It’s official! YardApes, Inc. is now YardScapes Landscape Professionals. After many months of behind-the-scenes work, we will go live with our new website and our social media outlets next week. In the meantime, it’s business as usual. Please read the quick facts below and let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you […]
A $12,000 Donation – Thanks to You!
A $12,000 DONATION! WooHoo! $12,000 is the final amount we raised for the Pratt Nature Center at our 15th Annual Quad-Am Golf Classic held in September at Bulls Bridge Golf Club. Once again, I’d like to thank all of the sponsors, donors and players for making this event a success in a year of much […]
Oh Deer! How to Minimize Damage to Your Gardens
NO SLOWING DOWN Most of you have heard our exciting news about our name change that was recently publicly announced and I was both amazed and encouraged by all your positive responses and genuine messages of support. Our entire team is very excited about our new brand and it’s been hard to keep it secret […]
Autumn is Here – Check for Lawn Grubs
AUTUMN GREETINGS! The autumnal equinox occurred at 9:30am and it is officially Fall! The signs are all around us – from back to school and fall sports to landscapes exploding with vibrant colors, dwindling daylight hours, cooler temperatures, later sunrises and earlier sunsets. Impressive fall foliage happens because of the fewer hours of daylight leaves […]
Estate Management and Fall Services
CHANGING SEASONS Autumn is approaching fast and that only means we still have a considerable amount of work ahead. Fall is not only the perfect time to seed and feed your lawn, but it is also crucial to inspect and treat for pests or diseases and prepare your property for the upcoming seasons. Year-round maintenance […]
Late Summer Lawn Care
I’m optimistic that the heat waves of July and August are behind us and beautiful days with cool nights are ahead. Now is the time of year when we start looking towards lawn maintenance services that help to reverse the stresses your lawn received during the hottest and driest summer months and to prepare it […]
Becoming YardScapes Landscape Professionals
July 23, 2020 As we celebrate our 30th year of business, I have taken time to reflect on our story, heritage, and how we came to who we are. As you can imagine, in the current times, that reflection and analysis has taken a different and very unexpected focus. My heart and intentions have been, […]
Water Features Add Peace & Tranquility
THE HEAT IS ON! Mid-Summer likes to bring us a heat wave to remind us exactly how delicate we can sometimes be. It’s not always fun to trek to the lake or beach either. With more and more people staying close to home, our expert designers and installation crews can help you incorporate a water […]
Landscape Design – A Summer’s Perspective
Wow. We are halfway through the year already! While 2020 certainly has been challenging, we are hoping that the summertime will provide us all a little more “normalcy” as we all venture outside more and carefully attempt to spend time with our families and friends while making those priceless summer memories that last a lifetime. […]
Safe Havens Free of Pests
As we’re getting closer to summer, let’s not forget the challenging season we just navigated through. Spring was uncertain, to say the least and spending time outdoors was tough. While it’s nice to see things slowly reopen and people out enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, we all know how wonderful it is to come […]
Spring Is In Full Bloom
IT’S SPRING PLANTING TIME! We all look forward to this special time of year. Now that the days and nights are getting warmer, outside will be the place to be. Choosing and placing plants is a little more involved than just picking what you like. There are many things to consider before you get started […]
April Showers Bring May Flowers
The past few months have been challenging for everyone and we sincerely hope this message finds you all safe and healthy. We are doing our absolute best to continue servicing our client’s properties adhering to physical distancing guidelines with our own additional procedures in place to help keep us, our clients and our communities as […]
Thank You Day Of Service Volunteers
Thank you volunteers! In celebration of Earth Day and to recognize our annual Day of Service the VIRTUAL COMMUNITY LITTER PICK-UP was held on Saturday, April 25th. Our staff, friends, clients, and community members came together at 9:00AM for the Zoom meeting kick-off. Then, we hit the streets, The Pratt Nature Center, and a few […]
(Virtually) Join Us for our Annual Day of Service!
JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL DAY OF SERVICE In celebration of Earth Day you’re invited to join us in a VIRTUAL COMMUNITY LITTER PICK-UP! We could not host our regularly scheduled event so, instead of cancelling our annual Day Of Service, we’ve decided to observe Earth Day with this community-wide celebration. It’s easy to participate! […]
Adapting is the New Planning
In the fourth free COVID-19 webinar hosted by NALP, CEO Britt Wood talked with industry executives Shayne Newman, president of YardScapes, Inc. and NALP President-Elect, John Guth, vice president of lawn at Green Lawn Fertilizing, LLC and Todd Pugh, CEO and founder of Enviroscapes, who shared their strategies for running a business in the middle of a pandemic.
Additional Procedures to Help Keep Us – And You – Safe
We sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are all staying safe and healthy. There is much that we still do not know about this crisis or when it will resolve. This is a very tough time and we are empathetic about how overwhelming it can be. We feel extremely fortunate that we can […]
Our practices to help prevent COVID-19 exposure
With the latest Executive Order 7H, we feel fortunate that Governor Lamont has recognized landscaping as an essential service. Personally, I have always had a deep appreciation for nature and found my purpose in life as a landscape professional. It brings my team and me great satisfaction knowing that every day we are enhancing our […]
Spring is in the Air (but so is Covid-19)
DOING OUR PART In response to the elevated risks of the COVID-19 virus, YardScapes is following the guidelines and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in our office. These measures include: reinforcing the need to follow local, state and government guidelines, workplace hygiene, increased sanitizing, suspension of […]
We’ve sprung forward and we aren’t looking back!
GREEN MATTERS We believe everyone, everywhere, benefits from a connection with nature. We recognize the importance of green spaces and their contributions to the environment. As landscape professionals, our staff share a commitment to improving our environment in all ways – both personally and professionally. We are devoted to caring for all living things and […]
Spring Is Right Around The Corner
INTEGRATED TICK CONTROL Since 2001, Connecticut has had the highest reported rate of Lyme disease in the country. Lyme disease prevention starts at home and YardScapes offers Integrated pest management (IPM) to help drastically reduce their numbers on your property. We will safely treat your shrubs and the perimeter of your property WITHOUT the application […]
Mild Winters and Off-Season Growth
Winters are always a reflective time for us at YardScapes, and a mild winter such as we have had so far this year, builds excitement and anticipation for what the new season will bring. Contrary to popular belief, winters are not a time for us to sit on our laurels. While many of our seasonal […]
What did you like to do for fun as a kid? It’s time to reintroduce our kids to the joy of nature.
Nature Valley Canada recently sat down three generations of families and asked them one simple question, “What did you like to do for fun as a kid?” Take a moment to see how they responded, then grab your kids and go rediscover the joy of nature. [NatureValleyCanada] [H/T:Adweek / Mashable]
Landscape Design in the Winter + Thank You to Our Ape of the Year!
We really, no-kidding want to thank every one of you for a great 2019. We had the chance to make new friends, new clients, and bring a few future rock-star employees on board. Our Ape of the Year was announced at our annual Holiday Party and couldn’t have been more deserving. Please join us in […]
VOLUNTEERING AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
LOCAL LANDSCAPERS GIVE BACK BY VOLUNTEERING AT ANNUAL LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY SERVICE EVENT AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY On July 15, landscapers from YardScapes Inc, a member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), joined forces with hundreds of other lawn and landscape professionals from across the country to volunteer at Renewal & Remembrance, an annual [...]
2018 Champions Through Adversity
(Above) The 2018 YardScapes Team wishes you an amazing Holiday Season! Champions Through Adversity 2018, as you may have gathered or heard, was the toughest year in our 28-year tenure. There were a ton of things both outside and within our control that, in retrospect could or should have been done better, or differently. As [...]
5 Things to do This Fall!
5 Things to Do in your Outdoor Space This Fall Fall is such an amazing time of the year! We love the cool, crisp air, and of course, the foliage. It's also one of the best times to make serious improvements to your lawn and garden. We put together a list of five relatively simple [...]
