Ahhhh the autumn air. Leaves are falling, and mowers are making their final runs. Everything is quieting down. But below the surface, your lawn is taking advantage of the warm days and cool nights to regenerate and get ready for winter. You can help by winterizing your lawn and garden. But what exactly does winterizing mean, and what are the benefits? In a nutshell, winterizing your lawn means using the fall cooling period to prep your property, equipment, and plants for winter. What Can I Do … [Read more...]
How Do I Plant a Tree?
There’s nothing more rewarding than planting a tree. When we choose and plant a new tree, we know we’re doing something wonderful for our world. We’re making our environment a little more beautiful. By planting a young tree, we’re planning for the future. We look forward to watching them grow over the years. But trees are a significant investment. If you plant them wrong or don’t follow up appropriately, young trees may die. So it’s essential to do it right. How Can I Choose the Right … [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 Can I Make My Patio Look New Again?
Can you feel it? March means subtle hints of spring in the air as the days slowly get longer. We just can’t wait, and we know many of you feel the same. What are your favorite things about spring and summer? For us, warm weather and outdoor entertaining top the list. The very best feeling is when you have an outdoor space that makes you want to spend every possible moment outside. But let’s face it: this winter has been a damp, dreary, muddy mess. Maybe it’s taken a toll on your patio or the … [Read more...]
What Should I Know About Clearing Brush?
When you’ve got a small suburban lot with tame turf, upkeep is usually pretty straightforward. But if you’ve got a larger rural lot with some wild spaces, tough to manage brush can be a problem. It can be a huge task to clear brush on your own, whether things are badly overgrown or just in need of some maintenance. It often makes sense to call in a professional with the equipment and expertise to do the job right. And winter is an ideal time to clear brush before new growth starts. What Is … [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...]
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...]
