Archive for Landscape Maintenance
Xeriscaping in Santa Rosa
Xeriscaping is a form of landscaping that involves the judicious use of water and plants that adapt to changes in climate. This kind of landscaping needs meticulous monitoring because the weather may not be favorable for most plants. Xeriscaping is almost incomplete without exploring the best plants that can withstand harsh weather and little water supply.
There are seven ideologies of xeriscaping that gardeners and lawn experts have to key into before working on the project.
1) The planning and design which includes mapping out how the lawn will look.
2) Ideally designed irrigation system
3) Mulching
4) Preparation of the soil
5) Substitute for Turfs
6) The exploitation of water-saving foliage
7) Ideal garden maintenance
In Santa Rosa, landscaping companies have explored and discovered that several indigenous plants can be suitable for xeriscaping. Indigenous plants make the garden more appealing to the eyes and also creates a natural home for insects, birds, and other magnificent creatures. Santa Rosa water agency supplies water to the locals from a well-filtered river flowing from Russia. However, the supply capacity may not be adequate as the water agency delivers to over 53 thousand residents. Last year, state law enforced a constraint on the usage of water for commercial and household purposes. These encumbrances prompted the grave need for water conservation.
Xeriscaping is an ideal way of boycotting the search for water before lawn beautification. Some xeriscape-friendly plants naturally save water in their stems. A suitable sample is cactus plants. This plant can endure adverse weather for many years without water because it opens its stomata at night, unlike other plants. It utilizes the stomata to ingest carbon dioxide into its system in a bid to generate food the next day. It is known as transpiration. Cacti have spines on their body; hence, xeriscapers may have a second thought about whether to plant it or not. However, there are analogous families of plants in Santa Rosa that habituate to dry conditions such as Deer grass, Coast Rosemary, Bear’s Breech, Wisteria, etc.
Another benefit of this gardening culture is that you do not need to waste your hard-earned money on pest control systems or tools. You can also disregard the need for fertilizers because drought-resistant plants do not need it.
You will have to pay between $0.6 to $3 per square foot before you can give an exquisite touch to your garden. It solely depends on your projection and the technicality of the setup.
Villa and condo owners can reach out to us for more information on how to add value to properties by xeriscaping. We will work to ensure all needs are met and that projects are completed successfully.
Irrigation Options for Landscaping
Landscaping is the concept of redecorating a piece of land or a yard area with natural greenery like plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees. One must follow the prerequisite that backs landscaping concepts to maintain a green and lush garden. It is known as Irrigation. Irrigation is a synthetic procedure by which landscape contractors dispense water on greenery, on a piece of land, that is deficient of consistent water supply.
There are several ways by which homeowners can practice landscape irrigation. They are drip, sprinkler, blended systems, terraced, center pivot, and central control system. In this post, we shall expound these ways in terms of usage and importance.
Drip Irrigation
The most instrumental on the list is drip irrigation; although, one can zero in on its inadequacies. The propitious facet of this technique is that it keeps hold of the water, averts any underlying complication from water run-off, and keeps financial expenses extremely low. Furthermore, it lessens the amount spent on machinery and human resource.
It works by using a plastic pipe and tubing system to dispense water to the roots and stems of plants at a resorbable rate. The emitters (or drippers) discharges water steadily, at a possible interval of 2 to 20 liters every hour, through a stretched, big channel which then passes out of the vent.
Drip irrigation is a preferable choice for irregularly shaped topography or breezy areas. You can integrate this irrigation technique with a smart irrigation controller system for improved flexibility and energy management.
Sprinkler Irrigation
The sprinkler irrigation system is the type that harnesses a pipe and sprinkler head system combined for drenching the plants from the top. The sprinkler heads can withdraw itself or extend when you are watering the plants. The pitfall of using this method is evapotranspiration, which is the loss of water present on the leaves and stem of plants. The only way to confront this issue is to embrace the smart irrigation controller technology. By doing so, you will conserve the moisture as the controller documents the current weather conditions.
This type of method is mainly suitable for residential and office apartments. One can deploy this sprinkler system by hiring a specialized company at a price ranging from $1500 to $6000. If you seek to set up this system you will need to drive to a lawn specialist, sit down and plan then set up an improvised version for as low as $500.
