AC Yard Services Blog

Why Planting Smaller Trees Will Pay Off In The Long Run

July 23, 2019 by pvanania

There is certainly something to be said for the gorgeous old maples and oaks that line many neighborhoods in Maine. And of course there’s the iconic pine tree, so impressive and numerous it’s a symbol of our state.

While it might be tempting to plant these recognizable trees in your yard, smaller options may be a better choice for your property.

Smaller Trees Are Better For The Rest Of Your Landscaping

You’ve spent a lot of time on your gardens, and kept your grass green and healthy. Now you’re looking at what trees to add to your landscaping. If you’re not careful, you might find that the trees you plant end up causing some headaches for the care you’ve already put into your property.

A larger tree with dense leaves will grow to the point that it prevents sunlight from reaching a good portion of your lawn or gardens. As a result, grass, flowers, and vegetables won’t be able to grow like they used to. (Not to mention the headache of all those leaves to rake up).

Smaller trees are also less likely to harbor pests that will snack on your flowers and vegetables, or just generally be a nuisance in your yard.

The roots of smaller trees are also less likely to push up through the ground and disrupt your carefully planned landscape borders and flower gardens.

Smaller Trees Are Easier To Maintain

Tall, wide trees can grow to the point that they cover up your windows and block sunlight from your porch. Their branches can get tangled up in electrical wires, and threaten to fall on your roof. Dead or sick branches may pose a danger to the rest of the tree – or to people in your yard if they fall. These are all reasons you may find yourself wanting to prune a tree. But what happens if the branches are large and out of reach? You can always call in professionals, but that gets pretty expensive pretty quickly.

With a smaller tree variety you are more likely to still be able to reach many branches to prune them using your household ladder. As a result, your trees will be able to stay healthier and your property won’t be overrun by large branches and dense leaf cover.

Small Tree Varieties To Consider

Beach Plum
Serviceberry
Redbud
Smooth Blackhaw

If you’d like the AC Yard Services team to help you keep your property looking its best, contact us today by calling (207) 712-5554 or by sending us an email!.

How Our Service Plans Work

June 19, 2019 by pvanania

Keeping your property well-maintained and your lawn and gardens healthy is a year-round commitment. Yes – even in Maine where greenery is covered by snow for half the year. That’s why at AC Yard Services we offer plans that cover a variety of property needs year-round. By tending to our clients’ properties throughout the seasons, we are able to keep up with the work that needs to be done and ensure everything is prepped and ready for the needs of the next season.

We also understand that different properties have different needs and that there are some yard chores that people prefer to do themselves. So we developed three different annual service plans for our clients to choose from – and even further customize if wanted – depending on what works best for their property and their budget.

Plan One: The Basics

Our first plan covers the basic needs of each of Maine’s four seasons: spring clean-up, mowing, fall clean-up, and plowing. With this plan, you can rely on the professionals from AC Yard Services to show up regularly to do the big, time-consuming jobs. We’ll be there to mow your lawn regularly in the summer and plow after storms in the winter. In the fall and spring, you can count on us to do the dirty work and get the leaves and debris out of your yard. Each of these chores keeps your property looking good while also ensuring your lawn stays healthy and is ready to handle the demands of the Maine climate.

Plan Two: The Basics & A Bit More

Like Plan One, Plan Two includes the four big basic chores along with edging, mulching, weeding, and shrub pruning. These are time-consuming but necessary jobs to tackle for keeping your property attractive and your landscaping healthy. Edging, mulching, weeding, and shrub pruning happens in the warmer weather, and our landscaping crews will take care of it for you so you can enjoy the always too short warmer seasons in Maine.

These chores are also jobs that tend to get ignored when you get busy. When you don’t prune, weed, and edge, things can get out of control in your yard quickly and the workload just gets bigger. If you skip mulching, your yard can just look messy and the roots of your trees and plants won’t be insulated like they need to be. With Plan Two, you can count on all of this being taken care of for you on a regular basis by our professional crew.

