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.
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Trust all of your tree and shrub pruning to the landscape experts at Pugh’s Earthworks GalleryTrust all of your tree and shrub pruning to the landscape experts at Pugh’s Earthworks
Best in Class Landscaping firm, Certified Landscaping Technician, Commercial Landscape Design, Jackson TN Landscaping, Landscaping, Little Rock Landscape Firm, Memphis Landscape Firm, Nashville Landscape Firm, Pugh's Earthworks, Southaven Landscaping Company, Uncategorized
Trust all of your tree and shrub pruning to the landscape experts at Pugh’s Earthworks
Pugh's Earthworks Trees are starting to leaf out but the Crape Myrtle is usually one of the last to bloom. Personally having three of these lovely trees I wondered about the proper pruning technique. I see many that have been cut back or topped by owners so assumed this is proper. The professionals at Pugh's Earthworks have the skills, training and expertise when it comes to healthy care for trees and shrubs. I suppose there are different theories regarding Crape Myrtles and I found one that resonates with me. Topping trees for the most part can be harmful. This is [...]
Pugh’s Earthworks has the experience to control lawn and shrub insect damage GalleryPugh’s Earthworks has the experience to control lawn and shrub insect damage
Certified Landscaping Technician, Commercial Landscape Design, Insect Control, Institutional Landscape Maintenance, Jackson TN Landscaping, Lawn Care, Little Rock Landscape Firm, Memphis Landscape Firm, Nashville Landscape Firm, Pest Control, Pugh's Earthworks, Uncategorized
Pugh’s Earthworks has the experience to control lawn and shrub insect damage
Pugh's Earthworks May is now here and Spring is in full swing. Such a beautiful time of year. The weather is becoming comfortable, lawns are starting to green, flowers are blooming, trees are leafing out and insects are coming out of hiding! Pugh’s Earthworks services include pest control for commercial and residential properties. We partner with Rosie’s Pest Control and hold the necessary certifications in compliance with state regulations to prevent, eliminate and exclude pests from commercial properties, inside and out. A wide variety of common pests including mosquitos, flies, bedbugs, rodents, roaches, spiders and ants are treated with EPA [...]
Pugh’s Earthworks designs and provides professional landscape maintenance for many Retail and Office property customers GalleryPugh’s Earthworks designs and provides professional landscape maintenance for many Retail and Office property customers
Certified Landscaping Technician, Commercial Landscape Design, Jackson TN Landscaping, Landscape Design, Little Rock Landscape Firm, Memphis Landscape Firm, Nashville Landscape Firm, Pugh's Earthworks, Shopping Center Landscape, Southaven Mississippi Landscaping, Uncategorized
Pugh’s Earthworks designs and provides professional landscape maintenance for many Retail and Office property customers
Pugh's Earthworks Pugh's Earthworks specializes in commercial landscape design and maintenance services throughout Tennessee, including Memphis, Jackson, and Nashville. We also service commercial lawns and landscaping in Little Rock, Arkansas. Services included in the Pugh's Earthworks menu of options are commercial landscape design, plants, hardscape, irrigation, lighting and more, as well as maintenance for lawns and landscape areas. We are extremely proud of our sizable list of valuable and satisfied clients. With over 20 years of experience, Pugh's Earthworks specializes in delivering professional landscape and monthly lawn maintenance programs for retail and office clients in our service area. We started [...]
Pugh’s Earthworks is a professional landscaping firm committed to the protection of the environment GalleryPugh’s Earthworks is a professional landscaping firm committed to the protection of the environment
Certified Landscaping Technician, Commercial Landscape Design, Commercial Landscape Maintenance, Fertilize, HOA/COA Landscape Maintenance, Insect Control, Jackson TN Landscaping, Memphis Landscape Firm, Nashville Landscape Firm, Pugh's Earthworks, Uncategorized, Weed Control
Pugh’s Earthworks is a professional landscaping firm committed to the protection of the environment
Pugh's Earthworks Companies in the Landscaping industry have a duty to apply chemicals like fertilizer and pesticides in an environmentally sound fashion. Pugh's Earthworks takes this very seriously and follows all established guidelines. If you look at the state and industry certifications and licenses our company has achieved, it is obvious that we are professionals. The Pugh’s Earthworks team has all the proper credentials, degrees and certifications necessary to deliver top quality landscape and lawn maintenance design, installation and maintenance services. Our team is experienced, highly skilled. The all operate with a customer first attitude. Our firm is one of [...]
