Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, pricing, service area, and how Summit Exterior Services works. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly and we'll be happy to help.
General
Are you insured?
Yes, Summit Exterior Services is fully insured for every job we perform. Your property is protected.
What areas do you serve?
We serve roughly 15 miles in every direction from our Holly Springs home base. That covers Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Cary, Garner, Morrisville, Willow Spring, Angier, and southwest Raleigh, plus smaller communities like New Hill, Bonsal, Wilsonville, Feltonville, Duncan, Holland, and Moncure.
Do you offer all of your services in every area you serve?
Yes. Every service we offer, from mowing and aeration to soft washing, hardscaping, junk removal, and winter snow and ice treatment, is available in every town and community inside our service range. Pricing is the same everywhere, and there are no trip charges inside our range.
How do I get an estimate?
You can call or text us at 919-777-4103, email ben@exteriorsummit.com, or fill out our online contact form. We respond within 24 hours with a free, no-obligation quote.
Do you offer recurring service?
Yes! We offer weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly service plans depending on your needs. Recurring customers get priority scheduling.
Who owns Summit Exterior Services?
Ben Bell, a local Holly Springs entrepreneur and VP of Community Relations for NC's largest DECA chapter. Ben founded Summit Exterior Services to provide reliable, high-quality exterior care to his community.
How do I pay?
We accept all major payment methods through our Jobber client portal, including credit cards, debit cards, and ACH transfers. Invoices are sent digitally for your convenience.
Do you offer partner rates for professionals?
Yes, we offer special rates for realtors, property managers, and home staging companies. Contact us to learn about our partner program.
Can I cancel anytime?
Absolutely. We do not require long-term contracts. You can cancel or adjust your service at any time with no penalties.
Do you work in the rain?
We reschedule service if weather conditions would compromise quality or safety. When we reschedule, we keep your regular time slot for the following visit.
How long have you been in business?
Summit Exterior Services has been proudly serving Holly Springs and surrounding areas since 2023. We've built a strong reputation with a perfect 5.0-star Google rating.
Lawn Mowing
View service →How much does lawn mowing cost in Holly Springs?
Price is based on how much turf you have, and it is one all-in price per visit with no trip fee. Up to 5,000 sq ft is $58 weekly or $85 every other week. 5,001 to 10,000 sq ft is $82 weekly or $120 every other week. 10,001 to 15,000 sq ft is $104 weekly or $150 every other week. Larger properties we measure and quote. Every visit includes mowing, edging, string trimming and blowing off all hard surfaces.
Learn more about Lawn Mowing→Why does every-other-week mowing cost more per visit?
Two weeks of growth is a heavier, slower cut. The grass is taller, there are more clippings to manage, and it takes longer to leave the lawn looking right. Weekly service costs less per visit and keeps the lawn healthier, which is why we recommend it through the growing season.
Learn more about Lawn Mowing→How often should I have my lawn mowed?
During the growing season in Holly Springs, we recommend weekly mowing. Bi-weekly is an option during slower growth periods in early spring and late fall.
Learn more about Lawn Mowing→Do you bring your own equipment?
Yes, we bring all professional-grade equipment including mowers, edgers, and trimmers. You don't need to provide anything.
Learn more about Lawn Mowing→What height do you cut the grass?
We typically cut at 3-3.5 inches for fescue lawns common in Holly Springs. This height promotes deeper roots and better drought resistance.
Learn more about Lawn Mowing→Lawn Care
View service →When is the best time to aerate my lawn?
For cool-season grasses in Holly Springs, early fall (September-October) is ideal. This gives your lawn time to recover before winter.
Learn more about Lawn Care→How long before I see results from fertilization?
You'll typically see greening within 1-2 weeks. A full fertilization program over a season will dramatically improve your lawn's density and color.
Learn more about Lawn Care→Is your weed control safe for pets?
We use EPA-approved products and follow all label guidelines. We recommend keeping pets off treated areas until the product dries, typically 2-4 hours.