Plan Three: The Works

What happens when you take Plan One and Plan Two, add them together and throw in lawn de-thatching, over-seeding, and aeration? You get Plan Three! De-thatching, aeration, and overseeding are all additional methods of keeping your lawn healthy. Lawns that have had heavy snowpack or get walked on quite a bit may need de-thatching to help them breathe better and grow better. Similarly, aeration helps open up a lawn for better air circulation to stimulate growth. Over-seeding helps fill in your lawn’s bare spots and helps to provide even growth throughout your yard. Having professionals who know how and when to take care of these kinds of more technical jobs can make all the difference in your yard’s appearance.

Keeping up with all of the chores required to keep a lawn healthy is a big job, even if you have the time and enjoy being outside. Whether your property is residential or commercial, AC Yard Services has a plan to fit your needs and we have the team and the equipment to get the work done well and done right, from plowing to mowing and everything in between.

Give us a call or send us an email to get started with your year-round plan today. If you don’t see a plan here that fits your specific needs, let us know and we’re happy to work with you to come up with a custom plan.

Saving Time With AC Yard Services

May 30, 2019 by acyardservices

It’s summer in Maine! School’s out, the kids are home, the grill’s set up, and the Red Sox are on. And you’re…mowing the lawn and taking care of the flowerbeds.

Everyone wants a beautiful lawn and landscape that makes your house feel like a home, but getting there takes a lot of work, and that work takes a lot of time. Living in Maine means you need to make the most of every season – especially summer. If you’re spending all your time landscaping and mowing, you’re not enjoying the chance to relax in the sun with your family or experience the parades, festivals and concerts that make summer in southern Maine such a special time.

To keep your lawn healthy and attractive, you should be mowing it about once a week. If you’re working during the week, that leaves the weekend for mowing. If it rains on one day, that leaves the other weekend day. Then there’s all the other chores that go along with owning a home and having a yard. Before you know it, you either have an overgrown lawn and weedy gardens or a weekend that flew by because you’ve spent half of it on yard work.

Sea Dogs game on Saturday afternoon? Can’t go – the lawn is overgrown and it’s supposed to rain on Sunday. Does that sound familiar?

If it does, it might be time to consider hiring professionals to help you take care of your property. AC Yard Services offers year-round plans that can ensure your lawn and gardens are taking care of all summer. With our mowing, edging, mulching, and general landscaping services you can be confident that your yard is looking good for the next big barbecue or just for a Sunday morning relaxing outside with the family.

We take care of the clean-up and prep work in the spring, and the clean-up and winter prep in the fall. (And even though we don’t want to ruin your summer by talking about it – we take care of snow clean-up too!) Making sure your yard looks good throughout the summer really is a year-round commitment.

But life’s short and summer in Maine is even shorter. Don’t spend it hunched over a lawnmower – contact AC Yard Services instead. We’ve got the professionals with years of knowledge and all the necessary equipment to get the job done right and save you time.

Tips to Avoid The Headaches That Come With A Late Season Winter Storm

March 4, 2019 by pvanania

By the time March rolls around, we all like to think there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and snow and ice will soon be just a memory as spring nears.

But, we live in Maine.

It’s just the reality of life in the Northeast: Snowstorms are a real possibility well into March and April. To ease the pain of a late season snowstorm, it helps to be ready to tackle the mess of one. Here are two crucial tips to help you prepare for the inevitable spring storm.

Make sure salt, sand and shovels are easily accessible

Once we have a couple of warm March days, it might be tempting to put the salt and sand away in the back of the garage for next year. Remember though, doing so will just make dealing with a late season storm that much harder. When you already have to deal with snow and ice, why add to the frustration by having to fight your way to the back of the garage before work? Or when you’ve just gotten home from a day at the office? Keep your salt and sand easily accessible until the threat of snow and ice really has passed.

The same goes for shovels – don’t pack them away or leave them out where they might get covered if there is an unexpected storm. Have them ready to grab and ready to go. If you have a snowblower, keep it gassed up and ready to start. The quicker you can get started on clearing snow, the quicker you’ll be done with clearing it away.

