The Benefits of Working with Landscape Plus: Proper Equipment Makes a Difference

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Working with Landscape Plus in Strathmore, we understand that having the right tools is essential for delivering exceptional results. That’s why we’re excited to spotlight one of our key pieces of equipment: the Toolcat by Bobcat.

First introduced to us back in 2004, the Toolcat was a game-changer when it first hit the market. Now, with years of reliable service, it continues to prove its worth. Here’s why having top-quality equipment like the Toolcat is so important for our team and our customers:

Working with landscape plus - working with tools like the toolcat by bobcat

Versatility and Efficiency

The Toolcat is incredibly versatile, equipped with a dump box, towing capabilities, and the ability to use various attachments.

Those who live around here know that our climate means that any successful landscaper is doing a variety of jobs in in a variety of conditions to keep busy year round. The Toolcat tackles a wide range of tasks efficiently, whether it’s winter snow removal or spring sweeping.

The adaptability of this machine allows us to handle different challenges with ease, ensuring your project is completed effectively and on time.

Speed and Accessibility

With a top speed of 30 km/h, the Toolcat is not only powerful but also fast. This speed allows us to move quickly, saving time and money.

To truly understand the importance of quick work, try getting to work after a blizzard in Alberta! The crews that are out and about getting the job done ensure that your morning commute is smooth sailing.

Cost-Effectiveness

Investing in high-quality equipment might seem like a big upfront cost, but it pays off in the long run. The Toolcat’s reliability and efficiency reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements.

Our goal is to extend the life of our tools with proper care and maintenance. Investing in quality equipment in the first place keeps our costs down in the long run.

For our customers, this translates into more cost-effective services. We can maintain competitive rates while still delivering superior results because our tools help us get the job done right the first time.

Working with Landscape Plus means Reliability and Experience

Our commitment to using top-notch equipment reflects our dedication to providing the best service possible. With the Toolcat and other advanced tools in our arsenal, we bring years of expertise and reliability to every project.

Our equipment’s performance and our skilled team’s experience ensure that you receive the highest standard of service.

Choosing Landscape Plus means you’re working with a team that prioritizes quality and efficiency. Trust us with your landscaping needs and experience the difference that the right tools can make!

ice melt

Snow and Ice Removal – Pros & Cons of Ice Melt

Posted by Landscape Plus on

Snow and Ice Clearing- Pros & Cons of Ice Melt

Providing winter services like snow and ice clearing can be a slippery slope. Landscape Plus owner Kerry Malakoff explains the pros and cons of ice melt and what alternatives might be better on your property.

What is Ice Melt and when should you use it?

ice melt and pets use with caution
Ice melt can be harmful to pets! Use with caution.

Technically, ice melt is just another word for salt. Also known as deicer, ice melt is designed to lower the freezing point of water, preventing the buildup of ice or breaking up pre-formed ice into liquid slush. It can also break or prevent a bond between the pavement or concrete and the ice.

Deicers should only be used on ice NOT snow. It does not get rid of the problem, however, it changes the snow into a liquid, which freezes and you have an even worse situation with the ice. Snow you can clear but ice is much harder to address and can often stay all winter.

The way we approach it is to PREVENT ice from forming in the first place. Our snow clearing services are triggered on a trace amounts of snow. If we can get to your walkways, drive pads and sidewalks when there is a light dusting, we can tackle the job quickly and easily.

When we clear on trace amounts of snow, we eliminate the chance of it packing and hardening into a slippery mess. We also reduce the risk of it melting and freezing into a layer of black ice.

Years ago we would wait for a couple of centimeters to accumulate before going, but we found it took more effort as we were often dealing with ice. Our approach allows us to use blowers and shovels on walkways, which is where ice melt is most often used.

For parking lots and roadways, we use sanding chips or a plow truck. When it gets too cold, deicers don’t work very well.  When the mercury plummets to -20 Celsius or colder,  a better alternative is to use sand for traction on the ice.

We work all of this into a contract pricing strategy that translates to peace of mind for our customers.

 

Is it safe?

In our experience, all ice melt can have a negative impact on humans, animals, plant life and infrastructure. Especially if it’s used too much.

There are currently no labeling laws when it comes to deicers, so take the labels with a “grain of salt” when they make claims like “pet safe”! If it has a notice that it’s harmful if ingested by humans, there is a good chance it’s not great for your pet’s either. Overuse of deicing products on cement can cause it to deteriorate prematurely.

A better way

Although we have deicing products in our tool chest, we use them as a last resort. Our goal is to clear any snow before it ices up.

Our winter service crew goes out on a trace amount trigger. This doesn’t always work, like when it snows while the roadways and walks are warm in spring and fall, but it’s a great approach when the temps stabilize below zero.

If we do encounter an ice problem that requires us to use ice melt, we use it minimally with a finer granular and an even spread. This results in a faster and more efficient melt.

Want more tips and tricks for yard and property maintenance? Follow us on Facebook!

patio paver

Paving Stone patio, driveway or walkway

Posted by Landscape Plus on

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.

Fall & Winter Maintenance for Your Commercial Property

Fall & Winter Maintenance for Your Commercial Property

Posted by Landscape Plus on

Commercial Property should be functional and attractive. Well-designed landscaping and hardscaping add value to your investment and your property looks appealing to customers/clients, tenants and visitors.  The work needed is year round but the return is a good impression which starts the moment your customer drives into your parking lot.

When parking lots and sidewalks are clean this also ensures the safety of visitors and employees as hazards like broken glass or ice can result in injury. Continue reading “Fall & Winter Maintenance for Your Commercial Property” →