We're Changing our Name to Signature Landscapes

Signature Landscapes - our new name!

The Big Secret is out! After 27 years, the Reno Lawn & Landscape name will enjoy a well-deserved retirement to make way for our new name, Signature Landscapes.

Just Call (775) 827-5296 to take advantage of
our  Grand Opening Lawn Care Special.
Mention the GRAND OPENING SPECIAL
and we'll wave the charges for your
first aeration or fertilization treatment! 

Signature Landscapes, a family-owned and operated landscape company in town for more than a decade, purchased Reno Lawn & Landscape almost six years ago, and since then we've spent a lot of time talking with customers as we've expanded the company. It has become clear there is more to our company than simply lawn care, and we want a name conveys a better sense of what we do - hence rolling with the new name... Signature.

Why we're excited about the change... 
We're still the same company. In fact, you'll still be able to reach our wonderful customer support team of Julie, Chelsea and Nenette to help you on the telephone! Except now, we'll answer the phone a little differently. Signature Landscapes, the same company that transformed commercial and residential landscaping for northern Nevada just eleven short years ago is the same company who will keep your landscape looking beautiful in the years to follow... only now with a name that truly reflects the depth and expertise our teams bring to a landscape – regardless if you own a business or a home.

Here's what you can expect this spring:

• NEW SHARP LOOK FOR EMPLOYEES & COMPANY VEHICLES
• Clearly marked vehicles and crews are easy to spot and will help you quickly identify Signature Landscapes employees at all times.
• IMPROVED TREE CARE AND PEST CONTROL SERVICES
• ISA Certified Arbor Care, 180-Days Same as Cash for select construction projects, Total Pest Control. These are just some of the new improved services you'll enjoy.
• SUPERIOR TRAINING & JOB PERFORMANCE
• Expanded skills mean detailed knowledge of critical landscape issues. 
• Rain Bird™ Certified Irrigation Professionals
• PLANET™ Certified Landscape Technicians
• ISA™ Certified Arbor Care Professionals

We know you won't find a more dedicated team of professionals versed in “Every Outdoor Service”.  It's called Signature Service – and we look forward to working for you for years and years to come!

Guess What? It's Weed Control Season!

You might thing winter has just started here in the Truckee Meadows, right? Well, we're pretty sure your weeds have been thinking otherwise and the weed seeds are preparing germinate. The weather continues to remain unusually warm - and this means all of us in the Truckee Meadows need to step up our weed control programs considerably.

Beautiful landscapes begin by eliminating weeds before germination

Lawn and yard maintenance requires attentive weed control. The most effective way to control weeds is to apply pre-emergent herbicide early in the year to prevent unwanted growth from appearing. Call our helpful weed-pros to schedule your treatments this week - before the seeds on your property germinate.

Call Julie at (775) 827-LAWN (5296) and enjoy a $79 offer on TOTAL WEED CONTROL for up to 5,000 Square Feet of property. That's lawn, garden, planter beds, open fields, etc.  You can't find a better more affordable way to control these awful local weeds than our $79 TOTAL WEED CONTROL program. 

• Weeds hurt the healthy and vibrant plants in the landscape stealing water, nutrients and light.
• Many people are allergic to weeds and can suffer skin reactions or breathing difficulties.
• They’re unattractive additions to any property and can cost thousands of dollars to eliminate if left untreated.
• The aesthetic factor: weeds hurt the look of a landscape.

Timing Weed Control

Pre-emergent herbicides only work if they are applied to your lawn before the weed’s growth period. 

Weeds are persistent and crafty, and managing them really is a matter of outwitting, outplaying them, and outlasting them. They come back every season, twice a year. According to garden experts across the U.S., pre-emergent fertilizers should be applied so that they activate before seasonal weeds make an appearance.

And that time is right now. You'll be taking one strong step to eliminating the horror of a weed-filled yard when the seasons warm up. 

