Lawncare

The first thing the homeowner has to learn is patience. The lawn will have to build itself back up a little before it’s subjected to spring maintenance, no matter how loving. Then, when the grass is sufficiently green, the lawn should be raked and then aerated if it needs it. The homeowner can dig up a plug of turf and see if there are any dead stems or runners matted between the grass blades and the soil. If there’s more than a half an inch of this thatch, it won’t allow air water or fertilizer to come through. Sometimes a rake is all that’s needed to untangle thatch, but sometimes an aerator will need to be rented.

One of the first things to do for lawncare in the spring is fertilize it. This is one of two times of the year that experts recommend a lan be fertilized. Cool season grasses like Bermuda grass and fescue should be fertilized in early spring, and warm season grasses like centipede grass and Bermuda grass should be fertilized in late spring. Some of the best fertilizers to use are a slow release granular organic fertilizer, sterilized sewage sludge, rotted manure, compost or compost tea. Synthetic, fast release fertilizer will make the grass grow faster, but it can be used up in as little as a month.

Landscape Maintenance

It’s also time to think about controlling the weeds, especially before they start to germinate. To stop grass-like weeds before they even start to grow will require a pre-emergent weed killer. Keeping the lawn mowed and fertilized will cut down on other weeds like dandelions. A lush lawn simply doesn’t give weeds space or nutrients to grow.

When it’s time to mow it’s important to mow the lawn to the right height. How tall the grass should be allowed to get depends on the type of grass. Cool weather grasses should be allowed to grow taller than warm weather grasses. Buffalo grass, for example, can be allowed to grow to five inches high before it’s mown. Grasses should also be allowed to grow a little taller during hot weather, because they shade the soil and slow down the rate of moisture evaporation. To mow the lawn too short stresses the roots. Ideally, no more than a quarter or a third of each blade should be cut off at a time. It’s also a good idea to leave the grass clippings on the lawn. It forms a mulch that adds nutrients to the soil and cuts down on the fertilizer than needs to be added.

While these tips can provide a useful framework for getting your yard ready for Spring, it is always beneficial to speak with a Charlotte landscaping professional to ensure your yard’s optimal health.

Preparation can be taken before winter hits to help protect plants. Remove any dead plant life from your yard and garden. Build up of dead plant materials can cause mold and fungus to grow, especially when snow melts and starts to make things soggy. This can affect plant health in the future. Having dead plant life on the lawn, such as leaves, also makes it harder for the living plants to get the sunlight and oxygen they need. Trim dead or excess leaves and branches off of plants. Plants can also be mulched as extra protection from winter snow. Additionally, the mulch will sometimes work as an insulator for plant roots.

For your yard, mow the grass after it becomes dormant. Having the grass trimmed down in the winter will help it grow back more evenly in the spring. If you have blank patches in your grass, be sure to add new seed before the ground freezes. There is no need to worry about watering grass in the winter unless you live in warmer areas and have planted winter grass.

Many trees and shrubs must be protected from frost during the winter. One of the easiest and cost effective way to protect them is by using burlap. There are many methods of using burlap, which can help prevent frost from damaging your plants and trees. One way can be done by burlap wrapping. Using a smaller burlap wrapping strips ensures that the complete plant life is covered and protected rather than using a large burlap sheet which can leave gaps allowing cold air flow. If the plant life is completely covered, it will offer better protection against all winter elements.

A burlap screen is another way that allows you to protect your plants with the creation of a screen. The screen is erected on all four sides of the tree, allowing the top to be exposed. This helps protect against strong winds and harmful rays. Once fully completed, fill the bottom with leaves, as this adds an extra way of protection and for moisture retention.

A great idea to protect your larger trees, such as cedars, pines, spruce and maples can be done by constructing a burlap fence by using burlap rolls. Not only will it protect from hash weather, it can also be used to keep deer and other animals away from your trees and plants. Check often as snow or ice may accumulate on the burlap fence, it can cause the structure to fall apart or block essential air flow.

Protecting your plant life during winter can be simple. Enjoy a safe winter, and look forward to beautiful plant life in the spring!