The growing season is on again and Pugh’s Earthworks will keep your Commercial Property lawn looking sharp GalleryThe growing season is on again and Pugh’s Earthworks will keep your Commercial Property lawn looking sharp
Best in Class Landscaping firm, Certified Landscaping Technician, Commercial Landscape Design, DynaScape Certified Landscape Company, HOA/COA Landscape Maintenance, Institutional Landscape Maintenance, Jackson TN Landscaping, Little Rock Landscape Firm, Memphis Landscape Firm, Nashville Landscape Firm, Pugh's Earthworks, Southaven Mississippi Landscaping, Summer Lawn Care, Uncategorized
The growing season is on again and Pugh’s Earthworks will keep your Commercial Property lawn looking sharp
Pugh's Earthworks commercial landscape design and maintenance services Time to sharpen those mower blades and get the lawn equipment in tip top shape. The expert landscaping technicians at Pugh's Earthworks are preparing to kick off another successful year at keeping our commercial customer's lawns looking the best in the city. The cities we operated in are throughout Tennessee, including Memphis, Jackson, and Nashville plus we service lawns in Little Rock, Arkansas and Southaven MS. Our monthly seasonal landscape care for lawns, bedding, trees and shrubs, irrigation, and hardscape areas is available for both commercial and residential customers for monthly services. [...]
Pugh’s Earthworks specializes in all types of Hardscaping GalleryPugh’s Earthworks specializes in all types of Hardscaping
Certified Landscaping Technician, Commercial Landscape Design, Commercial Landscape Maintenance, Hardscapes, Jackson TN Landscaping, Landscape Magazine, Memphis Landscape Firm, Nashville Landscape Firm, Pugh's Earthworks, Uncategorized
Pugh’s Earthworks specializes in all types of Hardscaping
Pugh's Earthworks Pugh's Earthworks provides commercial landscape design and maintenance services throughout Tennessee, including Memphis, Jackson, and Nashville. We have five commercial landscape service operations in three states, including landscapes and service lawns and landscaping in Little Rock, Arkansas. Our monthly services include landscape design and maintenance, customized to your needs, budget, and seasonal situation. With offices in Memphis, Nashville, Jackson TN, Little Rock and Southaven MS, Pugh's Earthworks specializes in all aspects of commercial landscaping. One of the many elements of landscaping involves the important design and building of Hardscapes. Depending on the commercial property type, Hardscapes can be [...]
“We Love Our Customers” and Appreciate The Opportunity to Serve.”
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Heat Can Significantly Impact Your Lawn
Heat doesn't just wear on us; it also has an adverse impact on nature, including plants, flowers, and lawns. However, you can still enjoy a healthy lawn even in the midst of extreme summer heat. Don't Mow Your Lawn Too Short It's a common mistake to mow a lawn too short. When this happens and it's hot, your lawn suffers and turns brown. This is because the lawn is restricted on how much energy it can produce for growth. However, if you don't trim it too short, then the grass can develop stronger roots. And, it's those stronger roots that support plants that can tolerate the stress that heat puts on it during the summer months. Use the One-Third Rule To determine the correct height to cut your grass, apply the “one-third” rule. This rule says never remove more than one-third of the grass height at one time. This keeps the lawn cooler because it removes less plant tissue. For example, if you normally cut your lawn at 2.5 inches, increase it to 3 inches during the hot summer months. Don't Over Water A big mistake so many make is to think the heat means grass needs more water. However, all that does is create another problem. The soil then tends to be constantly wet. This causes the grass roots to be deprived of oxygen. This can make them more susceptible to disease because diseases tend to thrive in wet conditions. Therefore, the drier the grass and soil, the less risk for a disease. Although you want to ensure hydration, you don't need to water daily to get that. Keep Mower Blades Sharp When grass is cut with a sharp mower blade, it will heal faster. Then, it's less susceptible to stress and disease that comes during the hot season. Also, the sharper mower blades will prevent a brown appearance. Use a Mulching Mower Rather than bagging up the lawn clippings, return them to the lawn by using a mulching mower. Clippings act as a slow-release fertilizer for the plant. Focus on Year-Round Lawn Health Whether there is heat or not, it's important to maintain your lawn's health the whole year round. Then, when it is hot, your lawn will already be prepared for the temperature change. That way, grass will tolerate the heat more easily. Focus on season-long care, which includes fertilization, watering, mowing, and pest control. Contact us if you would like more help in creating a healthy, year-round lawn.