How dry weather damages your landscape

According to NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the Reno/Sparks/Carson area is experiencing the dryest spells in the history of weather reporting. We've only reached this level of dry warm winter temps five other times since measurements started in the area.

Busineses and homeowners should evaluate their ability to water their trees, shrubs and turf areas, and don’t be fooled when it snows (please let it be soon!). Dry winter conditions result in serious damage to newly planted landscapes as well as mature and established trees.

Damage to vegetation includes, but is not limited to:

• Increased susceptibility to insect attack
• Undersized leaves in the spring
• Desiccation and dieback to fibrous(nutrient absorbing) root tissue
• Needle browning and pre-mature needle drop in evergreen trees.

These are all very serious issues when you're expecting your landscape to come back vibrant and healthy in the spring. The frequency of supplemental watering should be based on the ongoing conditions, so monitoring soil moisture should be done often throughout the winter. Winter watering is a task that is often ignored during the holidays as everyone’s life becomes hectic.

Fortunately, Signature Landscapes can take this burden off your shoulders. Give us a call today so we can help you all winter long. Just give us a buzz at(775) 827-5296 and we'll get you started.

Weathering winter drought – watering required

In much of Northern Nevada, we’re experiencing a serious dry spell. Warm winters without snow appeal to people, but cause winter drought. Specifically, the lack of soil moisture and atmospheric humidity can damage plant root systems unless they receive supplemental water. Truckee Meadows residents are in for a shock if watering doesn't take place in the next few days.

Affected plants may appear normal and resume growth in the spring, only to weaken or die in late spring or early summer because the amount of new growth produced is greater than the weakened root system can support. Lawn grasses also are prone to winter damage. Newly established lawns, whether they are started with seed or sod, are especially susceptible to damage in dry weather. Pay particular attention to turf on south exposures.

If you have any questions or comments about how to ensure the survival of your landscape plants, shrubs and trees, give us a call at 827-5296 and ask for Tim, our residential landscape specialist.

Trees and shrubs at risk from dry winters include recent transplants, evergreens and shallow rooted species such as lindens, birches, and Norway and silver maples. Evergreen shrubs, particularly those growing near a house, may suffer root system damage during dry spells

Dry weather should continue for weeks

Water during winter only when air temp is above freezing.In the future, you should plan onwatering plants when the leaves start to fall in the autumn. This will send them into winter with adequate soil moisture. For recent transplants, a soil needle or deep-root-feeder can be used on low water pressure for one minute at each site to water the root ball and surrounding soil.

Water during winter only when air temperature is above freezing. Apply water early in the day, so it will have time to soak in before nighttime freezing. If water stands around the base of a tree, it can freeze and damage the bark.

In most years, one or two winter waterings will be enough to keep plants from suffering winter damage.






Special thanks goes out to the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Landscape for information on this article.

Recommendations For Protecting Your Property After A Fire

Fire destroys hundreds of homes each year and often burns thousands of acres of land. If your property was damaged by fire, we’re pleased to offer some recommendations to help your landscape recover and to help protect your property.

In general, many plants and trees are exposed to fire in their native environment and many will recover in the spring and should be left alone. Any pruning or cutting back of fire-damaged plants should not be done until the plants show signs of recovery. Removing bark, leaves or limbs can expose the plants to sun damage. Heat from the sun can actually kill the tissue beneath the bark on some trees. It is best to leave them alone until new growth appears. 

Some plants recover faster than others. Burned plants can still be green underneath and still have healthy roots. If similar plants appear to be recovering, wait a few more weeks before removing damaged parts. Full damage to woody plants may not be apparent until the next spring or summer season. Re-examine them at that time and then carefully remove damaged wood to make room for new growth. Ash on the plants will not cause damage and should be left alone.

Damaged trees that have branches that are cracked or overhanging homes, driveways etc., can be a future hazard, should be removed. 

Trees that have shifted in the soil due to wind or burn damage and those with burned roots should be removed as well, because they are now considered unstable and could potentially fall. If fire has completely burned off all the bark around the entire circumference of the tree and/or fire has burned deep into the trunk, the tree should also be removed.

