Category Archives: Yard & Outdoors

Creating a beautiful home is something all of us strive to do

March 18, 2024   Matt

Creating a beautiful home is something all of us strive to do

Trees, shrubs and bushes are all an essential part of the look of your landscaping. Not all greenery grows well in all climates so it’s wise to use the research tool on many of the landscape design software programs to choose which plants will thrive in your area. Once you’ve made that determination you are ready to get started.

Mapping out the area that you are actually working with is the best idea. You can do that to scale with the software and this will allow you the opportunity to then plan exactly where you want everything to be. If you are working on both a front and back yard space do one at a time. It’s easy to get carried away in the ease of the landscape design software but you want to ensure you create the most inviting environment in both spaces.

Decks and pools should be planned for before you set your mind on where greenery will go. The reason is that most shrubs and trees will fill out over time and if you plant them to close to a structure they may actually need to be removed. Young trees and plants should be placed in areas where they have room to spread, so first place the structure and then add any additional elements. Some of the best landscaping ideas involve creating a small garden in one area of the yard that is situated far from the pool or sitting area.

Some homeowners enjoy the vibrancy of flowers in their yards. Brightly colored blossoms can transform a dull space and make it inviting and warm. Many of the popular brands of landscape design software allow you to place flowers, including colors on your plans. This really affords the user the opportunity to visualize how certain colors will mesh with the other elements of the landscaping. You can even choose the flowers by name so you know what to look for when you go to the garden center in the spring.

If you’ve ever looked at a neighbor’s perfectly planned yard and wished you could do the same, you really can. Just purchase landscape design software and spend some time creating a beautiful outdoor space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

Read More

How to Start a Landscaping Business

March 13, 2024   Matt

How to Start a Landscaping Business

There is money to be made mowing someone’s lawn and cutting the trees. Why? This is because some homeowners don’t have the time to do it and this is where you come in by starting your own landscaping business.

But a landscaping business does not only involve doing some chores that a kid can do on their own. You also have to plant some trees, flowers and shrubs and take care of them. Major projects also require you to decorate an entire area including the installation of walls and lights so people will also be able to see your work at night.

Those who are starting out can work on homes in the neighborhoods and when they are ready to handle something bigger, they can offer their services to public and private schools, the park and office buildings.

Probably one of the biggest projects to undertake is a golf course because there are more than 18 holes to finish and each one has a different terrain.

But can you still enter the market when there are plenty of them around? The answer is yes because as long as homeowners do not have time to do it themselves and more infrastructure projects are being done annually, there is plenty of room for everybody.

According to the US Bureau of Statistics, the demand for landscaping services grows much faster than the national average for any other occupation. You can probably quit your day job and devote most of your time here as long as you the have the desire to succeed.

Do you need a college degree and a huge sum of money as startup capital? The answer is also no. Some of the things you will need include a truck, a weed eater, a broom, rake, cellphone, lawnmower and computer. If you already have a truck, the others items will probably total under ,500.

However, it wouldn’t hurt to have a little background in agriculture, business or horticulture so you know what you are talking about when giving advice to clients. There are courses and seminars you can take so you are able to learn and earn some money at the same time.

Some entrepreneurs start out by doing the job themselves and then when they are ready to expand, decide to hire one or two workers to cover a larger area. It is going to be back breaking work especially in the beginning but as things pick up, you don’t have to get your hands dirty that often anymore and instead supervise your crew.

If you offer services that will be using chemicals and pesticides, you will have to enroll in a 6 to 8 week course at the community college that costs less than 0. This will guarantee you know what you are doing so you don’t kill the plants or harm anybody.

Starting a landscape business or in any other for that matter will always be challenging. So start out small and then see what happens. Since more money is going out than going in, build a good rapport with your clients so they can refer you to their friends. You can give out calling cards and advertise later on so you can get a bigger share of the business.

Also, don’t be afraid to take chances because you may even be better than some who have been in the business for a long time.

