider variety of grasses and different turfs to select for your project.  The initial root structure of the grass when seeding is stronger and more developed than sod.  One of the best aspects of seeding is that it is less expensive and more economical than sod.

Seeding your lawn has the potential for a few drawbacks.  First, there are only a few months out of the year that are just right for seeding.  The amount of rainfall, soil and air temperatures, and other aspects influence seed germination.  Initial seedlings require lots of moisture, so you will have to spend a lot of time watering your newly seeded lawn.  While this seems like a small disadvantage, failure to water correctly will have an effect on the quality of your grass that you will not be able to fix or repair after the fact.

Making the final decision on whether to use seed or sod can be challenging and frustrating if you do not have all the details.  These are general guidelines and information about seeding and sodding.  For more specific knowledge or information please call us at (941)518-9424!  You can also visit our website and contact us!

How to water your lawn in Sarasota-Bradenton, FL

People always want to know: How do I water my lawn the right way?  Since every yard is different, the answer can vary.  Lawns can be distinctive and unique.  Many factors can be used to determine the best time to water your lawn, how long you should be watering for, and how much water should be utilized.  These factors include climate, the type of grass, and soil conditions.  If your lawn does not receive enough water than your grass will be more susceptible to disease and environmental stresses, more prone to insects, and less likely to survive.

Generally, it is better to water deeply and infrequently.The standard goal for most lawns is about an 1" per week, and it is best if that is delivered "all at once" instead of spread out over the week. Give the grass abundant water so that the soil is moist and  there is enough water to penetrate down to the desired root depth.  This will encourage your grass to grow and develop deep roots.  These deep roots will help your lawn resist the stresses of drought, insects, and disease.  Do not water your lawn with light frequent waterings unless you are trying to establish new grass.

The best advice on watering your lawn is simple and easy: Only water your lawn when it actually needs it!  Not only will you conserve water, but your lawn will thank you also!  Over watering can cause your lawn to develop diseases and contribute to fungus growth.  How can you tell when your lawn needs water? There are a few and easy recognizable signs that you can spot with your eyes by just looking at your lawn!  The first sign is the grasses' appearance. If the grass begins to look blue-grey or take on a blue-grey tint it's time to water. A second sign is the blade or grass leaf curling up or beginning to wilt. Another sign is the lawn's bounce back rate.  A lawn that needs water will remain flattened and not bounce back when it has been stepped or driven on.  If approximately fifty percent of your lawn begins to show these signs or symptoms it is definitely time to water!

What length or height should my grass be at in Sarasota-Bradenton, Fl?

Individuals take a lot of pride when it comes to the look and how much hard work they have put into their lawn.  Keeping your lawn healthy and yard beautiful is no easy task.  A common concern is what is the appropriate height for the grass.  People also frequently ask how short they should be cutting their grass.

While the exact height that is healthiest actually depends on the season, type of grass, and the weather; the standard for most grasses is approximately 3 inches.  To achieve the strong healthy grass every lawn desires requires balance.  Cut the grass too short and your lawn will develop yellow patches of unhealthy grass.  This can be caused by a few things.  One reason is that the grass is stressed from too much of the leaf (or blade) of grass being cut off.  Typically, in a single mow you should not remove more than 1/3 of the grass because this causes damage.  The second most common reason for yellow patches of grass is that it has dried or burned out.  Once again, chopping off too much of the blade of grass is the culprit!  By removing most of the leaf area, you affect your lawn's ability to draw in the nutrients of water and sunlight it requires. Also, cutting your lawn too short affects the structure of the grass. It alters the grasses' root systems by damaging its ability to grow and this puts undo stress on the lawn.

The last thing that will ensure a proper cut to your lawn is sharp lawnmower blades.  A nice sharp blade on your lawnmower delivers a smoother and cleaner cut.  The more smooth and clean the cut is, the healthier your lawn and grass will remain.  Most professionals recommend that lawn mower blades should be maintained and sharpened after approximately ten hours of usage and service.  This can either be done by yourself,or by a worker or professional you hire.  Good luck on your lawn and happy mowing!