(515) 367-3300

sales@nolteandsons.com

(515) 367-3300
sales@nolteandsons.com

Nolte and Sons Frequently Asked Questions

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downspout

1 answer
downspout 12 min read

What is downspout tiling, and how does it work?

Downspout tiling is a buried drainage upgrade that carries gutter water away from your foundation instead of letting it dump beside the house. Last updated for Des Moines, IA homeowners:

Fertilizer

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Fertilizer 14 min read

How much fertilizer should be applied to a lawn?

Most established lawns should receive approximately 0.5 to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in a single application, with no more than 1 pound applied at once. The exact amount of fertilizer depends on lawn size, grass type, season, soil conditions, maintenance goals, and the percentage of nitrogen listed first on the […]

Hydroseed Watering Schedule

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Hydroseed Watering Schedule 13 min read

Is August a good time to hydroseed in Iowa?

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Hydroseeding

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Hydroseeding 12 min read

Will Heavy Rain Wash Away Hydroseed in Iowa?

Yes, heavy rain can wash away or redistribute freshly applied hydroseed in Iowa, especially when water flows across the surface instead of soaking into the soil. Slopes, saturated or compacted soil, low spots, and concentrated runoff from downspouts are the highest-risk areas. Hydromulch and tackifier help hold the seedbed together, but they cannot prevent every […]

Irrigation Schedule

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Irrigation Schedule 14 min read

How Should I Program My Sprinkler Controller for Urbandale’s Even-and-Odd Watering Schedule?

Program your sprinkler controller according to the last digit of your street address. Even-numbered addresses should use Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday; odd-numbered addresses should use Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; Monday should remain off. Set the system to run before 10:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., with early morning generally being the best choice for lawn […]

Landscaping

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Landscaping 11 min read

Is September a good time to plant new landscaping in Ankeny, IA?

Yes. September is a good time to plant many types of new landscaping in Ankeny, including deciduous trees, shrubs, container-grown perennials, and some evergreens. Cooler fall conditions can reduce heat stress while allowing plants to begin establishing roots before winter. Quick Answer • Best things to plant: September works well for many deciduous trees, shrubs, […]
Landscaping 13 min read

What plants grow best in wet areas of an Ankeny yard?

Plants that tolerate moist soil and periodic saturation grow best in wet areas of an Ankeny yard. Good choices include swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, turtlehead, Joe-Pye weed, rose mallow, blue flag iris, moisture-tolerant sedges, buttonbush, redosier dogwood, river birch, and bald cypress. The right selection depends on how long the area remains wet, how much […]

Lawn Care

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Lawn Care 9 min read

What Days Should I Water My Lawn In Ankeny?

In Ankeny, even-numbered addresses are encouraged to water on Sunday, Wednesday, or Friday, and odd-numbered addresses are encouraged to water on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Watering is not recommended on Mondays, and the best watering window is before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.

Lawn Fertilizer Application Rate

1 answer
Lawn Fertilizer Application Rate 13 min read

How Much Fertilizer Should Be Applied to a Lawn?

A common application rate for an established lawn is approximately 0.5 to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per treatment. The amount of fertilizer product needed depends on the lawn’s size and the nitrogen percentage shown as the first number on the fertilizer bag, so the correct rate should be calculated rather […]

Lawn Need Irrigation Ankeny IA

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Lawn Need Irrigation Ankeny IA 12 min read

How do I know if my lawn actually needs irrigation?

Your lawn probably needs irrigation when the grass shows signs of moisture stress and the soil beneath the surface is dry, not simply because a certain number of days have passed. Signs can include footprints that remain visible, grass blades that fold or lose color, dry soil in the root zone, and areas that wilt […]

Patio

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Patio 9 min read

How important is drainage under a patio in Urbandale?

Drainage under a patio in Urbandale is extremely important because water trapped beneath pavers or slabs can lead to settling, heaving, cracking, erosion, and uneven surfaces. A patio needs the right base, slope, compaction, and drainage plan so water moves away from the house and does not sit under the patio during heavy rain, snowmelt, or freeze-thaw weather.

Patios

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Patios 10 min read

How To Create An Ankeny Patio Built For Entertaining

To create an Ankeny patio built for entertaining, start with the way you want people to gather, move, sit, cook, eat, and relax outside. The best patio designs combine the right size, durable materials, proper drainage, comfortable traffic flow, lighting, seating zones, and a layout that fits the yard. Nolte & Sons Lawn & Irrigation can help plan a patio that works for everyday use, summer gatherings, and long-term outdoor living.

Paver Patio

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Paver Patio 9 min read

How Much Maintenance Do Paver Patios Need in Des Moines IA?

Paver patios in Des Moines IA are usually low to moderate maintenance when they are installed with the right base, slope, edge restraints, and joint material. Most homeowners should plan on seasonal cleaning, occasional weed control, joint sand touch-ups, and periodic inspections for settling, drainage issues, or loose pavers.

Watering New Trees

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Watering New Trees 12 min read

How Often Should Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs Be Watered?

Newly planted trees and shrubs usually need deep watering every day or two during the first week, every two to three days for the next several weeks, and about once a week after they begin establishing. The exact schedule should be adjusted based on rainfall, temperature, soil drainage, plant size, and moisture within the original […]
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