Read More

Common Landscaping Tools For Every Landscaper

March 08, 2024   Matt

Common Landscaping Tools For Every Landscaper

For the avid do-it-yourself landscaper, the right tools are important. After all, if one wishes to save money on the expenses associated with having a well cared for yard, it is best to make sure that he or she has all of the tools necessary to create an attractive landscape. By understanding some of the most common tools used for basic landscaping needs, you can ensure that you have everything you need to keep your lawn in the best possible shape, bringing delight and distinction to your grounds, be they large or small.

Shovels, rakes, trowels, and hand cultivators. These are the most basic of tools when it comes to landscaping. Every home should be supplied with these basic implements. They make just about every landscaping endeavor possible. Shovels to remove sod and turn soil, as well as dig the holes necessary for fixtures like trees and hardscapes, Rakes are essential to smooth out planting beds and prepare ground for things like sod without packing the dirt. Trowels and hand cultivators allow you to perform minute work that requires more attention to detail. All of these tools are necessary to the proper functioning and care of a landscape.

Pruners and shears. These tools are used to improve the appearance of woody plants and trees. They keep plants from encroaching in other areas, and they also promote the overall health of the plants. They help maintain a neat appearance, and if you have topiary concerns, they are indispensable in maintaining a set shape. There are hand pruners, tools that help with the smaller branches and are easier to use, loppers for getting thicker branches that are to large for pruners, and even pruning saws that can help you with the toughest of branches. Hedge shears provide a way for hedges to be trimmed more conscientiously than with electric or gas-run trimmers (although these are widely available and can make maintaining hedges much easier).

Lawnmower. This is perhaps one of the most common and most obvious of landscaping tools. It is meant to keep the grass at a reasonable level, and to keep the lawn neat and healthy. Related to lawnmowers in the trimming department are things like weed wackers, which are very useful in keeping edges that can’t be cut by a mower nice and neat. Additionally, the use of some special machinery, designed to eliminate thick brush is useful to have on hand, even it is only in the form of a machine rented once a year.

Other tools of interest. Of course, there are specialty tools that may be needed depending upon on the features of your landscape. If you have a water fixture, it is important to make sure that you have the proper pumps and filters, and that you have little skimmers that can allow you to remove larger pieces of debris from the water. Automatic sprinklers can make watering the lawn and your other plants much easier, and you should have a garden hose for special watering needs. Regular household tools such as hammer and nails, levels, and drills can be helpful if you have built landscape features like patios, decks, pergolas, and trellises. They can also be useful in building things like containers and creating raised beds.

Wheelbarrow. A wheelbarrow will always be of infinite use for the avid landscaper and improver. Wheelbarrows are very useful for moving debris as well as bringing needed implements to their proper places. They haul dirt and bring in plants. They make it possible to for one person to carry a load that otherwise she or he would not be able to handle. For the serious landscaper, a wheelbarrow is indeed necessary.

When you have all of the tools necessary to take care of your landscape, then you are well rewarded for your hard work. Acquiring the more common tools can also save you money in the long run, as they can be used over and over again. Additionally, many of the more common landscape tools are fairly small in size and easy to store in a garage or a shed. As long as they are kept neatly arranged in place, they are easy to get to when needed, and not hard to find. Proper maintenance of you tools is important: keep them from becoming rusty, and make sure your lawnmower and other gas or electric implements are well oiled and always have plenty of gas. Proper care of your tools ensures that you will be able to properly care for your landscape.

Read More

Tips That Hammer Sense Into Home Improvement (2)

March 03, 2024   Matt

Tips That Hammer Sense Into Home Improvement

I guess you could say I’ve been involved in-home improvement projects quite often in my life. At this very minute my husband is finishing the drywall in our living room, and will soon be painting it. While it’s great to see the finished product, the process can be very messy.

If you need fencing that is both affordable and versatile, opt for a wooden fence. You can choose from a variety of wood types to find the most appropriate material for your particular climate and moisture levels. Wooden fencing is very diverse and can easily be stained to one of many natural-looking colors.