Nothing brightens up your Charlotte yard like a burst of color from a few flowering plants. Anyone with a few basic tools can start a small garden or plant flower beds to improve your Charlotte landscape. Before going crazy with the annuals, however, it’s important to assess the amount of light your yard gets, and make sure you choose plants that will flourish in your unique mix of light and shade.

In order to buy the right plants, you’ll need to understand what is meant by the terms full sun, partial sun, and full shade.

Full Sun:

Full sun is defined as an area that receives at least six or more hours of sunlight during the day. This period should include the noon hour. Plants that are defined as full sun will not flourish unless they receive a minimum of six hours of sun (and some may need even more) each day, so it’s important to properly analyze your space. A full sun area will generally be away from obstacles such as trees, buildings, fences, or structures that block the sun. Removing these sorts of obstacles can sometimes turn a gardening area into a full sun area.

Partial Sun:

Partial sun (also referred to as partial shade) is an area that receives about four to five hours of sun, usually either all morning, all afternoon, or during the middle of the day. Some “full sun” plants will do ok in partial sun areas, so it’s important to research or check with your local gardening experts on whether or not a plant will tolerate partial sun. On the flip side, many partial shade plants will be scorched and wither if they receive too much sunlight.

Full Shade:

Full shade is an area that receives only a little direct sunlight. There are actually very few plants that truly flourish in full shade areas. These are places under very dense foliage or that are blocked on several sides from the sun. Full to partial shade plants will usually benefit from a little direct sunlight or dappled sunlight coming through tree branches, but will be damaged by too much or too intense light.

Using this guide, you should be able to determine what type of plants to put in your Charlotte yard, based on the amount of sunlight it receives each day. It’s always beneficial to speak with a Charlotte landscaping professional, as they will share with you the best type of flowers to complement your unique outdoor space.

It can be challenging to maintain your Charlotte landscape all year long, especially during the hot summer months. It is possible, however, to have a lawn that will make the neighbors envious by following just a few simple guidelines.

To grow and thrive, a lawn must receive proper nourishment. A one-time fertilizer treatment will improve a lawn’s health. When used regularly throughout the year, fertilizers strengthen the grass’ ability to reproduce and extend its root system deep into the ground.

Fertilizers prevent the growth of weeds but care must be taken to not over fertilize. This can be prevented by following the instructions on the fertilizer package.

A healthy lawn must also be regularly manicured. A common mistake made by people who are new to lawn care is cutting the grass too short. Mowing the grass too low may significantly damage the lawn by disrupting its ability to grow deep, healthy roots. This mistake can be very costly and may require a complete replacement of the lawn. The mower should not cut more than one-third of the grass’ height at any one time.

A lawn that is well fertilized and mowed cannot thrive without water. It is obvious that a yard needs to be watered when the grass looks parched and begins to turn brown. The amount of water a lawn should receive depends on the type of grass and the size of the lawn. A good standard to remember is that the lawn should receive about three-fourths to one inch of water per watering session. Watering in the afternoon when the temperature is highest is not effective. The sun evaporates most of the water before it is able to seep into the ground and be absorbed by the grass’ roots. The most effective time of day to water the lawn is in the morning or the evening.

Some people choose to use an irrigation system that is buried in the ground. Automatic systems are more expensive than regular sprinklers; however, owners who choose these systems are free from having to remember to water every day and can go on vacation without making lawn care arrangements with a friend or neighbor. A simpler sprinkler is less expensive but does require more energy from the home owner who must remember to water and move the sprinkler around to ensure the entire yard receives water.

While these tips can provide a useful framework for maintaining your yard, it is always beneficial to speak with a Charlotte landscaping professional to ensure your yard’s optimal health.

Annual flowers have a lifespan of one year or less. They grow, bloom, produce seed and then die. Seeds from these flowers may fall to the ground and re-seed to grow the following year, but often that does not happen. Seeds also can be harvested, dried and stored, and started indoors or seeded directly to the flower bed the following spring.

Perennial flowers live several years. Perennials started from seed do not bloom until their second year and then they bloom annually. The top portion of the plant may die down in winter before regrowth the following spring, but many perennials are green all year. The roots of perennials multiply, and eventually they will crowd each other with stunted growth and smaller flowers as the result. So it is important to divide the roots about every three years. The roots that are dug up and removed then can be replanted elsewhere or given to friends.