Learn more about Lawn Care→Landscaping
View service →How often should mulch be replaced?
We recommend refreshing mulch once a year, typically in spring. A 2-3 inch layer helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect plant roots.
Learn more about Landscaping→When is the best time to plant new shrubs?
Fall is the best planting season in Holly Springs. Cooler temperatures and fall rain help roots establish before summer heat arrives.
Learn more about Landscaping→Do you remove old mulch before installing new?
It depends on the depth. If the existing mulch is heavily decomposed, we'll turn it into the soil. If it's built up too thick, we'll remove excess before adding fresh mulch.
Learn more about Landscaping→Yard Cleanup
View service →Can you handle heavily overgrown properties?
Absolutely. We regularly restore neglected properties and can handle heavy brush, tall grass, and accumulated debris. We'll have your property looking great.
Learn more about Yard Cleanup→Do you haul away debris?
Yes, all debris removal is included in our cleanup services. We leave your property clean and ready to enjoy.
Learn more about Yard Cleanup→How quickly can you schedule a cleanup?
We typically schedule cleanups within 3-5 business days. For storm damage or urgent situations, we do our best to accommodate same-week service.
Learn more about Yard Cleanup→Power Washing
View service →Will power washing damage my surfaces?
We adjust pressure levels for each surface type. Concrete gets higher pressure, while siding and wood get a gentler soft-wash approach to prevent damage.
Learn more about Power Washing→How often should I have my driveway power washed?
Once a year is usually sufficient for driveways in Holly Springs. Homes with heavy tree cover may benefit from twice-yearly cleaning.
Learn more about Power Washing→Do you use any chemicals?
We use biodegradable, eco-friendly cleaning solutions when needed, especially for mold and mildew removal on siding and decks.
Learn more about Power Washing→Lawn Aeration & Overseeding
View service →When should I aerate and overseed my lawn in Holly Springs?
For fescue lawns, the ideal window is September through mid-October. Soil is still warm enough for root growth, fall rains help keep new seed moist, and weed pressure is dropping, so seedlings have a much better chance to establish before winter.
Learn more about Lawn Aeration & Overseeding→How long after aeration and overseeding until I see grass?
Fescue seed typically germinates in 7 to 14 days under good moisture and temperature conditions. You'll see thin green shoots within two weeks, with the lawn filling in and thickening over the following 4 to 6 weeks.
Learn more about Lawn Aeration & Overseeding→How much watering does new seed need after overseeding?
New seed needs light, frequent watering, generally once or twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes, to keep the top half inch of soil consistently moist until germination. Once grass reaches about an inch tall, we help you shift to deeper, less frequent watering.
Learn more about Lawn Aeration & Overseeding→Snow & Ice Treatment
View service →Do you offer per-event or seasonal contracts?
We offer both! Per-event pricing works for occasional storms, while seasonal contracts give you priority service and consistent pricing all winter.
Learn more about Snow & Ice Treatment→How early do you start clearing snow?
We begin clearing early morning so your driveway and walkways are safe before you leave for work or school. For ongoing storms, we make multiple passes.
Learn more about Snow & Ice Treatment→What type of ice melt do you use?
We use calcium chloride-based products that are effective at low temperatures and safer for concrete and vegetation than rock salt.
Learn more about Snow & Ice Treatment→Mulch Installation
View service →How deep should mulch be applied in Wake County?
We install at a 2 to 3 inch depth. That is enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture through our hot summers without smothering plant roots or trapping excess moisture against stems.
Learn more about Mulch Installation→When is the best time to refresh mulch in Holly Springs?
Spring is the most popular time, since it gives beds a clean look right as plants come out of dormancy and helps hold moisture through the summer heat. We also handle fall touch-ups for properties preparing for winter.
Learn more about Mulch Installation→Do you remove old mulch before installing new?
It depends on condition. If the existing layer is thin or well decomposed, we work it into the soil and add fresh mulch on top. If it has built up too thick, we remove the excess first so the new layer sits at the right depth.