Fertilization is not recommended. Immediately fertilizing can cause damage to the roots and cause additional harm to the plants. Waiting also gives the soil time to recover. Wait until the spring and fertilize at half rates with a product containing nitrogen. Do not fertilize with manures at that time, since they contain a high concentration of salts that can injure roots.

Plastic irrigation lines, parts and drains may be damaged. Check your existing irrigation system for leaks and damage and document them for your insurance company. Also shut off irrigation water immediately after a fire to help prevent erosion and further damage.

It is generally not recommended to water plants immediately after a fire. If your area is experiencing a drought and water is necessary, water gently by hand. Severely burned soils do not absorb water well. Make sure the flow of water is slow enough to be absorbed. Also examine and clean concrete drains and swales. Many become filled with ash and mud during a fire.

In areas where protective plants are removed or destroyed, soil becomes vulnerable to erosion. Soil erosion can happen slowly or it can happen very quickly in a heavy rain. The exact measures needed for your property are based on your soil type, slope grade, home location, weather, water availability etc. 

Areas exposed by fire can open the door for invasive species and weeds. In some areas erosion control materials or mechanical control measures may need to be applied. Contact your local Signature Landscapes plant specialist for guidelines in your area.

Water flow is an important factor of any erosion plan. Never underestimate the power of storm water and debris. Evaluating the area and planning for storm events is a critical first step to protecting your property and improper or inadequate measures can aggravate potential problems. If you need help with erosion control or fire prevention landscaping, be sure to hire a licensed professional who specializes in that area of expertise. Ask for references, insurance certificates and request to see their license. You'll want to protect your home and your neighbors' as well.

 It is also an important time to evaluate your property's landscape and damage. Take a look at what worked and what did not and try to determine how to make your property safer in case of a future fire. For future reference, it is also a good idea to keep records and photos of your landscape as part of your home inventory list for insurance purposes.

Tree hazards to avoid after a fire

Trees burned above a driveway

Fire damaged trees that have branches that are cracked or overhanging homes, driveways etc., can be a future hazard, should be removed. 

Trees that have shifted in the soil due to wind or burn damage and those with burned roots should be removed as well, because they are now considered unstable and could potentially fall. If fire has completely burned off all the bark around the entire circumference of the tree and/or fire has burned deep into the trunk, the tree should also be removed.

Evelyn Mount Receives a Brighter Holiday Home

For more than a decade, our community has been the recipient of good will, tireless dedication, and more than 20 tons of food for thousands of families. Provided free of charge from local philanthropist, Evelyn Mount, it all comes out of her modest one-story home in North Reno.  

And for the past six years, Christmas Décor by Signature Landscapes has tried to brighten the holidays for Ms. Mount by lighting up her home with thousands of colorful lights and decorations during the chilly months of the holiday season.

We are a Christmas company after all!

This year is no exception, and the reason is simple says Signature employee, Steven Fine, “The holidays can be a stressful time for folks navigating the rush of the holidays, and this year it seems harder than ever. It important to us Ms. Mount knows early on how proud we are to help brighten her home. In fact, she’s the first house we do every year. The crews love it, the neighbors love it, everyone gets excited!”

“These lights are the very least we could do to help deliver just a sliver of traditional and positive holiday spirit,” says Fine. “Our crews are out and about in the neighborhoods putting up lights for hundreds of homes. So it just makes sense to put a few more locations on the daily route. We are a Christmas company after all!”

The Mount home is just one of many remarkable non-profits the company lights up for the holidays. Along with the Evelyn Mount home, Christmas Décor also lights up the Ronald McDonald House, participates in the national Christmas Décor Decorated Family program, and provides holiday cheer for up to six non-publicized homes each year.

If you can help, donate items at her house located at 2530Cannan Street or the Sak ‘N Save on Oddie and Silverada Boulevards in Reno.