Top Landscaping Services in Franconia, PA, 18918 | Compare & Call
R M S Landscape Contractors is a trusted Franconia-based landscaping company dedicated to solving common local property challenges. Many homes in our area struggle with landscaping issues like tree ro...
Q&A
Is Pennsylvania Bluestone a better long-term choice than a wood deck for our patio?
For longevity and minimal maintenance, Pennsylvania Bluestone is superior. It is a durable, non-combustible natural stone with a lifespan measured in decades, unlike wood which requires regular sealing and eventual replacement. In the context of a Low Fire Wise rating, bluestone also contributes to defensible space by providing a stable, fire-resistant zone adjacent to the home, with no risk of ember ignition.
We need an emergency storm debris cleanup to meet an HOA deadline. How quickly can your crew arrive?
For a Franconia Village address, a crew can be dispatched from our depot near Franconia Community Park. The route via PA-113 typically allows arrival within the 20-30 minute window quoted for peak storm response. Our electric fleet operations are optimized for rapid, quiet deployment under standard noise ordinances, enabling immediate site assessment and work commencement upon arrival.
We've spotted invasive vines. How do we handle them safely for our pets and the local environment?
Correct identification is critical, as treatment for Japanese knotweed differs from that for wintercreeper. Targeted, professional-grade herbicide applications—often in late summer or fall—are most effective when plants are translocating nutrients to roots. All applications must be performed by a licensed applicator in compliance with the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Act, which governs timing and proximity to waterways to protect the watershed.
Our backyard has soggy areas every spring. What's a lasting solution that also looks good?
Seasonal saturation is a known characteristic of Penn Silt Loam with its moderate permeability. A functional solution integrates subsurface French drains or dry wells with above-grade landscaping. Using permeable installation methods for Pennsylvania Bluestone patios or walkways adds significant surface area for water infiltration. This combined approach manages runoff effectively and typically meets Franconia Township's stormwater management standards for residential projects.
Our Franconia Village yard seems dense and struggles to drain. Is this normal for our neighborhood's age?
This is a common condition for properties built around 1982. A 44-year-old landscape on Penn Silt Loam soil often exhibits significant compaction from decades of foot traffic and machinery. The fine silt particles compact tightly, reducing soil percolation and oxygen availability to roots. Core aeration paired with incorporating 1-2 inches of composted organic matter is the standard corrective protocol to rebuild soil structure and porosity.
How do we keep our Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue blend healthy during summer without wasting water?
An ET-based, Wi-Fi-connected irrigation system is the precise tool for this. It automatically adjusts watering schedules by calculating real-time evapotranspiration rates using local weather data. This technology applies water only when and in the amount the turfgrass actually requires, aligning with voluntary conservation measures. It prevents the overwatering that exacerbates our seasonal high water table while maintaining turfgrass vigor.
What permits or licenses are needed to regrade and landscape our half-acre lot?
Significant regrading that alters stormwater flow requires a permit from the Franconia Township Planning & Zoning Department. Any application of pesticides, including herbicides, must be performed by or under the direct supervision of an individual holding a current Pesticide Applicator License from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. For a 0.45-acre property, this licensing is legally mandatory to ensure safe, compliant chemical use and environmental protection.
We want to reduce weekly mowing and noisy gas equipment. What are our options?
Transitioning perimeter zones to a planting of Eastern Redbud, Switchgrass, Butterfly Milkweed, and New England Aster creates a high-biodiversity, low-input landscape. These native plants are adapted to Zone 6b and require no fertilization, minimal water once established, and no weekly mowing. This shift preemptively reduces reliance on gas-powered blowers and mowers, aligning with evolving noise and emission standards.