Learn more about Mulch Installation→Gutter Cleaning
View service →How often should gutters be cleaned in the Holly Springs area?
We recommend twice a year for most Wake County homes: once in late spring after pine pollen season coats roofs and gutters, and again in late fall once the majority of leaves have dropped.
Learn more about Gutter Cleaning→Why is pine pollen such a problem for gutters here?
Wake County's heavy pine tree cover produces thick yellow pollen every spring that washes into gutters and hardens into a paste-like buildup. It clogs downspouts and holds moisture against your roofline if it is not cleared out.
Learn more about Gutter Cleaning→Do you check for damage while cleaning gutters?
Yes. While we clear debris, we also do a visual check for loose brackets, sagging sections, or signs of water overflow so you know about small issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Learn more about Gutter Cleaning→Leaf Removal
View service →When does leaf season peak in the Holly Springs area?
Most of our leaf removal calls run from October through December, with the heaviest volume in November as the mature oaks common throughout Wake County neighborhoods drop their leaves.
Learn more about Leaf Removal→Why is it important to remove leaves quickly instead of leaving them?
Wet leaf mats block sunlight and trap moisture against fescue turf, which can smother grass and encourage fungal disease over the winter. Regular removal through the fall keeps your lawn healthy heading into dormancy.
Learn more about Leaf Removal→Do you offer recurring leaf removal or just one-time visits?
Both. Many customers schedule recurring visits through October, November, and December since oak leaf drop happens in waves rather than all at once. One-time cleanups are also available before events or holidays.
Learn more about Leaf Removal→Junk Removal & Hauling
View service →How fast can you schedule a junk removal pickup?
We typically get to most jobs within the same week the call comes in. For storm debris or time-sensitive situations, like preparing a property for sale, we do our best to accommodate an even faster turnaround.
Learn more about Junk Removal & Hauling→What kinds of items do you haul away?
Old furniture, appliances, yard waste, storm debris, construction and renovation leftovers, and general clutter from garages, sheds, or basements. If you are not sure whether we can take something, just ask.
Learn more about Junk Removal & Hauling→Do I need to have items ready at the curb?
No. Our crew will load items directly from your garage, yard, or wherever they are located. You do not need to move anything to the curb yourself.
Learn more about Junk Removal & Hauling→Window Cleaning
View service →Do you clean both the inside and outside of windows?
Yes. We offer interior and exterior window cleaning together or as separate services, depending on what you need.
Learn more about Window Cleaning→How often should windows be professionally cleaned in Wake County?
Most homeowners schedule service once or twice a year, often paired with spring pollen season and a fall cleanup, since pollen and yard debris build up on glass and screens over time.
Learn more about Window Cleaning→Will window cleaning damage screens or seals?
No. We remove screens carefully for cleaning and use techniques appropriate for your window type, so seals, frames, and screens are left in the same condition they started in, just cleaner.
Learn more about Window Cleaning→Paver Patios & Hardscaping
View service →Why does base preparation matter so much for patios in the Holly Springs area?
Wake County's red clay holds water and shifts between wet winters and dry summers. A paver patio is only as good as what is under it, so we excavate to stable soil, compact a gravel base in layers, and screed leveling sand before a single paver is placed. That is what keeps the surface flat and crack-free for years.
Learn more about Paver Patios & Hardscaping→How long does a typical paver patio installation take?
Most residential patios take two to five days depending on size, access, and site prep. Walkways and smaller features can often be done in a day or two. We give you a clear timeline with your free estimate.
Learn more about Paver Patios & Hardscaping→Can you tie a new patio into existing landscaping?
Yes, and it usually looks best that way. Because we also handle landscaping, mulching, and planting beds, we can design the patio, borders, and surrounding beds as one project instead of leaving you with a concrete island in the middle of the yard.
Learn more about Paver Patios & Hardscaping→Pergola Installation
View service →Do I need a permit for a pergola in Holly Springs or Apex?
