7 Lawn Treatment Tips for the Best Looking Lawn on the Block
Your lawn needs just as much love as any garden. A good lawn brings all the elements of your yard together, creating a perfect space for fun and relaxation. It also works wonders for curb appeal.
Lawn care is a bit more involving than most people realize. It involves trimming, mowing, watering, weed removal, fertilizing, soil health, and more. A thorough lawn care program involves services like pest control and soil testing to ensure your turf is healthy and disease-free. And this is in addition to your lawn maintenance responsibilities like removing debris, edging borders, and mowing grass.
Keeping your lawn healthy and luscious can be overwhelming. So, here are some lawn treatment tips to make the process less tasking so you can achieve a thick, lush green lawn.
1. Establish a Lawn Care Calendar
Mowing is one of the most important processes for maintaining a healthy lawn. Ideally, you should cut your lawn at least once a week during the summer months and once every two weeks during the rest of the year.
If you’ve already established a great-looking lawn, then your priority will be maintaining the health of the grass year-round. If not, autumn is the perfect time of year to start again with your lawn treatment – as temperatures are still warm enough to sustain growth.
2. Get to Know Your Soil
The fastest way to a beautiful, healthy lawn starts with healthy living soil. And nothing contributes to the health of your soil more than a thick, rich organic lawn. It’s a symbiotic relationship.
Although the way a lawn looks is a good indicator of the overall health of the soil, the only way to know for sure what lawn treatments it needs is to do a soil test. Taking a soil sample to your local agriculture extension office helps you understand which fertilizer you should use and whether nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels are sufficient.
Everything else is mere guesswork and could lead to over-fertilizing your lawn, which could kill your grass in the worst-case scenario.
3. Use Natural Lawn Fertilizers
Nitrogen is what gives your lawn that lush green color. Lawns should be fed with fertilizer at most twice a year – in spring and autumn. Natural lawn fertilizers are made from organic matter and can improve the health of your lawn without introducing potentially harmful substances into the soil and water.
Depending on the health of your soil, spring feed should be high in nitrogen to facilitate growth, whereas autumn feed should be high in phosphorous and potassium to toughen the grass for harsh winter weather.
4. “Grass-Cycle” Your Grass Clippings
Grasscycling is simply the process of leaving leftover grass clipping on your yard after mowing. As the clippings break down, they improve the health of your soil as they contain moisture and valuable nutrients. What’s more, grass clippings decompose fairly quickly, providing your lawn with a ready source of nutrients.
Not only does grasscycling improve the texture of your lawn by helping the soil retain more water, but it’s also an environmentally friendly option.
5. Aerate Your Lawn
Aerating, or spiking, involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. It relieves soil compaction and enhances growth. Aerate your lawn in the spring and the autumn for best results and when your lawn gets compacted.
On that note, make a point of regularly removing weeds, thatch, and moss as they can prevent growth by blocking air and nutrients from getting to the roots.
6. Pre-Emergent and Targeted Weed Control
Weed control helps improve your lawn’s natural defenses and reduce future maintenance chores. Finding the right weed treatment plan requires you to understand:
- The different types of weeds
- Their growing seasons
- And how to treat them based on these conditions
Weeds are a problem you need to deal with sooner rather than later. Do so by using weeding tools to get rid of deep-rooted dandelions or get a weed killer if your yard is run over with weeds. You can even use a pre-emergent herbicide to stop weeds from germinating.
7. Watering
A lawn needs enough water for it to grow bright green– that much is clear. What’s less clear is how much and how often you should water your lawn. Too little water and your lawn will shrivel up and die; too much and it’ll become over-saturated and die.
The best method for lawn watering is to water deeply and infrequently unless you’re going through a dry spell. If the weather is especially dry, then it’s best to have a consistent irrigation schedule.
Maintain the Perfect Lawn with a Professional Landscaper
Lawn care involves a combination of simple daily and weekly tasks that you can do yourself. You can also get a little bit of help from a landscaping professional, particularly if you’re dealing with bare patches, pests, or weeds.
Get in touch to see how we can help you get the perfect lawn.
3 Simple Flower Bed Ideas to Reduce Maintenance Costs
Adding a flower bed to your front or back yard is a smart and quick way to add color and liven things up. However, flower beds require a lot of maintenance and upkeep after the garden is installed. Here are a few tips to add some personality to your lawn and reduce the maintenance costs.
- Design the Perfect Shape for your Flower Bed
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Once you’ve decided on where to plant your new flower bed, the next step is to figure out what shape you’d like to have. There are tons of forms you can choose from. However, a bed with sharp angles can be challenging to cut and maintain because it’ll be hard to cut with a lawnmower. Granted, you can tackle those angles with a weed whacker, but that will be additional work on your end. Avoid extra work by designing and constructing flower bed ideas that have gradual and smooth curves.
