June Landscaping To-Dos

We are often asked about what to do in the yard during each summer month. Now that June is upon us, here are the things you should be focused on getting done!

• Do an irrigation run-through and adjust the controller as needed
• Keep an eye out for mildew, black spot, and insect damage on shrubs and trees. Treat any signs of disease early.
• Round 2 of turf application
• If you mow your own lawn, remember to raise your mowing height to 3.5" when the hot weather arrives to prevent burning as long as possible
• Keep deadheading flowers for regrowth. Once a bloom dies, the plant will devote energy to seed production unless you remove the spent flower.
• Plant hanging baskets, window boxes and containers to add color
• Finish planting new trees and shrubs
• It's too late to plant grass seed - wait until the fall
• Cut back browned foliage of bulbs
• If you start pruning any of your shrubs or trees, you'll have to prune at least 1 more time this summer. Wait until next month, if you can.
• Water as necessary
• Weed and fertilize annuals, perennials & rose beds
• Keep up with the weeds!

We hope you are enjoying your summer! If you need any help with your yard or have any questions, let us know!

Backyard Play Area

If you have kids, you most likely have a play area in your yard. So how do you make a fun and functional area for your kids while maintaining the landscape? From our experience, here are the things to consider:

Flower delivery!

Lauren received a large shipment of flowers at the shop on Wednesday. Before she installed them all, she shared with us a little about what she ordered and how she’ll use them.

Container Gardens

Short on space to plant a garden? Try a container garden, perfect for balconies, porches or patios. You can also use containers to add color on steps & decks, by a pool or seating area, or between your garage doors. You can grow almost anything in a container. Here are some tips for success.

Creating a Backyard Destination

If money is tight and your summer vacation was postponed this year, create a backyard destination that you can enjoy every day. Your oasis will give you a place to de-stress after a long day and enjoy quality time with friends and family all summer.

• Create privacy with a fence, a trellis, shrubs, trees, flowering vines or even outdoor fabric hung like curtains. Any of these can help block the view of the road or the neighbor’s yard, reduce noise and give you a hidden feeling.

Opening Your Irrigation for the Summer

If you’ve survived another cold winter in the Northeast, you are probably excited to break out the shorts and get the sprinkler system fired up for the summer. But it’s not as easy as just turning on the water. There are several simple steps to follow to start up your system for the spring.

Selecting a Landscape Contractor for Homeowners

Yesterday we gave tips for selecting a landscape contractor for condos and homeowner associations, but what if you are a homeowner looking for help in the yard?

Did you know that landscaping will add 7-15% to the value of your home? On average, this signifies 100% to 200% return on landscaping investments! Landscape projects can be complex, expansive and expensive, so hiring the right firm is essential. But what are the steps to choosing the right company? We’ve outlined them below:

10 Great Backyard Ideas

I just stumbled across this great article on myhomeideas.com (which is a fantastic site full of information from All You, Coastal Living, Cooking Light, Health, MyRecipes, Real Simple, Southern Accents, Southern Living, Sunset, and This Old House). 10 projects that are fun and easy, and can be finished in a weekend or less! Check it out!

10 Great Backyard Ideas

Selecting a Landscape Contractor for HOAs & Condos

A large portion of our clients are condominium & apartment complexes and Homeowner Associations, so we thought it might be helpful to share some information about how to select a landscape contractor in those situations.

Rejuvenating Your Existing Landscape

Not looking for a huge outdoor overhaul this year? Here are a few simple ideas to update your yard.

Overgrown Landscapes
Are your trees and shrubs becoming overgrown or in need of a little TLC? You’ll be surprised what a few hours of appropriate pruning can do to rejuvenate your existing landscape! Not only are you bringing your landscape back to proportion with your home, but you’re also increasing the health and vitality of the plant material with just a little extra attention.

Before and after a dormant pruning

 
More ideas after the jump...