Pyramidal Arborvitae (zone 3-8) Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' Pyramidal Arborvitae is perfect as a privacy barrier as it is a fast grower that can grow 12-25' tall and 3-6' wide. This evergreen does not require trimming to maintain its shape. Plant in full to partial sun with deep, regular watering. Fun fact: The name Arborvitae (tree of life) was given to this tree because of its high vitamin C content. it was used by Native Americans and early European settlers to treat scurvy.
This quite a unique project we worked on. We had a client that wanted to have a walking labyrinth in the backyard with a raised flowerbed surrounding it. Because this hardscape project used a few tons of moss rock for the raised flowerbed and as well as the construction of the labyrinth, we were able to perform this project during the fall! We used a red bark mulch for the flowerbed and our client wanted to do her own planting the following spring. It's always interesting and fun to work on different landscaping projects. Thank you and have a wonderful Tuesday!
Q: Why do I need a year-round contract for maintenance? I feel like there is no need for service in the winter. A: This is an understandable question! When we look at our yards in the winter, there doesn’t seem like there is much need for yard work. However, there is plenty of work to be done. During spring, summer, and fall we focus on making sure your yard and plants look at their best. Many factors go into how much stuff we can get done during these busy months. Extra rain results in a ton of weeds, which causes us to change our priorities for your property. The winter months, we focus on things we had to push back, such as fixing dry river beds, cleaning the base of each plant, and sever
Virginia Creeper - Parthenocissus Quinquefoilia This aggressive vine can be used for ground cover or climbing! Virginia Creeper is a fast grower that should be planted in partial to full sun and in well-drained soil. Thrives in zones 4-9 with deep regular watering until established. It produces beautiful red fall foliage, followed by small bluish berries that attract birds during winter months. Be mindful that this vine can cause damage to stucco and can climb 50 feet or more!
Sometimes, a makeover is needed for safety reasons and this week hits the mark! Our client's current makeshift steps in the backyard were not only unstable and unsafe but were also atrocious. We constructed from scratch a set of new steps using railroad ties that were MUCH more secure and safe. The worry of someone taking a spill or losing their footing was definitely decreased. Happy Tuesday!
Q: Why haven't my ornamental grasses been cut back yet? A: In the winter, your yard can look bare with most of the plants cut back. We try to leave ornamental grasses such as the Karl Forester, Switch grass, and Pampas grass as long as we can for winter interest. Once they get knocked over from the snow and start to look messy, we cut them back. If you would like them cut earlier than this, let us know and we would be happy to cut them!
Rio Grande Cottonwood (hardy to zone 3) Populus wislizeni Rio Grande Cottonwood is a fast growing shade tree that is known for its beautiful yellow fall foliage. When planted in full sun with plenty of water, it can handle a variety of soils. Flowers in early spring. Be mindful of spacing as Rio Grande Cottonwood can reach 80' tall and 30' wide and will quickly outgrow small yards.
This week's Transformation Tuesday comes from the same home as last week! The backyard was just as overrun with weeds, bushes, and plants as the front yard from last week. We put on our gloves, pulled out our machinery, and put in some good labor to use to get the backyard back to square one. Now, our clients have a clean, blank slate to work with for future landscaping projects. Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!
Q: Are there any tips for fall/winter watering? A: Watering in the fall and winter can be a lot different than watering in summer. The top layer of dirt can be frozen from the night before. This can cause the water to run off more than usual and not get absorbed by the soil. The best way to ensure the water gets absorbed is to make sure each plant has a posa. A posa is a mound of dirt that makes a bowl around the plant to minimize runoff. We also recommend that you disconnect all hoses from faucets when not in use to prevent costly repairs. Lastly, when you finish watering, drain the hose so it does not freeze and is ready for its next use. Send us any and all questions relating to landscapi
Boston Ivy (4-10) - Parthenocissus tricuspidata Unlike English Ivy, Boston Ivy is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves annually. Great when used as a groundcover or to climb fences or houses, this vine is prized for its dark red-purple fall foliage. Boston Ivy should be planted in partial to full sun and in well-drained soil. Thrives with deep regular watering until established. Be mindful that this vine can cause damage to stucco and can climb up to 45'!
This week, we take a look at a project that just needed a bit of spit and shine aka a simple cleanup. The property was taken over and overgrown with weeds sprouting up from every crevice and Tree of Heaven suckers. To bring back the curb appeal, we trimmed back the bushes, got rid of all the weeds, and removed all the suckers. Happy Tuesday everyone!
Over the past two months we have reviewed misconceptions around watering your garden as well as the pros and cons of watering by hand. In this month's blog we will weigh the challenges and benefits of using an irrigation system to water your yard. The biggest benefit of irrigation systems is the efficiency of time saving, water monitoring, and less hassle. A properly working irrigation system waters each plant with a slow drip that has minimum run off and maximum soil penetration, which can help with overall plant health. Automated systems water the plants on a predetermined schedule so you do not have to worry about forgetting to water your plants. These benefits do come with a cost, and th
Q: Now that it is fall, when is a good time to prune bushes and tree branches? A: It depends on what kind of bush you are looking at pruning. Ideally, spring flowering shrubs such as lilacs and forsythia should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming in late spring. If they get pruned now in fall there will be a decrease in spring blooms. Summer flowering shrubs such as butterfly bushes and potentillas can be pruned in late fall or winter. Most shade trees should be pruned in late fall or winter. Thank you for this wonderful question! Send us any other queries you have.
Big Tooth Maple (acer grandidentatum) - Plant in partial to full sun in zones 4-7. Breathtaking hues of orange and red paint the fall foliage of this beautiful maple tree. A slow to moderate growing tree which can reach up to 30' tall and 30' wide. Needs a moderate amount of water. Bigtooth maple is an absolute stunner in the fall!
