Wednesday, January 9, 2013
What is Fertigation?
Fertigation is the application of fertilizers through an irrigation system. For years it has been used in agricultural settings and is now being applied to residential properties. Fertigation can be used to feed nutrients to your landscape or to correct issues such as a fungal outbreak. Fertigation is a service that must be performed by a professional landscape maintenance company or a licensed irrigation specialist. By feeding fertilizers through a water source, the water source must be segregated so that contamination into domestic supply is not an issue. Also the right chemical balance must be well thought out so that the right plants get the right nutrients and chemicals are not over used. The advantage to this technique is that large areas receive the nutrients they need and absorption of water is increased due to healthy root systems. As this technique is implemented plants stay healthier, you need to water less, and overall use of chemicals is reduced. It is a technique that is worth looking into if you have a large yard you are trying to maintain. As stated above make sure you hire a Charlotte landscape professional to help with a fertigation project.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Preparing your Garden for Spring
During the winter months we tend to stay indoors and neglect our gardens. Yet, it is very important to winterize your garden to prepare it for spring. Not only does it lead to a beautiful healthy garden as temperatures warm up, it allows you to get outdoors and enjoy your landscape even when it's cold.
In Charlotte, NC we have a lot of indigenous species that require pruning in the winter. One of the most beautiful and popular varieties of shrubs is the Crepe Myrtle. Late winter is the time for pruning this tree like shrub. Not only does it help you manage the size of the plant, it promotes new growth and actually increases the amount of blooms. We found a great step by step pruning guide for Crepe Myrtles from the Grumpy Gardner.
Another shrub in our area that provides greenery all year long is the American Holly. This plant has deep green leaves and provides red berries as food for birds and squirrels. At full maturity the American Holly can get up to 20-30 ft tall. It is recommended to prune these shrubs in late fall or early winter to manage it's shape and size.
Finally one of our favorite species of vine is the Carolina Jasmine. This beautiful plant blooms little yellow blossoms mid spring and provides green leaves throughout the year. This plant should be pruned after it blooms in the spring and winter.
Another very useful practice in the Charlotte region is to winterize your sprinkler system. Many homeowners in the area do not consider it as our temperatures are fairly mild during the winter months. However, water can freeze within your pipes, leading to cracks and costly repairs. Unlike in your home, you may not notice the leak for weeks or months causing great damage to your lawn and plants via saturation (attracting fungi and bugs). There are a lot of companies that advertise winterization for your sprinkler system. We recommend shopping around for a licensed contractor that will clear your pipes and is willing to give you a price upfront. Most winterizations go for about $100.
In Charlotte, NC we have a lot of indigenous species that require pruning in the winter. One of the most beautiful and popular varieties of shrubs is the Crepe Myrtle. Late winter is the time for pruning this tree like shrub. Not only does it help you manage the size of the plant, it promotes new growth and actually increases the amount of blooms. We found a great step by step pruning guide for Crepe Myrtles from the Grumpy Gardner.
Another shrub in our area that provides greenery all year long is the American Holly. This plant has deep green leaves and provides red berries as food for birds and squirrels. At full maturity the American Holly can get up to 20-30 ft tall. It is recommended to prune these shrubs in late fall or early winter to manage it's shape and size.
Finally one of our favorite species of vine is the Carolina Jasmine. This beautiful plant blooms little yellow blossoms mid spring and provides green leaves throughout the year. This plant should be pruned after it blooms in the spring and winter.
Another very useful practice in the Charlotte region is to winterize your sprinkler system. Many homeowners in the area do not consider it as our temperatures are fairly mild during the winter months. However, water can freeze within your pipes, leading to cracks and costly repairs. Unlike in your home, you may not notice the leak for weeks or months causing great damage to your lawn and plants via saturation (attracting fungi and bugs). There are a lot of companies that advertise winterization for your sprinkler system. We recommend shopping around for a licensed contractor that will clear your pipes and is willing to give you a price upfront. Most winterizations go for about $100.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Is Your Landscaping Ready for Fall?
When it comes to the cooler Fall weather, it may be easy to forget about your landscaping. Most people choose to concentrate on their Charlotte landscaping and Charlotte irrigation during the warmer Summer months, but what they don't realize is that things like their Weddington retaining walls need to be maintained all year round. The colder weather brings with it unique challenges for your landscaping, and as a result, consulting with an irrigation Charlotte specialist is important.
It is important to make sure anything that can freeze is properly insulated and/or drained. Things like pipes or ponds should be drained of all water in the Fall to reduce the risk of freezing, as freezing can cause problems with other landscaping structures. As temperatures change, brick and concrete and shift, leading to possible breakage. For this reason, removing any water that can freeze is important to avoid damage. As well, insulating pipes that can not be drained is crucial to avoid cracked or broken pipes.
You may also want to check the pH of your lawn to ensure that it is not too acidic. If you find a high level of acidity, you should contact a Charlotte fertigation expert to check your soil before doing anything else. They may be able to rescue your lawn by spreading things like lime. If you find that your lawn is too alkaline, then you may want to have sulpher spread to reverse this trend.