Welcome Back!
After the most challenging season in 28 years of YardScapes history- we finally had the chance to "really" celebrate! Our team is (almost) all here after an unanticipated change in process with the H2B Nonimmigrant Program, which left us short 15 skilled seasonal Crew Leaders and Technicians - at the worst possible time. We won't [...]
It’s Scary, But Leave it Be!
Above: A tomato hornworm infested with braconid wasps. Above: Two tomato hornworms (sans wasp cocoons) consume a tomato bush. Above: The underside of a tomato hornworm infested with braconid wasps. "The Stuff of Nightmares" Is Actually a Very Good Natural Defense System for Your Garden We found some interesting guests on our tomato plants this [...]
Look for the Helpers
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers.” You will always find people who are helping." ~ Fred Rogers The four tornados and “Macroburst” that hit this part of Connecticut were truly terrible storms we won’t soon forget. [...]
YardScapes Inc. Becomes 7th Landscape Firm in US to earn Industry Accreditation
"Lucky" #7: YardScapes Inc. Becomes 7th Landscape Firm in Nation to Receive Industry Accreditation It’s getting better, but Landscapers, unfortunately still have a less-than stellar reputation when it comes to the trades. Despite the overall trend of the newer generations to forego manual labor, select occupations within the realm are making a comeback. I never [...]
Day of Service 2018:
Day of Service 2018: Thank you for helping others connect to nature! Volunteers from Day of Service 2018 pose after breakfast at "The Shop"/Headquarters. (Additional photos are below) On April 22nd 2018 (Earth Day) volunteers from the local community, to include YardApe employees, their spouses, and members of BNI Business Bobcats joined forces to give [...]
Soil Testing: A Smarter Approach to Lawncare
Take a More Scientific Approach This Spring! We “get” it: Spring is here, and like many homeowners are all incredibly excited to shut Netflix down, put the rock salt away, and start enjoying the outdoors as weather becomes more enjoyable and accessible. To many, Spring and appreciation of the outdoors equals quality time spent at [...]
More Than A Check
More Than a Check: Opportunities to Learn (and grow) In Nature This morning I received a text message from a friend and long-term client. While brief, it was dual-purpose, and gave me the chance to reflect on some of the values myself and the majority of our staff members hold dear. First, he congratulated us [...]
What Are We Thankful For?
Ahh...Thanksgiving. A day to quiet the power equipment, take a day away from our offices (both indoor and the "big outdoor one" i.e, outside under the sun) and reflect. It's been a great year at YardScapes, and we wanted to share a few things that some of our Apes are particularly grateful for during the [...]
YardScapes Earns National Award at Conference in Louisville
I have been going to Louisville for LANDSCAPES (National Association of Landscape Professionals/NALP's annual networking and tradeshow) for several years now. LANDSCAPES isn't just a few dirty guys sharing crazy stories and drinking cheap domestic beer around a fire by any means. This is the no-kidding Superbowl of landscape conventions, an invaluable tool for organizations [...]
Victory Measured in Inches
We cut grass slightly higher than some clients are used to, and thought we would take the opportunity during September's first ApeMail to explain the science behind it. This week our Mowing Operations Manager Jason von Reyn (pictured above) answers five questions on cutting height and thatch buildup to alleviate some of the mystery behind lush, [...]
Apes In Washington D.C!
On July 15th 2017, a small caravan of YardScapes Inc. fleet vehicles began making its way from the company’s headquarters in New Milford CT to Washington DC. The contingent includes YardScapes Inc. founder Shayne Newman, along with employees Greg Kaiser, Isauro Perez, Alfredo Aviles, Richardo Hernandez, Filemon Garza, and Ruben Meza-Villeda, and Maximus Juarez who [...]
