We're in a Drought!! - SFP Landscaping

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We’re in a Drought!!

January 22nd, 2018

The Fall of 2017 was EXTREMELY MILD! Landscapers took full advantage of the extended season…planting new turf grass, perennials, groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Fall planting is most definitely desirable because cooler weather and fall rainfall TYPICALLY allow for root growth and giving new plant material to settle in/establish. Additionally, the first few months of 2017 were also unseasonably mild. November and December of this past year were dry, DRY, DRY!…the driest since 1989! Not only the last two months of 2017, but indeed September through December have not been as dry since 1989! We are abnormally dry! We are in an EXTREME DROUGHT, folks!! The artic blasts of late combined with local drought conditions are going to equate to critical damage and potential mortality in plants – both deciduous and evergreen.

“Simply stated, I am saying: we are in a drought, drag your hoses out!!!” says Jen Mikiska, Construction Field Operations Manager and a designer for SFP Landscaping. She adds “Since landscape irrigation systems are shut down for the winter season, hand watering is vital especially for new(er) plant material. Even established items are experiencing heavy stress. Granted, it is not “fun” to drag out hoses when it is above 40 degrees, spend time hand watering and then detach and drain the hoses, BUT neither is the prospect of losing plants.”

SFP’s In-house turf expert and Operations Manager, Jeremy Lentz is concerned about the potential for turf damage. “The fact that lawns were continuing to feed during last year’s late, warm fall, along with the lack of natural rainfall after irrigation systems were shut down is creating a very stressful situation for turf. It is going to be so important to feed lawns early to be assured that those roots have the right nutrition to keeping going and growing to make sure they will be what we and our customers want to see this coming spring.”

Dear Jen,

Just wanted to thank you again for all your hard work, efforts and great ideas with my landscaping!! It was so fun to work with you and the crew! I’m already trying to think of more areas that might need some changing!! And thank you for the “Drinking Gourd” Hosta and Astilbe. I will always think of you when I look at them. Thanks.

– Kathy M.

We had an excellent experience working with SFP. Our designer, Karen, came up with spectacular ideas that exceeded our expectations, and then worked with us (and our budget) to turn those ideas into a beautiful and functional design for our backyard. She was willing to answer many questions and make several changes until we were completely set on a design, brought her team out to ensure the grading and drainage issues would be corrected, and created a beautiful space for us to enjoy. The team was professional, friendly, and tidy. They did an excellent job from start to finish, and clearly took pride in their work, as evidenced by the hours they spent ensuring every rock was placed perfectly. I’m excited to work with Karen and SFP in the future to do our front yard!

– Bethany L.

Dear Jen,

Just a note to thank you again for all you’ve done for me. Your sparkling personality, your design knowledge has turned what was a disaster into a livable solution. The yard is great and the space between the houses will be fine. I am so-o-o-o grateful. I prayed for a miracle and I got one! I hope SFP Landscaping appreciates what an asset they have in you.

– Marian G.

Karen and SFP Landscaping did a redesign of part of our back yard to help us manage storm water runoff and attract and help pollinators using native plants. She listened to my vision and did not insist on her own. She waited patiently until the right time for the project and then started with the appropriate plantings for fall and winter. She included me in her master plant plan and I knew just what to expect. She followed up in the spring, planted appropriate plants, put in sod, re dug some of the rain garden and checked back and checked back and checked back. I would work with Karen and SFP again without hesitation and I recommend them without reservation.

– Julie H.

Tom,

My mother-in-laws place looks great. Better yet, she is over-the-moon with how the yard looks. Thank you!

– Babette G.

It has been a pleasure working with you and I am looking forward to the continuation of our project.

– Woelle G.

We love our new landscaping-front and back! It is delightful watching the birds, bees & butterflies enjoying the new blooms! Jen, Eric & their hard working crews were knowledgeable and persistent in tackling some tough issues to complete the job. It’s always a pleasure to have your crews working at our home! Thank you so much.

– Mark and Patti B.

Karen, Salvador, and the team were excellent to work with as we built a new detached garage and landscaped our backyard. They had excellent ideas for Missouri native plants and drainage solutions to account for slope and rainwater. Always so responsive and creative. Highly recommend.

– Natalie S.

Tell the fellas thank you for the good job they did with my grass. I’m grateful for the extra time they took in picking up those nasty silk worms from the oak trees. Much appreciated!

– Lorraine S.

Great Job!! Your designer and crew did a great job. They were very professional and I enjoyed working with them. Thank you for a job well done.

– Megan F.

We have used SFP Landscaping for large projects such as pool patio/waterfall design and installation as well as smaller jobs like choosing, placing and planting trees in our back yard. They have done an amazing job on each of these! Kerman Raine’s design work is really top notch with great videos that allow the customer to see exactly what they are signing up for. The finished projects are as beautiful as the videos! The workmanship is excellent. They come when they are scheduled, complete work quickly and stand by the work that they have done. We recommend them to everyone because we have had so many outstanding experiences with the company.

– Elizabeth S.

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