- Install Weed Prevention Measures
The most common weed prevention method is landscape fabric. The fabric restricts weeds from growing through. However, weed roots can grow down through the material if the weed seeds germinate above the landscape fabric layer. Adding an extra layer of mulch will provide a strong defense against weeds and keep your flower beds healthy. A practical flower bed idea is laying down the fabric before planting and making X pattern slits where you want to plant your flowers. This simple method will keep the weeds at bay.
- Select the Overall Theme
There are two types of flower bed ideas, namely:
Formal flower beds – Here, the flowers are usually limited to a few different types. These beds typically have more geometric shapes and straight lines. They often include shrubs and yews that are planted in straight lines to form a border and create designs.
Informal flower beds – Here, you’ll find many different sizes, textures, and colors of flowers. These flower beds have some structure to the design, but the lines and borders are not as defined. The plants and flowers are left to grow as they wish with a little pruning here and there to promote new growth and maintain their size.
Flower beds are mostly used as beautiful masterpieces on the lawns of many homes. However, maintaining a flower bed can be time consuming and exhausting. Contact lawn and bed experts to receive a comprehensive range of lawn care and landscaping needs tailor-made for your flower bed ideas.
Xeriscape Landscaping Ideas
Xeriscape landscape design is a garden-style that is not only environmentally friendly but also attractive. Yards that can handle xeriscape landscaping ideas feature all types of plants and garden styles. Xeriscape principles make the most of natural-occurring water.
Top Xeriscape Design Ideas
There are a few reasons homeowners develop an interest in xeriscape designs. The most common include:
- It saves money on water
- It is more eco-friendly
- It requires little maintenance
These perspectives have an impact on the decisions made during the design process. For instance, if you are approaching xeriscaping from an environment-conscious angle, you want to select native plants. For a rental home, choose low-water plants. Here are things to consider in your xeriscape landscaping ideas.
Watch Out for Problem Areas
Survey your landscape and take note of areas that appear to be problematic in terms of difficulty to water and maintain. Pay attention, especially to steep slopes, narrow strips, and corners of your lawn, drought-prone, and rocky areas. For the stubborn areas, drip irrigation may be your best choice because it applies water slowly over more extended periods to minimize the possibility of a runoff.
Choose the Right Plants
A good design for xeriscape accommodates both drought-tolerant and native plants. These should be planted according to their watering needs. Grouping plants allows you to water what needs to be watered. Soaker hoses are an ideal watering choice because they allow water to soak into the ground instead of running off.
Transform your Landscape
Begin by improving the soil. Clay soil binds together after it rains because it has small particles. This enables the soil to form a tight bond to prevent moisture from absorbing into the ground. Ensure that your soil is rich in organic matter that acts as a sponge to hold water and release moisture.
The other idea would be to use mulch. A thick layer of mulch helps in maintaining a consistent amount of soil moisture. Pine needles, grass clippings, compost, and leaves, are some of the organic mulches to use. These minimize evaporation. Some gardeners also prefer stone and gravel, but these do not decompose and can make it challenging to move plants around.
Many xeriscape landscaping ideas can be embraced without limiting you to specific types of plants. These types of gardens can be designed in many styles. You only need to select the style that suits your landscape. If you choose the right plants and exercise xeriscape principles, you will achieve a thriving and head-turning garden. We specialize in maintenance, repair, irrigation, and water-saving landscape designs. If you are looking for a professional landscaping company, please contact us today.
What Homeowners Need to Know About Hardscaping
In every home, the landscape is usually the focal point. A good landscape incorporates both greeneries and elements that add structure and functionality to a home. Gone are days when softscape was the main focus in landscaping. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) report, investing in outdoor hardscape projects adds resale value to a home and fulfills the homeowners.
While a well-finished hardscape sets a home apart, it is a critical landscaping aspect that most homeowners overlook. To most people, hardscape is a luxury item hence the reluctance to commit to it. But a little hardscape can go a long way. As you plan to create the ideal landscape for your home, sufficient knowledge of complex elements can help you utilize your outdoor space effectively while striking a balance between landscape elements. Here is an in-depth look at the hardscape.
What is Hardscape?
Experts in landscape design frequently use the terms hardscape and softscape to distinguish between living and non-living elements of landscaping. Hardscape is any fixed and solid structure in an outdoor space. They include fire pits, fountains, driveways, and more. It can either be a functional or decorative structure in your landscape. Conversely, softscape pertains moveable, green exterior detailing of a home. The landscape is the umbrella term for both hardscape and softscape.