Weed Control: Put Down Pre-Emergent in the Spring
Weeds seem to appear everywhere, especially after winter and spring rains. They get in the way of your lawn and garden plants and flowers getting the nutrition and water they need. That's why they must go. Spring is a good time to get those weeds under control as part of your lawn maintenance. There are many ways you can do this, but applying a pre-emergent herbicide is one of the most effective weed control strategies. Here's why: For our commercial lawn and garden services here in Memphis, we use high-quality pre-emergent herbicides to control broadleaf weeds and crabgrass that start to infringe on turf, landscaping, agricultural lands, golf courses and other areas. Pre-emergent herbicides weed killers are perfect for spring and fall application. Pre-emergent herbicides are typically applied in the early growing season, which is the springtime. This helps prevent the weed seeds from germinating and becoming full-grown weeds. The pre-emergent herbicide weed control forms a barrier around a weed seed. This makes it nearly impossible for the wee seed to sprout so then it's less likely to grow. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied a few different ways. You can utilize a granular spreader or a pressurized handheld sprayer. Liquid herbicides are often concentrated solutions that have to be mixed with water first. Granular herbicides can be spread and require irrigation to help the granule release the pre-emergent chemical. To help make the pre-emergent work effectively, it's important to aerate the lawn and surrounding area first. Then, apply the weed control substance. This helps the pre-emergent get the seeds to do its work. Watering the pre-emergent also helps it to get into that topsoil layer where the weed seeds tend to germinate. Follow the instructions provided on each pre-emergent weed control solution you select. For all of our commercial clients, we take care of this part of lawn care and maintenance for you to ensure you have the healthiest lawn and garden possible. Contact us today to learn more.
Time to Change Out Those Flower Beds
Flower beds provide a beautiful and eye-catching feature to any commercial or residential garden. With a burst of color, these beautiful floral displays can provide enjoyment the entire year round. However, flowers tend to provide that beauty on a seasonal basis. That means that, at certain points in the year, it's time to change those flowers out for others that are in-season. At this time of year, it means going with flowers that flourish in hotter temperatures. Here's how to re-do a flower bed. The first step is to clean out the existing flower bed. Remove old perennials, weeds, and any debris. Think of it as a clean slate so you can start again with seasonal blooms. This may be a good time to change the shape of your flower bed. Rather than going with that traditional rectangular look, why not add some curves to it by drawing out new lines with the soil? Now, it's time to add new soil to your flower bed. Dig up rocks, roots, and any debris before putting a layer of garden-specific soil. It should be about six inches deep. You can also add compost and leaf mold. This will boost soil nutrition. Let your flower bed settle for 30 to 60 days before planting. Work with your local garden center on the ideal flowers for this time of year. Once you have an idea of what works, then you can select the colors and varieties to use that will fit your space and garden style. This is where you can be creative. As you plant the flowers in the bed, be sure to add enough water to make puddles under each flower. Add a thin layer of mulch. This will help prevent weeds and allow the soil to retain moisture even during the hot summer ahead. Of course, if you don't have the time to re-do your commercial flower beds, consider turning to professionals like Pugh's Earthworks. Contact us today!
