If you’ve ever wondered whether you can achieve the same unique and beautiful look with rock landscaping that you’ve noticed in other people’s yards, the answer is yes! While it takes planning and it’s best to work with a professional, landscaping with rock doesn’t have to be unattainable.

 

You have many options, from large boulders that might require a backhoe to place all the way down to tiny stones no bigger than the nail on your little finger – and everything in between! It’s best to develop a plan first, rather than placing your stones haphazardly. Having a plan will save you from moving them around, paying for extra time on equipment or labor and wreaking havoc on your existing landscaping.

 

Large boulders especially take planning in rock landscaping. If you are thinking of using one or more of these, take the time to stake out a design first and then step back. Envisioning your plan before that big rock is in place will let you easily make changes if it turns out to be not the best location. Stand alone or with flowers or shrubs planted around or behind it – either way, taking the time for assessing placement will pay off in the end.

 

Smaller rocks can actually be switched out from one season to the next if you want to change your color scheme. It can be especially fun to change out your rocks at the same time you add new flowers each spring. When you’ve done your planning with a professional, you generally know that your location is a good one. Switching up what’s in that location, so long as you stay with the same general rock size, is relatively easy. Rock landscaping has the advantages of being natural, weatherproof and once placed, staying put. Their design and aesthetics never go out of style. So, get started now and have some fun!

 

There is a new kid on the block in the world of landscaping and landscape design. Landscaping is not just about cutting grass, weeding flower beds and getting dirt under your fingernails. Of late, many are turning to hardscape design known as hardscaping.

 

As the name implies, hardscaping involves the use of “hard” objects and design – inanimate elements made of metal, wood, concrete, stone or anything else that isn’t alive. Hardscaping can take on many forms. You might be thinking of surrounding your property with a fence, but aren’t certain of the design or material to use. Or perhaps you want to create a one-of-a-kind entry way using stone and timber.

 

Hardscaping and the traditionally thought of landscaping – the grass, plants, flowers etc., must be considered together for there to be a peaceful, headache free integration. Consulting a professional design team is your best bet for a happy ending. The first question to ask is whether to begin with the soft landscaping or the hardscaping in your landscape design. Generally, it’s best to begin with the hardscaping. This way, you reduce the likelihood of injury to the softer elements – the plants, by being stepped on or having that beautiful piece of stone dropped on that equally beautiful and expensive shrubbery.

 

You may be like many others who prefer a softer, curved line to your hardscaping addition instead of harsh and abrupt straight lines. A curved walkway or path is visually pleasing and can be accented by flowers or shrubs. A water feature may be just the right touch to welcome your friends and guests. Whatever direction you choose, when working with a professional in landscape design, you’re more likely to end up with a balanced and unified plan, crafted to your specifications. If you’re not sure what you want, working with a professional can save untold hours of looking at pictures or making drawings. There’s little to hold you back, so get started now and take your yard from dreams to reality!

 

Tree landscaping is a huge commitment for the home gardener because trees last for decades, and some even take over the whole yard. There are probably landscapers that suggest general recommendations for which type of trees to plant near fences or away from homes. There may even be guidelines about which trees to plant next to each other and which trees should never be planted together. One thing the experts agree on is there are certain trees you should avoid planting in your yard. Here is a list to help you prevent a landscaping nightmare:

 

White Ash (male)

The white ash is a beautiful tree, but the male should be avoided by anyone suffering from allergies. They spread allergens over very long distances.

 

Leyland Cypress

The Leyland Cypress has shallow roots and has trouble staying upright in high winds. They are also highly susceptible to disease and canker.

 

Ginkgo Biloba (female)

Vast amounts of messy fruits drop from the Ginkgo Biloba. Not only is the fruit difficult to clean up, but as the fruit rots, it emits a smell reminiscent of vomit. They can be a tree landscaping disaster.

 

Bradford Pear

With beautiful spring blossoms and beautiful autumn leaves, the Bradford Pear is popular with many home gardeners. The problem is, Bradford’s have very weak branches that break easily once the tree reaches maturity. They also have terrible smelling flowers.

 

Lombardy Poplar

This tree is susceptible to fungi and bacteria, resulting in cankers. Once the tree dies, the extensive root system sends out suckers for years and continues to spread. This can lead to drainage and water pipe damage.

 

Smart Choices

Choosing the right tree landscaping for your home can be a complicated process because there are so many hidden problem varieties available. Talk to a landscaping expert and let them help you decide what tree is right for your yard. They can save you years of frustration over problem trees and help you create a beautiful yard at the same time.