Many detached pergolas under a certain size do not require a permit, but rules vary by town and by HOA. We help you check your town's requirements and your HOA guidelines before work starts so there are no surprises.
Learn more about Pergola Installation→What kind of pergola holds up best in North Carolina weather?
Pressure-treated pine and cedar are both popular here. Whatever the material, the details that matter most in our climate are properly anchored posts, hardware rated for outdoor use, and a good stain and seal to stand up to humidity and summer storms.
Learn more about Pergola Installation→Can you install a pergola over an existing patio?
Usually yes. We evaluate the existing surface and either anchor to it or set posts alongside it, depending on how it was built. If you are planning both, doing the patio and pergola as one project gives the cleanest result.
Learn more about Pergola Installation→Sod Installation
View service →When is the best time to install sod in the Triangle?
Tall fescue sod does best installed in fall or early spring, when cooler temperatures let roots establish before summer heat. Bermuda sod prefers late spring and summer installation. We will steer you to the right window for the grass type your yard needs.
Learn more about Sod Installation→How much watering does new sod need?
New sod needs daily watering for roughly the first two weeks, then a gradual taper as roots knit into the soil. Every installation comes with a simple watering schedule, and we check in during establishment.
Learn more about Sod Installation→Is sod worth it compared to seeding?
Sod costs more up front but gives you a finished lawn immediately and skips the washouts, bare patches, and weed pressure that come with establishing seed in clay soil. For high-visibility front yards and homes going on the market, it is usually the better value.
Learn more about Sod Installation→HOA & Commercial Grounds Maintenance
View service →What kinds of properties do you maintain?
HOA common areas, neighborhood entrances, townhome and condo communities, and small commercial properties like offices and retail strips in Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, and nearby Wake County towns.
Learn more about HOA & Commercial Grounds Maintenance→Can you work with our HOA board or property manager?
Yes. We provide certificates of insurance, respond to board questions quickly, and keep a consistent schedule so residents always see the same standard of care. One point of contact handles everything from quoting to scheduling.
Learn more about HOA & Commercial Grounds Maintenance→Do you handle seasonal work or just mowing?
Full-service. Beyond recurring mowing and edging, we handle mulch refreshes, leaf season cleanups, shrub trimming, and storm debris removal, so the community looks kept year-round without juggling multiple vendors.
Learn more about HOA & Commercial Grounds Maintenance→Soft Washing
View service →What is the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?
Pressure washing blasts surfaces with high-pressure water, which is right for concrete but can force water behind vinyl siding and damage softer surfaces. Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution that kills mold, mildew, and algae at the root. For house exteriors in North Carolina, soft washing is almost always the correct method.
Learn more about Soft Washing→Why does my siding turn green in Holly Springs?
Wake County's humidity, tree cover, and long warm season create ideal conditions for algae and mildew. North-facing walls and shaded sides get it worst because they stay damp. It is organic growth, not dirt, which is why rinsing alone never keeps it away for long.
Learn more about Soft Washing→How long does a soft wash last?
Because the solution kills the growth rather than just knocking it off, most homes stay clean for one to three years depending on shade and tree cover. Homes tucked under heavy pines typically need it more often than open lots.
Learn more about Soft Washing→Roof Cleaning
View service →What causes the black streaks on my roof?
Those streaks are a blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa magma that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It thrives in the humid Southeast and spreads by airborne spores, which is why it often appears on several houses in the same neighborhood at once.
Learn more about Roof Cleaning→Will roof cleaning damage my shingles?
Not the way we do it. We use a no-pressure soft wash treatment, which is the method recommended by shingle manufacturers and roofing associations. Pressure washing a roof strips protective granules and can void your warranty, so we never do it.
Learn more about Roof Cleaning→Does roof algae actually hurt anything?
Yes. The algae holds moisture against your shingles and slowly eats the filler material, which shortens roof life. It also darkens the roof surface, which raises attic temperatures in summer. Cleaning it is cheaper than replacing a roof early.
