September 27, 2011 0

Retaining Wall Design

By writer in Retaining Walls

Thinking about adding a retaining wall to your landscape? These features can be used simply for decorative appeal or they can provide a real service. Either way, you want your wall to be structurally sound from day one or you will find yourself dumping money into repairs a lot faster than you think.

There is an art to retaining wall design and installation, so much so that installers can opt to become nationally certified in their craft. An expert retaining wall installer has to intimately know the characteristics of your landscape and soil in order to design a wall that will last. From the soil profile and the condition of the ground water on your property, an installer can get an idea of what your wall should look like, both in terms of materials and function. Of course, he or she will also work with you to achieve a desired look and price point. Without an expert in charge of designing and installing your wall, you could face the evil duo of structural failure: tilting and cracking. No material — whether it be wood, concrete, or brick — is safe from these problems if the wall is not installed correctly. Your trusted installer should be very familiar with lateral earth pressure, sliding bases, overturning, and soil bearing.

You may require little of your wall, perhaps just a “sitting wall” that can accommodate guests as they gather on your patio. Or you may need your wall to keep soil from naturally collapsing from a slope. Whatever you need to get from your retaining wall,  having it built to last  will be an investment in improving your landscape.

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September 26, 2011 0

Drip Irrigation Systems and Their Benefits

By writer in Landscape Irrigation

Drip irrigation systems benefit you and your landscape on many levels. You may think this method is used only in desert regions, but they are popping up more frequently because installation and design are relatively uncomplicated and they have a lot to offer both do-it-yourselfers and professional landscapers.

So how does drip irrigation work? This slow, precise method of water delivery is like a leaking faucet — drop after drop of water drips directly on to the soil. The soil soaks up the water before it has the chance to evaporate or run off. When water hits the soil, it heads directly for plants’ roots, where it is needed most.

Aside from the application, there are many benefits to having a drip irrigation system installed. Because the water is going to specific locations where moisture is needed, you will find that the amount of water used to irrigate is decreased and this can lead to savings on your water bill. Also, you have complete control over when and where the water is going, as well as how much water is being used. You may see a difference in  your plants’ appearance as they are undergoing less stress from variances in soil moisture. Furthermore, you can give individualized attention to each plant’s needs and you can water all of your plants at once. Because you are not watering every square inch of soil, you should see a decrease in weed growth.

And, generally, drip irrigation systems are less expensive to install. Talk to an experienced professional and find out if drip irrigation can benefit your landscape.

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September 25, 2011 0

Lawn Care: Lime Important to a Heathy Landscape

By writer in Lawn Care

You may not be aware of this, but the soil in your yard is most likely sour. And a healthy lawn finds sour soil a difficult place to grow. “Sour soil” refers to its chemical make-up and most yards in the Upstate have acidic soil, making them “sour.” In a nutshell, what is making the soil acidic is hydrogen ions. For the growing grass and plants in your yard, this means a lack of calcium and magnesium. Imagine all those hydrogen ions sucking up these beneficial elements. Unfortunately, high acidity can make getting other helpful nutrients hard for your plants. The best way to determine the acidity of your soil is to take a sample to the local County Extension office, run by Clemson. The good folks there will test your soil and tell you exactly how sour it is.

You can “sweeten” acidic soil with lime. Lime application is a crucial aspect of lawn care because it is an alkaline — a compound of calcium and magnesium (and you thought those were just good for bone health!). These elements help reverse the negative impact of acidic soil. Lime is not a fertilizer, but an important ingredient to making your soil more plant and grass-friendly. In addition to lowering the acidity of the soil, lime also makes detrimental elements, such as iron, less soluble and harmful to plants. Also, it helps plants take in necessary nutrients, especially phosphorous, making your fertilizer more effective. And lime increases good bacteria activity, which is great if you are using compost.

Some well-meaning gardeners can get a little over-zealous with lime application. In this case, too much of a good thing is a bad thing and over-applying lime can be just as harmful as never applying it at all, making your yard too alkaline, and your plants and grass unhealthy. Also, there are many types of lime and some are caustic. There is an art to its application and nothing should be done until your soil is tested. An experienced lawn care team can help you with determining how much and what type of lime you need, as well as when and how to apply it. Your yard is your little piece of the world. You want to make it as sweet as you can.

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September 24, 2011 0

Aluminum Fencing Benefits Homeowners’ Wallets

By writer in Fencing

When it comes to fencing a yard, homeowners face the dilemma of which fence will be the most durable, cost-effective and beautiful. Aluminum, wood and wrought iron are all able to provide a clear marker for property lines and can be great for keeping pets and small children safely enclosed in the yard. But not all fences are created equally. The choice can lead some homeowners into a war between their heart’s desire and their wallet’s reality.

Aluminum fencing is a more cost-effective and lower maintenance way to have the classic style of wrought iron. It will showcase and protect your home, but it will not bust your budget. The number one maintenance problem with wrought iron is oxidation. Aluminum fences are rust proof and have a special powder coating to ensure a high quality paint finish. Also, aluminum is far less expensive in both up front material cost and long-term maintenance. Keep in mind, too, that wrought iron fencing rarely comes with a warranty, but most aluminum fencing manufacturers provide warranties, many times for the life of the fence.