Focusing On Insect Control in the Spring Pays Year-Round Benefits
Now that spring has arrived and your garden, trees, shrubs, and lawns are starting to grow again, all this activity will be sure to attract insects. While some are there to help, other insects don't do your garden or lawn any good. That's when you know it's time or insect control strategies. Plus, what you do now in the springtime can help control insects the whole year round. To get started, it's important to know that there are three general strategies you can use for garden insect control. These include physical controls, live controls, and packaged controls. Although each insect control strategy is good, you need one that fits your type of garden and insect issues. This is where it can help to have a professional assist you with your garden and lawn maintenance as they are adept at understanding the best inset control strategy to implement. First, physical pest control manually removes insects. For example, this can involve cutting the larvae of cottonwood borers out of trees or shrubs. Or, soil covers can be placed around your plants' roots. This strategy for insect control can prevent maggots from reaching these roots and destroying the plants. Second, live pest control uses the power of nature to eliminate insects. This involves introducing certain insects that feed on the insects that are destroying your plants. For example ladybugs and praying mantises take care of aphids. Third, you can control insects by using chemicals or packaged pest control products. Focus on non-toxic products before opting for the stronger chemicals. You can also opt for some other alternatives for pest control to help keep insects away from your gardens and lawns the whole year round. These include electronic pest control techniques, including the use of ultrasonic frequencies. Also, you may want to consider organic pest control products that use citric acid or garlic to kill insects. Sesame oil, thyme oil, and clove oil are integral to other types of organic alternatives for relief from pest infestations without damaging your garden. Contact us today if you would like to get professional help in learning how to control insects in spring as well as all year.
Applying Fertilizer in the Spring Can Strengthen Roots and Promote Growth
Spring is the time to fertilize your lawn and plants because this is when growing season starts again. The fertilizer has the nutrition that all green things need to really start growing. Here's why Healthy lawns must have adequate water. This promotes cell enlargement and aids in evaporative cooling. Lawns and plants also require sunlight and carbon dioxide for energy production as well as oxygen for respiration. Lawn growth also involves getting nutrients from the soil that are absorbed by roots. Sometimes, the soil does not have these nutrients so that's where fertilizer comes in to help out. In fact, one research article noted that there must be at least 18 elements for proper plant growth. And, if any are missing, it could limit plant or lawn growth. This includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. By applying fertilizer to the soil, the soil becomes more fertile. The result is that the plants and lawn that the soil feeds becomes healthier, resisting damage from insects and fungus. You'll be able to tell if your plants, trees, and lawns aren't getting the right nutrition. That's because their leaves will be yellow or light green. They may even have dead spots on them. There will be fewer leaves. And, the ones that are there will be smaller than normal. There will also be poor plant structure and root growth. Look for fertilizers that incorporate organic enzymes and amino acids. These help plants and lawns deal with any seasonal stresses from heat or frosts as well as transplanting. Since more insects and diseases also turn up at this time, these ingredients in the fertilizer will help strengthen the roots and offer protection. Look for fertilizers for certain types of plants, shrubs, and lawns. It helps to use a customized fertilizer for the area you want to feed. If you are not sure, contact us and we'll be glad to help with lawn fertilizing and yard fertilizing.
It’s Not Too Late to Plant Shrubs in the Spring
Pugh's Earthworks Spring Is A Great Time To Plant While spring is already in full swing, we know that here in Memphis and nearby the spring season has been a little delayed this year. We are now looking forward to warmer weather and enjoying the rest of spring. That's why it's not too late to consider what you may want to plant during this spring season. Shrubs and flowering shrubs are great ideas for your yard. No matter what size yard you have, shrubs are a great way to add depth, texture, and color to a garden. Location, Location, Location When you plan on planting shrubs, it's important to consider where you are going to put them. Consider any zoning or Homeowners Association rules as well as be aware of property lines. While you may love the shrubs you are planting, your neighbors may not. And, the last thing you want is to have to pull it out after all that hard work. Then, there are sunlight and shade requirements to think about. Also, check to see how big the shrubs may get to ensure you've picked a location that will accommodate how big the shrub will get. How to Plant Shrubs When you take the time to plant a shrub properly, it will grow faster. Plus, it may even enjoy a longer life. The mild temperatures in spring are the right time to give the shrub the chance to take root and grow. The soil is the right temperature to help the shrub. Shrubs are typically purchased in containers. The shrub has been growing in the container for some time, which also gives it a better chance of survival. There are numerous sizes of containers and shrubs that allow you to pick the size that is appropriate for your planting area. To plant a shrub, first, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. Make sure to loosen the soil around the hole so the roots can start to penetrate it and make a home for themselves. Remove the shrub carefully from the container and put it in the hole as soon as possible. The bare roots are vulnerable to light and air so they need to get back into the dirt as soon as possible. Lightly push the soil down around the shrub to get rid of any air pockets. You can also add water to settle the soil. This also helps the root ball to start receiving the water it needs to stay healthy. Add mulch around the shrub to start giving it nutrition. Shrub Maintenance Even after planting it in the spring, there is still much to do to maintain your shrubs. You'll need to keep an eye on your shrubs over the course of the first year to make sure they are getting enough moisture as the weather heats up. Signs of moisture distress include wilting leaves or hard soil. Continue adding water and mulch around the newly planted shrub. You won't need [...]