Planning landscaping to reduce water usage is not just for homeowners in drought-stricken areas. Between changing weather patterns, rising populations and falling water tables, water for home irrigation is only going to grow more expensive. By selecting plant species that require less water than the usual landscaping standards, a wise homeowner can save a lot of money.

Removing dated wallpaper is a home improvement that can completely transform the interior of your house. If you have money to spend, the best way to remove wallpaper would be to buy a commercial stream wallpaper stripper. If, however, you are on a limited budget, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of hot water and fabric softener and completely saturate the wallpaper. Leave the wallpaper for a few minutes then carefully peel off with a putty knife.

Make sure you understand every single step of a project before you decide to start working on it. Sometimes something that seems very simple may actually be quite difficult. The opposite is also true at times, so be sure to make a detailed, step by step, blueprint before you start really working.

When you hire a contractor to work on a home improvement project, make sure that he is holding a current license and that he has insurance for his employees. This is important for your protection, in case you have a legal dispute about the quality of the work. In addition, if his employees are not covered by his insurance, you might be financially responsible for any injuries that an employee incurs, while he is on your premises.

To save money on later projects, hold onto even your used equipment which still serves a purpose. For example, leftover drywall or putty may be useful if you ever need to patch a hole. Even seemingly “done” items like used paint rollers can find a second purpose; their long handles and narrow dimensions make them perfect for clearing gutters.

When undertaking major landscaping home improvement projects, always consult with your neighbors about drainage before work begins. An ideal landscaping plan involves draining all water off of your property. Often the convenient way to do this is to dump it on your neighbor’s property, but they are not likely to be happy with this! It is possible to coordinate mutually beneficial drainage plans, but it cannot happen without clear communication.

We have a home which is over 100 years old and updating it has been an ongoing process over the past five years. We have a new dining room, two new bathrooms and half of a new kitchen. Recently, my husband installed four new windows and put new siding on half of the house. I can’t wait for the whole thing to be done!

Read More

Real Estate Secrets: What You Need To Know About Home Sales

February 27, 2024   Matt

Real Estate Secrets: What You Need To Know About Home Sales

When it comes time to sell your home, your rental property or commercial space, there is a lot to consider. Take the time to read the tips and information in this article, to get a head start on your sales project. You’ll be glad that you did.

Improving the lighting in your home will increase its appeal. Take down any dark curtains you might have up, replace light bulbs with higher wattage bulbs and clean all of the windows until they shine. A bright, well-lit home, is at the top of the buyers wish list, right behind a good location, so be sure to do all that you can to illuminate your home.

To help you sell your home, consider painting every wall a neutral color. Choose colors other than beige or white; a potential buyer walks through your home and tries to envision themselves living there. If the color of the walls are too bold or too bland, they won’t think that the house fits their personality, and they will move on.

When preparing a home to sell, consider some basic landscaping. Lush green grass and flowering plants can be put in at low cost and will greatly add to the curb appeal of the home. The increased curb appeal of your property will translate into more interest and even a higher selling price.

Appeal to tech-savvy and younger prospective home buyers by including video tours and panoramic views of your property. These need not be very lengthy or elaborate, but should load quickly and change seamlessly from one room to the next. Offering a full 360 degree view can help to highlight the most attractive areas of the house.

If you have significant experience with the real estate market, consider selling your home FSBO (For Sale By Owner). This is the industry shorthand for selling a property on your own, without the services of a real estate agent. It is not as simple as the alternative, but you can save significant money by avoiding agents’ commissions.

Have your house ready to sell by February. Most houses sell in the spring. Anyone with children are not going to want to uproot in the middle of the school year. It is advisable to have your home ready by late winter in order to beat the rush.

If you need to add plants to improve your landscaping for showing your house, do not add trees. Immature trees look scrawny, and they really do not add any appeal to the landscaping. Mature trees are too expensive. Instead, consider planting bushes, which will give your landscaping a fuller, more established look inexpensively.

