Does Your Landscaper Use Subcontractors?

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Choosing a Landscaper
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When you are planning a major landscaping project, you want to find the best landscaper for the job. You check their credentials and references to make sure you have a qualified professional to install your new retaining wall, patio, garden pond or other landscaping project. However, when the day arrives for the project to begin, the crew that shows up is not from the same company – they are subcontractors.

Many landscaping companies will hire a subcontractor to handle projects when they are too busy or when the project is not in their area of expertise. This does not necessarily mean you will receive lower quality of work, but it is misleading. You hired a specific company based on their reputation and credentials, yet another company is doing the job.

Why to Hire Direct

Before you schedule your next big landscaping project, make sure the company you hire will be doing the job themselves. You want to hire direct to avoid issues down the road. When vetting your landscaper, ask if they use subcontractors and specify that you will only work with a direct supplier. This cuts out the middleman, which can save money. Also, ensure they guarantee their work and will stand behind their quality. If there is a problem a few weeks or months down the road, you can work directly with the same landscaper to have the issue resolved instead of hunting down a subcontractor.

Whenever you are hiring a landscaping company, ask if they perform all their own services or if they use subcontractors. It is best to hire direct to ensure you know who will be working on your property for peace of mind.

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

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5 Reasons to Consider Artificial Turf for Your Lawn

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Landscaping Materials
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If you still think artificial turf is a prickly green carpet, you have not experienced the new options in this landscaping wonder grass. It is not a bright green plastic mat – the individual leaves of grass can be customized to resemble almost any types of grass imaginable and looks very natural. Many homeowners are switching to artificial turf for their lawns and here are five reasons why:

  1. Looks perfect year-round. Artificial turf is always green and never needs watering. Sun, rain or snow, your lawn will always be perfect in any season. Artificial turf is safe for pets and children, a wonderful solution to stop yellow urine lawn spots from dogs.
  2. No maintenance. The grass of artificial turf does not need mowing, watering, seeding or fertilizing. You will not need to aerate in the spring or do any maintenance to the grass at all. Besides raking the leaves off your perfect grass, you will be free from lawn maintenance while you own artificial turf.
  3. Soft and natural. There are dozens of different types of artificial grasses and turfs to choose from and each with its own features. Some are softer to the touch, while others are meant to hold up in high traffic areas.
  4. Eco-friendly. Believe it or not, artificial turf can be every eco-friendly. Consider the amount of water you can save without irrigation for your lawn; plus, no more harmful chemicals to fight weeds and pests.
  5. Cost-effective. Owning natural grass is expensive – both in time and money. Artificial turf negates the need for watering, lawn equipment, maintenance supplies and many other lawn costs.

If you are tired of fussing over your lawn and want a low-maintenance replacement, contact a local landscaper that offers artificial turf installations to explore the options.

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

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5 Benefits of Land Grading

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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Uneven areas around your home can cause problems or make new projects problematic. Trying to level ground with a shovel and rake can be backbreaking work and is difficult to achieve. Land grading with a professional bobcat service from a landscaper can accomplish the results you desire. Consider these five benefits of land grading.

  1. Create an even surface for paving. If you want to add a new patio or driveway, it is much easier when the area is graded. Bobcat land grading can quickly remove excess soil and ensure the area is completely even for better results.
  2. Faster and more efficient. Do you have a project you want done over a weekend? Don’t spend a whole day manually leveling land when a bobcat service can complete it in a few hours.
  3. Create better drainage. Want a slight slope to direct water away from your home? Land grading can create a slope for better drainage on your property.
  4. Sod preparation. Planning to install sod for a new lawn? Land grading can create the level area you need for your new sod without holes or uneven bumps.
  5. Reshape cleared land. Are you expanding your yard or creating a garden? If you have recently cleared land of trees, bushes or plants, use land grading to reshape the soil into a even, useable area.

Bobcat services can make land grading quick and easy, with better results than manual options. For your next project where you need leveling of land, contact a landscape company that offers bobcat services. It is more efficient and can save strain on your body while offering better results for your needs.

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

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Warm Up Your Outdoor Winter Space

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Hardscapes
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Does your patio become desolate during the winter? Spring, summer and fall can find your backyard and patio filled with friends and family, but in winter, everyone stays indoors. If you live in an area with mild winters, you can make your outdoor living space open for all seasons. Add a new fireplace to warm up your outdoor area for year-round enjoyment.

Full Fireplace

One of the popular trends for patios is a full fireplace, similar to what you would have in a living room. A flagstone or fieldstone fireplace can create a gorgeous addition to your outdoor space while providing a cozy area to enjoy during the cooler months. You can have a one-sided or two-sided fireplace, depending on where it is located and the size of your patio. A full fireplace tends to become a focal feature and you are bound to receive many compliments on your new patio addition.

