Pugh’s Earthworks Blog
Pugh’s Earthworks was originally started by Mark Pugh. Our firm has been in business since 1992. Over the past 25 years, we have grown rapidly. In all that time and throughout all that growth, we have remained true to our motto, Big Company Strength, Small Company Values! Regardless of the size of the client we are working for, our staff will deliver the best possible service, while treating each client with the utmost of respect. In a word, “We Love Our Customers” and “We Appreciate The Opportunity to Serve.”
Some companies talk about providing quality service but that can be just lip service. Pugh’s Earthworks offers an excellent quality assurance program. We are licensed and insured and stand behind all of the work that we perform with our quality assurance guarantee.
QUALITY POLICY
It is the goal of Pugh’s Earthworks to provide our customers, both internal and external, with services, which meet or exceed their expectations. We recognize that one of the most important assets we possess, enabling us to achieve this goal, is our professional staff. We strongly encourage all of our people to take the pride of ownership in all the work they do. To this end we commit ourselves to strive in all we do for total customer satisfaction.
TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Management guarantees that ongoing support of these goals is our highest priority. We must never lose sight that customer satisfaction is a direct measure of our performance. Working together as a team, making use of all our talents and expertise, we will accomplish our objective.








“We Love Our Customers” and Appreciate The Opportunity to Serve.”
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Pugh’s Earthworks is the Leading Company For Commercial Landscape and Maintenance
Pugh's Earthworks is one of the largest landscape design, installation and maintenance firms in the Mid South area. Our clients include some of the premier office buildings, hotels, hospitals, churches and cemeteries in the cities we operate. In addition to the commercial customers we serve, we also provide landscape services for Home Owners Associations (HOAs), Condo Owners Associations (COA’s) and individual residential homeowners. Pugh's Earthworks Offering the Best Commercial Landscape and Maintenance Services We are proud to be one of the Mid-South’ s leading commercial landscape installation and maintenance companies. OOOur company has earned this reputation because we are committed to quality, integrity, and superior service, and we deliver that for every commercial client we have. From HOA common areas to office buildings and retail centers, we focus on giving our customers the best service and value. We also service hotels, motels, hospitals, schools, apartments, condominiums, and other commercial accounts. Mark Pugh started the lawn business in 1992 in Memphis. Pugh’s Earthworks has now expanded its markets to include Nashville, Tennessee and Little Rock, Arkansas. We now operate 60 trucks while still retaining the very first commercial account we ever contracted with, which is Memphis Hunt and Polo Club. They and our other clients have provided numerous testimonials about why we are the best commercial landscape and maintenance company around and how they love our customer-first attitude. We also say we offer the best commercial landscape and maintenance service because we have over 200 employees all with certification and educational degrees in horticulture as well as years of experience. Here are some of the credentials and licenses our team holds: Tennessee Department of Agriculture Chartered/Licensed Mississippi Bureau of Plant Industry licensed Arkansas State Plant Board Licensed Master of Business Administration Bachelors of Science in Agronomy Bachelors in Landscape Contracting Management Associates of Applied Science in Landscape Management Associates of Applied Science in Turf Grass Management Dynascape Certified ]Planet Professional Network Landscape Industry Certified Our mission statement shows our commitment to our customers: We strive in all we do, to achieve total customer satisfaction. Our team works to not only meet, but exceed, the expectations of those we serve. We are flexible in our services with free quotes and monthly programs that deliver the best value across Memphis, Nashville, Jackson, Southaven and Little Rock. Contact us today to see how we can help improve your commercial landscape!
The Difference Between Sod and Seed
Pugh's Earthworks is one of the largest landscape design, installation and maintenance firms in the Mid South area. Our clients include some of the premier office buildings, hotels, hospitals, churches and cemeteries in the cities we operate. In addition to the commercial customers we serve, we also provide landscape services for Home Owners Associations (HOAs), Condo Owners Associations (COA’s) and individual residential homeowners. Pugh's Earthworks Offering Commercial Lawn Maintenance What commercial property wouldn't want to show off a lush lawn to welcome their customers to their place of business? All it takes is the right lawn preparation and lawn maintenance process. But, what are the differences between sod and seed for a beautiful lawn? There are numerous benefits that sod provides for your commercial lawn. Here's why. Although the cost to lay sod can be expensive and requires a lot of manual labor, which is why so many people immediately opt for seed or reseed for their lawn care, there are more advantages if you use sod. To sod, you must remove old grass, weed the soil, and level of the planting area. Then, you'll need to roll out heavy rolls of sod and water extensively. However, seeding your lawn can be just as expensive and take a long time to see if it worked. The seeds could float away in the water or be eaten by birds. In the meantime, your landscape looks barren and unattractive. Plus, the grass may come in unevenly. It's like growing a beard with stubble and unequal hair growth. In contrast and despite the work and cost, sod gives you an instant lawn. It only takes it a few weeks to start growing and establish itself. Plus, it looks even and offers a beautiful appearance. Nor will it attract birds and will not wash away. The decision to seed or sod should be made carefully. It's something that a professional commercial landscape company can help you decide on, offering the pros and cons as well as cost comparisons. Just remember that sod is quick, easy to install, requires much less water, and almost instantly usable. Contact us to learn more about sod versus seed and how we can give you a beautiful commercial lawn!