Roof maintenance

During the depths of winter in Maine, snow and ice collect quickly on the roof. Both present dangerous and potentially expensive problems if not taken care of, and a late-season storm can just exacerbate those problems.

Raking your roof regularly throughout the winter can ensure that a late-season storm doesn’t catch you by surprise and cause problems. One square foot of snow weighs about 20 pounds. That quickly adds up to create a dangerous situation with the potential for roof damage — or even collapse — as well as an environment where ice dams can easily form.

Ice dams are not only a danger to your property because of their weight (57 pounds for one square foot of ice!) but because they cause backups that cause water to seep through your roof and into your house. As we have warmer days followed by cooler days, melting snow and ice get trapped on your roof; the water freezes again, then melts again, and throughout this process, it backs up and you might start seeing leaks in your roof. This isn’t just annoying — it’s expensive, especially when you consider the potential for mold growth on top of the water damage caused.

Taking care of the snow and ice on your roof regularly throughout the winter can help you prevent many headaches when all you want to do is start enjoying the warmer weather.

If you’d prefer to call in the professionals — as well as ensure you don’t have to worry about plowing and snow blowing — contact AC Yard Services to find out how we can help you take care of your property year-round.

Year-Round Plans Aren’t Just Convenient, They’re Smart Landscaping

February 13, 2019 by acyardservices

The unpredictability of Maine weather can be both frustrating and exciting. There’s something rejuvenating about stepping outside on a random spring-like day that happens to pop up in the dead of winter. “We’re almost out of it,” you think … until the very next morning when temperatures drop right back down to the low 30s, settling in that range until about mid-April.

However, that unpredictability can take a toll on the overall health and appearance of your property. That is, of course, if you are not giving it the time and attention a property needs. See, there is work to be done in every season that affects your yard for the upcoming one — and the topsy-turvy weather that comes along with it. Because of that, we have put together year-round plans that are designed to help your property thrive season after season.

It’s convenient for you to know that we have you on our radar for everything from planting to raking to shoveling, allowing you to enjoy more of your free time while knowing that your property needs are being addressed. Let us explain how it all works.

Spring & Summer Yard Work

Let’s start at the beginning of the growing season — spring. As your property begins to emerge from underneath the snow and ice, you start looking forward to bright flowers, vegetable gardens, and a green lawn. In order to set your yard and garden up for a beautiful summer, spring yard work needs to be done.

Our various year-round plans each offer different levels of services but all include spring work, like clean-up and mowing that preps your yard for ideal growth in the summer.

It’s important to tackle spring cleanup, not just for aesthetic reasons but also to allow new growth to come in. Dead branches and old leaves can stunt growth of fresh grass and flowers. The AC Yard Services team will come in during the spring to clean up your yard and get it ready for summer growth.

In the summer, your lawn and property are at their peak beauty. To help keep them that way year after year, proper mowing, pruning and other work should be done on a regular basis. Staying on top of such work keeps plants healthy and encourages good growth of your lawn. The healthier your lawn and your plants are overall, the better they will be able to handle Maine’s harsh winters. After all, the sun and warmth only return for a few months, so give your plants the chance to perk up and bloom!

With a year-round plan from AC Yard Services, you don’t have to worry about making time for every chore that needs to be done to keep your yard and gardens healthy. Instead, you can leave that to us and know that your property is being well cared for.

Fall & Winter Yard Work

Raking. Snow removal. Not really crowd favorites.

Nonetheless, they’re important both for the appearance of your property and for the health of your yard and gardens. A year-round plan with AC Yard Services will make sure the leaves are out of your yard before the first snow flies.

We live in Maine, and snow comes early, but we’ll be ready to tackle the leaves in your yard. Keeping up with leaf removal can save your lawn from the impact that months of snow cover on top of leaves can have on your grass. A general fall clean-up can make your yard much easier to deal with come spring, and much more attractive come late spring and summer.

