People often assume that Forbes Property Management simply plows snow all
winter and mows lawns in the summer. If only it were so simple!


This time of year the crews are busy doing the typical lawn and garden clean-ups, hauling natural debris (where do all those extra leaves come from?) that has accumulated in the yard over the winter, roto-tilling gardens, putting docks in at lake homes, fixing the damage to 'Invisible Fence' dog systems, bringing patio furniture out of storage and back up onto decks, and of course raking driveway gravel off lawns and back where it will be useful!


In the office, we are busy with estimates for landscaping improvements such as the planting of new ornamental shrubs, perennials, trees, and entire properties as well as the design and installation of patios, fire-pit circles and lakeside sitting areas using natural stone or concrete paving materials.


If a project will enhance your outdoor enjoyment, Forbes Property Management
Services, Inc is a great place to start! We have in-house design and over 100 years of collective experience in installation and service.

In January the USDA released their first official update of the Hardiness Zone Maps in two decades. The changes are more subtle than one might have expected based on our memories of experience!  The shift marks an approximate 5 degree warming (Fahrenheit) which translates in half zone jumps.  There are some cooler areas as well.

The zone maps do not reflect the coldest or the warmest temperatures experienced, but the average minimum temperature at a given location over 30 years. Each zone represents a ten-degree range.

The current map is based on thirty years of weather data (1976-2005).  The hardiness zones also represent weather (short term) rather than climate (long term, ie, 50-100+ years).

Although the data does show a warming trend across the New England we experience our individual properties within  a local micro-climate, which may or may not mirror this map.  Your property may fall one or two zones higher if you are a south-facing and sheltered, or lower if in the north shadow of a mountain!

http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/   will take you to the new map which is interactive.  Click or enter your state. Enter your zip code to simply get a zone readout.

Although it is one of those drizzly, grey days that is more conducive to curling up with a good book and a cup of tea, we have been experiencing one of the driest springs in memory.  Every living thing needs this rain, humans included!

The crews at Forbes Property Management Services here in Intervale have been taking advantage of this mild, if cool, weather to get a jump on Spring Clean-ups. Yards cleaned of winter debris and leaves will have a head start on the growing season.

We do pile pick ups for those who want to do the yard work, but need disposal of those leaves and branches:  just call us at 603.356.3326 or drop an email:  info@forbes-co.com

Before the bugs bite


Ah, that precious time when it's warm enough to shed the coats but ahead of mosquitoes and black flies.  Enjoy it folks, it's a shorter season than usual.  I've heard of several spottings in Chatham and East Conway already.


These summer temperatures certainly have taken us by storm.  It is a shock to our lawns and gardens as well.  Early spring means an even earlier start to outdoor property maintenance.  Whether you are a backyard warrior, a dabbler, or simply enjoy the results of others, there are several tasks that need to be tackled.  The sooner the better for all!


Most sunny yards in the north country have lost their snow cover and are now dry enough to walk on without leaving puddled footprints.  A light raking is a great way to gently nudge the lawn into spring while enjoying the fresh air and warmth.  Nothing extreme here, just catching the twigs, errant leaves and winter's debris.  If you're seeing any signs of pests or disease, now is the time to nip it in the bud.  


One of the most cost effective actions you can take in creating or maintaining a beautiful lawn is aeration.  This past winter saw the first snow storms before the ground had frozen.  The result of this early plowing can be the creation of heavily compacted areas of your lawn used for snow storage or extra parking.  Aerating loosens the soil structure allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of grass system.