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Frequently Asked Questions, by Division:
General FAQs:
- Does Green Planet Inc offer custom landscape design work?
Yes, we offer a fully accredited team to provide each client with a custom landscape design and we do copyright it for your protection.
- Can my lawn be made to look better or do I need to replace it?
Your lawn can look better. Usually by thatching and aerating it the spring and by adding a top dressing of Bio Fine over-seed and fertilizer with enough water will provide excellent results.
- Bark -- Why should I put down?
Bark is a good insulator. It looks good and helps keep weeds down. We suggest using a Pre-emergent treatment which stops weed seeds from germinating before installing bark. We have many bark color and type samples available.
- Do you sub out any of the installation work?
No, we prefer to keep every aspect of our work in-house. We have trained crews to handle wide variety of landscape related topics to provide our customers with the best service possible.
Construction Department -- Jay Webb, Supervisor:
Green Planet's construction division assists subdivision scaled home builders and commercial property developers to build quality landscapes within tight time-frames. Often, our clients want to know the answers to these common questions:
- When can you be on site?
Green Planet is often asked to begin a project with little notice. As a minimum we do require 48 hours notice in order to call locates for buried utilities.
- How long will it take?
Green Planet has an employee base of 45+ skilled individuals. By scheduling our employees appropriately, we can complete small and large jobs in very short time frames. For example, small front yard residential landscapes take only 1 day.
- What is your guarantee?
All plant material is guaranteed for 1 year. Irrigation work is guaranteed for 3 years for all parts and labor.
- How are your landscapes designed on the larger subdivision level?
While most homeowners desire unique aspects to their landscape, it is also very important with today's trend toward small lot sizes that properties blend well together in a balanced and cohesive way. Most of all, Green Planet will stick to a more confined pallet of trees and shrubs (roughly 35 species) that on the subdivision level, create simple yet elegant landscapes. Perennial flowers often lend the unique flare.
- How do you train your employees?
Green Planet has developed "in house" 30- and 90-day bench marks to ensure all installations meet professional standards. On-the-job training is a big part of learning these standards but classroom courses, home study, testing and certification are all highly encouraged and frequently required of our employees.
Design and Build Division -- Tim Schmidt, Supervisor:
- Do you provide a design service?
We have both a landscape designer as well as a landscape architect on staff. Both of which are fully able to assist you in all of your landscaping needs.
- Do you charge for your design services?
Green Planet Inc, does not charge for our design services as long as that design is not being sent out for bid. Otherwise as part and parcel of what we offer, a landscape designer/architect would meet with you on site, develop a design based on your specific interests, and present a to-scale design with an accompanying proposal.
- What type of services do you offer?
We are a fully accredited design built company, which means that we provide: design services, plant knowledge and layout, landscape lighting, irrigation, pave/flagstone patio installation, as well as our award-winning water features. We will work with you to create the landscape that you've always wanted.
- Are your water features hard to maintain?
All of the water features that GPI installs are designed to run 24-7 with very little associated maintenance. Once a month we ask that you simply empty the filter basket and then add a teaspoon or two of a pond bacterial product. This product enables us to ensure crystal water clarity, while still providing a safe ecosystem for pond plants, fish and other wildlife to enjoy. So in around 5 minutes a month your water feature will provide you with all year-round beauty and enjoyment of a natural looking mountain stream in your back yard.
Maintenance Division -- Tom Busik, Supervisor:
- How often are scheduled visits?
Weekly, and for the most part the same day and time each week.
- How often do you fertilize?
We fertilize as needed (typically 3 times per year).
- How long is the season?
Usually the growing season in Central Oregon is April through October. The months of March and November may also be critical for weed suppression, pruning and property cleanup.
- Is thatching and/or aerating of turf included?
Typically, it is not included in the standard maintenance contract. If we know up front that thatching and aerating is needed, we can certainly work the price into the monthly cost and provide you a comprehensive quote tailored to your specific needs.
- Do you spray herbicides?
Yes, but only as needed and only to the specific weed we want to eradicate. Much of our weed control is done by hand. If you request that we use no herbicides, we would certainly oblige.
Irrigation Division -- Jack Thompson, Supervisor:
- What is a backflow assembly and why does it need to be tested?
A backflow assembly allows water to flow in only one direction. A properly working device keeps your water system safe from contaminants. The testing of backflow devices certifies that valves are sealing properly to prevent contamination.
- My irrigation system isn't working properly what should I do?
First, make sure that your water is on. If the water is on, then you need to check the point of connection valve to make sure that it is open. Then you should check the ball valves on your backflow assembly. If the ball valve handles are both vertical they are closed. You want both handles to be horizontal and inline with the backflow assembly. Next check the zone valves on your irrigation system. If those are open, go to your irrigation controller and be sure that it is plugged in. The display window should show time and day if the controller has power. If the power was off, restore power back to the controller and you will probably have to do some basic programming such as day and time. If you don't have the water on by now I suggest you call our office and have them send out one of our techs. We would be happy to help.
- When can I water?
If you are in the city limits, you should contact the public works department for your city. Some cities have odd / even day watering schedules based on your address. They will also have permitted watering times on those days. If you are outside of the city limits check with your water provider for the watering schedules. If you are on a private well you can water when you want. Be sure that it is not a shared well where you would need to consider when others would be watering. If you pump from a pond be sure that the canals are running so that you can refill your pond.
- My controller will run all zones but one, what should I do?
Your question tells me that the water is on and that the controller is capable of operating the zone valves. What we may have is an electrical problem with that zone. It could be a bad connection at the solenoid, check your connections. If the problem persists, give us a call.
- I'm new to the area and I've never had an irrigation system. Can you send someone out to help me learn about my system?
Absolutely, our trained staff can get you up and running and make you feel comfortable with your system. When we are done you will even be able to program your controller for the seasonal changes we experience here in the high desert.
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Call us today at (541) 318-8411.
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