The Benefits of Recycling Grass Clippings
Pugh's Earthworks is one of the largest landscape design, installation and maintenance firms in the Mid South area. Our clients include some of the premier office buildings, hotels, hospitals, churches and cemeteries in the cities we operate. In addition to the commercial customers we serve, we also provide landscape services for Home Owners Associations (HOAs), Condo Owners Associations (COA’s) and individual residential homeowners. Pugh's Earthworks Offering Commercial Landscape Maintenance and Design Most people bag up their lawn clippings and throw these away as part of lawn maintenance, usually in a green bin that is designated for garden waste. It's important to remove the grass clippings from the lawn should they smother a lawn or lead to thatch buildup. However, there are many reasons to consider recycling grass clippings. First, grass clippings are an excellent organic source of nitrogen. Second, clippings also can help to conserve water in two ways. They are 90% water and help return moisture to the soil. Additionally, these clippings help to return organic material to the soil, which also conserves water. Consider using a mulching lawnmower. It has an extra blade that is designed to chop and grind grass. From there, the mulching lawnmower can spread the clippings over the lawn. By spreading it thinner over the entire lawn, the clippings rapidly decompose and return to the soil. It is also possible to accomplish that with a rotary mower. To help combat thatch buildup or lawn suffocation, mow more regularly and don't cut more than one-third of the grass blade. Als, mow when the grass is dry. Wet grass is what spreads the clippings across the lawn unevenly. You can also recycle grass clippings by using it as mulch in your garden. The nitrogen supply also enriches a compost pile. Be sure to check back for more lawn care tips!
It’s Not Too Late to Plant Shrubs
Garden shrubs can be both ornamental and practical. Many shrubs offer scented flowers and colorful foliage. However, shrubs also provide a great way to add privacy and hide anything unsightly around your commercial property like trash cans, air conditioner units, and more. That way, you can present a much more attractive landscape. There is still time this spring to plant shrubs around your commercial property. You can choose from a variety of methods for planting shrubs varies, depending on whether the shrubs you are planting have a burlap rootball or bare roots or they are being replanted from a container. Here are some ways to plant shrubs. First, you'll need to identify the most ideal locations around your commercial property for the shrubs. Select shrubs that thrive in your climate as well as find a location that meets the shrubs' needs for sun or shade, moisture, and soil composition. When picking a location, know how big the shrub will grow to ensure there is enough space. Remember that roots spread laterally so keep that in mind for planting location. Measure the height of the roots from the ground to the “root flare,” which is the part of the shrub at the base of the trunk where roots begin to spread out. Once you’ve measured the rootball, then dig out the soil and place it on a tarp. After digging the hole for the shrub, fill it with water. Test to see how it drains by leaving the water for 24 hours. If it has drained away, then there is good drainage for the shrub. Place the shrub in the hole. Always move these shrubs by the roots rather than grabbing them the trunk or branches. The root flare should be at or slightly above the natural ground level. If it's wrapped in burlap, cut that and any string or wire from the root ball. Next, fill the hole gradually. Don’t add fertilizer, peat moss, or mulch at this point. Make sure there are no rocks or debris around the shrub. Water the shrub and allow the water to soak into the soil for several hours after you plant. From there, you'll water it approximately once per week. If you would prefer professional assistance with planting shrubs around your commercial property, contact us now to learn more!
