Cleanup Program FAQs

Cleanup Program FAQs

What's included with the program?

Our newly revamped Landscaping Maintenance Package is designed to keep your outdoor space looking impeccable throughout the year. This updated service begins with an initial One Time Cleanup at the point of signup, with an option to include mulch application as per your preference. The package then continues with seven annual maintenance visits, ensuring your mulch beds and landscaping remain in top condition.

With this holistic approach, we not only boost the aesthetic charm of your mulch and flower beds but also contribute to their health and longevity. This plan is tailored to offer more value and convenience compared to arranging multiple individual cleanups. Each visit, scheduled throughout the year, includes a variety of tasks like shrub and hedge trimming, weed management, edging of landscaping beds, and an option for seasonal mulch application (sold separately).

We've designed this package to keep your outdoor areas in perfect shape, mitigating the need for frequent, costly one-time services. Opting for our annual plan means enjoying consistent beauty in your garden and outdoor spaces while benefiting from potential savings over time.

What's the schedule of the program?

Our Landscaping Maintenance Package is carefully scheduled to ensure optimal care for your outdoor space. We plan to conduct seven annual visits, with these visits spread evenly between March and October. This timing is chosen to align with the key growth and maintenance periods for your landscaping, allowing us to provide the best possible service. Please note that our scheduling is subject to weather conditions, as we strive to perform our tasks under the most suitable circumstances for both the health of your landscape and the efficiency of our work. This approach ensures that your garden receives the attention it needs, precisely when it needs it, across the different seasons

How long after signup will services begin?

It’s our goal to complete your first cleanup service within 1-2 weeks of signup, weather permitting

Does the program include leaf removal?

Leaf removal is not part of the program but is available as an add-on or on it's own as a one-time purchase. The pricing is discounted when you add-on to the cleanup program vs. buying leaf removal on it's own.

How much mulch is included with the price?

Our goal is to install between 1″-2″ of fresh mulch during our spring and fall mulch applications. If you go too deep with the mulch it can damage the plant material, and if it’s too thin it won’t provide enough protection. 1″-2″ is generally accepted as standard for our area (See the USDA Plant Hardiness Map).

If your property needs more than the allotted amount we charge $40 per additional cubic yard of mulch installed during the cleanup and will be billed upon completion of the service.

Please see allotted amounts below:

  1. Under 1/8 Acre Property: 5 cubic yards
  2. 1/8th Acre Property: 6 cubic yards
  3. 1/4 Acre Property: 7 cubic yards
  4. 3/8 Acre Property: 8 cubic yards
  5. 1/2 Acre Property: 9 cubic yards

Do you trim the shrubs & hedges during your visits?

Yes, we trim all shrubs and hedges less than 12' tall. Please note that certain plants should not be trimmed prior to bloom and the crew will determine on-site if any are to be skipped.

*Most trimming is performed during your spring and fall cleanups because those are the heaviest growth seasons.


Most Common Plants Trimmed During Spring
Long Stem Roses, Sedum, Beautyberry, Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, Laurels, Boxwoods, Aster, Astilbe, Coral bells, Bleeding-heart, Lambs-ear, Lavender, Russian sage, Euonymus, Gold Mop Cypress, Gold Dust Aucuba, Liriope, and Ornamental Grasses.

Most Common Plants Trimmed During Summer
Azalea, Lilac, Forsythia, Laurels, Hollies, and Boxwoods.

Most Common Plants Trimmed During Fall
Iris, Bee Balm, Phlox, Lilies, Catmint, Daylily, Peony, Salvia, Yarrow, Hostas, Astilbe, Ornamental Grasses, and Liriope.

Most Common Plants Trimmed During Winter
Yew, Holly, Boxwood, Spruce, Abelia, Azalea, Butterfly Bush, Crape Myrtle, Hydrangea, Rose.

Typically NOT Trimmed in winter or early spring (any plants with spring blooms)
Rose of Sharon, Crape Myrtle, Hibiscus, Butterfly Bush, Hydrangeas, Lilac, Forsythia, Azalea, Rhododendron

Do you trim the trees on the property too?

Tree trimming is not included with our cleanup services. Small tree work can be performed at an additional fee and upon request only. For larger tree work we can refer you to a tree contractor.

What type of of weed control products are used during the service?

Spring cleanups include a pre-emergent herbicide before applying mulch: SureGuard SC Herbicide. During bed weeding we try and hand pull as many weeds as possible. We may also use Finalsan Herbicide to treat weeds. It's our goal to use as little synthetic chemicals when servicing lawn/landscapes.

Do You Need To Be Home For The Service?

You don't need to be home for the services to be performed. That's what's great about the service notifications we have in place here at A Cut Above. You'll receive an email notification before and after we perform each service, so you'll know when we're coming.

Do You Mow The Grass During A Cleanup?

Mowing is not included with the cleanup program. We can cut the grass during your cleanup, upon request and for an additional $99 charge.

Do you remove existing mulch before installing fresh mulch?

Most properties do not need to have the existing mulch removed before applying a fresh layer. Over time mulch levels break down and the new mulch is essentially replacing the lost existing mulch levels. Removal of existing mulch is not included with your pricing but is available upon request for an additional charge. 

Do you install weed blocker fabric before installing mulch?

Installation of weed blocker fabric is not included because the only real solution to recurring weeds is more maintenance visits, and that's why we created the Cleanup Program. If the customer wishes to provide the weed blocker fabric we can install during the cleanup upon request and for an additional charge.

What color mulch is used during your spring, fall, and one time cleanups?

We offer brown colored mulch standard, and black mulch at an additional charge. Our mulch keeps its color longer due to the high quality colorant that our suppliers use. It’s both non-toxic and environmentally safe. It’s shipped straight from WV to our shop.  Also, existing bed edges are re-edged to a depth of 2-3″, which has been proven to be the best depth for water drainage and appearance.

How does billing work?

12 Interest Free Monthly Payments: One flat annual rate split up over 12 monthly payments from signup date. This option allows for better budgeting since it’s a low set amount each month instead of large payments after each service, like you would with our Pay As You Go option. Credit card or ACH on file required.

Prepay: If you pay for the entire year up front you’ll save 5%-10% per year. With this option, you’re set for 12 months from your signup date, and it autorenews until canceled by either party.

*We currently do not pro-rate if/when signing up in the middle of the season. Both options are for 12 months from the signup date.
*Credit card or ACH on file required for annual programs

How do scheduling notifications work?

As we approach each upcoming service it's our goal to give you as much heads up as possible before we arrive. It's our goal to give you at least 1 week's notice via email notification. You'll also receive a post service email notification upon the crew wrapping up the route for the day of each visit. Aside from the email notifications, you can use our client portal to view your past and upcoming job info.

Do I need to prepare the service area before each visit?

Please remove toys/hoses/etc. from the service area before each visit (A Cut Above is not responsible for damage to any man made object left in the service areas prior to service). Our crew leaders inspect the services areas before each visit but we really appreciate your help with this. Also, please unlock any gates on the property so our equipment can get through.

What's not included with the program?

Tree trimming, trimming shrub & hedges over 12' tall, tree or stump removal, or leaf removal. Mulch is a recommended addon but not standard with the program.


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