Why Hardscaping Should be Part of your home Landscape Design
Hardscape benefits are almost endless, from increasing curb appeal to adding personality to your outdoor space. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy from incorporating hardscape into your landscape design plan.
- Hardscaping allows you to create focal points
- Low maintenance
- Water-efficient
- Increase property value
- Add dimension
- Reduce erosion
- Add privacy
Types of Hardscapes
Landscapers use various products and materials to craft a hardscape design for your outdoor space. Here is an overview.
Fire pits
Nothing brings people together like an outdoor fire pit. This attractive backyard addition can serve as a gathering for evening drinks, barbeque, and late-night s’mores. However, as a homeowner, you should be fully informed about construction requirements and potential hazards before building one.
Stone pathways
When it comes to stone pathways, the possibilities are endless, from large stepping stones to smaller ones, mosaic, and pebbles; it all goes down to what appeals to you. Whether it leads to a destination or is used for aesthetic purposes, a stone pathway can add texture and visual interest to your outdoor exteriors.
Decks and Patios
Building a deck or patio increases a living space functionality and boosts property value. Decks and patios help you make the most of your outdoor space, from hosting family parties to quiet outdoor retreats.
Retaining wall
Retaining walls in landscaping are designed to withstand lateral soil pressure, preventing soil erosion in the area and water run-off. Besides providing functionality, if well integrated with your landscape plan, they can add visual interest and dimension to your home. Furthermore, retaining walls can transform the impracticable sloped area into usable outdoor space.
Gazebos and pergolas
The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo is the function of the roof. Gazebos offer total coverage from the sun, while pergolas provide partial shelter. Getting a gazebo or pergola makes complete sense if you like spending much time outdoors. They are great for offering shade, privacy, a workspace, and even a space to entertain and dine with friends.
Fountains
Outdoor fountains come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are also made from a variety of materials. Besides their elegant look, water fountains create a relaxing ambiance while drowning out unpleasant noises. However, due to prolonged exposure to harsh elements such as sun and wind, it is no surprise that they are prone to wear and tear. Therefore, you should always choose suitable materials tough enough to withstand harsh climates. Fiberglass makes an excellent choice.
Driveways
First impressions matter. A neat driveway with some tasteful plants and functional safety light fixtures paints a picture of a happy and successful homeowner. A good driveway layout plan should consider the surrounding landscape and your home’s architectural design to enhance functionality. Since your driveway is likely to be driven on frequently, its material should be tough enough to withstand the high traffic, oil -spills, and resist tire marks.
Conclusion
A well-designed hardscape can make your outdoor space more liveable while increasing the functionality of your home. However, hardscaping is an art and is not always easy. To create a beautiful outdoor retreat that will enhance your home, always involve a landscaping expert at DK Landscaping.
While various elements go into the overall feel of your outdoor setting, our experts combine both soft elements and structures to create a perfect outdoor space for you and your loved ones.
We are a landscape company with unmatched expertise in maintenance, repair, irrigation, and water-saving irrigation designs. Our services are ideal for both residential and commercial properties. We guarantee affordable prices and long-lasting materials. Contact us today to start a conversation about your hardscaping needs.
4 Best Mulch Options for Your Home Landscape
Your home landscaping is the first thing people notice when they pay you a visit. It should not only be intricate but also well maintained. However, a network of components working together to sustain healthy plants is beyond the landscape aesthetics. Mulch is among the key elements. While it is considered the gardener’s best friend, mulching is usually the most overlooked gardening technique. Most gardeners fail to understand that mulching is a powerful technique to incorporate into their landscape as it comes in handy with benefits.
Selecting the suitable landscape mulch can be overwhelming, especially for a beginner. Read on to learn the ideal type of mulch for your landscape. But first, let’s understand what mulch is and why it’s essential for your landscape.
What is Mulch?
Mulch is any material laid over the soil’s surface as a cover. Here are the two types of mulch:
- Organic mulch. Includes formerly living materials such as straws and wood chips
- Inorganic mulch. Consists of synthetic materials such as plastics
Benefits of Mulching
There is no better way to sustain a healthy landscape than covering the bare soil. Beyond the aesthetics, here is why mulching is essential.
- Controls weeds
- Provides insulation for roots
- Prevents soil erosion
- Add nutrients to the soil
- Encourages earthworms to move-In
Selecting the Right Mulch for the Job
There is no perfect mulch. It requires careful consideration of each type of mulch to help you choose the best mulch for a particular setting. Several factors such as appearance, availability, and expense also play a role in determining the best mulch. If you wonder which mulch type is ideal for your landscape, weigh out the pros and cons of the following mulch types before laying it down.
