Archive for the ‘Landscapers’ Category

 

When to Plant a Garden

Friday, January 31st, 2014

When to Plant a Garden - Landscapers

Many homeowners choose to turn their outdoor areas into beautiful gardens. After all, what’s not to love about well-organized gardens that represent a source of fresh, healthy fruits and veggies? Nonetheless, planting a garden is far from being a child’s play. It is a lengthy process involving numerous phases, which should be meticulously planned. Wondering when to plant a garden? Let’s find out.

Start by Deciding What Kind of Plants You Want to Grow in Your Garden

What kinds of veggies and fruits would you like to put on your dinner table? Pick the best varieties based on several selection criteria:

a) Your personal preference

b) Climate

c) Feeding requirements

d) Harvesting time

e) Available space

Getting Started

So first, you have to pick the best location for your future garden and decide what kind of plants you would like to grow in it. Afterwards, you just have to focus your attention on two important, initial tasks:

a) Fix and test your soil, to make sure it is 100% compatible with the plants. Check the drainage by watering your soil with a garden hose. Wait for 24 hours, then dig a tiny hole and grab a handful of freshly dug soil. If the soil is too wet, consider adding compost; if it is too dry, add organic matter to make it less sandy.

b) Dig the beds: add a layer of compost, smooth the entire area with your rake, and wait a few days before planting the seeds.

This is the first step that you should follow to plant your own garden.

Next, it is advisable to follow a seed planting calendar to make educated decisions. By consulting it, you’ll find out that the seeds of tomatoes, herbs, peppers, perennial and annual flowers can be planted in January, lettuce, broccoli, pepper seeds in February, corn, cabbage, carrots, melons and peas in March, and so on.

Ask an Expert

Still wondering when to plant a garden? If so, just ask a local landscaper. Find the best one with Seva Call, your free connection to the best professionals in your area.

Schultz Plant Food

Monday, January 27th, 2014

Schultz Plant Food - Landscapers

Most people are probably wondering: What exactly do I need in order to maintain a beautiful garden on a budget? The answer is quite simple: You’ll need the right type of plants, great soil, a basic set of tools, lots of spare time and, of course, high-quality plant food.

Excellent plant food will help you obtain bigger, tastier fruits and take pride in a truly spectacular, envy-generating garden. What’s so special about Schultz plant food? Keep reading to find out, and don’t forget to consult a dedicated landscaper if you have any additional questions.

Getting Started

It’s no secret that most plants need fertile soil to grow properly. Those who want to obtain 100% organic fruits and vegetables choose to utilize compost to enrich their garden soil; some of them go the extra mile and prepare the compost in their own backyard.

Others choose to take the easy way out and rely on effective plant food, launched on the market by respectable companies that make gardening look like a child’s play, like Schultz, for instance.

Which Type of Plant Food Is Suitable for My Garden?

Why is it so important to purchase premium plant food brought to you by a well-known brand? A respectable manufacturer will always offer you a wide range of products, allowing you to choose the best one based on your unique needs and requirements.

For instance, there are numerous types of Schultz plant food that have what it takes to meet and even exceed your highest expectations, including water-soluble, liquid, granular, and extended feed formulas, adequate for most plants and most types of soil.

Extended feed products are based on slow-release fertilizers and deliver the right amount of nutrients to the plant for up to 9 months. The granular formula offers the right dosage of slow-release nitrogen for 3 months, while the water-soluble formula and the liquid formula are fast-acting agents that feed your plants every single time you water them.

Ask an Expert

With so many options at hand, most gardeners don’t know exactly which type of Schultz plant food would be better for their plants. If this is your main concern, get the best answer from a skilled landscaper. Find the best one by consulting Seva Call, a free service introduced to connect you with the right professionals in your area at your convenience.

Do You Need Home Landscaping Services?

Friday, January 24th, 2014

Do You Need Home Landscaping Services? - Landscapers

If you’re like most homeowners, you would like your outdoor area to be beautiful, functional, and not so high-maintenance. This may sound like a dream, but this kind of yard exists in many homes, thanks to professional home landscaping services.

Obviously, a spruced-up yard takes a lot of work, not to mention specialized knowledge and training. Knowing which plants would look good together and what features to use in your lawn to make it look cohesive and well designed is not common knowledge. This is where home landscaping services come in.

Types of Home Landscaping Services

Landscape Design: This is how the vision for your outdoor space starts. Whether you’re planning to install a flower garden or a more elaborate landscape, professional landscapers can bring your ideas to the drawing board and come up with a project design.

During this stage, plants to be used in your landscape will be identified based on your property. Local plants are usually preferred because they would require no special maintenance. Features that would make your landscape sustainable would also be considered.

You will receive an architectural rendering of your landscape design, and you will be included in every phase of the review process until final project approval.

Landscape Installation: This incorporates all of the services to be done to carry out a landscape design, which may include:

– Soil preparation and treatment

– Planting

– Stone work (walls, natural stone paving, and ponds)

– Lighting installation

– Irrigation

– Carpentry work

Landscape Maintenance: Quality maintenance and care is crucial to making sure you keep the beauty of your newly landscaped lawn. A wide range of landscape maintenance services are available.