Annual flowers often do not grow as tall as perennials, so they are best planted to the front and sides of perennials rather than in back. The length of time that perennials are in bloom each year is much shorter than the blooming season of annuals. What happens when each type of perennial quits blooming is an important consideration when deciding on plants to include in your flower bed. Some perennials, such as tulips and daffodils, die down and rest until the following year. Others continue to grace the flower bed with attractive greenery. Other important considerations are whether to include flowering plants that are edible and to know which plants have parts that are poisonous.

A flowering plant that is grown as a perennial in Charlotte, may be considered an annual in Butte, Montana due to differences in growing seasons, temperature extremes, altitude and moisture. A few flowers that likely can be grown as perennials are hollyhocks, peonies, bleeding hearts, clemantis, daffodils, tulips, and Shasta daisies. A partial list of flowers likely to be grown as annuals includes impatiens, nasturtiums, petunias, sweet peas, and zinnias. A well-planned garden of annuals combined with perennials will provide a stunning effect that will provide your Charlotte landscape timely color each season.

While these tips can provide a useful framework for maintaining proper moisture levels in your yard, it is always beneficial to speak with a Charlotte landscaping professional to ensure your yard’s optimal health.

1. The landscape should not be watered unless it is necessary. Some homeowners choose to bring out their watering hose or turn on the sprinkler system even when it is raining outside. Adding extra water to the mix can only cause an overflow and damage the grass and plants. It is also a waste of water, leading to expensive bills that could have otherwise been avoided. If it is windy outside or there has been a significant amount of rain, everything should be left alone.

2. Any irrigation systems that are used to water the landscape should be checked frequently. Should this not be done, holes and other issues could come into being. When this occurs, leaks will keep the landscape from being watered properly, and cause more water to be used. In addition to this, because the problems were ignored, a lengthy amount of work might be needed to fix everything and get it working properly again. If the homeowner does not know how to do their inspections or fix any dilemmas, they should consult with and hire a Charlotte landscaping service.

3. The less of a landscape there is, the less water that is needed to keep everything running smoothly. Instead of investing in a large lawn, the homeowner should attempt to have as little greenery as possible. They can cover large gaps on the lawn with stepping stones; put some kind of statue or decoration in certain areas, and so on. The people around the home can use it as an opportunity to be creative and come up with something that suits their tastes.

Conserving water is important, no matter how warm Charlotte may be. The tips above should help anybody looking to save what they can.

Reputation and Insurance

The two most important features to review with a new landscaper are their business reputation and insurance standing. The reputation of a particular business can be easily verified through the local Better Business Bureau or through a local chamber of commerce, and the websites for these outlets are often all that is needed to do it. The insurance standing of any company trusted to operate machinery and work with chemicals on private property is paramount; requesting current proof of coverage is the first step to take, followed by confirming this with the carrier independently, which is also easily accomplished online.

References and Work History

Along with the business reputation and liability protection, the references, from other businesses and customers, and the work history of a landscaper should also be confirmed; any reputable landscaping company will be proud to impart their references, and those without them, or those with references that cannot be confirmed, should be avoided right away. Contacting the references is something that is often overlooked, as most are content with knowing they have them, but never actually follow through with contacting them and asking questions. With this one simple step, the real reputation of the company, in addition to their work habits, attitude and customer service skills, can be found through those that have employed their services before.

Shop Around

The Internet and the online marketplace have combined to make it quite simple to comparison-shop just about any product or service in the world, and this is indeed true for landscaping services as well. With just a few moments online, dozens of providers can be viewed and compared, often with no more effort than clicking a computer-mouse and reading. This is not only the best way to ensure the most competitive prices, but it is also the best way to find the highest-quality Charlotte landscaping services for those prices.

Anything with a firm surface and unusual shape—your choices are limited only by your creativity—can be used as a viable container pot for your landscaping use.

You can set your garden or landscape apart by using secondhand materials that you pick up from any store or shop. Or you can simply use any large container that you may have lying around in your garage or other areas outdoors that can be used to improve your landscaping needs.

