It’s been an unusually warm, wet summer here in Northern Virginia, but at some point, we all know those leaves are going to fall. Fall leaves can feel like a big landscaping nuisance, but they don’t have to be. You can decide to rake them and take them or (with the right equipment) leave them alone. Let’s take a look at some of the best leaf management options. Why Do We Remove Leaves? Fall leaves can look pretty for a while, but if they’re left on the ground, they can form a thick layer and … [Read more...]
How Short Should I Cut My Grass?
Lawnmowing can seem straightforward, but there are plenty of myths and misconceptions about how and when to do it--and how low we should go! That’s why DIY or hiring a local teen to mow may not be the best solution if you have a healthy lawn in mind. Grass Length: The Shorter The Better? These days, longer cuts are the trend as lawn care experts come to understand that an additional inch or so can often mean less stress for your grass. In many cases, growth slows as temperatures rise in the … [Read more...]
Does Hiring a Landscaper Save Me Money?
Do it yourself (DIY) is big these days, and a lot of us think DIY landscaping and lawn care are money savers. However, the truth is, hiring a lawn maintenance company is incredibly cost effective. When you factor equipment, supplies, costly mistakes and the most valuable commodity of all--your time--hiring a landscaper makes a ton of financial sense. DIY Lawn Maintenance vs. Epling Lawn Lawn Maintenance In an era of big yards and busy schedules, taking care of lawn maintenance and landscaping … [Read more...]
Does Landscaping Increase Property Value?
Spring is here, and for many folks, it’s the ideal time to put their home on the market. A gorgeous exterior, including top-notch landscaping, not only catches buyers’ eyes, it can actually raise the value of your home! In the super hot Northern Virginia real estate market, landscaping is an essential element to make your home stand out above the rest. Tapping The Spring Real Estate Boom According to the Zillow real estate database, the first two weeks in May are the best time to sell a house … [Read more...]
What Type of Lawn Installation is Best?
We all want the best-looking lawn in the neighborhood, but there are many factors to consider when installing your lawn. Aesthetics are important, of course, but location and environment (Does your lawn get sun or shade?) and lawn traffic (Are there children and pets running on it?) are essential considerations. Not to mention the time it will take to do this type of complicated work. Here’s a breakdown of three different types of lawn installation, including the pros and cons of … [Read more...]
When is the Best Time to Fertilize?
We all want a healthy lawn that thrives year-round. And while there is so much involved in improving and maintaining the quality of your landscape, one of the key factors is the time of year you apply fertilizer to your lawn. When you apply fertilizer in the right season, it will help ensure the quality of your landscape. It will also guarantee that your plants, flowers, trees, and grass can endure the harsh conditions of the summer and winter months. Fertilizing in the Spring While it is … [Read more...]
Building a Service Plan for the Upcoming Year
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to have a great-looking yard, now is the perfect opportunity to develop a landscaping service plan for the upcoming year. Taking into account each season and what should be done to keep your lawn and landscape healthy and beautiful, a properly designed service plan takes the guesswork out of yard work. It’s important to establish your service plan now, during a relatively dormant period, so that you have the time to carefully consider all the elements … [Read more...]
Can I Plant When It Is Freezing?
Winter is here, which often means it’s time to bundle up and keep warm. However, you may be wondering if it is possible to plant during freezing winter months. The good news is that, yes, you can indeed plant when it’s freezing outside, but there are a few things to know before doing so. Why is Planting Possible? Freezing temperatures don’t necessarily mean that planting is out of the question. As long as you can work with the ground enough to plant a bulb, then you can plant most anything … [Read more...]
How Can I Prepare for Winterization?
Winter is coming, and it could spell disaster for your lawn or landscape. You spend the other months of the year cultivating a beautiful yard and garden, so don’t let a Virginia winter spoil it for you. A process called winterization can help you protect against a brutal winter and come through with a healthy outdoor space. Preparing for the Winter Months The winter season causes plants to die or go dormant, and preparing is an essential part of winterizing. Simply put, to winterize your … [Read more...]
Redesigning Your Flower Beds
Of all the many fantastic ways to enliven your landscape, few of them have quite as much impact as redesigning your flower beds. Details like the types of flowers you plant, what textures they have, when they bloom, what draws the eye, and even the overall shape of your bed can all have an impact on your curb appeal. Offered below are tips to improve your flower bed. Height Considerations Let's start the redesign by thinking about how far apart your plants will need to be and how high they … [Read more...]