Having a wood fence is also a beautiful choice for your yard and is much less expensive than wrought iron. It is also less expensive than aluminum…initially. Wood does not rust, of course, but it is an organic material that will eventually succumb to the elements. Over time, the maintenance of a wood fence with the reseals and replacements, the insecticides and fungicides all add up and make wood fencing a high-maintenance option and, at the end of the day, a less cost-conscious choice.

Aluminum fencing is a great choice for the homeowner who is watching his or her bottom line. With low maintenance and many style and color options, designs and styles are many and can be tailored to fit any taste and landscape.

 

 

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September 23, 2011 0

Four Grasses to Give You a Beautiful Lawn

By writer in Grasses

Upstate South Carolina is located in what is known as the “Transition Zone” for growing grass. This zone, stretching from the central east coast to the eastern border of New Mexico, is considered the toughest place in the country to grow quality grass. The “transition” refers to climate zone. We are in the more southerly part of this zone, but we still have winters that can be hard on warm season grasses while summers may get too hot for cool season grasses. So what does all this mean for you and your chances to grow a beautiful lawn? You may want to consult an experienced landscaper, but there are four grasses that do well in our neck of the woods.

Zoysia is a hearty grass that usually starts with sodding, as the seeds can be hard to come by. This warm season grass will go dormant in the winter, but does not look dead during these months. Zoysia comes in many varieties and is tolerant of the shade.

Bermuda is another popular warm season choice for many homeowners. However, this type of grass loves full sun and does not do well in shade. The common variety is indigenous to our area, but there are many varieties to choose from and you may wish to use a hybrid seed that will give you a more disease and pest resistant lawn.

Centipede is another option for a warm season grass, but less common. You can choose to plant seed, sprig, plug or sod your lawn to get this grass established. Centipede is a good grass for those who want a beautiful lawn, but do not want a lot of maintenance.

Fescue is the cool season grass of the group and it tends to stay green for at least ten months out of the year in our area. There are several varieties of fescue, but if this is the grass that appeals to you, be prepared for a beautiful, but high maintenance lawn.

Having a beautiful lawn in the Upstate may seem like a tough decision and a lot of work, but there are experts who can help you determine which grass will not only look great, but thrive in your yard.

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September 22, 2011 0

New Plants — In the Fall?

By writer in Planting

While many folks associate new plants with spring, there are many who feel fall is a great time to establish new plants in your landscape. You may be hesitant to plant this time of year because of early cold snaps and because you may not see your neighbors doing it. But there are many benefits to adding new plants to your garden now, so don’t be afraid get a jump start on beautifying your garden.

New planting in the fall is good for you! Of course, fall in the Upstate is different than fall in Vermont, but a good rule of thumb is to place your new plantings in the ground about six weeks before the first hard frost.You can enjoy the cooler weather and time outside as the days grow shorter. There are also good sales on plants this time of year. Just make sure any plants that you purchase are nice and healthy.

Fall planting is good for the plants too. The soil is still warm in the fall and this encourages roots to grow. With some of our milder winters, root growth may continue throughout the winter months. Fertilizing your fall plants is not recommended, as it causes roots to grow too quickly and the new growth will not be established enough to survive the first frost. But when spring time rolls around, the roots will continue their growth at a more accelerated pace. The bottom line is that plants you installed in the warm soils of fall have a head start compared to those planted in the cool soils of spring.

Plants established in the fall are, naturally, not threatened by scorching heat spells and less likely to wilt during long periods of drought. As the temperature turns milder, danger from pests and disease decreases as bugs are starting to hunker down for the winter and lower humidity makes the environment inhospitable for disease organisms. And, of course, cooler temps mean fewer weeds and this is always welcome news in the garden.

Landscapers with experience in new plantings can help you determine which plants will work well in your yard this time of year. They can also help you determine where to place them and give you tips on maintenance — or they can do it for you! With a little planning now, you can reap the benefits of fall planting for months to come.

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September 21, 2011 0

Love the Yard; Hate the Lawn Maintenance

By writer in Lawn Care

Mowing, raking, weeding, trimming, edging…sounds like a list of punishments for an unruly teenager. But this is your yard we’re talking about here! Your pride and joy, your haven and showplace! However, unless you’re prepared to spend hours maintaining it month after month, year after year, all the great landscaping you planned so carefully can start to look a little…feral.

Do you drive past a neighbor’s yard every morning and wonder how they keep it so perfect all the time? Chances are, they have called in the professionals. And this may be the answer for you too. True lawn and landscape maintenance requires doing more than the bare minimum. Mowing grass and trimming the hedges will not keep your landscape looking its best. If you are clueless when it comes to spreading lime, aerating fescue, fertilizing, insecticides, and fungus, you may need some help. Even if you do know the when’s and how’s of good lawn maintenance, you may be more likely to pull out your hair than pull up a weed.

