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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Choosing a Landscaping Professional

When it comes to choosing a Charlotte landscaping professional, you need to consider a few factors. First and foremost is your budget. Landscaping projects can have varying costs, all of which are dependent on size, time, and the professional you choose. Planning things out ahead of time can go a long way in successfully completing your landscaping project.

When it comes to budgeting for your project, you need to consider the size of your area, as well as the work to be performed. Installing a Charlotte water feature is not the same as installing a Charlotte patio or Charlotte hardscapes. Doing some research on the range of costs for various services can help you to plan how much you will need to spend to get the landscaping you desire.

Second, you need to set a timeline for the work to be completed. Once again, certain jobs will take longer to perform, and will be much more labor intensive. When choosing a Charlotte landscaping company, it is important to find one that will have the time to devote to your project. In addition, consider the time of year the work will be performed in. The cooler months typically give professionals more time for your project.

Finally, decide on a Charlotte landscaping professional that can back up his work with experience. Some landscapers do not have the knowledge to professionally give you the results you want, so find a landscaper that can show you examples of his work. By following these guidelines, you should have no trouble hiring a Charlotte landscaping expert to perform your work.

Protect Your Landscaping Investment

All too often, people who have Charlotte landscaping work done do not take the extra time or spend the extra money to protect their landscaping investment. Typically, someone will have a professional who specializes in landscaping in Charlotte come out to their home or place of business, perform some landscaping work, and then they never worry about it again; well, until it is too late.

The fact is, no matter what landscaping work you have done, you should have a long term plan in place to protect your investment. From the installation, management, and maintenance of water features, to irrigation systems and landscape lighting, it is important to hire a Charlotte landscaping professional to come back on a regular basis to perform checkups on your landscaping. By doing so, you can extend the life of any landscaping features on your property.

Another benefit to having a professional who works with landscaping in Charlotte perform routine maintenance is to keep costs down. By allowing your landscaping features to fall by the wayside, you are only increasing your future costs as these systems break down. By hiring a Charlotte landscaping professional to install your landscaping features, you know that the job will be done right the first time, and by having them check your systems on a regular basis, you can add beauty and value to your home or business.

Edible Vegetable Flowers

Did you know that broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes are all flowers? Also the spice saffron is the stamen from the crocus flower? Capers are unopened flower buds to a bush native in the Mediterranean and Asian nations. The general rule is that the flowers of most vegetables and herbs are safe to eat. Always check first, because as with anything in life, there will always be exceptions. If you have any questions regarding vegetable flowers, you may want to contact a Charlotte landscaping professional to assist you.NOTE: Avoid - the flowers of tomato, potato, eggplant, peppers and asparagus.

Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) - Also called garden rocket, roquette, rocket-salad, Oruga, Rocketsalad, rocket-gentle; Raukenkohl (German); rouquelle (French); rucola (Italian). An Italian green usually appreciated raw in salads or on sandwiches. The flowers are small, white with dark centers and can be used in the salad for a light piquant flavor. The flowers taste very similar to the leaves and range in color from white to yellowish with dark purple veins.  Arugula resembles radish leaves in both appearance and taste. Leaves are compound and have a spicy, peppery flavor that starts mild in young leaves and intensifies as they mature.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) - The artichoke is considered a flower in which the leaves of the flower are eaten and the choke or thistle part is discarded.

Broccoli Florets (Brassica oleracea) - The top portion of broccoli is actually flower buds. As the flower buds mature, each will open into a bright yellow flower, which is why they are called florets. Small yellow flowers have a mild spiciness (mild broccoli flavor), and are delicious in salads or in a stir-fry or steamer.

Corn Shoots (Zea mays) - Corn shoots may be eaten when they resemble large blades of grass with a strong sweet corn flavor, which could be used as a garnish for a corn chowder. The whole baby corn in husk may also be eaten, silk and all.

Mustard (Brassica species) - Young leaves can be steamed, used as a herb, eaten raw, or cooked like spinach. NOTE: Some people are highly allergic to mustard. Start with a small amount. Eating in large amounts may cause red skin blotches

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) - Also known as Ochro, Okoro, Quimgombo, Quingumbo, Ladies Fingers and Gumbo. It has hibiscus-like flowers and seed pods that, when picked tender, produce a delicious vegetable dish when stewed or fried. When cooked it resembles asparagus yet it may be left raw and served in a cold salad. The ripe seeds have been used as a substitute for coffee; the seed can be dried and powdered for storage and future use.

Pac Choy (Brassica chinensis) - A sister of the Broccoli plant.