Learn more about Roof Cleaning→Driveway & Concrete Cleaning
View service →How often should a driveway be cleaned in Wake County?
Most homeowners here get theirs done once a year, usually in spring after pollen season. Driveways under tree cover or on the north side of a house may need it more often since they hold moisture and grow organic film faster.
Learn more about Driveway & Concrete Cleaning→Can you remove oil stains from concrete?
Most of the time, yes. Fresh oil comes up readily with a degreaser and hot surface cleaning. Older stains that have soaked deep into the concrete may lighten significantly rather than disappear entirely, and we will tell you honestly what to expect before we start.
Learn more about Driveway & Concrete Cleaning→Why do some driveways come out with stripes?
Striping happens when someone cleans with a narrow wand and misses overlaps. We use a rotary surface cleaner that covers a wide path at consistent pressure, which produces an even finish across the whole slab.
Learn more about Driveway & Concrete Cleaning→Deck & Fence Cleaning
View service →Will pressure washing ruin my deck?
It can, in the wrong hands. Too much pressure on a wood deck raises the grain and leaves permanent wand marks. We drop the pressure and let a wood-safe cleaner do the work, which cleans thoroughly without chewing up the boards.
Learn more about Deck & Fence Cleaning→When should I clean my deck in North Carolina?
Spring is the most popular window, once pollen season winds down and before you start using the deck for the summer. Early fall is the second-best option, especially if you plan to stain, since mild temperatures and low humidity give you good curing conditions.
Learn more about Deck & Fence Cleaning→How long should I wait to stain after cleaning?
Generally 48 to 72 hours of dry weather, though it depends on humidity and how much sun the deck gets. Staining wood that is still holding moisture traps it under the finish and causes peeling, so it is worth waiting for the right window.
Learn more about Deck & Fence Cleaning→Christmas & Holiday Light Installation
View service →When should I book holiday lighting?
Late September through early October is the ideal window. The whole install season compresses into roughly six weeks between early November and mid-December, so the calendar fills quickly. Booking early gets you first choice of install dates rather than whatever is left over.
Learn more about Christmas & Holiday Light Installation→Do you provide the lights or do I need to buy them?
We supply commercial-grade LED lights cut and sized specifically for your rooflines, which hold up far better through a Carolina winter than big-box strands. If you already have lights you love, we are happy to hang those instead.
Learn more about Christmas & Holiday Light Installation→Do you take the lights down after the holidays?
Yes. Takedown in January is part of every install, and we store your lights through the off-season so you are not finding tangled strands in the garage next November. You never touch a ladder.
Learn more about Christmas & Holiday Light Installation→Pricing
Get a free estimate →How much does lawn mowing cost?
Mowing is priced by how much turf you have, one all-in price per visit with no trip fee. Up to 5,000 sq ft is $58 weekly or $85 every other week. 5,001 to 10,000 sq ft is $82 weekly or $120 every other week. 10,001 to 15,000 sq ft is $104 weekly or $150 every other week. Anything larger we measure and quote. Every visit includes mowing, edging, string trimming and blowing off all hard surfaces.
Why is every-other-week mowing more per visit than weekly?
Two weeks of growth is a heavier, slower cut with more clippings to manage, so it takes longer to leave the lawn looking right. Weekly service costs less per visit and keeps the lawn healthier, which is what we recommend through the growing season.
How do I get an exact price for my property?
Mowing rates are published above. For everything else, contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate. We assess your property size, condition, and specific needs to provide an accurate quote within 24 hours.
Are there discounts for recurring service?
Yes! Customers on weekly or bi-weekly plans receive priority scheduling and consistent pricing. We also offer bundled discounts when you combine multiple services.
Do you require long-term contracts?
No. We offer flexible service with no long-term contracts required. You can cancel or adjust at any time.
Ready to Transform Your Yard?
Get a free, no-obligation estimate today. We'll have a quote to you within 24 hours.