2022 Fresh Christmas Tree & Decor Prize Package

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Landscape Plus “10 Days of Christmas” Facebook Contest

Enter to win a 2022 Fresh Christmas Tree & Decor Prize Package*, Courtesy of Landscape Plus in Strathmore – Valued over $300!

The prize package is fully transferable and the winner will be announced December 1, 2022.

In order to win you must:

  1. Be a resident of Alberta age 18 or older
  2. Like/follow our Facebook page or our Instagram page
  3. Like, Share & Comment on the daily prize posts to increase your odds of winning

Contest details:

Starting Nov 21, 2022, Landscape Plus will post one prize daily for ten days. Each day, you can like, share and comment on the prize post, each action is an entry to the contest. We use third-party software to randomly select one person daily from all actions on the post, this person’s name will be entered into the final draw (assuming all other criteria are met, #1, 2 & 3 above).

Contest closes on the 10th day (Sat, Nov 30, 2022) at midnight. On Thursday, Dec 1, one name will be selected to win all ten prizes. The prize is transferable, the winner will be contacted and asked if they wish to receive the prize or gift it. This information will be announced and shared on our social media pages.

*The 2022 Christmas Prize Package includes a cumulation of 10 items + delivery. In a series of 10 Facebook/Insta posts, we will reveal the prize package. PLEASE NOTE: Not all items will be exactly as pictured. Upon randomly selecting the winner from contest entries, we will contact the winner to arrange free delivery IF you are within 50 kilometers of Landscape Plus, otherwise, you will need to arrange for pickup/delivery of your package and instructions will be given over the phone.

The contest is closed to Landscape Plus employees, subcontractors and affiliates. Any activity by Landscape Plus and/or its affiliates on the campaign posts will not be included in the draw. Click here to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Add a Rain Sensor to Your Irrigation System

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Watering in the Rain: Why is my sprinkler coming on when it’s pouring rain?

Have you ever seen sprinklers running when it’s raining? The worst is when there is enough precipitation that the ground is saturated. The rain combined with the irrigation is causing the water to pool or run off wastefully.

So why does this happen on some properties and not on others? The solution is quite simple. A rain sensor added to your irrigation system can monitor the moisture levels and ensure that it is only watering when moisture is required.

We install, service and maintain irrigation systems and rain sensors in Strathmore and surrounding area.

I have an irrigation system but it doesn’t have a sensor, can I have one added after the fact?

The good news is that we can retrofit your system to work with a sensor.

But water is still relatively cheap, will adding a sensor really pay off?

A lot of factors play into this, including the cost of water in your area, how much rain you typically receive and the area that you’re watering.

We realize that overuse of water the odd time may not counteract the cost of a unit, but there is more to the story than a few bucks saved on your annual water bill.

Overwatering can lead to flooding and undesirable runoff that can cause long-term problems. If there isn’t proper drainage, too much water can be harmful to plants, foundations and structures.

Keep in mind that the cost of water is only going up, and that a sensor will save you for many years to come.

The added bonus of a rain sensor is perception – do your part for the environment and stop watering in the rain!

I have a sensor but my sprinklers still kick in when there is rain forecasted for a few hours later.

Spoiler alert! A rain sensor is not able to predict that it will be raining in a couple of hours.

wiresless rain sensor Landscape Plus Hunter Rain Clik photo
Hunter Wireless Rain Sensor Unit

What is the quality of the unit and will I have an ongoing maintenance cost?

The unit installed by Landscape Plus professionals is an industry-leading wireless sensor that will do the job well and not become a make-work project for you.

 

What does it cost to get a rain sensor added to my irrigation system?

At Landscape Plus, we can provide and install a wireless unit to an existing irrigation system. We recommend including one with all new irrigation systems. Click here to order now!

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patio paver

Paving Stone patio, driveway or walkway

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Set in Stone: Paving Stone Is An Affordable Way to Add Lasting Curb Appeal and Low Maintenance Function

Paving stones come in different colours and sizes and can be laid in several different patterns.paving stone

In the Calgary area (Strathmore, Langdon, Indus, Chestermere) we source products from reputable manufacturing companies to ensure quality. Our preferred suppliers have their options online at Belgard and Barkman. Tell us what you like; we take care of it from there!)

Surprisingly versatile, paving stones can be used for pathways, patios and driveways. The most crucial step is the preparation of the site. If this step is overlooked or rushed or ill-considered, expect problems down the road!

When you hire a crew from Landscape Plus, you can rest assured that the foundation is properly laid for a solid project that will last for years to come.