Pea Blossoms (Pisum species) - Edible garden peas bloom mostly in white, but may have other pale coloring. The blossoms are slightly sweet and crunchy and they taste like peas. The shoots and vine tendrils are edible, with a delicate, pea-like flavor. Here again, remember that harvesting blooms will diminish your pea harvest, so you may want to plant extra. NOTE: Flowering ornamental sweet peas are poisonous - do not eat.

Radish Flowers (Raphanus sativus) - Depending on the variety, flowers may be pink, white or yellow, and will have a distinctive, spicy bite (has a radish flavor). Best used in salads. The Radish shoots with their bright red or white tender stalks are very tasty and are great sautéed or in salads.

A Charlotte landscaping company can give you more ideas on planting vegetable flowers.

source: What's Cooking America

Edible Herb Flowers

Planting herb flowers in your yard is a great way to have plants that are not only beautiful to look at, but also functional. A Charlotte landscaping company can help you to choose just the right herb flowers for your yard, and your palette. Most herb flowers are just as tasty as the foliage and very attractive when used in your salads. Add some petals to any dish you were already going to flavor with the herb.

 Alliums (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic chives) - Known as the "Flowering Onions." There are approximately four hundred species that includes the familiar onion, garlic, chives, ramps, and shallots. All members of this genus are edible. Their flavors range from mild onions and leeks right through to strong onion and garlic. All parts of the plants are edible. The flowers tend to have a stronger flavor than the leaves and the young developing seed-heads are even stronger. We eat the leaves and flowers mainly in salads. The leaves can also be cooked as a flavoring with other vegetables in soups, etc.

Chive Blossoms (Allium schoenoprasum) - Use whenever a light onion flavor and aroma is desired. Separate the florets and enjoy the mild, onion flavor in a variety of dishes.

Garlic Blossoms (Allium sativum) - The flowers can be white or pink, and the stems are flat instead of round. The flavor has a garlicky zing that brings out the flavor of your favorite food. Milder than the garlic bulb. Wonderful in salads.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) - Depending on the variety, flower range from pale lavender-blue to deep rose.  It has a flavor similar to licorice. Angelica is valued culinary from the seeds and stems, which are candied and used in liqueurs, to the young leaves and shoots, which can be added to a green salad. Because of its celery-like flavor, Angelica has a natural affinity with fish. The leaves have a stronger, clean taste and make a interesting addition to salads. In its native northern Europe, even the mature leaves are used, particularly by the Laplanders, as a natural fish preservative. Many people in the cold Northern regions such as Greenland, Siberia, and Finland consider Angelica a vegetable, and eat the stems raw, sometimes spread with butter. Young leaves can be made into a tea.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - The white variety of ginger is very fragrant and has a gingery taste on the tongue. Petals may be eaten raw or you can cook the tender young shoots.

Jasmine (jasmine officinale) - The flowers are intensely fragrant and are traditionally used for scenting tea. True Jasmine has oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers. NOTE: The false Jasmine is in a completely different genus, "Gelsemium", and family, "Loganiaceae", is considered too poisonous for human consumption. This flower has a number of common names including yellow jessamine or jasmine, Carolina jasmine or jessamine, evening trumpetflower, gelsemium, and woodbine.

There are many more herb flowers to consider for your yard, so contact a Charlotte landscaping expert to discuss your options.

source: What's Cooking America

Edible Fruit Flowers

Edible fruit flowers can make a beautiful and functional addition to your yard. Most fruit trees are usually sprayed just before and during the bloom. If you are using you own flowers that have not sprayed, use only the pedals, not the pistils or stamen. You might want to have a Charlotte landscaping company visit your home and help you with planting and maintaining your fruit flowers.

Apple Blossoms (Malus species) - Apple Blossoms have a delicate floral flavor and aroma. They are a nice accompaniment to fruit dishes and can easily be candied to use as a garnish. NOTE: Eat in moderation as the flowers may contain cyanide precursors. The seeds of the apple fruit and their wild relations are poisonous

Banana Blossoms (Musa paradisiaca) - Also know as Banana Hearts. The flowers are a purple-maroon torpedo shaped growth appears out of the top of usually the largest of the trunks. Banana blossoms are used in Southeast Asian cuisines. The blossoms can be cooked or eaten raw. The tough covering is usually removed until you get to the almost white tender parts of the blossom. It should be sliced and let it sit in water until most of the sap are gone. If you eat it raw, make sure the blossom comes from a variety that isn't bitter. Most of the Southeast Asian varieties aren't bitter.

Citrus Blossoms (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat) - Use highly scented waxy petals sparingly. Distilled orange flower water is characteristic of Middle Eastern pastries and beverages. Citrus flavor and lemony.