Also, as dead leaves begin to fill up your yard, consider running them over with a lawn mower. The resulting mulch can help to protect and fertilize your lawn. You could also rake up the leaves, which helps to dethatch your yard at the same time. If you find that you have little time for these activities, you could contact a Charlotte landscaping company to help.
It is important to make sure anything that can freeze is properly insulated and/or drained. Things like pipes or ponds should be drained of all water in the Fall to reduce the risk of freezing, as freezing can cause problems with other landscaping structures. As temperatures change, brick and concrete and shift, leading to possible breakage. For this reason, removing any water that can freeze is important to avoid damage. As well, insulating pipes that can not be drained is crucial to avoid cracked or broken pipes.
You may also want to check the pH of your lawn to ensure that it is not too acidic. If you find a high level of acidity, you should contact a Charlotte fertigation expert to check your soil before doing anything else. They may be able to rescue your lawn by spreading things like lime. If you find that your lawn is too alkaline, then you may want to have sulpher spread to reverse this trend.
Also, as dead leaves begin to fill up your yard, consider running them over with a lawn mower. The resulting mulch can help to protect and fertilize your lawn. You could also rake up the leaves, which helps to dethatch your yard at the same time. If you find that you have little time for these activities, you could contact a Charlotte landscaping company to help.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Landscape Lighting is the Perfect Accessory for the Winter
If you're looking for the perfect accessory for your Charlotte landscaping this Winter, consider having landscape lighting installed. Landscape lighting is the perfect way to accentuate your home's features, as well as to provide safety and security. And while Charlotte landscape lighting is wonderful year round, in the winter, it can help to give your home a more warm and inviting look, even when it's cold outside.
Landscape lighting can be used to change the entire tone of your home's color scheme, as colored gels can be used to transform the colors of the light. Landscape lighting is also used to highlight certain features of your home, such as unique architecture or Charlotte irrigation features. Landscaping lighting can also be used to redirect attention from features of your home that you may not want everyone looking at. Perhaps you are planning on redoing some foliage in your front yard, but have not gotten around to it yet. You wouldn't want visitors and people driving by to be mindful of dying foliage, so you may choose to have a landscape lighting expert redirect attention by highlighting other areas of your yard.
As well, landscape lighting can offer security benefits in addition to its aesthetic benefits. Unfortunately, crime is everywhere, and many criminals spend years studying the perfect way to attack homes. They may even spend time casing your home, taking note of where they could hide in the dark. By using landscape lighting Charlotte, you can help to decrease places to hide while sending a clear message to criminals that they are not welcome near your home. This can be especially helpful if you or your family are gone for extended periods of time.
If you have considered landscape lighting, now would be the perfect time to consult with a Charlotte landscaping professional to get a free quote, as well as discuss options for landscape lighting Charlotte.
Landscape lighting can be used to change the entire tone of your home's color scheme, as colored gels can be used to transform the colors of the light. Landscape lighting is also used to highlight certain features of your home, such as unique architecture or Charlotte irrigation features. Landscaping lighting can also be used to redirect attention from features of your home that you may not want everyone looking at. Perhaps you are planning on redoing some foliage in your front yard, but have not gotten around to it yet. You wouldn't want visitors and people driving by to be mindful of dying foliage, so you may choose to have a landscape lighting expert redirect attention by highlighting other areas of your yard.
As well, landscape lighting can offer security benefits in addition to its aesthetic benefits. Unfortunately, crime is everywhere, and many criminals spend years studying the perfect way to attack homes. They may even spend time casing your home, taking note of where they could hide in the dark. By using landscape lighting Charlotte, you can help to decrease places to hide while sending a clear message to criminals that they are not welcome near your home. This can be especially helpful if you or your family are gone for extended periods of time.
If you have considered landscape lighting, now would be the perfect time to consult with a Charlotte landscaping professional to get a free quote, as well as discuss options for landscape lighting Charlotte.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Front Yard Landscaping
If you want to create a Charlotte landscaping look that shows off your style, and yet remains functional, you may want to consider hiring a landscaping Charlotte company to help you install fencing and river rocks. For instance, a Japanese garden motif in your front yard can help you to develop curb appeal, while upping the value on your home. By installing low rock fencing, your home could be transformed from just another house, to a far Eastern work of art.
And by using river rocks and other stone in your garden, your plants are more protected from the elements, and they will be able to retain more moisture, cutting down on the amount of water you use each month. River rocks can also be a huge help when it comes to keeping your soil compacted enough for nutrients to be absorbed. Keep in mind that the more compacted the soil becomes, the more your plants' root systems will be choked off, so regular aeration is important when using river rocks.