Here’s what you can expect from our crew:

  • The soil is excavated out to a minimum depth of 8″.
  • Crush gravel is used as a base material.
  • It is well tamped to make sure the base doesn’t shift in any way.
  • Once the grades have been set and the finished surface will have a sufficient slope for drainage the paving stones are laid on a bed of sand.
  • A retaining edger needs to be installed on the outside of the stone to keep them tight and avoid shifting.

And that’s just the prep work!

Finishing your paving stone patio, driveway or walkway

Once we have properly prepared the site, we get to work on the fun part, laying the patio stones into place. A polymeric jointing sand is spread and swept into the cracks while a tamper runs over the stone many times. This firms up the stone by filling in the cracks with the jointing sand. Then the patio is wet down with a mist to activate the polymeric agent and the paving stones can now be used for many years to come.

Unlike concrete, the stones can be lifted and any cracks can be filled to have a smooth surface at all times. A stone lasts for many years. The European cobble walks and roadways can attest to that! Check out some of our past projects on Facebook or Instagram.

What does it cost to get a paving stone patio, driveway or walkway?

At Landscape Plus, we typically charge $25.00* per square foot which includes the materials, labour and equipment. Click here to contact us and get a quote today!

*Price estimate for typical materials as per 2021. Rates subject to change. Travel charges may apply.

Real vs. Artificial: Choosing a Christmas Tree for Your Home

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There really is nothing like having a fresh Christmas Tree in your home. The scent of a real tree creates an ambiance that sets the tone for the holiday season. There are also many practical reasons which make a real tree the better purchase over an artificial one.    

Environment & Economy

The farms that grow Christmas Trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies, and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts. Often, Christmas Trees are grown on soil that does not support other crops. 

Tree farms provide oxygen, diminish carbon dioxide, and create jobs. Artificial trees are mostly imported from overseas and often are made from metals and plastics. The plastic material, typically PVC, can be a potential source of hazardous lead or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Many artificial trees are not standing the test of time and are being discarded on landfills in favor of newer models. 

Christmas trees provide jobs from the growers to the farm hands as well as in related industries such as transportation, equipment supply all the way down the chain to local tree lots.

Renewable & Recyclable 

Christmas Trees are grown on farms just like any other agricultural crop. To ensure a constant supply, growers plant one to three new seedlings for every tree they harvest. Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they are readily broken down into mulch or other earth-friendly products. 

Tradition & Our Homes

Our homes and traditions grounded us in 2020. Taking the family out to choose a fresh tree is a fantastic way to kick off your holiday season. Then to gather together to decorate a fresh tree helps to continue those holiday vibes.  

Did you know there are many health benefits associated with real Christmas Trees in the home?

Studies show that a real tree can decrease your chances of getting a cold or flu by boosting your immune system. They deodorize and purify the air in your home by absorbing toxins. UK studies go further and link them to improved mental health and reduced anxiety. 

The Gift of Giving

At Landscape Plus, 2019 marked the launch of online tree orders with an option for delivery. We noticed there were some customers who really appreciated the delivery aspect of this service. Christmas enthusiasts who loved the ambiance of a real tree but lacked the ability or resources to obtain one. The crew at Landscape Plus had unintentionally filled a void in Christmas Tree sales, happily delivering to people with mobility issues or without a vehicle to transport a tree.  

As we prepare for the 2020 holiday season, it’s no surprise many budgets have been cut and spirits are low. The elves at Landscape Plus are therefore calling on local support to help provide some Christmas spirit for a deserving recipient in our community. Click here to learn more.

We encourage you to act fast. Sales of real trees typically start in late November, and another shortage in supply will likely mean another sold-out year.

Thank you for your continued support and all the best to you and yours this holiday season.

 

SOURCES: Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association, Smithsonian Magazine, National Christmas Tree Association, Kansas State University

Landscape Plus has proudly served the Wheatland and Calgary area since 1992. 

2019 Christmas Tree Shortage

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Are you having trouble finding your favorite type of Christmas tree? A North American-wide shortage of Christmas trees is being reported and several factors have contributed to the shortfall.

While the 2008 recession was a long time ago it is a primary cause of the low supply. In 2008 and 2009, tree farmers planted fewer trees. Fraser firs and other Christmas-tree species take about 10 years to mature.

Challenging growing conditions and increasingly unpredictable weather due to climate change have also had a substantial effect on tree farm crops.

Continue reading “2019 Christmas Tree Shortage” →