It’s been hot and dry in Northern Virginia this summer, and we’re seeing lots of brown lawns. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are some simple steps you can take to keep your grass healthy and green during periods of drought. And if your turf is looking a little burnt, don’t worry. We can usually restore it to good health with a bit of TLC. Here are some tips for keeping lawns fresh--not fried-- as we move into late summer. Mowing Tips for Dry Summer Months Mowing carefully and … [Read more...]
Is It Ok To Hang Swings and Hammocks from Trees?
One of our Western Loudoun neighbors had a tire swing on a thick branch on a walnut tree for ten years. But the kids grew, and the family started to notice dead limbs on the branch that held the swing. So mom and dad took down the swing. There were a few tears, but it was the right thing to do. Summer is a perfect time for relaxing in a hammock or having some fun with an old-fashioned tree swing. You can enjoy these summer favorites safely. Here’s how to make sure they’re stable and won’t hurt … [Read more...]
Five Things to Ask When Hiring Someone to Mow Your Lawn
When you hire someone to mow your lawn, you’re looking for a partner you can count on. It makes sense to forge a relationship for the full mowing season and beyond. This usually means better service and better prices than going with a piecemeal lawn care provider. Here are five questions to ask to make sure you’ll get high-quality, reliable service. How Often Do You Mow? Your contractor should commit to mowing once each week unless you request otherwise. In some cases, you may want to skip a … [Read more...]
Five Things to Ask When Hiring a Landscaper
When we think about hiring a landscaper, we’re usually looking to create an environment that’s beautiful and user-friendly. We want design and execution that fit in with our budget, our sense of style, and our long and short-term goals. Here are a few questions that can help you find the landscaper that’s right for you. What Landscape Style Best Fits Our Home? Most clients have ideas about a look or layout they want. A professional landscaper will provide suggestions based on the style of your … [Read more...]
How Can I Keep Weeds From Growing in Mulch?
Applying mulch every spring makes sense on several levels. It helps enrich the soil and helps retain moisture during the dry summer months. But the main reason most of us mulch is weed control. We faithfully lay down a couple of inches of mulch and cross our fingers that we’ve won the battle. But most of us aren’t so lucky: weeds almost always find a way to pop up, even in the most beautifully mulched landscaping. Why are weeds so hard to tame, and what can you do to stop them? Here are a few … [Read more...]
How Should I Determine a Budget for Landscaping?
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...]
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...]
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...]