Center Pivot Irrigation
This system of irrigation technique works by conveying water from a dependable wellspring stationed in the heart of the landscape and spurting water on the plants in a discoid motion. A system of hoses or sprinklers is responsible for wetting the plants underneath the maneuvered towers.
In this method, the landscapers have an idea of the appropriate quantity of water that the vegetation needs and the frequency of water supply. Landscapers leverage on full rotation, and three days recess that allows the periodic drying. It enables the spreading surplus quantity of water that will not quickly vanish off the soil surface.
Contact us for more information on how you can get the most out of any new irrigation system. Our expert team at DK Landscaping will provide you with sound advice on how you can achieve top results.
Landscaping Services – We do it Right!
Serious and well informed homeowners are the ones who invest time and money in landscaping services in order to ensure that their landscape is always beautifully designed and well maintained. This is because they understand the need to add value to their property in the event they might need to put it up on the market for a quick sale.
Most professionals are on the hunt for the best and most attractive job offers and find themselves moving and relocating to different states in order to get the job that pays top dollar. Others might move in order to benefit from lower costs of living that can be afforded in other states leaving them no choice to sell their current home and move to greener pastures.
Now when this happens you want to be in a position to sell your home at the best price and one sure way to do it is by the proper maintenance of its landscape. This not only adds value to the property but it provides a serene atmosphere for you and your family.
DK Landscaping Services
We at DK Landscaping offer the best home and commercial gardening services in Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa areas. We offer sound advice on how you can increase market value by installing the very best landscaping tools and techniques.
Many of our clients have been provided the opportunity to not only upsell their properties to the next buyer but also feel good knowing that they are offering a property that has been efficiently managed and maintained.
Our specialized team can manage all landscaping development projects including high end to low maintenance landscaping projects as well as irrigation installation projects. We remove shrubbery, cut trees and properly dispose of all waste in a manner that’s eco friendly and hassle free.
If you need to make a first time impression or simply just want to tidy your surroundings don’t hesitate to give us a call or contact us online for more information. You’ll be surprised to know that we’re more than what meets the eye.
The Basics of Good Commercial Landscaping
Everyone knows that a well-designed and well-maintained landscape adds great curb appeal and value to a home. The same holds true for commercial landscaping. From lush green expanses to eco-friendly alternatives featuring boulders and native species, a beautiful landscape makes a commercial property more inviting to customers and employees alike.
The Value of Commercial Landscaping
If you use a professional landscaping service for your Rohnert Park home, you know that it involves much more than basic mowing and trimming. That’s doubly true for commercial landscaping services.
Both types of services offer similar benefits: to enhance a property’s comfort, functionality, and value through the use of walkways, trees, shrubs, and green lawns, whether natural grass or high-quality artificial turf. Some commercial property owners go even further, adding perennial gardens, water features, and energy efficient lighting systems.
The options are limitless, but the results are the same. Employees and clients get to enjoy a beautiful environment while your business presents its best face to the world. Other, non-aesthetic benefits to commercial landscaping include:
- Increase in property value
- Reduced water and electricity costs
- Mitigating property damage caused by erosion
Any type of business can reap the rewards of a good commercial landscaping project. Offices, retail stores, health facilities, restaurants, home associations, and industrial complexes are just a few. Going above and beyond traditional commercial landscaping lets people know you take pride in your business and value their joy and comfort.
Commercial Landscaping Basics
Good commercial landscaping should be both easy to maintain while seamlessly complementing the design and style of your property. Here’s how to get it right.
- Define your message. Even if you don’t think of it this way, your business and building have a brand to project. What do you want people to feel when they enter your business? Whether it’ professional, healing, fun, or edgy, you can use landscaping to deliver that message. For example, dancing fountains and brightly colored flowers project a light-hearted approach while green roofs say you care about sustainability.
- Find a purpose. Landscaping can both encourage people to linger or keep them on the move. How? Benches, tables, and low seating walls invite people to stop and enjoy their surroundings. A more straightforward design that uses direct pathways, low shrubs, and strategic lighting make a beautiful statement, too, but urge people to move to the entrance.