For older landscapes, there are renovation/restoration services to restore the beauty of your landscape. There are also seasonal landscaping services available to get gardens ready for the coming season. Maintenance services can be one-time visits or scheduled weekly for an entire season. Some of the services that fall under this category include:

– Weeding

– Pruning

– Fertilizing

– Mulching

– Edging

– Planting and/or transplanting

Give Your Lawn a Gorgeous Makeover

Hire a professional and reputable landscaper without wasting any time searching for one. Seva Call is your quick link to local landscape professionals who are all pre-screened and qualified to do your landscape project. Speak to us about your service needs now!

Growing Kiwi Fruit Vines

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014

Growing Kiwi Fruit Vines - Landscapers

If you want to profit from the amazing benefits of organic gardening, you could start by cultivating a few vine growing plants in your outdoor space. Kiwi vines are easy to grow and offer you tasty, healthy, nutritious fruits with a unique sweet-and-sour taste. Keep reading to discover a few basic things you should know before growing kiwi fruit vines.

Varieties

There are two varieties of kiwi fruit vines: the Fuzzy Kiwi and the Hardy Kiwi. The latter variety is much-appreciated for its tiny, sweet fruits with soft skin. While the Hardy Kiwi can be cultivated in areas exposed to both sun and shade, the Fuzzy Kiwi requires extensive sun baths to grow properly.

Growing Conditions

Any successful kiwi grower should know that there are two important elements that kiwi fruit vines need in order to develop a solid root system: soil nutrients and plenty of water.

The soil should always be well-drained, and it should contain an elevated amount of organic matter. If you want to put big, juicy organic fruits on your dinner table, remember to add nitrogen fertilizers to the soil in which you are growing kiwi fruit vines.

You also have to water the vines regularly, especially during the hot season. Drought stress is a major threat that should be avoided at all costs. Make sure you grow your kiwi vines in a location with friendly temperatures and offer them year-round protection against powerful winds.

Planting Recommendations

Start by digging the hole where you plan to accommodate the roots of the kiwi plant. Mix the soil with compost and rock phosphate.

If you are dealing with fragile potted plants, make sure to plant them with maximum care to avoid damaging the roots. It is highly recommended to maintain a distance of up to 10 feet between vines.

During the first year, you should water the plant regularly and add mulch to ensure an ideal level of moisture and reduce weeds. Insecticide soap can come in handy, especially if you’ve had insect problems in the past.

Ask an Expert

Growing kiwi fruit vines can be a very rewarding experience, as long as you count on excellent advice ensured by a skilled landscaper. If you don’t know how to take care of your small vegetable garden or if you simply want to rely on an expert option, don’t hesitate to contact the best landscapers who operate in your area.

Find the best ones with help from Seva Call, a free service created to help you get in touch with respectable specialists in a matter of minutes.

Interlocking Teak Deck Tiles

Friday, January 17th, 2014

Interlocking Teak Deck Tiles - Landscapers

A deck or patio allows you to spend great moments outdoors without actually leaving your home. Moreover, they can improve the appeal and value of your house. One of the most accessible ways to create an outdoor space where you can relax together with your family and entertain your guests is to use interlocking teak tiles for your deck.

Here are some reasons why interlocking teak deck tiles are a great option for your yard or garden.

Traditional Timber Decks vs. Interlocking Teak Deck Tiles

Traditional timber decks are more difficult to build and involve a lot of planning and construction materials. Besides timber boards, you will need a lot of fasteners, such as nails and screws.

Also, to install a timber deck, you have to use a sub-frame first, onto which the boards are attached. Needless to say, this outdoor flooring option is not only labor-intensive, but also more expensive.

Unlike conventional decks, interlocking teak deck tiles make your task much easier. You don’t need a carpenter to build your deck if you choose to use them because you can do it yourself. Interlocking tiles are specially designed for quick installation.

They are not only practical, but also allow you to create the patterns you want for your deck. All you need to do is measure your space, choose your design, and begin snapping the tiles in the desired pattern.

Affordability

Another advantage of interlocking teak deck tiles is price. They are less expensive than timber boards, which makes them an affordable option for a limited budget. You can install them on top of pavers or concrete covered areas, without having to worry about deck adherence and stability.

Low Maintenance

Wood board decking generally requires regular maintenance to preserve its qualities. This involves oiling, sanding, and refinishing. With interlocking teak deck tiles, maintenance is minimal, because they are treated with special resins to extend their durability and ensure protection.

Looking for a New Deck?

Need help with your landscaping projects? Seva Call can identify up to three local experts for you, and get you connected with them in minutes. Our service is effective and free.

Building Outdoor Patios

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Building Outdoor Patios - Landscapers

Most homeowners with average DIY skills and lots of spare time on their hands think that building outdoor patios is fairly easy. After all, you don’t have to be an experienced landscaper to attain your goal.

