Frequently Asked Questions

Pavers offer individual units that can flex with ground movement, reducing cracking, while concrete slabs are poured as one solid piece. Pavers also allow for easier repairs since damaged sections can be replaced without redoing the entire surface. At Rocket City Landscape & Lawn Care LLC, we use comprehensive site preparation to ensure long-lasting paver installations.

Proper preparation includes removing old grass, tilling the soil 4–6 inches deep, leveling the surface, and adding organic matter if needed. This ensures strong root establishment and even growth. In Madison, AL, addressing soil compaction before laying sod helps the new grass thrive in Alabama's hot summers.

During Alabama's hot growing season, most lawns need mowing every 5–7 days to maintain healthy height and appearance. Frequent mowing prevents stress on grass and reduces thatch buildup. At Rocket City Landscape & Lawn Care LLC, we tailor mowing schedules to seasonal growth patterns for optimal lawn health.

French drains are highly effective in North Alabama's clay-rich soils, which retain water and cause pooling or foundation issues. They redirect excess water away from structures through gravel-filled trenches and perforated pipes. Customizing the design to local soil conditions ensures long-term drainage performance.

Comprehensive site preparation includes excavating to proper depth, creating a stable base with compacted gravel, and ensuring correct slope for drainage. Meticulous leveling and edge restraints prevent shifting over time. This foundation work is critical for walkways and patios that withstand Alabama's weather extremes.

Soft washing is ideal for delicate surfaces like vinyl siding, roofs, or painted wood where high pressure could cause damage. It uses lower pressure combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to remove mold, algae, and stains. High-pressure washing works better for concrete, brick, and heavily soiled hardscapes.

Heavy rainfall, clay soils with poor absorption, and sloped terrain commonly cause erosion in Alabama. Water runoff washes away soil, damages plant roots, and can undermine hardscape features. Installing erosion control features like raised planter beds and strategic hardscaping helps stabilize slopes and redirect water flow.

Strategic pruning removes dead, diseased, or crossing branches that drain energy and invite pests. It improves air circulation, sunlight penetration, and structural integrity. For mature trees, professional pruning also reduces storm damage risk and encourages healthy growth patterns throughout the canopy.

Skipping proper base preparation is the most common error, leading to uneven settling, weed growth, and shifting pavers. A stable, compacted gravel base and correct sand layer are essential for durability. At Rocket City Landscape & Lawn Care LLC, we use meticulous installation techniques to prevent these issues.

Yes, river rock provides excellent drainage in problem areas, prevents soil erosion, and reduces weed growth when placed over landscape fabric. It also retains moisture for plant roots and withstands Alabama's weather extremes without decomposing. Strategic placement enhances both functionality and visual appeal in landscape designs.

Regular sweeping, occasional rinsing, and reapplying joint sand every few years keep pavers looking great. Sealing pavers protects against stains and enhances color, especially for high-traffic patios. Addressing weeds or shifting promptly prevents bigger problems and extends the lifespan of your walkway or patio.

Leaving clippings on the lawn returns nutrients to the soil and reduces fertilizer needs, a practice called grasscycling. However, thick clumps should be removed to prevent smothering and disease. At Rocket City Landscape & Lawn Care LLC, we manage clippings based on lawn conditions and seasonal growth in Madison, AL.