Elderberry Blossoms (Sambucus spp) - The blossoms are a creamy color and have a sweet scent and sweet taste. When harvesting elderberry flowers, do not wash them as that removes much of the fragrance and flavor. Instead check them carefully for insects. The fruit is used to make wine. The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots have all been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. NOTE: All other parts of this plant, except the berries, are mildly toxic! They contain a bitter alkaloid and glycoside that may change into cyanide. The cooked ripe berries of the edible elders are harmless. Eating uncooked berries may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

To find out more information on functional fruit flowers for your yard, contact a Charlotte landscaping company today!

source: What's Cooking America

Using Warm Season Grass in the Cooler Months

When it comes to choosing grass, it is important to recognize the seasonal aspect of your choice. While many people choose to go with traditional fescue grass, this can actually lead to more maintenance, as well as more cost, down the road. Instead, you may want to consider grasses like bermuda, centipede, and zosia. These grasses are typically warm season grasses, and they will often require less care along the way. To see more examples of warm season grasses, contact a Charlotte landscaping expert. A Charlotte landscaping expert can offer you advice on choosing a warm season grass, while being able to offer you affordable installation options.


The reason many people choose fescue grass, which is a cooler season grass, is because it gives the lush green color that many people are used to. When thinking about a healthy lawn, often, people have the image of fescue in their minds. However, using warm season grasses can actually give the same results, if not better, all while offering a  lower cost or ownership. When properly cared for by a Charlotte landscaping company, your grass can remain thick, green, and beautiful, all year round.


In addition, North and South Carolina are in a unique environment, in that they are both situated in a climate that does not suffer from extreme high or low temperatures. As a result, using warm season grasses makes even more sense for residents in the area, as North and South Carolina can support warm season grasses all year long. If you are in the Carolinas, and would like to investigate alternatives to fescue and other cold season grasses and turf, consider contacting a Charlotte area landscaping company today. They will be able to give you a free quote on installation, all while educating you on the cost savings associated with warm season grasses.

Are Hardscapes Right For You?

The term hardscapes encompasses a set of landscaping features that are meant to add beauty to your home, as well as serve a functional purpose. Everything from water features, such as fountains and waterfalls, to paved outdoor areas are covered under hardscapes, and many people are installing these wonderful home improvements in the Charlotte area to add value to their home. If you have considered having hardscape features installed, now is a great time to call a Charlotte hardscapes expert who can discuss your options with you.

Hardscapes are a great way to join together the beauty of an outdoor setting with the functionality of an indoor living space. For instance, you may want to install an outdoor patio and fireplace to use on cool Fall nights. Imagine the wonderful times you could be having with friends and family as you all gather around your beautiful brick fireplace, all sharing stories and laughing. Or, as mentioned, imagine having an ornate waterfall installed in your backyard, allowing you to sit nearby and relax in the Summer as the refreshing waters soothe you.

Hardscapes are also a great way to maximize your property's space. By installing hardscape features in your yard, you are eliminating the amount of lawn care maintenance required each year, all while enjoying the benefits of beautiful hardscape installations. Hardscape features allow you to show off your personality, and with virtually unlimited possibilities in design and materials to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect feature for your home and your lifestyle. To get started, consider contacting a Charlotte hardscapes professional today to learn about all of the exciting options available to you.

When installing hardscapes, it is important to understand the structural integrity issues involved. Improperly installing a retaining wall, for instance, could have devastating consequences. Furthermore, such damage may not be covered by your insurance policy. For this reason, it is always best to have a Charlotte hardscapes professional perform any work on your property, as well as have them return for routine service inspections.

Why Trim a Tree?

There are many reasons to trim a tree, but the 3 most common are for safety, health of the tree, and aesthetics. You can attempt to do the tree trimming yourself, or you may consider hiring a Charlotte landscaping professional to do it for you. A Charlotte landscaping professional has the tools and expertise to ensure that the trimming is done safely, all while preserving the health and integrity of the tree.

Trimming a tree for safety is always a good idea if the tree has branches that are looming over a structure. Furthermore, branches that hang over driveways or an area where people congregate are a safety hazard and need to be trimmed. Also, branches that block line of sight in places like driveways or into yards could be a safety hazard. Broken or damaged limbs could also become a safety hazard during severe weather.

Tree trimming for health is usually done when a tree has a pest infestation, or when certain areas of the tree need more air flow or sunlight. Also, removing broken or damaged limbs can assist in healing wounds on the tree. Pruning limbs also promotes stronger structural integrity.

Finally, trimming trees for aesthetic purposes can be done for a variety of reasons. Landscaping in general can be used to make your yard more appealing to the eye. Trees that have twisted or gnarled branches can be unsightly, so trimming these trees is a great way to bring a sense of form and flow to your property. Some trees may have broken limbs that take away from the natural beauty of the rest of the tree, and these would be removed to bring a sense of balance.

