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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Lawn Care for Bermuda Grass

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Lawn Maintenance
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Bermuda grass is popular for lawns as it offers a beautiful, lush lawn that is hearty and resilient. However, even though it is known for being drought-tolerant and able to handle moderate traffic, it does require special care. If you know how to care for your Bermuda grass, you will get better results from your lawn. Here are some tips to care for your Bermuda grass to keep it looking spectacular.

Mowing Specifications

To keep your Bermuda grass healthy, you want to maintain the right mowing schedule and techniques. Grasses vary on how they respond to mowing, so knowing the right cutting methods for Bermuda grasses can help you get the best results. Grass blades should be kept about 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches in height, mowing frequently. You should never allow the grass to get too long where you need to cut more than a third of the blade. Bagging is not usually required due to the frequent cutting.

Watering Needs

Bermuda grass does not need too much water – overwatering can be detrimental to the growth. Instead, complete a thorough watering once a week, allowing the soil to become saturated about six inches deep. Then, only irrigate as needed.

Fertilizing and Weed Control

Use a nitrogen fertilizer for your Bermuda grass throughout the growing season. For weed control, use pre-emergent herbicides in the spring to protect your lawn, but avoid using herbicides more than three times per season.

Tailoring your lawn care to your grass type is important. One of the benefits of hiring a professional lawn care service is having an expert to provide the right care for your lawn. If you want the best lawn care for your Bermuda grass, considering hiring a pro for your lawn maintenance.

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

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Ideas for Low Maintenance Landscaping

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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You do not need elaborate, time-consuming landscaping to have a beautiful yard. There are many ways to create a gorgeous outdoor area without needing to spend several hours each week doing lawn care and maintenance. Here are some ideas for low maintenance landscaping and outdoor spaces that are functional and fabulous.

Paved Areas

No one said you must have a lawn. There are plenty of other options for your front and backyard besides grass. Paved courtyards and patios can be stunning and look great all year round without needing to seed, mow or water. You can still add potted plants for natural accents that require much less maintenance than landscaped yards.

Trees and Wild Plants

If you want green foliage and color, but do not want to spend time trimming, watering and weeding, consider plants that require little maintenance. Trees, some shrubs and wild or native plants can be sparsely planted throughout the yard to give beauty without needing much care.

Rock Gardens, Meadow Planting and Other Eco-Friendly Options

Want a low-maintenance yard that is also eco-friendly? There are several ways to reduce the amount of water you need and the time you spend on maintenance. Rock gardens, xeriscaping and meadow planting can create a beautiful landscape design that requires very little water and minimal effort to maintain.

Hire a Landscaping Service

You can have a traditional lawn and garden areas without spending your free time doing yardwork. Hiring a landscaping service gives you the best of both worlds. You can have a lush lawn that is expertly maintained, hardscapes and other elements that you can enjoy while a professional does all the work for you.

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

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Romantic Additions for Your Backyard

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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If you love romantic styles that bring to mind dramatic scenes from your favorite movies and books, you can incorporate that style into your landscaping. Romantic design creates beauty and intimate areas, often with a classic style. Here are some ideas for romantic additions that can transform your backyard into an intimate oasis.

Arbors and Trellises

There is something classic and romantic about arbors and trellises. These structures can adorn your landscaping and offer many functional elements, including creating privacy. A strategically placed arbor over a bench with a trellis can be a perfect place to sneak a kiss.

Garden Pond and Waterfall

The sound of falling or bubbling water is soothing and relaxing. Add a garden pond with a trickling waterfall with nearby seating for amorous rendezvous. It is a stunning focal point for your yard and a lovely romantic spot for quiet moments alone.

Gazebo

A private gazebo away from your main patio or pool area offers a secluded structure to get away from the rest of the family with the one you loved. Dim, soft lighting inside or around the structure can create that romantic style that will also add beauty to your outdoor space.

Winding Garden Pathways

If you have the space, an expansive flower garden with a winding pathway through the petals is perfect for hand-holding walks. This is the ultimate in romantic style, just like a scene out of a classic film.

If you want to embrace a romantic style for your backyard, find a talented landscape designer to help you build your vision. You can create an amazing romantic oasis right in your backyard with the right elements.

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

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Creating a Backyard Entertaining Area

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Hardscapes
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Does your idea of a perfect summer weekend include inviting friends and family over for a backyard BBQ or party? If you love entertaining outdoors, you need the right elements in your backyard to make your guests comfortable. You need more than some patio furniture and a grill to make the ultimate backyard entertainment space. Consider adding some of these hardscapes to create a fantastic outdoor entertaining area right at home.

Large Patio

Even if you have a patio, make sure it is big enough to accommodate all your guests. You want your patio to be large enough to comfortably fit tables, chairs, grills and possibly a fire pit. Stone pavers are easy to maintain and look beautiful, a great choice for building an expansive patio. You can extend your existing patio by adding a sunken retaining wall patio with built in seating, a unique and stunning addition to any outdoor space.

Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace

Summer day backyard parties often go into the night. Add warmth and a flickering glow to your backyard with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Everyone loves sitting around the fire under the stars, adding a special element to your outdoor entertaining area.

Outdoor Kitchens

Upgrade your backyard cooking equipment by adding an outdoor kitchen. A gas or charcoal grill is fine, but often you end up running in and out of the house while you are preparing your meal. Spend time with your guests with an outdoor kitchen that has all the tools you need right on your patio.

Make your backyard the place to be this summer with a makeover of your outdoor entertaining space. Contact your local hardscape landscaper to start designing your new patio and other hardscape elements to create the best backyard on your block.

