Checklist for Planning Your Landscape Design

November 4th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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If you have decided to give your yard a renovation with a new landscape design, you have many decisions to make. While you can hire a professional to complete the design, they will need some input from you to determine the best look and style for your yard. Before you begin planning your landscape design or hire a professional, here are some factors to consider, ensuring you get the best look for your home.

Are You Planning to Stay in Your Home?

A landscape design for your permanent home may be different than a design for a home you will most likely sell in a few years. A more personalized approach can be used for a long-term home.

Will Trees or Structures Need Removal?

Planning for excavation needs can take more time – make sure to discuss tree removal and other major changes that will need to be done prior to the landscape installation.

Will Drainage or Irrigation Need to be Installed?

If you have erosion or drainage issue, or you will need irrigation, this should be done before the rest of the landscape installation.

Do You Want Hardscapes?

Plants and soil can be quickly installed; hardscapes can require more time. If you are considering adding a retaining wall, patio, pond or other hardscape features, this is important to discuss with your landscaper. You will want a professional that offers both softscape and hardscape, as well as landscape design.

The best way to ensure you get the landscape design you want is to carefully plan your design with your landscape professional. Make sure to go over these factors and other design specifications with your landscape designer to help streamline the process.

Posted on behalf of:
Landscape Innovations
215 Rebecca Ct
Fayetteville, GA 30215
(770) 616-3194

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Ideas for a Low Maintenance Yard

November 4th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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A beautifully landscaped yard can be highly time-consuming to maintain. Trimming, watering, edging, mowing and other services may be needed to keep many landscape designs maintained. Not all homeowners want a yard that takes so much time to maintain. There are landscaping options that can still look stunning without the high price of maintenance. Here are some ideas to keep your yard and landscaping low-maintenance.

Gravel Instead of Grass

Lawns are often the most time-consuming aspect of yards. Removing the grass and adding flagstone, gravel and other rock surfaces can create a stylish yard without the need for ongoing mowing, edging, aerating, watering and fertilizing.

Native Flowers and Plants

Meadow plants and native flowers for your backyard can help cut down on maintenance. When you try to use plants that are not native to your area, they require more attention to help them flourish. Stick with native plants that will easily grow in the local climate and soil.

Privacy Trees for Fencing

Fences tend to need maintenance. Privacy trees are a natural option to provide a barrier for your yard without the need to stain, clean or paint in the future.

Evergreens and Perennials

For a low-maintenance yard, you want plants that will come back year after year or look wonderful all year round. Evergreens and perennials are excellent choices for making it simpler and easier to maintain a beautiful yard.

Of course, if you want the gorgeous landscaping of a traditional yard and want to skip the maintenance, you can always hire a professional landscaping service. This gives you the best of both worlds – a yard that improves your home’s beauty and the free time to enjoy it.

Posted on behalf of:
Lane Landscaping
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 609-4510

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What are the Benefits of Lawn Aeration?

November 4th, 2019 Posted in Lawn Maintenance
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Compacted soil can suffocate the roots of your grass and affect the health of your lawn. If your lawn has struggled to flourish, it may be due to soil compaction. One way to keep your grass healthy is with routine core aeration of your lawn. This can help loosen the soil and improve the health of your lawn. Here are some of the main benefits of lawn aeration:

  • Loosen compacted or dense soil. When soil is compacted or is a dense variety like clay, water, air and nutrients can have trouble reaching the grass roots. Aeration can create holes in the soil to allow the needed elements to reach the roots.
  • Perforate thick thatch. If there is a thick thatch covering the ground, it can limit the water and nutrients that can reach the soil. Aeration breaks up thatch to allow penetration to the soil.
  • Reduce water, seeding and fertilizer loss. If water is running off your lawn instead of penetrating the soil, anything you add to your lawn can be whisked away. Seeding, fertilizer and weed control agents may be running off your lawn with your water. Aeration can ensure your lawn treatments are more effective.
  • Reduce irrigation costs. If water is not soaking into the soil on your lawn, you will need to water more often. Core aeration can reduce the frequency of watering and the cost of irrigation.

Core aeration can be performed once a year or every few years to help keep your lawn healthy. Quality landscapers can complete this service using the right equipment, giving your grass access to the water, air and nutrients it needs to flourish.

Posted on behalf of:
Tommy Gun Lawn Care
Alpharetta, GA 30040
770-884-7277

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5 Ways to Use Trees for Privacy

November 4th, 2019 Posted in Trees
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Fences and trellises are common barriers used to create privacy around homes, but there is another, natural options. Trees can offer a beautiful way to create private areas in your outdoor living spaces. Here are five ways to use trees as privacy screens for your home.