Customized Maintenance For Any Commercial Property
No two commercial properties are alike. That's because there are different sizes and outdoor spaces for landscaping. While some may be mostly hardscape with some flower beds and water features, others may have lush sprawling lawns or extensive greenery space. That's why, as a commercial landscape and maintenance company, we don't offer one price or one type of service. Instead, everything we do is customized to fit your landscape maintenance needs as well as your budget. HOAs/Condos/Apartments – When it comes to these commercial properties, there are often bylaws that we must follow to assist our commercial clients as well as a specific look and feel that the owners want to address. With HOAs, we can customize services for just the community's green spaces or we can also handle homeowners' front yards. Commercial and Office Buildings – Large commercial spaces may not have a lot of green spaces, but we can customize unique landscape and drought-resistant greenery that adds aesthetics and value to your property, welcoming clients into your business. Retail Buildings – We can help you make a stunning visual presentation, including lighting, seating areas, and water features, which encourage your customers to stay around and keep shopping. Health Institutions – Hospitals, clinics, and medical centers can benefit from landscaping that presents an attractive and welcoming space. And, when it is snowing, our custom commercial landscaping services also include snow and ice removal. Schools and Colleges – The appearance of an educational campus like a high school, college, or university is one of the first things that prospective students and parents see. Many campuses have mature trees and greenery that require special care. Government – Government buildings also have their own specific landscaping needs that can help project a professional image. Religious Institutions and Cemeteries – From churches and chapels to cemeteries, we understand the unique needs of these spaces to provide a soothing and peaceful atmosphere for visitors. To find out more about our customized commercial landscaping and maintenance services, contact us now!
The Benefits of Monthly Commercial Lawn and Landscape Service
If you are considering adding monthly commercial lawn and landscaping service to your business and commercial space, here are some compelling reasons why it offers you a good return on your investment. Financial Benefits Let's talk about the financial benefits first, which offer a way to quantify your investment in commercial landscaping services. With a stunning landscape and lush lawn, you'll make a great first impression with potential customers who visit your business for the first time. Let's face it: first impressions are everything. Just like a residential property, beautiful commercial landscaping can increase the market value of your commercial property. If you own that property, this is can be a significant return that benefits you over time. Environmental Advantages It's also good to know that you are doing some social good by selecting a commercial landscape company that can help you design an environmentally-friendly natural scape that uses less water as well as may aid your heat and cooling costs thanks to the shade it provides. A commercial landscaper understands which plants are native to the area, how to create an environment that uses less water, and how to maintain that commercial landscape in an eco-friendly way. Health and Welfare Benefits Plants and greenery help provide an aesthetic that often makes people feel happier, safer, and positive. Colorful flowers and shaded areas also offer an environment that can make people feel better, including your employees. It can also have a similar impact on customers who may like to spend more time around your business because of the beautiful surroundings. Productivity Wins When it comes to running a business, you most likely don't have a lot of time. Rather than trying to take care of maintenance items like the lawn or landscape at your business, you could be focused on your clients or on getting new customers. Plus, you don't have to buy the equipment. Contact us today to find out just how easy it is to work with a professional commercial landscape and lawn services company!
Why Your Landscape May Need Renovation
Landscape maintenance is one thing, but your landscape may actually be in need of renovation. While landscape maintenance can help an area look tidier and trim, there are times when it may need more than mowing or weed removal. Maintenance involves mowing, fertilizing, pest control, pruning, trimming and weeding. Over time, though, that will not be enough as lawns, trees, and plants begin to grow quickly and crowd each other. Because it's constantly changing, you can't just maintain a landscape. You need to undertake landscape renovation. Now, it's time to think about restoring and revitalizing your lawn and flower beds. This includes replacing, removing and upgrading plants for the season or providing a new look and feel to your commercial landscape. Also, trees may have grown so much that their crowns need to be thinned or they are impacting concrete and parking lots so need to be removed. Remulching also falls under landscape renovation to provide a nice appearance and good coverage against any weeds. Turf most definitely must undergo regular renovation. This is because lawns can become compacted so they need aeration and seeding. Other reasons for landscape renovation may be due to the need to create a more environmentally friendly landscape that uses little to no water. Upcoming special events or a new remodel to your commercial business may also signal the need for landscape renovation. Finally, Mother Nature also has a way of reminding us that there is a need for commercial landscape renovation. For example, storms, snow, ice, and flooding may require landscape cleanup and restoration. Be sure to plan out what you want to renovate with your commercial landscape before ripping everything out. Similar to home renovations, it costs less and goes smoothly when you plan everything in advance. Have a budget in mind to also ensure you make the financial decisions that are right for your business. Consider working with a professional commercial landscape company that has the knowledge, skill set, and experience to provide direction and guidance on what works for your commercial property and business budget. Contact us today to get an estimate on your commercial landscaping renovation project.