Spring is the Time to Seed Lawns
Pugh's Earthworks Didn't Seed In The Fall? You Can Still Overseed In The Spring Reseeding your lawn helps keep it growing and thriving. It goes through cycles of growth just like flowers and plants. However, you will need to know the best times of the year to seed your lawn in order to maximize its growth potential and get the best results from your lawn maintenance. Here, in Memphis, there are two seasons that are typically ideal for seeding lawns. That's fall and spring. These seasons are ideal because they have the milder temperatures that give the grass seeds an opportunity to grow and get a healthy start versus winter, which is too cold, and summer, which gets very hot. Spring Lawn Seeding Since it's spring, start thinking about how to see your lawn so you can enjoy a beautiful and lush green carpet for the next few months. The soil should be between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Before placing the lawn seeds, take out any weeds and root systems that may inhibit seed growth by taking away precious water and nutrients from the lawn seeds. Plus, if you leave the weeds in and try to kill them later with weed killer, it will damage the new growth from the lawn seeds. You will also want to loosen the soil, remove dead grass and debris, and then add a layer of topsoil and fertilizer. Spot Seeding to Fill Lawn Holes This is also the time to consider filling in those holes that may have appeared on your lawn. Like with regular lawn seeding, it's important to first remove the dead grass and loosen up the soil. Then, you can spread the grass seed. Use a rake to spread it out and mix the lawn seeds into the loosened soil. From there, you will need to add mulch and straw. Or, you can use a seed starter mat or blanket. This will hold the seeds and loose soil in place. Maybe you have just bought or rented a house that has a lawn that could use a little love. If half the lawn still has grass and isn't full of weeds, you can repair it by seeding it rather than starting over. For these types of major lawn fixes, you will need to mow it very low and then add an herbicide. Leave it for up to two weeks and then seed it as though it was a new lawn. Our Lawn Maintenance Services Here in Memphis, we offer lawn maintenance services that include seeding lawns. Contact us to find out how we can restore your lawn or stimulate growth for a green, healthy lawn.
Nashville Office Makes Commercial Properties Gorgeous
Pugh's Earthworks Serving The Greater Nashville, TN Area Nashville has some of the most beautiful properties in this region. New construction in the area is at an all time high. Homes, apartments and condo values are soaring. According to Pro Tech Valuation Services, from 2010 to 2015, the Nashville metro area’s population grew by 9.2 percent. As a result, this influx of new families has led to a rapid increase in home prices. From a price-per-square foot of living space perspective, home prices are 50 percent above pre-crash highs. Pugh's Earthworks is ramped up and ready to take on commercial properties of all kinds in the Nashville area. Drew Douglas, the Nashville area manager, is happy to take a look at your property and provide you with an estimate for weekly property maintenance. He has years of experience in all aspects of the landscaping industry.
Benefits of Mulching
Pugh's Earthworks Mulching Provides Numerous Benefits Why is mulching important? Increased amounts of organic matter will improve soil tilth and drainage, increase soil moisture retention, reduce soil compaction, and attract earthworms. Because organic mulches decompose, they need to be replaced. Depending on the type of mulch used, replacement intervals vary from one to four years. If your business is ready for a new round of mulch please give us a call so we can get you on our schedule.
We Have Added New Faces In Our Memphis Office
Welcome a few new faces to our Memphis team! Alicia Thompson is our new customer service representative. If you give us a call you will likely get her on the phone first. She is great and we are lucky to have her. Russell Holloway is also new to us and he will be working as an account manager. He's out and about all day and you very well may see him on your property. Last but not least, Josh Long has been with us as a spray technician but recently was moved to the position of account managers. Be sure to welcome these new faces (and voices) when you see them! Pugh's Earthworks has offices in Memphis, Nashville, Little Rock, Jackson MS and Jackson TN. We have openings for field technicians in all of our offices. Fill out and submit this form if you are interested in a career with us.