Wood Chips mulch
Wood mulch is chopped-up wood material in a wide range of sizes. The variety of sizes prevents compaction and therefore allows easy water infiltration. Cedar, pine, and hemlock make effective mulches.
Pros
- Decomposes at different rates, creating a diverse environment for soil organisms.
- Readily available
- Easy to apply and remove
- Environmentally clean
Cons
- The wrong application can cause molds, rot, or suffocation of the roots
- Not ideal for every plant due to cases of nitrogen theft when wood chips are breaking down
Straw mulch
Straw mulch is a remnant of cereal and grain crops. The straw mulch prevents the grass seeds from washing off while preventing rodents. However, do not confuse straw mulch with hay as far as mulches go. The latter is known to contain weed seeds and sometimes molds. Therefore, always go for certified weed-free straws as your mulching option.
Pros
- It’s clean
- It’s light
- It breaks down quickly and composts into nutrients
Cons
- Straw mulch can be messy
- They easily blow around in wind
Rock mulch
Rocks tend to be more expensive than organic mulches. Rocks do not break down easily; hence annual reapplication is not required. Rock mulch is an excellent choice if you have drainage issues on your property as it allows quick drainage of water. When using rocks as mulch, there are essential things to keep in mind:
- A fabric weed barrier is needed underneath to prevent weeds from sprouting through the rocks
- Only drought-tolerant plants thrive in rock-mulched beds
- Steel edging is required to keep off stray rocks to achieve a tidy appearance
Pros
- They are durable
- Require low maintenance
- They are fire-proof
- They keep off weeds longer
Cons
- They are expensive
- Rocks don’t add anything to the soil, unlike organic mulches
Geotextile mulch
Geotextile is also known as landscaping fabric. It is made predominantly from starch and is 100% eco-friendly. Geotextiles are an improvement over old-style plastic mulches. They not only suppress weeds but also reduce surface evaporation. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming with so many different geotextiles. Some factors to consider are: ease of the material applied to the land, ease of water penetration, relative cost, and effectiveness of the material in weed suppression.
Pros
- No clean-up is required
- Geotextile can minimize nutrient leaching during the rainy season
Cons
- It is expensive
- Prone to blockage by residues
Conclusion
Your choice of mulch is a matter of personal taste and preference. However, mulching is not as easy as grabbing shredded straws and pouring them around your plants. There is the right way to mulch. When a professional landscaper is involved, mulching can slow the erosion process, retain soil moisture, and control weeds.
Are you looking for a reliable landscape maintenance company to advise you accordingly on your landscape’s ideal mulch? We specialize in maintenance, repair, and water-saving landscaping design. By hiring us, we guarantee you’ll get the highest quality mulch product at a reasonable price. Reach out to us.
Six Yard Maintenance Tips You Need to Know
Nothing beats the feeling of enjoying the sight of freshly mowed grass and the aroma of nature in your own yard. Spending time in your yard can help relieve stress and keep you in balance.
One common misconception about yard maintenance Rohnert Park is that you need a big budget to keep your yard looking healthy and fresh. The truth is that lawn care doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. There are various practices that can help you save on these costs.
It’s no secret that a healthy and lush yard can boost your home’s general appearance and resale value. The landscape also provides ample space for you and your family/friends to enjoy. Below are six tips on how to take good care of your lawn in all seasons.
- Mow Regularly
Regular lawn care is one of the crucial factors contributing to a healthy lawn. As the grass grows in your yard, it needs frequent mowing. Consider cutting the grass twice a week in peak growth periods to keep it looking tidy.
Depending on the type of grass grown, cut it to a height of between 2.5 and 3 inches. Note that only one-third of the height of the grass should be cut. Also, grass grows between 2 and 6 inches in length every month.
Mow your lawn once every two weeks in warm winters, autumn, and spring. Do the same at least once every week during summer. Regular mowing makes it easier for the roots to spread further, fill up any gaps and restrict weed growth.
- Water the Yard in the Morning
Use a sprinkler to water your yard twice or thrice a week. Unless your lawn has new grass seeds sprouting, avoid watering it every day.
Water sprinklers cover the entire part of a yard, thus enabling you to get the most out of the task. Even more, watering in the morning allows water to seep through the soil with little evaporation.
Avoid overwatering your young lawns to prevent root rot. Overwatering may also hinder root growth and result in waterlogging.
- Loosen Compacted Soil
It’s common for soil to get compacted in your flower beds when the temperatures rise. Your yard may get compacted soil if animals or people step on it regularly.
If this is the case, start by removing the thick leaf layers that cover your flower beds. You should also thin the leaf layers for them to decompose into organic matter quickly. Gently use a stick to loosen the soil for oxygen to penetrate the roots.