Changing Flower Beds For the Summer
Now is the time to change out commercial flower beds around your business for flowers that thrive in hotter temperatures and more intense sunlight. Here's how flower beds should be changed out as part of your commercial landscape maintenance program. Let's start with some flower suggestions. These include delphinium, roses, peony, daylilies, asters, anemones, and iris. Then, choose flowers for their color and fragrance to provide visual interest. Pick flowers from different part of the season that can handle early, mid, and late summer weather. Next, don't just start planting with the new flowers. Instead, you need to prepare the flower bed by removing old perennials and then using weed killer to remove any other type of bed growth. Add new soil and compost to provide nutrients for the flower seeds or flowers that you plan on putting in the flower beds for summer. This is also a good time to change the shape of the flower beds. You don't have to use the traditional straight-line flower beds. Instead, consider curved beds for a unique look. When doing this you can plant the flowers in groups of three or more rather than the straight line found in a vegetable garden style bed. We can help you create beautiful summer flower beds that provide color and a fresh look all season long. Contact us now to find out how we can take care of your commercial landscaping needs. Arrange your garden with an eye to plant color, shape and size as well as time of bloom to give your garden movement and provide new views every time you see it. Arrange plants, shortest to tallest, from front to back or perimeter to center in your bed. When arranging groups, consider the views of your flowerbed from the house and sidewalk as well as the view from up close to it. Use dramatic plants like hostas to brighten shady places; add dramatic punctuation with oriental lilies and commission annuals such as snapdragons to bridge periods when few perennials bloom. Whether your flowerbed is a high-maintenance rose garden or a jumbled cottage plot, it should reflect your personality. You may want shades of one color or a balanced palette of several. Your native garden’s monarda and purple coneflowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies; a moon garden’s white flowers attract nocturnal moths. Declare your concern for the environment by xeriscaping or designing a rain garden, techniques that use native plants to reduce the need for added nutrients and water. Whether a collection of heirloom blooms or the latest hybrid gems, your flowerbed speaks volumes about the gardener who keeps it.
Why is Compost Good For Lawns?
You may have heard of compost, and it brings to mind what people can do with some of their food waste. That's because compost is essentially decomposed organic matter that includes some of that food waste you throw away. It's that compost and what it is made of that helps nourish the soil and feeds those plants or that lawn. Compost can be made on a small scale like what people do with the organic aspects of their trash. It's typically made in a large container. Or, it can be created on a much larger scale. Besides food, compost can also include grass clippings, leaves, hay, seashells, tree bark and twigs, animal manure, and straw. The compost mixture typically consists of two parts of dry material like leaves to one part wet or green material, such as grass clippings. The mixture is then left to decompose. Air movement is important, but the decomposing compost must also remain evenly moist. What makes compost so good for the lawn and other landscape is the microorganisms. Millions of microbes deliver the necessary nutrients to the soil to help stimulate plant growth. With all the nutrients, the grass becomes healthier. Just think of it as vitamins for the grass. To apply compost to a lawn, it needs to be spread with shovels to create a layer across the lawn that is about 1/4" thick. After a rake can be used to ensure the compost is evenly spread. It is good to apply the compost just after seeding and aerating. Because microorganisms are continually reproducing and dying, you can never add too much compost to the lawn. Once organic matter starts to build up in the soil, you can apply compost much less. Also, you won't need to fertilize and water the lawn while weed, insect, and disease will also decrease. This illustrates another benefit of using compost for the lawn. To get professional assistance with composting, contact us now to find out how we can help you maintain a lush commercial lawn.
Spring Insect Control Tips For Year-Round Benefits
Spring is the season for rebirth and renewal, and that includes animals and insects along with grass, plants, and flowers. While that is good overall, all those insects can wreak havoc on your commercial landscape. These pests include fleas and ticks, mosquitos, flies, ants, cockroaches, and termites. This is the season to start with your insect control strategies, which can help how much pest control work you have to do the rest of the year. Here are some tips for spring insect control: Store and dispose of food and waste properly, including any bins located around your commercial property. Keep these bins tightly closed and empty them daily. Control moisture and standing water around your commercial property. High humidity contributes to pest egg production. Fix any leaks and clear out gutters and downspouts. Also, trim tall grass and remove any wet or decaying wood. Inspect perimeter areas around your commercial property for areas that may ideal for insects to breed and live. Treat these areas first. Trim back trees and shrubs touching your commercial building as insects like to live there. If there are any fruit trees, clean these up because ants and other insects love the fruit. Keep all areas of your commercial property as clean as possible. Insects like debris and trash so remove all brush piles, excess leaves, and trash. Avoid mulch because insects love its warmth and moisture. The mulch should be used sparingly or not at all. Partner with Rosie's Pest Control, which as part of Pugh's Earthworks, has pest control services. This can help by regularly treating all lawn and landscape areas to limit any insects or pests. Contact us now to find out how we can reduce and even eliminate insects now so you don't have to deal with them throughout the year. By getting control of pests now, there will be less work to do the rest of the year.