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

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Using Trellises in Small or Narrow Yards

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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Just because you have a small or narrow yard does not mean you cannot make it look beautiful with landscaping techniques. One way to make the most of a limited yard space is with the use of trellises. You may be surprised how adding these beautiful vertical lawn ornaments to your yard can help make the most of your narrow or small outdoor space. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate trellises into your landscape design for a small yard.

Grow Up and Over

With small yards, you have very little space for planting. Adding a trellis and an arbor can give you more space to add plants. Vine plants can create gorgeous walls and ceilings of green, plus you can use the trellis or arbor for hanging plants. When you have a small yard, going vertical is the best option for planting.

Creating Privacy

Many times, a small yard is due to crowded housing. If your neighbor is just a stone’s throw away, your small yard may not have much privacy. A trellis can provide a privacy barrier that looks beautiful while providing a valuable function.

Sectioning Your Yard

Trellises can be used to make your yard look bigger by creating separate sections. Divide your yard into a garden space and a social spot, breaking up the yard to create the illusion of a larger area.

Trellises come in a variety of materials and styles that can help decorate your yard while adding a functional aspect. Talk to your local landscape designer to help you make the most of your small or narrow yard with the use of beautiful trellises.

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

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6 Types of Outdoor Light Effects

September 24th, 2019 Posted in Lighting
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Outdoor lighting can be practical, helping you light your walkways and deter intruders from approaching your home. It can also illuminate the beauty of your home and landscaping during the night hours, adding 24-hour curb appeal. Here are six types of outdoor lighting effects that can help make your home safe and beautiful after the sun goes down.

  1. Moonlighting. Create the same effect as moonlight flowing through the tree branches with moonlighting. This uses lights placed in tree branches to shine down on your yard.
  2. Spreadlighting. Adding spreadlights in low-to-the-ground garden areas can beautifully illuminate these smaller plants that normally get lost in the dark.
  3. Stair and deck lighting. Brighten your decks, porches and steps with lighting that is placed on risers and between vertical railings.
  4. Shadow/silhouette lighting. Create stunning shadows from statues or single trees with a direct light placed in front of the silhouette to cast a shadow on a wall or fence.
  5. Uplighting. Highlight specific focal points with lights in or on the ground pouring light up on the item, creating a dramatic effect.
  6. Spotlighting. Adding spotlighting from a high point to flood light down on patios, pool areas or gardens can add beauty and improve safety around your home.

Knowing how to use outdoor lighting to create an artistic effect is harder than it looks. It takes the right light placed at the perfect angle and height to create these incredible lighting effects. To do more than add a basic flood light to your outdoor space, hire a landscaping team to create an outdoor lighting design for your home. With the right light effects, you can add a stylish beauty to your home at night while improving safety and security.

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

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Maintain a Professional Appearance with Commercial Landscaping

August 15th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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If you own a brick and mortar business, the aesthetics of your building impacts your brand. The first impression made on potential new customers can affect who walks through your doors. For many businesses, this includes the landscaping around your building. Investing in commercial landscaping is a wise decision for business owners who care about their brand image and growing their cliental.

Why Hire a Commercial Landscaper?

Just like many aspects of your business, quality matters when it comes to maintaining the outside of your building. You do not want to trust your outside maintenance to an amateur. A commercial landscaper can do more than just mow your lawn or remove weeds – they can ensure that the entrance to your business is inviting and reflects a professional appearance. Some tasks a commercial landscaper can handle for your business include:

  • Lawn and plant maintenance
  • Mulching
  • Cleaning sidewalks, entrances, parking areas and walkways
  • Storm clean up
  • Landscape design planning and installation
  • Installing retaining walls and hardscapes
  • Adding aesthetic features like waterfalls or ponds
  • Adding outdoor lighting for beauty, safety and security
  • Irrigation and drainage maintenance to protect your property

Having a commercial landscaping service can ensure your business’ outside appearance looks great all year-round. Plus, it can protect and add to the value of your commercial property. It is a worthwhile investment that maintains a positive, professional image for your business.

If the outside of your business is looking shabby, update your image with the help of a commercial landscaper. Consider updating your landscape design and using ongoing maintenance to make an excellent impression on new, existing and potential customers in your community.

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

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Combining Your Pool and Landscape Design

August 15th, 2019 Posted in Landscape Design
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Your backyard swimming pool and the surrounding yard should blend perfectly. They are not two separate entities – they are all part of your outdoor living space. When adding a new pool or changing your landscape design, you need to consider the overall style you want to achieve. Here are some factors to consider when changing your landscaping or pool to ensure consistency in your outdoor space.

What Is Your Pool Style?

There are many types of pools, but most fit into a few basic styles. There are sleek, modern or contemporary designs that have clean or straight lines. Other pools are “lagoon-like” or have a curved shaped to look more natural. The landscaping to compliment a modern pool or a lagoon style are very different.

  • Modern pool styles. A minimal-approach for landscaping works well with modern pools. Clean lawns and limited foliage blends with a sleek pool design.
  • Natural pool styles. If you are trying to create a lagoon oasis in your backyard, you want plenty of plants and foliage. Large ferns and tropical plants can add to the effect you are trying to project.

It is important to consider these factors when making a change to either your pool or landscaping. A modern pool will look out of place in the midst of excessive plants and trees, but a natural pool will blend perfectly. If one area of your backyard is changing, you may need to consider updating other aspects for a balanced appearance.

It can be beneficial to find a company that offers both landscape and pool design in their services when updating your backyard space. This can ensure you create a balanced style that will look fantastic when it is completed.

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

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