Whew! We’ve been busy this summer and fall keeping lawns and landscapes shipshape. Now it’s time to help our clients make some plans for next year and years to come. One big question we often get at this time of year is how to determine a landscaping budget for the upcoming year. How do you determine priorities? Do you spend less and buy smaller-- or buy larger, more established plants? We’ve worked with every kind of budget under the sun, and two key points always stand out: Think big … [Read more...]
Will Christmas Lights Hurt My Outdoor Trees?
Twinkly Christmas lights are hands down our favorite part of the holiday season. From classic white to crazy and colorful, they make exteriors look festive and welcoming. Whether your approach is more Clark Griswold or Martha Stewart, they truly add something special to every home. But clients often ask us whether outdoor lights can damage live trees and shrubs. Here are some thoughts on getting the most out of holiday lights while protecting your landscape. Are Christmas Tree Lights Dangerous … [Read more...]
How Can I Protect My Landscaping This Winter?
We thought this summer would never end here in Northern Virginia, but fall seems to have come to stay, and winter is just around the corner. The distinct and lovely seasons, each with its own special magic and beauty, are one of our favorite things about our region. While summer tends to be super busy for landscapers, there is so much we can do in late fall and early winter to make landscapes healthy and hardy. Winter is a season of quiet beauty, a time for our landscapes to rest and recover. … [Read more...]
What Should I Plant Now for Winter Color?
Here in the Mid-Atlantic, it sometimes feels like we move from a lush summer to a festive fall right into a gray and dreary winter. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of cold-hardy plants that offer bright, beautiful blooms even when the weather is gloomy. With the right mix of annuals and perennials, you can keep your winter landscape looking gorgeous. But don’t wait: fall is the time to get planting. Why Is Fall Planting So Important? Summer landscaping is all about keeping … [Read more...]
How Can I Fix Dead Patches in My Lawn and Get Ready for Winter?
It’s been a gorgeous summer in Northern Virginia. Balmy and beautiful with stunning sunsets and sultry afternoons. Now, there’s a hint of fall in the air. The leaves are just starting to change color and the mornings are starting a little cooler. But summer can be rough on your lawn, with dry weather and high activity in many yards. As fall moves in, it’s a perfect time to reseed your lawn, repair damage, and get ready for winter. Let’s get started now! Why Are There Dead Patches on My … [Read more...]
Landscaping Tips for Selling Your Home
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That old favorite saying certainly applies when you’re trying to sell a house. We’ve all heard agents talk about the value of curb appeal, and this includes not only the exterior of the house itself but also to the landscape around it. It’s hard to overestimate the importance of a tidy, appealing yard, and yet so many sellers neglect this crucial element. A healthy lawn and landscaping make a big difference when it comes to drawing in … [Read more...]
What Are the Best Plants Around the Pool?
The Mid-Atlantic hasn’t historically been a “pool on every block” part of the country. But with rising incomes and bigger lots, that’s definitely changing in Loudoun and Fairfax counties. The Northern Virginia poolscape is becoming an in-demand service for landscapers. Clients want a relaxing space to enjoy with family and friends, and we’re quite accomplished at creating a lush, inviting look with hardy, low-maintenance plants. Planting Around the Pool: Things to Consider We know that … [Read more...]
Is it Worth it to Have Someone Mow My Lawn?
If you’re an energetic individual with a zero turn mower who loves to be out there, you probably want to mow your lawn yourself. But when we really think about it, most of us would rather be doing something else. In Loudoun and Clarke Counties, houses (and yards) are getting bigger. When you factor in the time involved and the cost of purchasing and maintaining equipment, it makes sense to hire a lawn care professional on a number of levels. Why Should I Hire a Pro to Mow My Lawn? Here are a … [Read more...]
Fruit Trees That Grow Well in Northern Virginia
Fruit trees are a beautiful (and delicious) addition to a yard – and spring is the perfect time to plant them. But not all fruit trees grow perfectly everywhere, so it’s important to know which trees to choose based on the climate and soil conditions in Northern Virginia. We recommend three trees that are perfect for NOVA. Apple trees One of the most popular fruit trees to grow in Virginia, apple trees are ideal because of our long summers and mild fall weather. The most successful … [Read more...]
What Kind of Mulch Do I Need?
Spring has sprung! (We can tell because we can’t stop sneezing.) After a not-so-wonderful winter, we’re all excited to get back outside and make our landscaping beautiful again. With yard beautification comes so many choices: bushes or flowers? Annuals or perennials? Mulch or no mulch? If you’re not sure about your mulch needs and desires, we can help! Why Use Mulch? Many people prefer using some kind of mulch to help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, keep the soil cool, improve the … [Read more...]