Aerate your lawn if you notice any signs of decline or moss patches. This practice allows air and water to reach the root area faster and boost root growth/development.
- Deal with Aggressive Weeds Early
Weed out your yard in early spring to remove any aggressive or invasive weeds. If you leave them to grow into the summer, their roots will develop further, making it hard to pull them out.
You may use a pre-emergent or organic herbicide to kill the weeds. Only apply the pre-emergent herbicide for five consecutive days when the topsoil temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The chemical will prevent the weed seeds from germinating.
Spray a post-emergent herbicide (organic or traditional) if you spot weeds in your yard in spring. You should also dig out dandelions by their roots if they start emerging on your lawn at this time.
- Carefully Time Your Pruning Routines
Prune any badly disfigured or broken branches damaged by ice and snow in late winter as part of your yard maintenance Rohnert Park routine. You should also cut off any unwanted lower branches on your evergreen trees and shrubs at the same time.
If you have a summer-flowering shrub in your yard, prune it early in spring or late winter to prevent further growth. Prune your spring-flowering shrubs once the flowers start fading too.
- Mulch Carefully
Hold off any mulching tasks until the weather warms and the soil in the flower beds starts to dry out. You should also mulch the beds when you have edged them and trimmed back any broken branches on the shrubs.
Use a heavy mulch consisting of over-dyed brown wood chips or hardwood bark mulches. That’s because heavy mulches look better, last longer, and are of higher quality.
Looking for Yard Maintenance Rohnert Park Services?
Now is the right time to clean up your yard and give it the liveliness it needs. From weed control to pruning, the tips discussed in this guide can help you care for your yard, garden beds, and lawn. Yard maintenance Rohnert Park is all about creating beautiful and healthy outdoor spaces all year round.
Landscaping services are crucial if you want your yard to give a long-lasting impression. Engage a landscaping maintenance professional to create a beautiful environment around your home. Our experts will be ready to help you with whichever landscaping issue you have.
Sprinkler Irrigation System: A Proper Way to Water Your Backyard in Summer
Summer is quickly approaching. You’re already planning some backyard garden activities such as barbecue and watching the sunset. But have you checked the condition of your lawn? You need a watering system to keep the grass fresh from the summer sun. How about installing a sprinkler irrigation system to provide sufficient water supply throughout the hot months?
What is a Sprinkler Irrigation System?
In a sprinkler irrigation system, water is applied to the land in a spray. It is an artificial rain that originates from a sprinkler system design. In this case, you need to have the necessary skills and experience to join several pipes and pumps to form a system that will irrigate your land. However, you can always contact professional landscaping experts to assist in sprinkler system design, especially when you want to irrigate a huge backyard.
What are the Benefits of Sprinkler Irrigation System in Lawn Watering?
As you already know, there are multiple watering systems that you can use to water your lawn. However, it is essential to use a sprinkler irrigation system because many landscaping experts highly recommend it. Besides the huge number of recommendations, sprinkling your lawn offers considerable benefits.
- Reduced Soil Erosion
The last problem you want is to erode all the soil on your garden lawn. This will discourage the growth of flowers and grass. Therefore, you need to consider a watering method that does not encourage soil erosion. As it stands, using the sprinkling method to water your grass reduces incidences of soil erosion. Property owners are currently using a sprinkler irrigation system in different topographies. However, besides drip irrigation, there’s no other irrigation method essential in preventing soil erosion.
- Equal Water Distribution
You want every flower and grass on your lawn to get a sufficient water supply during watering. It is the only way it will remain green and fresh in summer. The sprinkler irrigation system has proven to be a reliable method of watering lawns. It is very effective and reaches the extreme corners of your land. This will play a vital role in supporting even the growth of grass and other plants on your land.
- Suitable for All Fields
As you prepare to water your lawn, you must analyze the soil type in your field. The kind of soil highly determines the mode of irrigation used. Notably, a sprinkler irrigation system is suitable for almost all soil types. In addition, it does not encourage flooding, so you will not experience soil erosion and uprooting of your plants. The only areas where you should avoid sprinkler irrigation systems are fields with clay soils.
- Accurate Measurement of Water
For optimum growth of grass and flowers in your backyard, you need to supply accurate amounts of water. Excessive water will lead to flooding, while a limited water supply is not sufficient to keep your grass green in summer. However, with a sprinkler irrigation system, you don’t have to struggle to measure the amount of water supplied. Sprinkler irrigation systems can measure accurately the amount of water provided on your land.
- Efficient Use of Water
Water is a scarce commodity. Therefore, you should always consider a watering system that makes maximum use of the water available. As highlighted above, a sprinkler irrigation system has mechanisms that measure the amount of water supplied to your grass. Therefore, if you have a limited water supply, this system will irrigate it efficiently. Remember, you need a sustainable irrigation system that optimizes the limited water supply on your land.
