Landscaping FAQs in San Antonio | San Antonio Landscaping

Answers Up Front

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How do I handle pet urine and odor on turf?

Remove solid waste promptly and rinse urine areas as needed.

If odor persists, you can use an approved odor-neutral product (avoid harsh chemicals). Persistent odor is usually tied to maintenance and environmental conditions, not workmanship.

How do I clean artificial turf day-to-day?

Keep it simple:

Remove leaves and debris (blower, broom, or rake).
Rinse dust/pollen as needed.
Spot clean most spills with mild soap and water.

Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents unless you have manufacturer guidance.

How can I keep my drainage system working after I invest in it?

Plan on occasional visual checks at discharge points and basins, keep leaves and debris cleared, and avoid driving heavy equipment over known drain paths. During Seasonal Yard Cleanups, it’s a good time to confirm that water still flows where it should and that gravel or rock areas haven’t clogged up.

Will I need a permit for yard drainage work?

Typical residential drainage improvements inside your property line often do not require a permit, but rules can vary, especially if work ties into municipal systems or involves structural elements like tall retaining walls.

We’ll let you know if your specific scope triggers any additional requirements.

Do you have to tear up my whole yard to install drainage?

We only open the trenching that’s needed to solve the problem, but drainage is intrusive work. We plan trench routes carefully, protect existing features when possible, and include restoration—such as new Sod Installation or Landscape Bed Installation touch-ups—in the plan so the yard recovers well.

Why are French drains more expensive than I expected?

Proper French drains are labor and material intensive.

They require excavation, washed rock, fabric, perforated pipe, and a safe discharge point, plus restoration. Cheaper versions often skip steps, use the wrong materials, or don’t have a place to send the water, which is why many homeowners end up paying twice.

Can grading alone fix my drainage problem and reduce cost?

Sometimes. If your yard simply slopes the wrong way, strategic Yard grading / resloping may reduce or eliminate the need for long pipe runs. On other properties, grading plus a short French drain or surface drain is the best balance of performance and cost.

Is drainage work priced only by the linear foot?

Linear footage is one piece, but not the whole story.

Depth, soil conditions, rock volume, number of basins and downspouts, and how much restoration is needed all affect the final price. Two 50-foot drains can be very different in cost if one is shallow and open and the other is deep, rocky, and runs through finished landscaping.

Should I do a Winter-to-Spring reset if I plan to replace my lawn or beds soon?

Yes. A winter reset makes it easier and more accurate to estimate and install sod, landscape bed installations, and drainage improvements. Clearing debris, leaves, and light overgrowth first helps us see grade, bed shapes, and problem areas clearly.

Can you fix freeze-damaged plants during the cleanup?

We include light shrub trimming and shaping in our cleanups, which can address minor freeze damage. If plants need heavy cutbacks, removals, or replanting, we may recommend a separate visit or a small project under our landscape bed services.