- Complement the architecture. Both soft and hard landscaping features should be chosen to highlight your building’s best features. For instance, older, more classic structures may look best with wood or brick elements. Modern buildings might be better accented with metal and concrete elements. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules here. What’s important is to create a cohesive look that people find attractive.
- Think environmentally. Commercial landscaping has come a long way in embracing the concept of water and energy conservation. Shade trees help keep interiors cool in the summer and block chilly winds in cooler weather. Green roofs help reduce heating and cooling costs while helping to control water run-off.
It’s also important to think about how much ongoing maintenance will be required to keep your landscaping looking great. An experienced commercial landscaping professional can advise you about which plants and other outdoor features can provide the benefits you desire while keeping maintenance costs within budget.
How to Choose a Commercial Landscape Company
Depending on your needs, commercial landscaping can include design and planning services as well as installation and long-term maintenance. Design services include consultation, site survey, and conceptual drawings. A typical design includes:
- Plantings
- Irrigation
- Hardscaping
- Lighting
- Ornamental features
During the design phase, a good designer will advise you of any erosion or drainage issues and help you choose plantings and other features that make the most sense for your goals and budget. These three questions should help you choose the right landscaping professional for your project:
- Do the services offered match your goals? Different landscapers offer different specialized services such as xeriscaping, the practice of landscaping that requires little or no irrigation. A full-service commercial landscaping company offers design, irrigation, enhancement, maintenance, and lighting services.
- Do you value environmentally sustainable practices? Make sure the landscaper does, too. Ask if they encourage the planting of native species, where they get their plants and landscaping materials, if they use water-conservation techniques, if they recycle and/or repurpose landscaping materials, and if the lighting systems they install are energy efficient.
- Do they have all the right qualifications? Be sure to check both the company’s website and independent review sites. Ask for references from former and current customers. Confirm they are licensed to perform commercial landscaping in your area and ask about any industry certifications and/or qualifications they have. Ask, too, if they perform all their own work or if they subcontract it out.
It’s also important to talk about what maintenance services a company offers. Though ongoing maintenance plans vary from business to business, the basics generally include:
- Regular mowing, weeding, and pruning
- Seasonal plantings
- Mulch application
- Fertilization
- Integrated pest management
Some companies also offer tree removal. Whatever your specific needs, the landscaping company you choose should be willing to come up with a maintenance routine that’s tailored to your property’s needs and your budget.
Time to Plan for Your Commercial Landscaping Project?
Investing in professional landscaping for your business gives you the peace of mind you need in knowing you’ve chosen the right plantings and other landscape features to create the atmosphere and environment you want for your property. Choosing a landscaping company with a broad range of services helps you save time and money and allows you to work with one company to complete the job. This ensures the result is a cohesive, functional design.
With the help of DK Landscaping, the design, installation, and maintenance of your commercial landscaping project will meet all your expectations. To learn more and to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
Immaculate Yard Maintenance Rohnert Park
As seasons change, so do the landscaping needs. Landscaping services are essential for a beautiful and healthy outdoor space throughout the year. The first impression is the lasting one, and your yard sets the tone on how people see you. Weeds and fungi are not only unsightly; they compromise the soil nutrients, sunlight, and water that your landscape plants need for healthy growth. Regular yard maintenance Rohnert Park services involves regular weeding, and irrigation, among other landscape face lifting services. Here are the reasons why you should engage a landscaping maintenance professional for your home.
Time-saving
Handy homeowners willing to get their hands dirty and research more can dramatically change their landscaping appearance. However, yard maintenance Rohnert Park jobs are time-consuming and may cost more than you can imagine. You will need to attend to the yard throughout, and seasons like fall, spring, and winter will give you extra work. The lack of expertise in the area may see you rush through some crucial steps affecting the outcome. These shortcuts will also compromise the health of the plants. Professional landscapers work with the homeowner to bring out the best from their space. Apart from beauty, landscape maintaining companies take the least time possible in transforming your space into a haven.
Increases house value
The first impression is a crucial part of the buyers’ decision making process. Most people will decide if they will consider buying a house immediately they see it. Since the first contact with a property determines the prospective buyer’s feelings about it, a good yard will attract people more and stir their curiosity to see more of the house. Well done landscape increases a house value and reduces the time your home is on the market.
