Since our founding in 2001, Top Gardens has been committed to delivering maintenance and care solutions for landscapes, lawns, trees, and gardens in Charlotte, NC. Situated in Charlotte, we offer a diverse range of landscaping services, including lawn maintenance, Tree Pruning, landscape design and installations, retaining walls, hardscaping, landscape lighting, and lawn irrigation and drainage solutions. Below is a compilation of frequently asked questions to provide you with additional information about our company and how we can better serve your needs.
Lawn Care- Frequently Asked Questions
How does mowing help with weed control?
Keeping up with regular mowing does more than just make your lawn look neat—it actually helps keep weeds in check. When you cut the grass, you’re also trimming off the tops of any new weeds before they get a chance to drop seeds. So, staying on top of mowing stops weeds from spreading all over your yard.
Why should I use mulch in my garden?
Mulch is like a little suit of armor for your soil. It blocks harsh sunlight, keeps the ground cooler, and traps moisture, so you don’t have to water as often. It also slowly releases water back to your plants, which means they stay hydrated longer, even when it’s hot out.
Do I really need to fertilize?
Yes, fertilizing matters. It’s best to do it in spring, summer, and fall. Fall is especially important because it helps your grass build up thick roots, not just long blades. Just make sure you spread the fertilizer evenly—otherwise, you risk burning the lawn or ending up with patchy stripes.
What kind of fertilizer works best in Charlotte?
For Charlotte lawns, compost is always a solid choice, or you can use a commercial fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Slow-release nitrogen is great for steady feeding. Don’t forget to tweak your routine based on your soil, grass type, and weather. Overseeding makes your lawn thicker, and you can patch up rough spots with new sod. Aerate and dethatch for healthy soil, but skip spring rolling—it can pack the soil down too much.
How much water does my Charlotte lawn need?
Most lawns need about an inch of water a week, whether that comes from rain or your sprinkler. If your grass starts to look straw-like, turns bluish-gray, or your footprints linger in the grass, it’s time to water. But don’t go overboard—too much water is just as bad as too little.
How high should I mow my grass?
Each grass type likes its own height:
- Fescue: 3.5–4 in.
- Bermuda: 1.–1.5
- Zoysia: 1.5–2.5 in.
- Centipede: 1-1.75 in.
- St. Augustine: 1.75 to 2.25 inches
Will laying sod fix a problem spot in my yard?
Sod can make a thin or bare spot look better fast, but it’s not a permanent solution if you don’t fix what’s causing the problem in the first place. It’s smarter to figure out why grass won’t grow there before you lay down new sod.
Hardscaping- Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule a hardscape project?
Plan ahead—give yourself at least 3 to 6 months before you want your project finished. This gives everyone enough time for design, planning, contracts, and actually getting the work done.
How is hardscape different from landscape?
Hardscape is all the non-living stuff—think patios, walkways, retaining walls. Landscape means the living things like trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass, which help soften and complement the hardscape features.
Irrigation Systems- Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my lawn?
In the heat and humidity of summer, lawns need more water to stay healthy and keep pests away. How often you water depends on your soil, drainage, wind, shade, grass type, and the age of your lawn. Usually, watering every other day works well, but skip it if you’ve just had a big rain.
How long should sprinklers run?
Let your sprinklers run until the grass gets about half an inch of water—at least 10 minutes a week, but you might need more. Check how much water your system puts out so you’re not giving too much or too little.
Will an irrigation system increase my property value?
A well-designed, professionally installed irrigation system definitely boosts your property’s value—and your curb appeal. Don’t cut corners with cheap systems; invest in quality and you’ll see the difference in your home’s worth and your garden’s health. Want to talk details? Reach out and we’ll set up a consultation.
Should I install a sprinkler system?
You don’t have to, but it sure makes life easier—especially if you’re too busy to water by hand. Add a timer and it gets even simpler and saves water in the long run.
What’s the best time of day to water?
Water early in the morning. You won’t lose as much to evaporation, and you’ll help avoid diseases that pop up when grass stays damp overnight.
Is sprinkler irrigation better than drip irrigation?
Both get the job done, and which one is better really depends on what you need. Sprinklers are great for lawns, while drip systems work best for garden beds and plants. Decide based on your yard and what you’re growing.
Yard Drainage- Frequently Asked Questions
How much slope does my yard need for good drainage?
You want a slope of about 1/2 to 1 inch per foot, stretching out 6 to 10 feet from your house. That adds up to a 5 to 10-inch drop over ten feet. This kind of grade pushes water away from your foundation and out toward the lawn, a storm drain, or a drainage ditch. Too little or too much slope both cause problems, so it’s worth measuring before you start digging.
Does a drainage pipe need a steady slope?
Yes, keep it simple: aim for a 1/4 inch drop per foot of pipe. For every foot the pipe runs, it should drop a quarter inch. Too much slope isn’t great either—if water races through too fast, it leaves debris behind and can clog up. More than 1/2 inch per foot is overkill.
How far can a drain pipe run before there’s a problem?
As long as you keep that steady slope, your drain can go as far as you need. Big sewer systems use this same principle—they just keep sloping down and the water keeps moving.
How deep should I bury drainage pipes?
Usually, 12 to 18 inches below the surface works. But local codes, soil type, and your drainage system might mean you need to go deeper or shallower. Always double-check the rules in your area and talk to a pro if you’re not sure.
General- Frequently Asked Questions
What does Top Gardens include in its landscaping packages for Charlotte homeowners?
Top Gardens covers everything: weekly mowing and edging, seven rounds of eco-friendly fertilizer, weed control, aeration, seeding, and treatments for fungus or pests if needed. All their services follow state and federal rules, and you can ask for an organic program. They also handle things like leaf removal, fall cleanups, hedge trimming, tree work, planting, mulching, and laying new sod.
How do you choose plants and materials for a landscaping project?
It’s a team effort. We listen to what you want and look at your property’s unique conditions, then pick out plants and materials that fit your style and space.
Are you licensed and insured?
Absolutely. We’re fully licensed and carry both commercial liability and umbrella insurance. Our coverage includes all company vehicles, and we can show you the paperwork anytime.
Can you share references or show samples of your previous work?
Of course. I’m happy to provide references and show you examples of past projects so you can see the quality of our work for yourself.
Is it okay to change the plan after the project starts?
Definitely. Your project manager will stay in touch throughout. If you want to tweak the plan, just let them know as soon as you can so we can adjust your design and budget.
When’s the best time to have my garden or property evaluated by a landscaping pro?
April and May are prime time. Our team will take a close look at your whole property—garden beds, trees, lighting, you name it. We’ll put together a plan that fits your tastes, keeps what you love, and looks ahead to future changes. Our goal is to make the whole process smooth and stress-free, and to give you results that go beyond what you hoped for.
Don’t settle for an average yard. Let Top Gardens turn your outdoor space into something special. We’ll help you create a landscape that stands out and makes a real impression.