- Easy to Operate
The majority of the watering methods available are labor-intensive. You have to spend much of your time watering each plant. However, in the sprinkler irrigation system, you don’t have to be available to water your lawn. The system can automatically sprinkle your grass when you’re away. You only need to strategically time your system to have even intervals between watering. Whether at home or away, you’ll not skip watering your land.
- Easy to Apply Soluble Fertilizers
Occasionally, you’ll be required to supply nutrients to your grass for healthy growth. The sprinkler irrigation method gives you an easy way of supplying your plants with soluble nutrients. You’ll irrigate and supply the necessary nutrients to your lawn by dissolving fertilizers in water. Besides, the sprinkling method of watering makes it easier to apply herbicides and fungicides to your crops.
Why Do You Need Assistance in Sprinkler Irrigation System?
As you can see, a sprinkler irrigation system has multiple benefits that other forms of lawn watering will not provide. However, sometimes it can get messy, especially when setting up your sprinkler system design. As such, it is necessary to work with experienced landscaping experts to help with setups. Landscaping technicians will ensure that your system supplies sufficient water to every corner of your land without occasional breakdowns and uneven water pressure. Contact us for more information.
Choose the Right Professional for Your Xeriscape Santa Rosa Project
Hiring a xeriscaping company is a great way to reduce your water bill, boost your home’s curb appeal, and increase your property’s monetary value. After all, professionals have the skills that eliminate the guesswork in your xeriscape Santa Rosa project. You avoid costly mistakes and get the best results in your project.
However, different xeriscaping companies offer different experiences and results. So, how do you choose the right professionals to handle your xeriscaping project in Santa Rosa? Here’s a step-by-step procedure for picking a xeriscape expert that fits your budget and delivers the best results.
Step 1: Define Your Xeriscaping Needs
Knowing what you want from your outdoor space ensures you hire the right professional. The reason is that xeriscaping companies offer different services. Knowing what you want ensures you only hire professionals offering services that suit your needs.
For this reason, you should create a list of your xeriscaping needs, which may include:
- Water-saving irrigation methods
- Mulching techniques that prevent excessive loss of water from your garden soil
- Drought-resistant plant species for your garden or outdoor space
- Improving soil conditions to enhance water retention
- Grouping plants according to their water needs
Once you’ve created the list, compare it with various professionals’ services. Your needs should match the services of the company you choose. If you’re unsure of the designs that work for you, an experienced professional will help you come up with ideas. Read on to learn how to identify an experienced xeriscape professional.
Step 2: Compare Your Budget With the Costs of Xeriscape Services
How much you’re willing to spend influences the professional you’ll choose for your xeriscape Santa Rosa project. You need to choose xeriscape services that fall within your budget to avoid financial issues like huge debts.
However, be careful with professionals that offer low prices. After all, you get what you pay for most of the time. Look for a xeriscape company that offers affordable prices without sacrificing the quality of its services.
The next step shows you how to identify a professional that offers legitimate, high-quality xeriscaping services.
Step 3: Leverage Online Reviews and Testimonials
With the increasing growth of the internet, it’s simple to check the reputation of a xeriscape professional. You can quickly check testimonials on the professional’s site. Alternatively, you can check the online reviews to verify a professional’s credibility and the value of their services.
Look for a xeriscape company with authentic testimonials and online reviews from past clients who had similar needs as yours. Testimonials and reviews show you what to expect if you hire a particular professional to handle your xeriscape project. However, be wary of sugarcoated testimonials and reviews that are too good to be true.
Step 4: Check the Experience of the Xeriscape Professional
To identify the experience of a professional, check how long they’ve been in business. The longer the period, the higher the experience. Checking the experience helps you evaluate whether a xeriscape company has the necessary skills, tools, and technology to handle your project.
An experienced professional will finish your xeriscape Santa Rosa project on time. You will also avoid costly design mistakes, ensuring the project starts and ends within budget. As a result, you get a landscape design tailored to your needs and save a lot of money.
Step 5: Evaluate Your Options Properly
When looking for the right professional for your xeriscape Santa Rosa project, you need to evaluate your options. You shouldn’t hurry into hiring the first company you speak to on the phone since you may miss out on better options.
Instead, shortlist some of the best xeriscaping companies in Santa Rosa. Then, narrow down your options based on your budget, the professional’s landscaping services, and experience. Your xeriscaping needs should also influence the professional you choose.