Healthier you
Landscape maintenance companies ensure a well done and clean compound. Cleaning services keep your homes healthier as pollutants are filtered, providing fresh air. Studies reveal that an attractive and clean environment also reduces stress levels increasing mental health. Sitting on a well-done landscape as you unwind is therapeutic to both the mind and body.
Conclusion
Getting a landscaping company in California is easy as checking “yard maintenance Rohnert Park” online will give you enough options. However, not all companies fit the bill. If you are looking for specialized services in irrigation and water-saving landscape designs, repairs, and general landscape maintenance, get in touch. Every house deserves a beautiful outdoor space. Contact us for more information.
How To Find A Good Landscaper in Rohnert Park
As per the survey conducted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 67% of Americans agree that professional landscaping allows them to have beautiful yards. You, too, want an inviting yard and outdoor space. However, the challenge is finding the right landscaper. In this article, you will find out how to find a good landscaper Rohnert Park.
Identify what you want
There are different types of landscapers. Each specializes in different things. Some specialize in lawn installation and maintenance. Others, solely do gardening. While others offer full-range services, including landscape design.
After identifying what you want, you can know what type of landscaper to look for.
Research local landscapers
First, go to Google and search for landscaper Rohnert Park. You want to find landscapers that provide their services in your area.
Make a list of landscapers you could potentially hire. Then compare them. Compare services offered, price, and reputation.
Reputation is vital as you want to hire a company that provides quality services. So, look for reviews of the company on sites such as Yelp, BBB (Better Business Bureau), and Angie’s List. Also, check the landscaper’s website for testimonials or ask them for referrals.
Request quotes
At this point, you have identified a few (2 to 3) landscapers you consider best suited to handle your project. Go ahead and ask for quotes. Most landscapers will prefer to come and see the scope of the project before they can provide an estimate.
This one-on-one meeting is an opportunity to vet them further. As much as the budget is essential, it should not be your sole focus. Ask about:
- Insurance: you do not want to be liable to injuries to the people working in your property.
- Completion timetable: Landscapers often have multiple clients, and a company might delay your work as they are already engaged in several other projects.
- Guarantees: A good landscaping company will offer at least a 2-year guarantee on their work.
- How they will handle your project: By asking this question, you get to gauge how experienced and knowledgeable a contractor is.
Consider their personality traits
You don’t just need a landscaper with the right skills and qualifications. You need one that will understand what you need and work with you to make your dream yard come true. So, as you talk to them, look for the following personality traits:
- Excellent communication: You want a contractor that explains the processes and work involved clearly.
- Patience: A patient contractor will not only listen and but also understand your needs.
- Willingness to work with your ideas
- Creativity: so that they can improve your ideas
Do you need a landscaper Rohnert Park? Contact us today. We specialize in landscape repair and maintenance and irrigation. We are also specialists in xeriscape or water-saving landscape design.
6 Lawn Treatment Tips From The Experts
You’ve created the perfect lawn in your outdoor space. The soil is fertile, and the grass is ideal for your area. But to keep your lawn in peak condition, it needs regular care. The following are six lawn treatment tips recommended by landscaping experts.
- Mowing
What’s the perfect length for lawn grass? That depends on your preference. However, for easy maintenance, you should not allow the grass to grow more than 10 cm.
Experts recommend trimming only one-third of the grass’s length. Cutting the grass too short increases the chances of drying, weed infestation, and disease.
- Edging
A neat lawn has well-defined edges. Use a sharp pair of shears to stop grass from growing over your borders. Edging not only promotes neatness but also gives your lawn a satisfying finish.
If possible, install permanent edging – a border that grass cannot grow over or cross.
- Watering
Inadequate watering causes the grass to change color. Besides, well-watered grass has a spring; it doesn’t remain flat after walking on it.
How much and often you need to water your lawn is dependent on the weather. Remember, overwatering is just as bad as underwatering. Soggy soil discourages healthy growth of roots.
For best results, water your lawn early in the morning.
- Feeding
Want a greener, healthier lawn? Feed the grass.