An experienced lawn service loves keeping your lawn and landscape looking like a postcard, which may be the opposite of how you feel. Let the experts use their equipment and supplies and save yourself from having to store more stuff in your outbuilding. They have the tools, time, and know-how to keep your lawn looking great year-round. For a flat monthly rate, in most cases, they will descend on your lawn like an army and take care of every weed, fallen leaf, and detrimental fungus that deigns to show up in your yard. A lawn service may save you some money in the long run, but they will definitely save you time, energy, and headaches.

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September 20, 2011 0

Enjoy Outdoor Living Year-Round

By writer in Landscape Design

Outdoor living spaces are growing in popularity as folks realize how relaxing being outside can be. If you love the way your landscape and hardscape work together to bring balance and beauty to your yard, why not spend more time out there? And why not show it all off to friends, family, and neighbors? Creative design makes it possible for you to entertain in your outdoor space throughout the year.

What does having an outdoor living room or kitchen entail? In short, anything you want. Essentially, you bring the indoors to the outside. You can divide your outdoor areas into “rooms” and have them differentiated with hardscape designs, such as patios, walkways, decks, and terraces, as well as with outdoor decor and color schemes. There is no right or wrong way to bring your style outside. A professional landscape designer can discuss all your options, including features such as waterfalls, kitchen islands, even a bar to put the perfect touch on an outdoor lounge.

Think comfort and beauty all through the year. Outdoor fire places and fire pits not only keep you warm on chilly days, they create a cozy ambiance for guests to mingle. On warm, sunny days, a gazebo or pergola is a great place to gather and enjoy the shade. Consider having native plants incorporated into your landscape to provide interest, match your decor, and accent your outdoor room. Having plants that provide seasonal beauty offers an ever changing backdrop to your outdoor space with leaves that turn brilliant shades in the fall, such as Japanese maple, and plants that break out with bright winter berries.

With some planning and creative landscape design, you can turn your great outdoors into a space as comfortable, stylish and functional as your great indoors.

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September 18, 2011 0

What Would You Do with More Space?

By writer in Barns & Outbuildings

Outbuildings, garages, and pole barns are a great way to free up some room in your house and landscape. And they can be as lovely and unique as your home. An outside building creates so much additional storage space, you will wonder how you ever survived without it. Where is your golf cart right now? What about your ATV, lawn mower — even your rakes and tools? If that classic car you tinker on had its own garage, how much more room would you have? Reduce your clutter and increase your home’s value by adding an outbuilding or garden shed to your property. These structures can be custom-built to your specifications and tailored to fit your needs. They can include electricity or even an upstairs area with a bathroom and shower, perfect for rinsing off after spending a hot day working in the yard.

All outdoor buildings should be erected to code and experts can help you determine the best location for them based on your soil type and the slope of your property. The construction is built to withstanding the elements, such as sun, wind, rain, and even the occasional snow flurry that sometimes wanders into the Upstate. Structural integrity is a must for your outbuilding, garage, or barn. Designers and builders pay close attention to the foundation of your structure. As an investment in your property, you want your outbuilding to be as soundly built as your home.

The pros take your landscape into consideration to design an aesthetically pleasing structure. Personalize your building with flooring options — dirt floors and concrete slabs are only a couple of choices available. You may want the siding to mirror your house or perhaps you have always dreamed of having a big, red barn. The size and look of your outbuilding is up to your imagination, but professional builders deliver on durability. And, of course, don’t forget about all the extra space your building will provide you.

 

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September 18, 2011 0

Save Time and Hassle with Irrigation System

By writer in Landscape Irrigation

Nothing is less appealing than watering your lawn and garden. Carefully determining the correct time of day and then moving the sprinkler from one end of the yard to another, getting tangled up in a hose pipe and watering yourself more than your plants is not a wonderful way to spend a morning or evening. When new grass is being established, watering has to happen at regular intervals and there is always the danger of “over watering.” The last thing you want to see is your grass seed washing into your neighbor’s yard because you had an emergency and forgot to turn off the hose.

A professionally installed irrigation system helps eliminates these problems and makes having a perfect and healthy lawn possible. The system is set to a timer, so you can have your irrigation going before dawn, when your plants, grass, and trees do not have to compete with the hot sun for moisture. By the time you finish your coffee and head to work, your landscape is perfectly watered.

Additionally, every lawn and garden has unique needs depending on the design of your landscape. An off-the-shelf system cannot differentiate between shaded areas and those that are in full sun, or where your flowers are competing with trees for water. A professional system utilizes multiple types of sprinklers chosen especially for the unique needs of your lawn and garden.

Professional installation gives you peace of mind that your system has been installed correctly. The lines are buried deep to protect against future problems and the experts take into account the slope of your property, the layout of your landscape, and can even take water from alternative sources, such as wells and lakes. You can also rest assured that only quality materials from reputable manufacturers have been installed to give you value and quality.

Irrigation systems require more than the hose pipe and rotating sprinkler. Trust your lawn’s watering needs to experienced professionals and you will be pleased with the results and with the time you save. But keep that old sprinkler handy. You never know when the kids (or you!) will want to kick off their shoes and run through it on a hot summer day.

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