In the winter, a year-round plan with AC Yard Services means you can depend on us to come plow out your property. No more setting your alarm two hours early to get out the shovel so you can get your car out of the driveway. Our plow service is also done with care. We know your property from having worked on it throughout the year, and we’ll take precautions to ensure we’re not running over shrubbery or gardens or causing other damage.

With four unpredictable seasons in Maine, the outdoors work never stops. But when you partner with AC Yard Services, we will make sure the work is done right and done on an effective to keep your property at its best all year.

If you’d like to save yourself some time and keep your yard at its best, contact us today.

Tips to prepare your property for warmer weather

January 14, 2019 by acyardservices

Freezing cold days, winter weather advisories, school cancelations: It sure does feel like springtime is a long way away.

While that may be the case, it is never too soon to think about what your yard will look like once it emerges from the springtime thaw. Owner Justin Hayden provides a few of his personal tips to get your property in tip-top shape for the spring and summer months. Check out the video below!

If you are looking for a reliable year-round landscaping company to get your property warm-weather-ready, check out our year-round plans. If you would like to learn more, please contact us today.

Early Snow get in the Way of Fall Cleanup? With a Year-Round Contract, You’re Covered

November 30, 2018 by acyardservices

Even for Maine it seems like the snow started early this year – and it keeps coming.

For many people, early snow means they didn’t get to finish the fall chores they intended to. Leaves left on the ground are covered in snow, and now your brush pile can’t be taken care of until next year.

There are a lot of reasons people don’t finish up their fall chores until late fall – waiting until most of the leaves are on the ground, other commitments that take up time, or just putting it off because it’s not as fun to rake as it is to watch the Patriots.

So once April comes, and there are still reminders of fall all across your property, no need to worry. With a year-round contract from AC Yard Services, our team will have your home or business springtime-ready.

Once the snow (finally) melts and you start seeing leaves emerge you can rest easy knowing the AC Yard Services team will be there ready to get your lawn ready for spring and summer. A proper spring clean-up will both make your yard look better and keep it healthier. Spring chores like raking up the leftover leaves from fall and getting branches and other debris out of your yard let your lawn breathe easier and encourage it to grow better.

Salt and sand covering your property? We’ll take care of it. We’ll also trim branches and shrubs to get your property looking neat and tidy in advance of summer. Winter in Maine can be long and tedious, and there’s no reason to keep reminders of it around longer than you need to. A year-round contract with AC Yard Services will give you more time to enjoy Maine’s beautiful but short summer and you’ll spend less time doing chores to get ready for it.

To find out more about our year-round contract options, give us a call at (207) 712-5554 or send us an email at info@acyardservices.com.

Three Reasons Why Fall Is the Right Time To Sign Up For A Year-Round Contract

October 31, 2018 by acyardservices

No matter the season, you can always find something in your yard that needs attention. While summer brings the promise of growth and days in the sun to enjoy your yard, fall yard work is often more about the drudgery. It’s raking and clean-up and getting everything ready for snow. ‘

The good news is that you can take some of the burden off with a year-round contract from AC Yard Services. How do we help you out? Let’s take a look at three reasons why the fall is a great time to sign up for a year-round lawncare contract:

Take Care of Fall Chores

Hate raking? Do you put it off every year until it’s too late, or until you’re out there shivering in your flannel while you rake up soggy leaves? With a year-round contract from AC Yard Services, we’ll make sure your fall chores get taken care of.

It’s important to get your yard cleared of leaves, brush and debris before the snow starts falling in order to protect your yard from damage. When you have leaves piled up on your lawn, then add pounds and pounds of snow on top of it, your lawn starts to suffocate. Sorry to tell you, but in Maine it’s pretty unlikely you’re going to avoid having snow pile up on top of leaves.

Protect your lawn for the months that you can enjoy it, and let AC Yard Services take care of your fall chores.

You’re Covered For Winter

Having peace of mind about your plowing and shoveling needs before winter starts can be a game-changer.