Fire Pits

Want a smaller-sized fire feature? Fire pits are easier to fit on smaller patios and can be installed almost anywhere. They are cozy for gathering a few friends around on a cool night or even on a crisp winter day. A fire pit can be rustic with a “camp-like” quality with natural stone or you can have your designer create a more modern or contemporary design with cement or metal. Either option give you a warm place to huddle around while adding flickering light to your patio area.

Don’t spend another winter ignoring your patio and hiding indoors. Talk to your local hardscape landscaper to discuss the options for adding a fireplace or fire pit to your outdoor winter space.

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

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Start Your New Lawn with Sod Installation

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Sod Installation
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Are you tired of patchy grass on your lawn and want a new start? Sod can be an excellent option for creating the lush lawn you desire without the hassle of seeding and hoping for new grass to grow. However, even sod installation requires the best conditions and care to ensure the new grass takes hold and matures into a gorgeous lawn. Here are some tips to get the best results from sod for your new lawn.

Install in Fall or Spring

While sod can be installed almost anytime of year in warm regions, fall and spring are the best times. When the weather is warm, but not hot, this is the best time to give the grass a chance to thrive. Early fall is ideal; there is less chance of blight and other disease issues and the grass will have all winter to build a strong root system.

Prepare the Soil

Sod needs loose, cleared soil to thrive. Before the sod is installed, the area should be prepared. All weeds, rocks and debris should be removed. The soil should be aerated and loose to invite the roots of the grass to take hold. The soil should be thoroughly watered before installation of the sod, but not soaked.

Follow Post-Planting Instructions

Listen to your landscaper or sod supplier on how to care for your new sod in the first weeks. This is crucial to its growth and can make the difference between a thriving new lawn and sod that fails to take hold. Water and protect it as directed and you should get the results you desire.

Sod can be the answer to a sparse lawn. Contact your local landscaper that offers sod installation to get started on creating your new lush lawn.

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

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Fall Landscaping Checklist

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Lawn Maintenance
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Just because summer is over does not been it is time to lock up your yard maintenance equipment. There is plenty to do to protect your yard during the winter months and prepare your landscaping for next spring. Here is a fall landscaping checklist to give your yard a little TLC before the cooler months ahead.

  • Aerate, feed and final mow. Give your lawn a little loving before letting it rest for the winter. If thatch is thick, aerating is a good idea. Fertilizing can also be beneficial and before you put away your equipment, give the lawn a short mow.
  • Trim back branches and shrubs. Fall is a good time to remove any dead branches from trees and shrubs to avoid falling limbs during winter storms.
  • Plant new bushes or shrubs. Planting new shrubs or bushes in early fall can give them opportunity to build a root system over the winter months in some regions.
  • Plant spring bulbs. Plan for your first spring flowers and bulb herbs by planting bulbs in September or October.
  • Drain drip or irrigation systems. Remove all water from your irrigation systems and shutdown the system for the winter.
  • Rake and remove leaves. Leaves make great fodder for fertilizer. Rake your leaves and start or add them to a compost pile.
  • Mulch. Protect tree roots by adding mulch around tree trunks to provide insulation before the cold weather arrives.

Finishing your yard work for fall can be taxing. For the bigger jobs like aerating, trimming, fertilizing and mulching, hire a local landscaper to complete your fall landscaping checklist. The professionals can ensure your lawn, trees and other plants are ready to withstand the winter ahead and be in good shape when spring arrives next year.

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

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Restore Erosion Control with Retaining Walls

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Retaining Walls
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Gravity, precipitation and loose soil can cause dangerous erosion around your home and property. Hills and slopes are especially prone to erosion; if not protected, the top layer of soil can become a mudslide in wet conditions. This can cause damage to your property, ruining landscaping and interfering with other structures. One option to restore erosion control is to add retaining walls that can secure slopes or hills to prevent damage.

Retaining walls are built at the bottom of a hill or slope to add support. The wall can be a few feet high for slight slopes, creating an edge to the slope and keeping the soil secure. Walls can also be built several feet high if needed to restrain a hill or create a useable space. For steeper hills, it can be beneficial to use two or three retaining walls, tiered up the slope. This creates better support and each level can be leveled to use for planting to compliment landscape designs.

When installed correctly, retaining walls can last for decades while providing erosion control. These structures can also add beauty and function to your property. Choose wood or natural stone, or interlocking pavers for a modern look. When designed to blend with your landscaping, retaining walls can create an interesting style to improve the overall look of your outdoor space.

