Browse Our Frequently Asked Questions

With over 30 years of shared knowledge, the team at OK Valley Landscaping and Maintenance has seen it all! Please read through the most common questions we get asked, and if you have another question regarding design or care of your green spaces, give us a call. Estimates are free, and we are more than happy to meet with you and provide the lawncare you need.

How often should I be watering my lawn, and when?

When you see a lawn that is a uniform green colour through the summer months, you’ll most likely find it has an efficient, automated watering system. However, even with automated systems there are some “water me” signs that will help you to determine when to water your turf.

If footprints remain in the turf or disappear slowly, your lawn needs water.

Start by watering in the early morning or evening, and always in accordance with your local bylaws!

If you are still not sure how your lawn is doing, here is another trick: soil taken from a 3” depth under your lawn should hold together under pressure (if the ball is somewhat crumbly, barely holds together under pressure, then it is time to water).

How long should I be watering?

1” of water will moisten 6” of soil. Place a water cup in your sprinkler area and determine the time needed to fill it up to 1”. This is the water required every 7 days. In the summer heat, every 3-4 days may be needed.

My lawn is well watered, but it still doesn't look the best. What am I doing wrong?

When mowing, sharpen your mower blades regularly. A dull blade will leave grass tips looking off-colour – the tips have been torn, not cut. Call us and we are happy to visit with you and provide our professional recommendations.

What is ‘Top Dressing?’

Top dressing is the application of fine particles of organic material over the surface of turfgrass. For example, a thin layer of fine mulch evenly applied over the turfgrass settles down into the thatch. The use of mulches also assists in weed suppression, water conservation, and improving the nutrient content of the soil. Both inorganic and organic mulches are available.

When properly applied, you will benefit from water conservation, moderation of root temperatures, enhanced soil quality, and fewer weeds.

Do I need core aeration?

Core aeration is a method of aerating your lawn using structured hole punching and core removal. Cores of soil are punched 3/4″ diameter and 2 – 2 ½” deep and spaced less than 5″ apart. This aeration increases the infiltration and efficiency of water, air and nutrients. We highly recommend it for our dry Okanagan climate, and where clay soil exists, as it helps to break up thatch buildup.

When should I be fertilizing my lawn?

A healthy lawn needs to be fed at least three times a year. If you have no weeds, all you need is liquid fertilizer. For lawns with weed patches, herbicide is used as a tool in the fertilization process to control the weeds.

What is meant by a Xeriscape?

Xeriscape landscaping, often called xeriscaping, is replacing sod lawns with alternative products that promotes little to no need for an irrigation system. In the Okanagan, where our summers are hot and there may be limitations on water, you can have a beautiful yard that won’t dry up during the hottest months of the year. With smart irrigation systems that conserve water, stones, flagstone walkways, and artificial turf, xeriscaping is a great alternative to sod. Our regularly scheduled maintenance services can keep weeds out of your planted areas and keep them looking tended and healthy.

When does my irrigation system require servicing?

Your in-ground irrigation system will need both a spring start up and fall shut down servicing. At these times, the heads and pipes are checked and replaced or repaired as needed. These inexpensive visits will keep your system working trouble-free all summer long and keep your green spaces healthy and vibrant. Don’t forget your irrigation system needs to be prepared for winter before freezing temperatures are on their way!

What services do you provide for Strata and 55+ communities?

We welcome multi-residential maintenance contracts for Stratas and 55+ Retirement complexes in Penticton, Summerland, and West Kelowna. Our landscaping team ensures consistent curb appeal through regular lawn cuts, precise hedge trimming, and clean-ups in the fall and spring. We have the experience to work closely with Strata councils to maintain beautiful, safe environments that strictly adhere to their bylaws and budgets.

Can I hire you to landscape a retail or commercial property?

Yes. We offer landscaping services for retail hubs and commercial centers from Penticton to West Kelowna. We know first impressions are important to your sales. Choose from our many services include lawn care, parking lot sweeping, leaf removal, and plant and tree replacements. We ensure your storefront remains inviting to customers. Trust OK Valley Landscaping to arrive on schedule, and complete the maintenance services you need professionally every time.

Do you offer landscaping for rental apartment buildings?

Absolutely. We have the team to reliably service lawns, trees and plants for rental properties of all sizes. Our goal is to help you keep your tenants happy, and maintain your property value through reliable lawn maintenance and irrigation. If you have a vacation or short term rental, and aren’t onsite consistently, OK Valley Landscaping can help. We can also provide our recommendations on planting low-maintenance greenery – even in high-traffic environments – to keep your upkeep costs manageable.

How can you help renovate my residential lawn and garden?

We specialize in complete residential transformations. Whether you require a lush new sod lawn, installing an artificial lawn, upgrading yours, adding structural rock walls or ornamental pathways, let OK Valley Landscaping manage the project from demolition to completion. We also have the experience to add automated irrigation and outdoor lighting to ensure your investment thrives and looks stunning well after sunset.

What are the benefits of automated irrigation installed by a professional?

In our dry Okanagan climate, irrigation systems set up on timers work beautifully to ensure your trees, lawn and plants stay healthy, while you conserve water conservation. We will play the layout to manage any slopes and prevent erosion. We use premium irrigation system products, and provide a full warranty on both installation and irrigation parts for your peace of mind.

Why choose OK Valley for my 2026 landscape project?

2026 is an ideal year to partner with OK Valley for a landscape upgrade, especially if you’re looking to incorporate xeriscaping, water-smart plantings, or modern irrigation technology. Our crews work throughout Penticton, Summerland, and West Kelowna, bringing deep local knowledge of soil conditions, microclimates, and regional best practices.

Every project begins with a thoughtful design phase, including revisions to refine the plan until it fits your vision perfectly. Once construction begins, you can expect clear contracts, transparent expectations, and daily communication about progress. If you need to make changes along the way, we accommodate change orders quickly and professionally.

We also believe in setting clients up for long-term success. At the end of your project, we take the time to educate you on how to care for your new landscape—or, if you prefer, our dedicated maintenance division can handle ongoing upkeep for you.