Nitrogen is particularly essential for vibrant and green grass. A soil test will help you determine the amount of nitrogen your lawn needs. Other essential nutrients include phosphate and potash.
The typical lawn requires feeding twice a year. In the spring, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. In fall, it is advisable to feed your grass with high levels of potash and phosphate.
Whichever lawn feed you choose, strictly follow the guidelines on the package.
- Weeding
Weeds prevent the healthy growth of grass. The best method of weeding is uprooting – pulling the weed together with the roots. You can weed manually or using a tool. But in cases of severe weed infestation, you might need to use a low-toxicity herbicide.
- Removing thatch
Thatch refers to the organic matter, made up of dead leaves, grass, and stems, that forms a layer above the soil. The buildup of thatch prevents water and other nutrients from penetrating the soil.
Methods of removing thatch include raking and scarification. You can find a good rake or scarifier at your local gardening store.
Keep your lawn lush, green, and healthy using the lawn treatment tips shared above.
The One-Third Rule of Pruning Shrubbery
Pruning your shrubs can give your entire landscape an amazing aesthetic appeal. Ideally, there are typically two types of landscapers when it comes to pruning shrubbery; those who prune timidly from fear of damaging their bushes and those who prune aggressively to come up with perfectly shaped shrubs. However, to achieve the best outcome when pruning your bushes, trimming about one-third of the good wood is ideal.
If you prune more than this, you risk exposing your shrubbery to excessive damage, which could stunt its growth. Prune less than this, and you might not do much to improve the appeal of your shrub.
Read on to learn about the one-third rule:
Why The One-Third Rule?
Moderate pruning is pivotal when it comes to stimulating vital growth. Plants typically live in a balance between the below-ground and above-ground parts. Once the plant loses a number of stems through pruning, it tries to gain back the balance by pushing forth new growth. This regrowth is essential, especially in moderation, since it allows the plant to heal as well as simulates growth from dormant buds.
If your shrubbery loses too much leafy growth, it goes into panic mode. This can be shown by the appearance of water sprouts or suckers, which can leave your shrubs ragged looking. Even worse, this suckering can go on for a long time, making landscape maintenance tough.
Use the Rule on Established Plants
The one-third rule is ideal for your fully established shrubbery- plants that have overcome their transplant shock. If you have newly planted shrubs, give them a grace period of one or two seasons before pruning them to ensure that their root systems become established enough.
Use the rule on small ornamental trees and shrubs. As for larger shade trees, limit pruning to at most a quarter of the total branches. While growth on shade trees is stimulated into new growth through assertive pruning, its pruning shouldn’t be as vigorous as that of multi-stemmed shrubs. Pruning the trees often is vital since it reduces the chances of wind damage.
When Might The one-third Rule Not Be Enough?
If you neglect your shrubbery for too long, it might overgrow and get out of control. Normal pruning might not suffice. For such shrubs, rejuvenation pruning (a severe form of pruning) might work. While rejuvenation pruning will leave the shrub looking unattractive for a while, it allows it to reform itself into a better shape.
As long as you show your shrubs love, they will light up your landscape. Pruning ensures that you can shape your shrubs to fit right into your ideal landscape design. Consider using the one-third pruning rule to improve the appeal of your landscape.
Tips for Yard Maintenance Rohnert Park During the Dry Season
Taking care of a landscape is hard enough when the weather is on your side. When a drought hits, it might become harder to do so. From your grass losing color to reduced resistance to pests and diseases, you might easily start yearning for the weather to get back to normal. As if nothing could get worse, some locations have water rationing laws that you need to follow.
Sure, planting a drought-tolerant landscape can help keep your yard looking green, but this won’t help you if you have a normal landscape. Luckily, there is still a lot you can do to keep your garden looking great when the odds are against you. Besides, you will only need to weather this bad season in preparation for landscape-friendly seasons.
Here are a few tips to keep your lawn looking amazing:
Adequate Water Is Essential For Yard Maintenance Rohnert Park
When drought hits, you need to ensure that your plants get enough water- at least one inch of water per week. This can be done in two sessions. If you are using a sprinkler to do so, you might have to water the plants for a few hours in each of the two sessions. Small watering sessions of 15-20 minutes might not be enough, as water will barely make it into the roots of the plants.