If you sign up for a year-round contract in the fall, you won’t have to panic about getting up early to shovel before work, or spend hours shoveling when you get home. You won’t have to dig your shovel out of the back of the garage, or struggle to make your way across dangerous ice on your property. The AC Yard Services team will take care of it for you.

We offer plowing, sanding, snow blowing, and even roof raking to help keep your property clean and safe all winter long.

Enjoy The Fall!

There’s a lot to love about fall in Maine, and you should be able to enjoy it. When you’re spending hours raking your yard every weekend, you’re missing out on football games, fall foliage hikes, and apple picking with the family. Hire a team of professionals to take care of your fall chores, and you’ll be amazed at the amount of time that frees up for you to spend with your family in our beautiful state.

So don’t miss another minute of the Patriots or another minute in the woods – give AC Yard Services a shout today and we’ll take care of your property year-round.

Aeration: An Essential Part of Proper Lawn Care

September 28, 2018 by acyardservices

For property owners, a beautiful lawn is a point of pride. It’s the first impression people have when approaching your home or business, making a beautiful lawn worth the work. While most people regularly mow, weed wack, fertilize, and edge their lawns, aeration is a lesser-utilized but no less important part of a healthy and lush lawn.

What is Aeration?

Proper lawn care starts with fulfilling a lawn’s basic needs: water and air. Aeration is the simple act of creating small holes through the lawn to allow water, air, and other nutrients to enrich the soil.

Aeration Reduces Soil Compaction and Thatching

You’re probably familiar with “Do not step on grass” signs in public places. These have a purpose – to prevent soil compaction. Compaction causes soil erosion and impairs your lawn’s ability to accept the flow of air and water. For those with large lawns this usually turns out to be unavoidable. Whether it be playing lawn games, lounging outside in the sun, kids playing, or simply walking across it, people compact the grass on a regular basis just through our regular activities.

Aeration solves this by relieving the compaction and opening space that allows air to get to the roots and encourage water drainage. Regular aeration is required to make sure soil compaction and eventual thatching do not destroy the lawn.

Aeration Improves Air, Water, and Fertilizer Absorption

Once lawn compaction is relieved, your lawn can breathe again. These punctures create a path for air, water, and fertilizers to enrich the soil. It is a best practice to fertilize immediately after aeration because it ensures those essential nutrients penetrate through the lawn and into the soil. Without professional aeration, the lawn will fail to receive the maximum benefit from those vital nutrients.

Aeration Creates Strong Roots and Reduces Pooling and Run Off

Aeration is essential for ensuring the healthy strength of grass roots and the reduction of pooling. Though we don’t think about it often, grass is a series of plants living side by side across a wide space. It can get congested and create mismatched growth. Routine aeration allows grass roots to grow properly within their own space in the soil.

The reduction of pooling and runoff is one of the most critical effects of aeration. Heavy thatch prevents water from properly reaching the soil beneath where it is absorbed. So what happens to the excess water from rainfall? It creates a pool on the surface of the lawn, killing the grass and the roots underneath. Or, the water creates runoffs from hills and valuable nutrients in rainwater are moved away from the soil. A properly aerated lawn provides paths for that water to flow into the soil, providing nutrients and preventing lawn damage.

How can I properly aerate my yard?

The proper equipment and time to aerate a yard differs greatly depending on how big your yard is and what kind of soil is beneath the surface. If you think it’s time to check if your lawn is properly aerated give us a call at 1-(207) 712-5554 or email us at info@acyardservices.com. We would love to show you what we can do to make sure your lawn is lush and healthy.

Three plantings that can spruce up your property

August 20, 2018 by acyardservices

Whether you’re putting in a new perennial flower bed, filling in your existing landscaping beds with annuals or simply need to replace a few plants, the right mix of fresh flowers and plants can help take the appearance of your property to the next level.

We asked owner, Justin Hayden, to share three of his favorite plantings, Check out what he has to say below. If you are looking for some more inspiration, check out our blog post on more of our favorite plantings.