FAQ

Do you have an alternative to traditional lawn that takes less maintenance and less water? What is in it?

Our native alternative to bluegrass is our native turf mix, available in both seed and sod. CSR, Inc’s native turf mix is an attractive, low maintenance grass mix comprised of four native grasses, varieties native to the western states but not necessarily directly native to a yard location. The seed mix includes two cool-season grasses, Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis) and Prairie Junegrass (Keoleria macrantha), and two warm-season grasses, Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides). The sod mix includes only three grasses but looks similar: Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis), Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina), and Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) Both mixes are suited for areas that receive 10 to 20 inches of precipitation annually. All species are well adapted, drought tolerant, and cold hardy. Minimal supplemental irrigation is required after establishment to maintain a green stand from spring through fall. The native turf mix can be planted in areas with full sun or light shade. Grass leaves will reach up to 8 inches in height without mowing. Seed heads will extend above leaves to a maximum height of 24 inches.

Mowing on a regular basis to a height of 3” will serve to inhibit the growth and development of annual weeds. Reducing weed competition allows more sunlight and water to reach the native turf seedlings and encourages their growth. Post-establishment hand pulling is also an option for weed management. After establishment, mowing may be discontinued. If mowing continues, turf should be mown no shorter than 2 ½”. To maintain a thick stand, it is recommended that the grass be allowed to produce seed every couple years.

Where can I find your current availability list?

A general list of plants and seed that we have currently ready for sale is available on our company website.

Where can I find more information about your company?

Additional information is available as you explore our website (www.csr-inc.com). For specifics, please call our office at (208) 423-4835.

Can you take my existing landscape design and adapt it to natives?

Of course! Provide us a copy of your design and any other information previously generated, and we can substitute natives for traditional plant material. Given that natives are not identical to traditional plant material, the look and feel of your landscape concept will change. This work is covered under a design proposal and will incur some cost.

Will you provide me a price per square foot to do my project? Will you provide a price over the phone?

Given that each project is unique in design and existing features, CSR, Inc. does not provide square footage prices over the phone. We will happily compile an estimate for your project after reviewing the full set of documents and details and making a site visit if applicable.

What time of year are you able you start installing my project? How late in the year are you able to install?

In Southern Idaho, the installation window is heavily influenced by weather. In spring, we typically wait for landscape construction until the ground is thawed and snow is melted for the rest of the spring. Into winter, we can work until the ground freezes and significant snow falls. Wildland seeding work can occur in early spring or late fall given acceptable drill or broadcast seeding conditions. It can only occur during the summer months when irrigation is present. Actual dates of installation can not be determined until relatively close to install.

I need an immediate installation because of _____________, can you help me?

We may be able to help. If you have a plan with natives already designed and our schedule is open to accepting additional projects, we may be able to start your project as soon as material is ordered and delivered. If you don’t yet have a plan, we will need to assist you by generating a plan prior to install. If our schedule is full, we will schedule your project for installation as soon as possible. Help us to avoid these last-minute installations by contacting us significantly ahead of time: if you want installation in spring, contact us in winter!

Do you have the ability to do hydroseeding? Do you hydroseed turf?

We can hydroseed 100% native seed mixes, singly or in combination with tacifier, mulch, or amendments. We do not generally hydroseed native turf as prior experience has shown that broadcast seeding produces better growth results.