If you have hills that have erosion issues, or just want to carve out more useable space from slopes, consider installing retaining walls. Contact a local landscaper that offer retaining wall installation to explore the different options available to control erosion and add beauty to your landscaping around your home.

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

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Fall Is a Great Time to Plant Cypress for Privacy

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Trees
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Have you been considering planting trees to give your yard more privacy? Leyland cypress is a popular choice for privacy trees, creating a beautiful screen that is low maintenance. These trees provide a thick foliage and grow quickly to build an evergreen wall for your yard. Here is what you need to know about planting cypress to enhance your yard and privacy.

Preparation for Fall Planting

Cypress does best in regions without extreme cold weather. For planting in your yard, you want an area that gets at least six hours a day of total direct sunlight for the best growth conditions. Most soil conditions are good for cypress but checking the pH balance to see if it is between 5.0-8.0 can ensure you have ideal soil. Fertilizers can be added to reach the right pH balance. The soil should also drain well – dig a hole about 12” deep and fill with water. The water should drain in less than an hour in areas cypress will be planted.

Planting Your Trees

Cypress can grow large and have wide bases. If you plan on allowing your trees to grow tall to 20’ or more, plant the trees five feet apart to leave them room. However, if you plan to keep them pruned to a shorter height, divide that height by four to determine how many feet apart to plant your trees.

Cypress are dormant during the fall, which is why this is the best time to plant. Plant at least six weeks before the first frost Dig a hole about twice the size of the tree’s root bundle for ample growth room. Pack quality soil around the roots and trunk base; fertilize and water the soil until moist to the touch.

Cypress trees are an excellent option for creating a natural privacy barrier in your yard. Want to make it easier? Contact a local landscaper to plant your new cypress trees this fall to ensure they get off to a great start.

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

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4 Paver Options for Your Patio

May 6th, 2019 Posted in Pavers
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There are excellent reasons pavers are so popular for patios. Pavers give you so many options for design and are easy to maintain. They add beauty and value to your home by enhancing your outdoor spaces. Plus, they are durable and simple to repair when needed. Whether you want the classic look of brick or the natural ambiance of stone, pavers are a wonderful choice for patios. You just need to decide what type is best for your needs. Here four of the top paver options to choose from for your new patio.

  1. Concrete pavers. If simple and cost-effective is important to you, concrete pavers will be a good choice. You can find them in many shapes, sizes and patterns, and they are usually less expensive than other pavers.
  2. Brick. Want a cobbled, old-world style for your patio? Classic clay brick can be an excellent option for a timeless beauty that can mesh with many architecture styles.
  3. Marble or travertine. Tumbled marble and travertine are stunning, durable and very desirable for adding value to your home. Their cool surface is excellent for direct sun, easy on bare feet and offers a smooth surface that is great for accommodating patio furniture.
  4. Flagstone. If you enjoy the beauty of natural stone, flagstone offers a unique, colorful option for your patio. This is a perfect paving material when you want to create a natural look for your outdoor living space.

To choose the best paver option for your new patio, contact your local landscaper that installs paver patios. They can discuss the pros and cons of each and help you choose the one that will best suite your style, home and budget.

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

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How to Make Your Landscaping Dog-Friendly

May 6th, 2019 Posted in Lawn Maintenance
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You love your dog, but you also want a beautiful yard to enjoy with friends and family. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to have both. Your yard is also your pooches play area and bathroom, which can lead to worn lawn, yellow grass, dug up gardens and other issues. You can maintain a beautiful yard and give your dog a place to enjoy outside with a few tricks to make your yard dog-friendly.

Protecting the Grass

It is common for dogs to wear pathways in a lawn to their favorite spots. Urine is another problem; you may find yellow spots of dead grass where they like to relieve themselves. To keep a lush, green lawn, here are some tips:

  • Fertilize and feed your grass to keep it hardy and able to withstand exposure to urine and paw traffic
  • Water the spots where you dog urinates immediately
  • Train your dog to urinate in one area, preferably one without grass
  • Create stone pathways in worn areas – it creates a beautiful hardscape and a place for their paws to travel off the grass

There is not a type of grass that is completely resistant to damage from urine but keeping it healthy and limiting exposure can help you maintain a green lawn.

Enclose Gardens and Soft Dirt Areas

Take away the temptation for dogs to dig. Soft dirt is inviting to dogs and they may want to bury a bone or toy in your garden. Enclose flower beds and gardens with a small fence to let them know this area is off limits.

You can have both dogs and a landscaped, beautiful yard, but it does require some work. Make it easier on yourself; hire a professional landscaper to keep your lawn in excellent health and for adding hardscapes like pathways to protect your lawn.

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

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