Your watering schedule will also affect your plants’ health, especially if you have to work against water restrictions. Watering between four and seven o’clock in the morning will help keep your plants healthy while avoiding evaporation from the midday heat. Since the water will be deep-seated in the soil, this will allow the roots to grow into the soil to get to it. In turn, this reduces their susceptibility to burning out.
Reduce the Traffic On Your Lawn
Life is hard enough for your lawn without the added foot traffic. Add this, and the grass will be exposed to more traffic, leading the need for future renovations- if the grass survives at all. If possible, restrict your parties to the patio.
In case you have kids, encourage them to play away from the grass. Once the drought passes, these simple sacrifices will be worth it.
Watch How You Fertilize Your Yard
Ideally, you should use nitrogen-rich fertilizer to fertilize your plants. This will produce plants that are deeper-seated, greener, and lower in salt. Healthy soils tend to contain microbial and macrobial life, and most of these animals don’t thrive well in salty environments.
Your rate of fertilization also matters, and moderation is key. If you over-fertilize your lawn, you will either kill it or turn it into a jungle.
Be Prepared For Lawn Recovery
By nature, your lawn is supposed to grow dormant during the drought period- as a way of self-preservation. In this period, it reduces the rate at which it uses resources. Once the drought passes, and you provide enough water and care to your lawn, it will grow regularly and turn green once more.
As such, you need to start preparing for the end of the drought months by stocking up the necessary yard maintenance Rohnert Park materials. For instance, the soil will require aeration to ensure that moisture, air, and nutrients make it to the grassroots. In areas of thinning turf, you might also need to overseed or reseed the affected areas.
Saving water and having a green lawn are actually strategies that can co-exist. In turn, you get to enjoy an amazing landscape when the odds are against its growth. Furthermore, if you maintain a green yard, you won’t have to replant your landscape once the drought passes. You don’t have to do all this yard maintenance by yourself. Feel free to contact yard maintenance Rohnert Park professionals to help your yard survive the drought.
Inspiring Landscaping Ideas for your Front Yard
Every homeowner dreams of a lush and colorful garden in their front yard. While upgrading the front yard with striking landscaping ideas can boost the appeal of any home, it also needs a lot of inspiring ideas for skillful execution.
You can enhance the appeal by settling for the right edges, flowers, shrubs, and plants to complement the aesthetics of your home. Before beginning to design your front yard, create an inventory of the space available. Because there are numerous ideas, decide on the one that best suits your space.
1. Lighting
If you believe your home is a masterpiece, then your landscaping becomes the stage you want to proudly display in a luminous halo. Because every stage has its footlights, your front yard alike needs perfect illumination.
From scene stealing fixtures to subtle accent lighting and canopy to flood, you are sure to find the right option for every style. Inlaid lights for instance show off your landscaping ideas while antiquated lamp-style lighting direct your visitors to your front door after dark.
2. Accent Color Tree
An accent color tree can magically transform your yard by adding seasonal color, scale, shade, and overall structural interest. Choose a species that work for your climate, personal preference, and the design of your landscape.
Going for a small tree with bold colorsto offer your home strong visual appeal. A flowering cherry for example gives the best highlight during spring while a Japanese maple creates vibrant foliage color in autumn.
3. Urns
Classic urns go beyond holding flowers, cremated ashes, and wine, among others. Today, these curvaceous structures are used for many styles as decoration items especially in the front yard.
Large urns add carb appeal by popping color to the garden and serving as fountains. Whether you choose to fill them with plants or leave them empty, urns can be a powerful art element with endless textures, glazes, and forms.
4. Omit the Lawn
Even if you live in an evergreen environment, you can still omit the lawn to create a unique landscape. Avoiding a lawn means you will not spend too much time maintaining it. It means enjoying your outdoor living space in all seasons.
When planning your front yard landscaping, pay special attention to the entrance to ensure it is clear and inviting. Unique structures, plants, trellis to block the wind or rain can do the trick. Remember that every façade has a visual asset and liability. A properly and creatively done front yard goes to highlight the strong points and mask the unattractive ones. Take these landscaping ideas to give your home the highlight it deserves. Contact us for more information.
