Heads up: if you’re a Griswold, this post isn’t for you.
If you’re into tasteful seasonal touches that enhance your landscapes and hardscapes while maintaining plant health and aesthetic integrity, read on. With the help of the experts at Epling, you can achieve gorgeous, thoughtful, and low-impact holiday decorations that complement your landscape.
How Can I Achieve a Landscape-Friendly Holiday Style?
During the holiday season, we aim to bring joy and flair to our outdoor spaces. We invite friends and neighbors to welcoming landscapes that celebrate the season. We also want decor that doesn’t harm our precious trees and plants. The good news is that we can have plenty of twinkle and magic without damaging our landscapes. Here are a few tips for landscape-friendly holiday charm.
- Highlight key features by using cozy lighting and fresh greenery to draw attention to focal points, such as retaining walls, ornamental trees, and walkways. These subtle additions showcase the best aspects of your outdoor design in elegant and understated ways, bringing a festive glow without appearing garish.
- Choose lighting that enhances, not overwhelms. Warm white and low-voltage LED options complement your landscape without going too far. More and more homeowners are choosing professionally installed, year-round landscape lighting which offers elegant solutions that you can enjoy all year long.
- Design container displays and seasonal planters to incorporate beautiful evergreen arrangements in pots or urns. Your professional landscaping company can help you design or refresh seasonal containers for the perfect amount of organic holiday flair.
- Choose sustainable and plant-friendly lighting and decorations. LED lights, which use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs, are safer and more durable. Solar-powered string lights and garden lights give a magical glow while keeping energy bills low. Programmable timers for your lighting systems can also help with safety and energy efficiency.
- Rethink the plastic inflatables that use tons of energy and detract from your landscape (yes, we said it). Instead, get creative with organic materials like branches, greenery, natural wreaths, dried flowers, and natural garlands.
- Enhance your perennial beds with herbs and silvery foliage that add a festive touch without harming plants or compacting the soil. Your landscape professionals at Epling can help you plan ahead and achieve the perfect look.
How Can I Decorate My Outdoor Space With Safety In Mind?
As you upgrade your landscape and hardscape for the holidays and winter, safety is top of mind. Take several simple steps to promote safety and allow you to navigate and illuminate your winter landscapes.
- Avoid electrical hazards: Landscape lighting is gaining popularity for several reasons, including its beauty and functionality. However, when using electricity outdoors, take common-sense precautions for safety and environmental care. Avoid running cables across high-traffic locations to prevent damage or injury. Use a low-voltage lighting system to conserve energy and improve safety. Ensure your outdoor lighting system includes weatherproof components and ground fault circuit interrupters to prevent fires and electrical shocks. When planning an outdoor lighting system, proper installation is crucial. A professional team that understands the risks can help you avoid dangerous situations.
- Winterize your hardscaping with care. Avoid slippery walkways by ensuring adequate drainage to prevent freeze-thaw cycles.
- Be mindful of the use of de-icers: salt-based de-icers can damage your plants and pavers. Instead, choose a calcium chloride-based de-icer when possible, or opt for sand or kitty litter on your pavers as a less harsh option. Whatever product you use, apply it gently, and use a plastic shovel (instead of a metal one) to avoid damage to the pavers.
- Cover your more delicate hardscape features, such as outdoor kitchens and water features.
Should I Hire a Pro for Holiday Décor?
You’ve got plenty on your plate this holiday season, but you want a landscape that’s a delight to come home to–even when it gets dark at 5 p.m. Hiring a pro lets you execute your winter wonderland vision while outsourcing the details and the labor. The professionals at Epling Landscaping and Lawn Service can take care of everything from designing winter-friendly spaces to adding the perfect outdoor lighting for your plants and hardscape. Our team also offers container planting refreshes and temporary seasonal installations to create the perfect holiday vibe.