Also, when planting plants in the front yard, remember to keep enough room between them. The reason for this is that, as time goes by, the plants will grow, and eventually, their root systems may become intertwined. You will want to leave enough room between plants for them to grow on their own and not choke each other off. A Charlotte landscaping company can assist you in spacing out your plants, and a Charlotte lawn care company can help you to keep your plants looking great all year round.
And by using river rocks and other stone in your garden, your plants are more protected from the elements, and they will be able to retain more moisture, cutting down on the amount of water you use each month. River rocks can also be a huge help when it comes to keeping your soil compacted enough for nutrients to be absorbed. Keep in mind that the more compacted the soil becomes, the more your plants' root systems will be choked off, so regular aeration is important when using river rocks.
Also, when planting plants in the front yard, remember to keep enough room between them. The reason for this is that, as time goes by, the plants will grow, and eventually, their root systems may become intertwined. You will want to leave enough room between plants for them to grow on their own and not choke each other off. A Charlotte landscaping company can assist you in spacing out your plants, and a Charlotte lawn care company can help you to keep your plants looking great all year round.
Landscaping Design Ideas
When it comes to landscaping Charlotte has many opportunities to create some beautiful and functional designs. Charlotte landscaping companies can assist you in finding the perfect design for your home, allowing you the chance to take advantage of the Piedmont's unique climate. Below are some ideas to get you started:
When designing your landscaping, remember not to get too hung up on various ideas or materials. Often, when you think outside the box,you get better results than you had originally intended. A Charlotte landscaping company that does landscaping Charlotte should be able to give you ideas for various types of materials and designs that can help you decide what is best for your yard.
Also, mix and match you landscaping ideas and materials. You do not always have to stick to the same old plans and materials in order to have a beautiful design. When planning your landscaping, try to be unique, as you will certainly end up the pride of the neighborhood by not sticking to convention.
And remember, the style of your home should not always dictate the style of your landscaping. If you have a Mediterranean style home, you can still use a Southwest style of landscaping to create beautiful and unique features that are sure to please the eye for many years to come. A Charlotte landscaping company can assist you with your design plans, and as well, a Charlotte irrigation company can help you to install all of your Charlotte landscaping features.
When designing your landscaping, remember not to get too hung up on various ideas or materials. Often, when you think outside the box,you get better results than you had originally intended. A Charlotte landscaping company that does landscaping Charlotte should be able to give you ideas for various types of materials and designs that can help you decide what is best for your yard.
Also, mix and match you landscaping ideas and materials. You do not always have to stick to the same old plans and materials in order to have a beautiful design. When planning your landscaping, try to be unique, as you will certainly end up the pride of the neighborhood by not sticking to convention.
And remember, the style of your home should not always dictate the style of your landscaping. If you have a Mediterranean style home, you can still use a Southwest style of landscaping to create beautiful and unique features that are sure to please the eye for many years to come. A Charlotte landscaping company can assist you with your design plans, and as well, a Charlotte irrigation company can help you to install all of your Charlotte landscaping features.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Advantages of Using a Propane Powered Mower
Propane powered mowers can cut grass just as well as conventional gas powered mowers, but by using less fuel, requiring less maintenance, and by producing less pollutants. Many Charlotte landscaping companies are now turning to propane powered mowers to service their clients needs at a cheaper price, while still providing high quality work.
Some statistics:
About 5 percent of U.S. air pollution stems from lawn care vehicles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Compared with gas mowers, propane-powered mowers produce about 25 percent less greenhouse gases and 60 percent less carbon monoxide. This can add up, because commercial mowers consume about five times the fuel of a typical car. (lawnandlandscape.com)
Essentially, the coast of gas shows no signs of coming down, and propane is still a readily available fuel source. As a result, experts providing landscaping in Charlotte are using propane in their Charlotte landscaping equipment to bring down costs for customers. Propane powered equipment also helps the environment, as it does not burn off the way that fossil fuels do.
And as far as maintenance, by using propane gas instead of gasoline there is less wear on parts, less cleaning that needs to be done, fewer oil changes, and less waste to clean up. Engines run smoother, and fueling up is as easy as changing out a tank. Charlotte landscaping companies using propane also are able to offer their services at a significant discount as a result of using propane.
Some statistics:
About 5 percent of U.S. air pollution stems from lawn care vehicles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Compared with gas mowers, propane-powered mowers produce about 25 percent less greenhouse gases and 60 percent less carbon monoxide. This can add up, because commercial mowers consume about five times the fuel of a typical car. (lawnandlandscape.com)
Essentially, the coast of gas shows no signs of coming down, and propane is still a readily available fuel source. As a result, experts providing landscaping in Charlotte are using propane in their Charlotte landscaping equipment to bring down costs for customers. Propane powered equipment also helps the environment, as it does not burn off the way that fossil fuels do.
And as far as maintenance, by using propane gas instead of gasoline there is less wear on parts, less cleaning that needs to be done, fewer oil changes, and less waste to clean up. Engines run smoother, and fueling up is as easy as changing out a tank. Charlotte landscaping companies using propane also are able to offer their services at a significant discount as a result of using propane.
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