In a world filled with a multitude of reasons to stay indoors, it‘s nice to know there are health benefits to spending time outdoors. One of the best reasons to go outside is tending a spring and summer garden. Here are three reasons to consider growing a garden in your yard or on your windowsill:

 

Food

The growth of interest in organic groceries has risen just as stories of contaminated foods and threatened shortages fill the news broadcasts. Growing your own fruits and vegetables provides a sense of security because you know your food is safe and healthy. It is also convenient to pick items from your garden instead of running to the store every time you need something fresh.

 

Relaxation

Your emotional and mental well-being is important and often overlooked. Spending time in a beautiful tranquil private garden can help you relax and ease your everyday stress. Pulling weeds sounds like a boring past time, but it not only relieves stress, it provides a sense of accomplishment. Plus your garden can beautify your yard while helping you relax.

 

Vitamin D

The intake of vitamin D is critical in your body’s ability to absorb calcium and promote bone growth. It is so essential to your health that your body can make it after your skin is exposed to sunlight. Taking time outside in the sun while you water or weed a garden may provide enough skin exposure to assure your body has ample amounts of sun to produce all the vitamin D your body needs.

 

Health

Your health is important to you and your family. Creating a garden may seem like a small thing, but it can have tremendous health benefits. If you are unsure how to start or what to plant in your area, contact your local gardening experts for advice. By taking the time to create a garden you can improve your stress level and your health.

There are many people who do not take serious consideration into the landscape of their yard. Most alterations revolve around impulse buys of shrubbery that is on sale. Unfortunately, many of these plants either die quickly or do not achieve the expected result. Investing in professional landscape design can have many benefits. An experienced designer can discuss with you how you would like to use your yard. Whether it is to attract certain animals, create a playful area for children or host gatherings in an outdoor living space, you can design a yard that is useful and long lasting.

 

When landscaping your yard, there are many different types of plants to choose from. An expert is familiar with many of these plants and can recommend different variations based on where you live and what kind of maintenance you are willing to perform. If you live in a dry region that receives little rain, certain shrubbery is more likely to thrive. Additionally, if you do not have time to care for the plants, a landscape design professional can recommend plants that require little to no maintenance. [Read more…]

When you move into a new home, or want to update the one you have, planning a garden is a great way to personalize it to fit your style. Where do you start? If you search on a site such as Pinterest, you’re bound to get overwhelmed with all the great ideas and want to implement too many at once. However, there are rules when it comes to landscape design that every person should keep in mind when thinking about starting a garden.

 

When thinking about what a garden is, you might think of rows of neatly planted vegetables or perhaps a haphazard mix of wildflowers. In reality, almost any type of outdoor enclosed space could be considered a garden. Of course, this is not helpful when you are trying to decide among the hundreds of landscape design possibilities you have in your head. However, if you want your garden to be a place to feel safe and relaxed, away from the stresses of the world, this can be a helpful guideline. [Read more…]

When landscaping your yard, you may decide to plant some shrubs. A shrub is defined as any plant that is too short to be called a tree. The height of a shrub generally falls under 20 feet. If you are preparing to plant a shrub or a group of shrubs, also known as a hedge, you should know some basic information about these plants and available tree service.

 

Shrubs can be dense and close to the ground, which is commonly referred to as a bush, or stand tall and look more similar to trees. Either type of shrub can grow independently or with a group to form a hedge. There are benefits to each. [Read more…]

Hiring a professional landscape designer or landscape architect—depending on your needs and the scope of your project—could be one of the best and most beautiful investment decisions you’ll ever make. And it can be an investment indeed. One rule of thumb for planning a budget for major landscaping is to allocate 5 to 10 percent of your home’s value. To put that guideline in context, research from Virginia Tech shows that landscaping can represent 15 percent of your home’s overall worth—plus the plants, trees and shrubs of a landscaping design literally grow in value over time as seedlings become mature plantings. That’s the closest you’ll ever get to a true money tree! [Read more…]

Deciding on the right trees for your yard can be a daunting task. Understanding the best time for planting trees, picking the best fruit trees for your region, and establishing proper tree care can help you grow strong trees that will help enhance your landscape. [Read more…]

There is a lot of room to be creative when it comes to lighting in your front and backyard. Outdoor lighting trends today allow you to incorporate modern aesthetics and a decorative touch, while also keeping the environment in mind. [Read more…]