Northern Virginia is abuzz with 17-year cicadas this month. They’re cool to look at with their bright orange wings and red eyes. The familiar buzzing sound that male cicadas make is annoying to some and a joyful song to others. But will they hurt my trees and plants? How Do Cicadas Impact Plants and Trees? There are 15 active cicada broods in the US, according to the US Forest Service. The DC region is a hotspot for Brood X (Brood 10), one of the largest cohorts in the country. Brood X is … [Read more...]
Top Questions to Ask When Choosing a Lawn Care Service
As we roll into balmy, busy May, yard maintenance is on everyone’s minds. Everything starts growing like crazy at this time of year. The challenge is keeping outdoor spaces large and small looking trim and tidy yet lush and green. It’s when mowing, lawn care, and other maintenance services kick into high gear. In Northern Virginia, we have lots of choices for lawn care, and recommendations fly by on social media. As you make plans for your lawn care needs, make sure you're getting quality, … [Read more...]
How Can I Control Ticks and Fleas In My Yard?
As we move through the gorgeous mild days of spring, most of us are spending more time outside. That’s a good thing, but we also need to be careful. At this time of year in the Mid-Atlantic, tick-borne illnesses are on people’s minds. Northern Virginia has become a Lyme Disease hotspot, and it's something we need to take seriously. Fleas can also carry disease and create infestations in your home if a pet brings them in from outdoors. The best way to cover all your bases when it comes to flea … [Read more...]
Spring Is Mulching Time
Spring is a time to celebrate as we can feel the days getting longer and warmer. After a dreary winter, we’ve seen crocuses starting to poke their heads out, but this can mean your weeds are also plotting a comeback. One of the best things you can do to stop weeds in their tracks is applying mulch and a pre-emergent before germination. NOW is the time to do it! Why Is Mulching with a Pre-emergent So Important? Combined with a pre-emergent herbicide, spring mulching is a great way to prohibit … [Read more...]
Seasonal Color and the Magic of Planters
Does anyone else have the feeling winter isn’t done with us yet? We know the groundhog saw his shadow. But as always, landscapers are optimistically looking ahead. We’ve got spring on our minds, with so many stunning annuals. Plus, we are introducing planter design services. If you haven’t considered planters, let’s talk. They’re like art for your yard and create a stellar dramatic effect. Planters provide the perfect showcase for a seasonal color program that allows you to change annuals … [Read more...]
The Benefits of a Healthy Landscape
Is your new year’s resolution a lush, attractive landscape? Are you craving a welcoming yard that you never want to leave this spring and summer? Looks are a huge part of what we’re going for when we think about our outdoor spaces. But let’s look below the surface. Healthy soil, grass, and plants are at the heart of a gorgeous landscape. Focusing on a healthy landscape pays with curb appeal and is better for the environment and your family’s well-being. How Can I Promote A Healthy Landscape? A … [Read more...]
Bring Light Into The Dark of Winter
We’re all spending more time outside these days. So making our landscapes comfortable and user-friendly in winter is a priority. Exterior lighting plays an exciting role in making your landscape accessible and enjoyable on those dark winter nights. Outdoor lights brighten and enhance the short days of winter--but you’ll love them all year long. How Can Exterior Lights Enhance My Landscape? With excellent installation, outdoor lighting adds plenty of charm and curb appeal to your home and … [Read more...]
Should I Consider A Hardscape Project in Winter?
Fall is here, and lawnmowers are falling silent all over Northern Virginia. Late fall and winter are usually quiet times for lawn and garden care. It’s also one of the best times to plan and execute hardscaping projects. Your family is using your yard less frequently, so the work won’t be disruptive. Landscapers may not be as busy, so it can often be done more quickly. And you’ll be sitting pretty by the time spring rolls around. What Is Hardscaping? Hardscaping covers the non-plant related … [Read more...]
What Does Winterizing Your Lawn Mean?
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...]
Fall Landscaping Tips
Fall in Virginia is delightful and delicious. Late September and early October are spectacular in our region, with bright warm days and cool nights. The weather is just perfect for spending time outside and working in the yard. The need to keep up with the mowing that occupies us all summer falls away. So some of us stop thinking about our landscapes in the fall. In fact, there’s plenty you can do in fall to beautify your late-season landscape and get ready for spring. What Should I Do In My … [Read more...]