Something Different for 2017
Outdoor Living: More than Mulch, Brick Pavers, and a Neat Row of Boxwoods. "Landscaper" and "Landscaping". What do those terms mean to you? For many, "Landscaper" conjures up an image of a weathered, sweaty guy on a zero-turn mower in a t-shirt, cutoff jeans, bouncing from lawn to lawn, or planting flowers in neat little [...]
Helping The Community That Helps Us
Drink Water and Do Your Stretches! Day of Service - April 22nd, 2017 “Day of Service” is particularly near and dear to our hearts. In 2009, we became Day of Service charter participants, partnering with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) in a nationwide volunteer outreach. In October 2016 we formally added another day where [...]
Mulch: Get a Load of It!
Get a Load of It! Calendars are nice, they keep us running on schedule, but I don't consider Spring and Summer to be officially "here" until the scent of expertly shredded pine spruce lingers on every well-maintained property. Yes, it's mulching season, and we wanted to share a few things on the topic that you [...]
Arrive (and relax) In Style! A Brief Overview of Walkways and Patios
Hello Again! Our last post touched on outdoor kitchens and firepits, and we may have gotten a little ahead of ourselves. With all things in life, it's nice to not only get somewhere, but arrive in style. On that note, today's topic will cover walkways, patios, and give us the opportunity to show off [...]
Outdoor Kitchens and Firepits: Bring The Inside Out
Get Fired Up! Spring and Summer wouldn't be the same without the backyard tradition of cooking (depending on your definition), a few tasty cold beverages, and deep conversation around the fire. Everyone has their own way to go about it, and some are content with the standard and time-tested rusty charcoal grill, and perhaps a few [...]
Estate Management: More Than A Simple “Mow and Blow”.
What is Estate Management? As Landscape Professionals, we realize that the value of our services lies mainly in offering solutions that save time for our clients, both in the execution of work, as well as the arrangement and planning phases. Estate Management (EM) is the term for the bulk of our garden maintenance package offerings here […]
Ticks, Tubes, And How to Prevent Lyme Disease.
Ticks It's finally the time of year when everyone begins to slowly emerge from the proverbial woodwork, stows the hats, gloves, ice scrapers (and the rest of the fun cold-weather accouterments) and starts making plans to enjoy the mild weather. With all the anticipation and excitement surrounding the changing of seasons, we vividly remember 2017/2018, [...]
Landscape and Winter: An Unlikely Match
Maintenance Wintertime and landscape improvement might seem like an odd couple of sorts, but really it is a great time to look over your property. What should we look for? For starters, safety of both life and property should be the primary goal of any landscape endeavors. Take advantage of the fallen leaves and scout [...]
Couldn’t do it without you
YardScapes would like to extend its thanks to the sponsors, contributors and donors who made the 2015 Quad-Am Golf Classic a success. Thanks to our gold sponsor, SouthPaw Builders, and to silver sponsors Aspetuck Tree & Landscape, DPT Plumbing & Heating, and Parker Medical. Thanks also to our beverage sponsor, New Milford Spirit Shoppe and […]
Trim those Spirea and you may get a nice bonus
Now that we are well into July most of the small Spireas have just finished blooming or about to. Give them a little trim to cut off the dead flower heads, and they may push out some new bonus flowers for you in August.
DOS
Soil pH and Liming Lawns
My father-in-law is an old-school kind of guy. In spite my best efforts to resuscitate his lawn each year, he goes rogue. He’s a classic “weed & feed.” On our first 50-degree day a few weeks back, he asked me if he could get to seeding. And fertilizing. And liming. It’s spring; the warm weather […]
YardScapes Continues to Grow – Please Welcome J. Scott Williams, Our New Landscape Architect
Fifteen years ago, YardScapes founder, Shayne Newman met Landscape Architect, J. Scott Williams when the two had a client in common. A local Connecticut lawn maintenance client of YardScapes hired Scott to design an ornamental garden. Their like-mindedness made for a seamless and successful project. Scott and Shayne shared not only similar landscape aesthetics, but […]