Step 6: Identify How the Xeriscaping Company Interacts with Clients
You want to work with a company that respects you and prioritizes your interests. To achieve this, you must hire a xeriscaping company with reliable customer service and friendly experts. Consider the following when looking for a company that will value you as a client:
- How does the company interact with you when inquiring about their services? Are the people there friendly? How long does it take for the company to respond to your inquiries? With these details, it’s easy to gauge what to expect if you hire a particular xeriscaping company.
- Is the professional willing to listen to your ideas and build upon them to help you create the landscape design you’re looking for? If you have no idea what you want from your xeriscaping project, the right expert will give you suitable suggestions and help you choose what works for you.
An Expert Wants to Help in Your Xeriscape Santa Rosa Project
Choosing the right xeriscaping expert ensures you make your ideas a reality. With a reliable professional, your xeriscape Santa Rosa project will run seamlessly.
We would love to help you bring your xeriscape ideas to real life. We specialize in water-saving landscape designs, irrigation, and landscape maintenance. Contact us today to help you improve the beauty of your outdoor space.
8 Brilliant Landscape Design Ideas
Upgrading your landscape design is a great way to create an awe-inspiring outdoor space. Whether you want to boost the general beauty of your front yard or create a stunning backyard with a dining area, there are dozens of brilliant and inspiring ideas to implement. That said, here are simple but creative ways to decorate your outdoor space.
Front Yard Landscape Designs
Your front yard makes the first impression when guests visit your property. For this reason, you need to boost your curb appeal, maybe with a stunning walkway or a beautiful lawn decorated using an eco-friendly garden. Here are some welcoming front yard landscaping ideas you can draw inspiration from.
1. Colorful Window Boxes and Floral Border
One of the best ways to revitalize your front yard is to have flowering plants create a colorful border on the entryway. A combination of the pleasant floral border and the appealing window boxes makes this design even better for your front yard. That’s because you get to beautify your entryway and draw attention to the house itself.
With this landscaping idea, you can use a mixture of perennial and annual flowers like petunias and hydrangeas for a pop of color in your front yard. You can also include a few evergreen shrubs like Pieris japonica and Cherry laurel for year-round greenery. This landscape design works in both backyards and front yards.
2. Install Path Lights in Your Front Yard
Installing path lights boosts the night-time beauty of your front yard, and most of them are easy to install. The photo above features jar path lights hanging on hooks and lining a driveway. You can also hang them on fences or set them on table-like structures along pathways.
While path lights decorate your front yard entrances and walkways, spotlights are a great alternative. They beautify your outdoor space by calling attention to specific landscape features. Spotlights have a narrower beam to focus on one thing at a time in your front yard.
3. Raised Flower Bed in the Front Yard
This flower bed in front of your house will make a statement by raising the planting surface above the lawn, which grabs attention to the plants. To create even more impact, have an irregularly shaped bed. For instance, you can go for a curve that contrasts splendidly with the regular lines of the house, just like in the photo above.
4. Leverage a Lamp Post
Installing a lamp post in your front yard adds elegance and function to your home. It improves the looks of your outdoor space and curb appeal. To ensure the lamp post blends seamlessly with other features, add a flower bed beneath it.
Backyard Landscape Designs
Your backyard is an extension of what’s going on inside your house. For this reason, you want it to be a casual, colorful, and fun place to relax and enjoy nature or a mixture of modern-natural experiences. The following landscape design ideas will help you transform your backyard into your favorite outdoor space.
5. Water-Saving Backyard
While you want your backdoor to lead to an admirable beauty, a sustainable backyard helps you save resources and reduce costs. This landscape design eliminates the backyard lawn and replaces it with modern decorative styles.
For example, you can install raised planter boxes for planting herbs and vegetables. You can also have a fire pit, concrete stepping stones, and gravel in the backyard. That way, you get to save water since the landscape design reduces the number of plants in your backyard.
6. Rock Borders
Having a beautiful backyard doesn’t necessarily mean expensive garden supplies and modern decorative structures. Go to the nearest river, beach, or anywhere you can collect various rocks. Then, use them to create a perimeter between your backyard flower bed and lawn. If the color of the stones becomes a concern, you can paint them to complement the surroundings and bring out the beauty you’re looking for. This simple landscaping design creates a pleasant transition between your garden and grass.
7. Plant Flowers Along the Fence
A fenced backyard is private and safe, but it doesn’t always look attractive. Dress your fence with colorful flowers to eliminate the dullness and enliven the atmosphere. Use a border flower garden for popping color and life in your outdoor space.
Hang planters on each fence post to complement the ground garden for an even better result. That way, you’ll create a comfy place to relax and a beautiful backyard that increases the value of your property.