Dumpster diving is a well-kept landscaping secret. One can find any number of containers to use as pots and other ornamental elements that can be added to their landscaping design. In the area of landscaping, one man’s trash is truly your treasure. You can use anything from an old shoe, a bath tub, or even discarded toys to use as containers and fodder for your imagination, as you take items clogging our landfills and turn them into containers of beauty and delight.

Large containers work very well for vegetable and herb gardens. Wrapping ordinary plastic containers with material conducive to plant growth (while providing them with eye-catching color and personality), is a form of double potting, that conserves the moisture of the soil and it also keeps your plant containers from leaking into areas you do not want that moisture to go. Container pots are ideal for annuals or plants that need to come inside to avoid extreme temperatures.

The variety of things that you can do with container pots to improve your landscape is endless. Container pots allow you to place plants anywhere. You can suspend them from roofs, garages, or leave them to recline against a shed or tree, depending on the size of the container used and the affect you are seeking to achieve. You can also hang them from your windowsill.

Container pots can, and should, be used for more than accents to your landscaping. Using those pots in diverse ways can open up your landscaping projects in ways that you may not have previously imagined. Only two things are necessary: a container and your dreams.

Outdoor living spaces provide a welcome escape into nature without sacrificing comfort.

Although creating a quality outdoor space requires an investment of time and materials, the result is an inviting and welcoming setting that will be enjoyed for many years. Making improvements to your home is always a smart investment. In our current economic crisis, many homeowners have decided to make improvements to their homes rather than re-enter the unstable home market and purchase a home that may be more suited for their current needs. If the time ever does come for the homeowner to sell the home, having an outdoor living space will add to the home’s appeal and marketability.

With careful planning, spaces can be designed to be enjoyed through all four seasons. Planning and creating an outdoor living space is not as difficult as it appears. The first step is to plan to use space near the backyard area that will be easily accessible. It is important to be realistic about how the space is going to be used. Sure a tropical backyard oasis may sound great in theory but it may be impractical for the space. You must consider your lifestyle, plan for entertaining and functionality of the space in order to create an area that fits your life.

Be realistic about the amount of space you have when considering backyard furniture options. Ideally large pieces of furniture such as table, chairs and couches should be added but smaller spaces may require more creative designing to optimize the space. The main appeal of outdoor living space is comfort; therefore space design should include comfortable seating options. Outdoor fire pits are common in outdoor spaces because they are a great focal point and the fire will keep pesty bugs away while relaxing on warm summer evenings. If children are in the home, having a section of the space that accommodates their needs should also be planned. If you live in an area where the summers are particularly warm, be sure to plan for shaded areas. Oftentimes, a simple umbrella or gazebo will provide all the shade needed.

Outdoor living spaces offer countless design options. They can include patio and decking or water designs; outdoor kitchens are a great option for those who would like to bring food preparation outside. The space can also be an extension of living or family room space and include an alcove area with a television and comfortable seating. There are plenty options for outdoor living spaces and they should be designed with the intended use as well as the lifestyle of the homeowner in mind.

Professional lawn care providers will work to enhance the health and appearance of your lawn. Lawn maintenance and landscaping requires attention to detail that extends beyond mowing and trimming the yard. A professional Charlotte landscaping service will take care of the trimming, mowing and edging in a manner that will provide the grass the oxygen needed to prevent decay. The result will be a beautiful healthy lawn.

Professional Landscaping is a wise investment because landscaping can add as much as 15% to the value of the home. The first phase in the pursuit of a functional landscape project is landscape design. Charlotte landscaping services can assist with the creation of an appealing exterior. Professionals have the knowledge of the growth conditions in the region and will use materials and plants that will enhance and beautify the exterior of the home. Having a professionally landscaped lawn can transform your home exterior into a beautiful space that can be used to unwind and relax. Charlotte landscaping works with the homeowner to develop a functional and suitable landscape design as well as provide maintenance after the project is complete.

Hiring a professional landscaping company will free up homeowners’ time that would normally be spent maintaining the yard. The time saved can be used to complete other tasks in or outside the home. By hiring a professional Charlotte landscaping service, you can be assured that your lawn and outdoor space will be well maintained. In addition to save time, you will avoid the need to invest or rent heavy equipment to complete your landscaping project. Professional landscapers come prepared with all the tools necessary to create and maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn and exterior.