  1. In lieu of a fence. Privacy trees can be used instead of fence to block the view of neighbors and others outside your home. Over a few years, privacy trees can grow several feet in height and width, providing a solid green, natural fence.
  2. In addition to a fence. Building codes can enforce a lower fence height, but you can use trees to give you additional privacy. Planting trees near your fence line can add a higher privacy screen above the top of your fence.
  3. Sectioning a yard. You can create separate areas and sections in your yard with a line of hedges or privacy trees.
  4. Privacy for spas or pools. Strategically placed privacy trees or shrubs can give your hot tub or pool privacy, blocking views for a secluded experience.
  5. Block windows. You want windows to allow in light, but you may not want to allow people to see inside. Privacy trees can create barriers outside of windows to make it difficult for others to see inside your home or garage, but still letting in natural light.

Trees can offer some valuable benefits to your property, including helping with security, shade, privacy and improving curb appeal. Talk to your local landscaper to discuss different tree options to create the privacy screen you desire and for quick, professional installation.

Posted on behalf of:
Champion Lawn Care
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(770) 649-0818

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Enhance Your Home’s Entrance with Stone Pillars

November 4th, 2019 Posted in Hardscapes
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If you want to create an elegant entrance for your home, stone pillars can be an excellent choice. Natural stone or brick pillars are a classic adornment for any gate or entrance, whether it is to your yard or driveway. Here are some ideas on how to use stone pillars to enhance the front of your home, adding value and beauty.

Solid Brick Pillars

Brick has a classic appeal. Solid brick pillars are a gorgeous and sturdy option to adorn your entrances. You can expect these pillars to last for decades and give your home improved curb appeal. You can add house numbers, initials and other placards for a personalized look.

Stone Paver Pillars

Pavers are another option for building stunning pillars for your driveway entrance or as bookends for your yard gate. Pavers come in many varieties, from man-made concrete pavers to natural stone options. Rustic pillars can be made from river rock or fieldstone, or use pavers made from flagstone, travertine or marble. There are unlimited options to match your style and desired appearance.

Faux Natural Stone

Solid stone pillars can be expensive to build. Another option is pillars that have a faux stone covering. This can create the style you desire for a much smaller price tag. There are pre-made column options, or wooden pillars can be built and covered with stone veneer.

If you love the idea of adding stone pillars to your front entrance, consult a hardscape expert. Many quality landscapers offer hardscape services, including building stone pillars to enhance your entrance. These gorgeous additions can create a unique look for your home, welcoming your guests in style.

Posted on behalf of:
Mobile Joe’s Landscaping
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 360-5604

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Planning for Spring Mulch Installation

November 4th, 2019 Posted in Landscaping Materials
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Spring is the time for many once-a-year landscaping projects. New flowers can be planted, trees can be pruned and your lawn can be aerated or seeded. Another project you want to add to your spring landscaping to-do list is mulching. Spring is the perfect time to add mulching to protect your landscaping from unwanted weeds and help with moisture loss prevention.

What Mulch Type is Best?

Mulch can be many different materials. It can be plant clippings, bark, pine straw, wood shavings or even rock. The right mulch depends on where you are using it and what you want to achieve. Organic mulches like bark, wood shavings and pine straw can have the benefit of adding nutrients to the soil as they decompose. Rock and gravel do not add nutrients, but also does not decompose or need replacement as often.

To determine the best mulch for your landscaping, discuss the options with your local landscaper. Many quality landscape companies will deliver and install mulch. They can help you decide which will work best in different areas. You may want pine straw for sloped areas as it is less likely to wash or blow away and bark around your tree roots. Rock can look beautiful and give your landscaping a clean appearance. Professional mulch installation can make your yard look neat and tidy while preventing weeds and moisture loss.

As soon as your planting is done, schedule your mulch installation. You will want your mulch in place as soon as possible to stop weeds before they begin sprouting up around your shrubs, flowers and other plants. Most mulch only needs to be added once a year, helping protect your landscaping until next spring.

Posted on behalf of:
Pannone’s Lawn Pros & Landscaping
Cumming, GA 30041
(678) 294-0351

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5 Landscape Features for an Elegant Front Yard

November 4th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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When you want to transform your yard from average to exceptional, adding certain landscape features can make the difference. The right focal piece can balance the design and bring a little elegance to your yard. Consider these five landscape features to give your front yard and home extra curb appeal.

Flagstone Walkway

One of the hottest trends right now in landscaping is flagstone. Give your front yard a stunning feature that is both functional and beautiful. Add a new flagstone walkway or courtyard for a stylish entrance for your guests.

Raised, Natural Stone Flowerbed

Combine color and the beauty of natural stone with a raised flower bed. Natural stone retaining walls can be used to create a stunning centerpiece for your front yard, enclosing a gorgeous flower garden.

Water Features

Bring sparkle and movement to the front of your home with a classic water fountain. Or, create a moat around your castle with a bubbling brook or cascading waterfall. Water features are a great way to add an interesting focal point to any landscape design.

Pillars, Columns or Arbor Entrances

Nothing says elegance better than pillars or columns for your home’s entrances. For a more classic style, arbors can be an inviting addition to your front gate.