Trimming trees can be dangerous, so it is a good idea to consult with a Charlotte landscaping professional before undertaking any tree trimming. Injuries could result from anything from falling off a ladder to having branches fall on you. A Charlotte landscaping professional has the experience to trim your trees safely and efficiently. A Charlotte landscaping professional also understands the care that is involved in trimming a tree, meaning there is a lower risk of damage to the structural integrity of the tree and its core.

Tips for Landscaping Design

If you are tired of looking out of your windows and seeing the same old drab, featureless lawn, it may be time to consider consulting with a Charlotte landscaping professional. There are many beautiful options when it comes to landscaping your home or place of business, and each one can serve to enhance the appearance and functionality of your space.

One of the first things you need to think about is what type of design you are aiming for. Having a free consultation with a Charlotte landscaping expert means you can see all of the many different choices available when it comes to design. A professional can offer you tips on which materials to choose, as well as advice on placement of landscaping features. The ultimate goal is to maximize your green space, all while keeping it functional.

If you are budget conscious, you may want to consider buying in phases. Having a little bit done at a time can give you the results you want while saving you money. A Charlotte landscaping professional can help you to choose the best options for now, and then can offer you more down the road when you are ready. You may also want to consider having work done in the off season. Many people want to have landscaping done during the Summer months, but having the work done during the Fall and Winter may lead to lower prices, as well as greater availability.

Finally, realize that landscaping is a large investment. You may be tempted to skimp on materials and hardware, as well as on labor. Many people try to install landscaping features themselves, only to run into bigger problems later. From crumbling infrastructure in your yard, to botched irrigation installations, skimping on your landscaping may be a bad idea. It is recommended to use only the best quality, longest lasting materials for any landscaping job, as these will serve you better down the road. Furthermore, having a Charlotte landscaping professional come out and inspect the property, complete any landscaping work, as well as return for regular service visits, ensures that your landscaping will remain in beautiful and functioning order for many years to come.

Why Use an Astronomic Timing System?

We all know that using a timer on your irrigation system can help by allowing you to precisely control when your lawn receives water. However, did you know that there is an alternative to traditional timers? Astronomical timer systems allow you to set your irrigation system according to dusk and dawn, and even follow the changing of seasons, as well as the lunar calendar. In fact, many Charlotte landscaping customers are installing these systems to save time, energy, and money.

Using an astronomical timer means no more having to reset your irrigation times with every season change, and as these systems adjust to the lunar calendar, you no longer have to worry about some days being longer than others as the Earth continues to move in its orbit. Aside from saving you the hassle of having to set your timer, this will also save you money in the long run. An astronomical timer installation means no more having to worry about overwatering or underwatering your lawn due to forgetting to change your watering times. And as the cost of utilities continue their upward climb, it is more important to save money, any way you can.

Astronomical timers also save energy, which is important for those of us who wish to remain eco-friendly. As water is one of our most important renewable sources of energy, we all need to do our part to keep it easily accessible, and available for all. By using less water in using an astronomical timer, you are doing your part to keep the planet clean, and energy plentiful.

Most astronomical timers are easily installed, as well as easily programmed, by a qualified Charlotte Landscaping professional. A Charlotte landscaping professional can give you tips on using your astronomical timer, as well as help you to use it to its fullest advantage. While most astronomical timers are not complicated to setup, speaking with a landscaping expert can be a big help along the way. In addition, a professional can assist you in servicing your unit, should a problem arise.

If you have an irrigation system, or you are considering having one installed, consider contacting a Charlotte landscaping professional today!

Add LED Lighting to Save Money

If you have thought about adding lighting to your home's landscaping, or if you currently have existing lighting, you may want to consider using LED lights. LED lights are a great alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs, and can end up saving you lots of money down the road. In Charlotte, many people are turning to Charlotte landscaping experts to assist in making this conversion.

One of the other big advantages to using LED lights is the lifetime usage you can get from them. Typical LED bulbs can last up to 40,000 hours, meaning you have less bulbs to change. Most LED lights will be completely sealed, so having them out in the elements is no problem. All season, every season, your LED lighting can add warm and inviting accents to your home's architecture, while proving security against intruders. If you have considered LED lights, a Charlotte landscaping professional can come out to give you a free quote for installation, as well as some tips on integrating LED lights into your home's landscape.

Finally, a Charlotte landscaping expert can explain the energy benefits of using LED lighting. On average, LED lights use 75% less energy than traditional lighting systems, all while providing the same amount of light as a traditional bulb. And as we all know, conserving energy is good for the planet, as well as for your wallet. By using LED lights instead of traditional lights, you can also help the Charlotte area reduce the cost of electricity for everyone.