When you are trying to sell your home, do not set any deadlines for yourself. If you have it in your mind that you need to sell the property by a certain date, you are more likely to entertain offers that are too low. Keep in mind the price that you want for the home, and don’t allow yourself to feel pressured into a decision.

Having this information will definitely give you the advantage when selling your real estate. Knowledge is power, especially in this business. Selling a piece of real estate can be a long and tedious process, but with a little bit of help, you can make it as quick and painless as possible.

Read More

Landscape Fabric-Is Landscape Fabric Really Necessary For Proper Landscaping?

February 22, 2024   Matt

Landscape Fabric-Is Landscape Fabric Really Necessary For Proper Landscaping?

Landscaping fabrics are by no means an answer to a no maintenance landscape. I know a lot of folks are under the impression that they can simply buy it, place it, cover it, and forget it. Forever.
First. There is no such thing as a no maintenance landscape. In many instances landscape fabric can make your life a lot easier. However, there is an upside and a downside to using it. And as with most everything else, proper installation and maintenance is required if you intend to use it.
Also, keep in mind that I’m referring to professional quality grade materials and not the flimsy products sold in do it yourself and home centers. If you’re going to use that, you might as well use newspapers or cardboard boxes under your groundcover.
Landscape fabrics have their applications. They aren’t necessary in all applications but might be preferred in regards to the type of groundcover you use.
Our company uses landscape fabric in 95% of the designs we create. It’s the nature of our business as we use decorative rock as the preferred groundcover around here. When using rock for groundcover and path work, it’s necessary to have a separator between the soil and groundcover. Otherwise, you’ll have mud rocks by the first rain storm.
In theory you should be able to use almost anything as a separator. I’ve seen do it yourselfers use anything from plastics to newspapers and cardboard boxes to old carpet remnants. Of course, as a professional, I can’t use or even suggest something like this to my clients. You’re on your own there.
Now personally, on any given project, I would much rather do away with fabrics altogether. I prefer to create living soil planting areas that are mulched and tended rather than being covered and forgotten. However, some areas are simply too large to apply this method and some folks just outright prefer to cover an area with decorative rock.
Both mulched living beds and rock beds underlain with fabric will require some work to keep them beautiful. Neither is maintenance free. As long as there is wind, rain dirt, and blown in seed, there will be something for you to do in your yard.
When we create a design using landscaping fabric and rock, I make the client aware of a few things. 1) There will be blown in seed and dirt. 2) Something will have to be done about it to keep it from accumulating. I assure them that with the quality of fabric we use, nothing will grow in from the bottom. However, we have no control of what blows in on the top.
Spraying the unwanted weeds with herbicide will take care of the weed problem. However, this does nothing for the dirt, leaf, and plant particles that are hiding under your rocks. And if you allow these to accumulate, they’ll continue to accumulate and you will never get rid of them. So periodic maintenance is required even if you do use landscaping fabric.
Periodically using a blower to clear out your bedding areas will slow down the accumulation of dirt and in some cases eliminate it altogether. How easy and thorough this is depends a lot on the type and size of rock you use.
Small pea gravel accumulates and holds onto dirt, and is harder to clean than rock of a 1 ½” nature. Not only does it hold onto dirt but has a tendency to be blown all around when being cleaned with a blower. Pea gravel works well for paths, walkways, and smaller areas but I don’t recommend it for covering larger areas.
As far as using landscape fabric under bark and mulch covered beds? In many cases this can actually be easier to take care of than living beds or rock covered areas as it can easily be picked up and replaced every few years. This will keep your landscape always looking new without having to blow dirt or mulch beds.
Remember. There’s no such thing as a no maintenance landscape. Landscape fabrics can make things easier in many applications but like everything else, they require a little bit of keeping up. No, they aren’t necessary in all landscaping applications. However, I believe you’ll find them to be your best choice for many types of groundcover.

Read More
« Older posts
Newer posts »

  • Subscribe

Support us!

If you like this site please subscribe