Hedges or Topiary

Meticulously trimmed and shaped hedges and topiary are a regal statement for your home. While they do require more maintenance, these features can help make your front yard landscaping unique.

For more ideas on how to add elegant features to your landscape design, consult a local landscape company that offers hardscape and water feature installation. You can find the right option to update and improve your home’s front yard.

Posted on behalf of:
Lanier Yardscapes
58 Terero Trail
Newnan, GA 30263
(770) 337-5147

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Top 5 Single-Time Landscaping Services

November 4th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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You don’t need to have ongoing lawn care service to benefit from hiring a landscaper. Even if you per to mow and maintain your own lawn, there are times when using a landscaping service can have its advantages. Many landscapers offer one-time services that can come in handy for homeowners. Here are the top five single-time landscaping services used by homeowners.

  1. Yard clean-up. When a storm hits and leaves your yard a mess, call your local landscaping service. They can come remove branches and other debris, hauling it away for you.
  2. Retaining walls. Need to stop erosion on a hill or slope on your property? Hire a landscaper to install a retaining wall to secure a slope and edge your landscape. Many also can install other types of hardscapes, like patios, decks, fire pits and more.
  3. Privacy trees. Want to create a screen for privacy without a fence? Many landscapers offer privacy tree planting to create a natural barrier between your property and prying eyes.
  4. Irrigation. Add a new irrigation system and make sure it is installed correctly. Landscapers can professionally install irrigation systems and find the right option for your needs.
  5. Aeration, seeding and sod. When your lawn needs help and you are not sure what will give you the lush grass you desire, consult a landscaper. They can provide one-time services such as aeration, over-seeding or new sod to improve the health of your lawn.

Many landscaping services do much more than just lawn maintenance, including installing hardscapes, planting and landscape design. When you need help with a landscaping project, consider hiring a landscaper that has the knowledge and equipment needed. It can save time and ensure your project is done right.

Posted on behalf of:
Maxwell Hardscapes
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
(704) 469-5766

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Landscaping a Sloped Front Yard

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Uncategorized
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If your home sits atop a steep slope or hill, your front yard may be difficult to landscape. The traditional lush lawn and hedges will not work well on a hill, requiring more creative options for your front yard. Here are some ideas to make the most of your sloped front yard, creating a look that is beautiful and easy to maintain.

Retaining Walls for a Terraced Entrance

To make the hill easier to landscape, consider adding retaining walls to break up the hill and create terraces for planting. This can create a gorgeous entrance to your home and add to the curb appeal with floating gardens.

Forego the Groundcover

Forget using grass or ground cover for a steeply sloped front yard – it is likely to erode and difficult to maintain. Instead, you can plant shrubs, tall grasses and interesting plants spotted over the slope, along with boulders to cover the hillside.

Stunning Stairs

If you want a walkway from the street level, you will need a safe stairway for your guests. There are many options, from natural stone steps made from flagstone to a sturdy wooden stairway with handrails to create a passable walkway up the hill.

Rocks and Waterfalls

Skip the plants and adorn your front yard hill with granite or other stone work if it matches the style of your home. You can even add a waterfall that uses gravity to trickle down your hillside for a stunning front yard statement.

Landscaping steep slopes and hills can be tricky, but if done right, you will have a unique front yard for your home. To find the best landscaping design for your sloped front yard, consult a local landscaping professional to explore all the options.

Posted on behalf of:
Lane Landscaping
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 609-4510

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Basic Dimensions for Your Outdoor Projects

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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Dimensions are the basic numbers you need before starting any major outdoor project. Whether you are designing a driveway, sidewalk, retaining wall or pond, you need to know the correct dimensions to begin buying materials and outlining your installation. Here are some basic dimensions to help you with some common outdoor projects to ensure you get started on the right foot.

Driveways and Entry Gates

How wide should your driveway be and how much space do you need for an entry gate? It may depend on your needs. Here are some of the typical widths for driveways and entry gates:

  • Single car driveways should be about 9-12 feet wide
  • Double car driveways should be about 20-24 feet wide
  • Entry gates should be at least 32 feet wide
  • Parking stalls should be 10’ x 20’

Retaining Walls

If you are building a retaining wall to secure a hillside, standard size is usually 3-4 feet in height. This can include about 6” of paver or rock for the front façade and about 12” of compacted backfill in between the façade and native soil.

Ponds

You want to make sure garden or koi ponds are deep enough to prevent freezing and can sustain fish. Most will need to be at least 3 feet deep to accomplish these goals.

Walkways

When building walkways, you want to ensure they are wide enough to comfortably accommodate foot traffic. Walkways should always be at least 18” wide, with 24-30” as a standard width for a single person, 36-48” for flagstone or double-wide paths.

Knowing the right dimensions is important to ensure your project is functional. Your local landscaper can help you determine the best sizes for your needs if you need to go larger than the standard dimensions.

Posted on behalf of:
Landscape Innovations
215 Rebecca Ct
Fayetteville, GA 30215
(770) 616-3194

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