8. Hanging Tree Lights
If you’re looking for a magical vibe in your backyard, incorporate outdoor lights directly with nature. Tree light pendants like those in the above photo are the best way to achieve a heavenly experience in your outdoor space. You can suspend them over tree branches to set the mood for evening garden parties or dinner.
Let a Skilled and Experienced Landscape Designer Transform Your Yard Into Magnificent Beauty
As experienced professionals, we have great landscape design ideas and tools necessary to beautify your front and backyard.
We specialize in maintenance, repair, irrigation, and water-saving landscape designs.
Contact us today for more information.
Landscaping Ideas for a Contemporary Easy-Maintenance Look
A nicely designed landscape makes a good first impression on your visitors and passersby. Besides, landscaping is a great way to add curb appeal and value to your home. Unless you’re comfortable with your not-so-good-looking backyard, lawn, or front yard, you might need to incorporate a few landscaping ideas.
Most people think landscaping is all about having a lush green lawn. If you’re one of those people, you’re mistaken. There are so many ideas you can apply to make your landscape appealing. Here are some ideas that should help improve your outdoor space and make your home more welcoming.
1. Swap Grass for Gravel
Low-maintenance lawns are increasingly becoming popular, and this trend isn’t going away any time soon. Your yard can still look beautiful without grass, and that’s why xeriscapers recommend the use of gravel and stone. Amazingly, landscaping with gravel will reduce your reliance on chemical fertilizers, watering, and regular mowing to keep the lawn beautiful.
Gravel and stone landscaping can be ideal alternatives to grass, mainly if your home is located in hot, dry areas. Materials such as crushed granite, lava rocks, pea gravel, and river rocks can complement the rest of your landscaping, so don’t be afraid to use them.
2. Expand Your Living Space
If you feel that neither grass nor gravel cuts it, try bringing your living space outdoors. You just need to ‘steal’ a little more space and use it for your outdoor living areas. You can liven up your home’s exterior with outdoor seating areas and a few fire pits.
Not only will you be expanding your living space, but also reducing the need for ground cover plants. You can take your landscape design to the next level by creating the perfect outdoor living space.
Be as creative as possible during the ideation phase, but if creativity isn’t your thing, involve a landscaping professional or advisor. Professionals should come in handy when developing a plan on how to create an inviting outdoor living area.
3. Landscape with Succulents
Watering restrictions are slowly inspiring the trend towards low maintenance gardens. It’s becoming challenging to maintain lawns and flowerbeds, meaning you have to keep water guzzler plants to a minimum. Luckily, you can still develop a lovely-looking garden with succulents.
Surprisingly, succulents can thrive without frequent watering. Besides, they can withstand extended dry spells without losing their colors or withering.
Unlike other plants, you’ll have plenty of design possibilities when using succulents. As you well know, these plants come in different colors, textures, and all sorts of exciting forms. If you want to create a desert theme around your landscape, there’s no better way to do so than using succulents.
4. Embrace Hardscapes, Pathways, and Pavers
If you’re willing to adopt xeriscape, you might want to incorporate hardscape into your yard. Hardscape refers to wood, gravel, concrete, stone, and bricks. All these elements should bring harmony to your landscape.
Landscapers will help you add a modern touch to your home by using evenly spaced pavers. Moreover, the use of different-sized pavers allows you to create geometric patterns that will intrigue your visitors.
Ensure you make a statement with your garden pathways and walkways. Luckily, building a pathway system can be fun, and the good thing is you can incorporate a few pattern ideas to make it unique. All you need to do is find inspiration from photos, videos, and landscaping advisors.
5. Try Out a Few Shade-Providing Structures
Shade providing structures not only make your home look luxurious but also helps cool your landscape by a whopping 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that shade-casting structures are not limited to trees. You can also add covered driveways or porticos to your home. Such structures will cast plenty of shade upon your yard and provide a striking entrance as well.
6. Install Artificial Turf
Installing artificial turf is another idea worth considering if you want to achieve a modern and easy-to-maintain look. Fake grass requires little to no maintenance, meaning you don’t need to apply fertilizer, deal with weeds or pests, mow it, or water it.
With artificial turf, you can create spectacular curb appeal, one that will have people around your block talking. The good thing with artificial grass is it blends in well with other landscaping features and can be used in small and big spaces.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of value in landscaping, and it’s high time you give your yard a face-lift. You don’t have to invest a lot of money to make your outside look attractive. It’s the simple things you do that make your yard livable and gorgeous.
Regardless of where your house is located, you can’t go wrong with the above xeriscape ideas. Incredibly, these ideas will keep your yard looking amazing with minimal maintenance efforts. If you’re ready to proceed, our landscapers and designers at DK Landscaping can help you incorporate various landscaping ideas into your yard.