You just have to purchase the best materials, check out some online tutorials, and start pursuing your design ideas. Keep reading to discover a few important elements that you should factor in before giving the green light to your project.

Materials

If you are truly determined to create a unique, beautiful outdoor patio, choose to invest in high-quality materials that are actually suitable for this job. Put stone, gravel, sand, and concrete on your shopping list. Measure the entire area to find out how much material you’ll need to finalize your project.

Design Requirements

Do you want to create a round patio or a rectangular one? What kind of shapes, colors, and design ideas impress you the most? Analyze your design requirements before investing time and money in this assignment.

Timeframe

How many hours per day can you dedicate to this home improvement project? Can you count on dependable helper,s or should you hire a professional landscaper to get the job done in a timely manner?

Costs

How much money can you actually afford to invest in your new outdoor patio? If you have limited financial possibilities, note that a basic concrete patio is always much cheaper than a similar structure made of tile, brick, or stone.

Concrete patios with a simple design will cost you up to $10 per square foot. Outdoor patios made of the same material, displaying a custom design are priced at $10-15 per square foot. High-end concrete patios created while following elaborate design ideas cost over $15 per square foot.

Ask an Expert

Building outdoor patios can be a rewarding experience for many people. If you are not one of those homeowners who likes to put their DIY skills to the test, choose to hire a competent landscaper for this assignment. Find the most reliable one with Seva Call, a free service introduced to help you track the best specialists in your area with just a few clicks.

Colorful Flower Bed Ideas

Friday, January 10th, 2014

Colorful Flower Bed Ideas - Landscapers

As spring approaches, it may be time to begin thinking about how you will landscape all the areas around your home. One place where you can make a great impact is in your garden. Designing and planting a beautiful flowerbed will adorn your home with vibrant smells and colors. Here are some great colorful flower bed ideas that will help get you started!

Neutral Flowers

The best way to begin designing is by learning which colors are considered neutral in gardening. Neutral flower colors are those that can be used with any other color while not changing the effect of what you are trying to achieve.

Some examples of this are white, black, grey, silver, and shades of brown. Neutral colors can tone down other colors in a bed and can be used as a buffer between two plants that would otherwise clash.

Think About Placement and Timing

When designing your bed, consider when flowers will be viewed and in what season. For example, white, while considered a neutral color, is one that glows when viewed early in the morning and at twilight hours. Consider when people will be viewing your plants. If you and your family leave early and get home late, then white plants might make sense in some areas.

Monochromatic Color Schemes

Considered by many to be the easiest color pattern, monochromatic schemes are also highly regarded.  This design is the combination of shades of a single color to create a garden bed. It is a great process for beginners and experts alike in that choosing plants from a single garden family is a simple task to accomplish.

Although it may sound boring, monochromatic color schemes can have great depth and diversity. One great example of a bed that is commonly used are shades of red that include pink and violet.

Work Together!

The real fun of creating your dream garden is to do it with others. Collaborate with landscapers to better design and plant the garden. Contact TalkLocal to bring in top notch talent to help you take your garden to the next level. We will find and connect you with the best landscapers in your area. Contact them today to begin sowing the right seeds!

Plant Cold Resistant Palm Trees in Your Yard

Monday, January 6th, 2014

Plant Cold Resistant Palm Trees in Your Yard - Landscapers

Normally, palm trees are associated with tropical climates, so it comes as a surprise to many that there are cold resistant palm trees which can tolerate even subzero winter temperatures. There are various species of these palm trees which thrive successfully in areas in the north or in states like California, Florida, and Texas.

Here are some cold resistant palm trees you may want to consider for your own lawn, along with their threshold of cold tolerance:

– Windmill Palm Tree (aka Chusan Palm or Chinese Windmill) – cold resistant to 5 degrees

– Mediterranean Fan Palm – cold resistant to 5 to 15 degrees

– Pindo Palm Tree (aka Jelly Palm) – cold resistant to 12 – 15 degrees

– California Fan Palm – cold resistant to 15 degrees

– Canary Islands Date Palm – cold resistant to 15 to 18 degrees

– Texas Sabal Palm Tree – cold resistant to 16 to 18 degrees

– True Date Palm Tree (aka Date Palm or Edible Date Palm) – cold resistant to 18 degrees

– Mexican Fan Palm (aka Washingtonia robusta or Mexican Washingtonia) – cold resistant to 18 degrees

– Sago Palm – cold resistant to 20 degrees

– Queen Palm Tree (aka Cocos Palm) – cold resistant to 20 degrees

Planting and Care of Cold Resistant Palm Trees

The microclimate in your area and the specific conditions of the palm tree to be planted can determine whether the palm will grow successfully. The condition of the palm tree when the cold spell starts, such as its age, hereditary characteristics, height, and general health also play a big role in how well the tree will be able to tolerate the cold weather.

Cold resistant palm trees will fare better if they are planted where shrubs and other trees can shelter them, instead of planting them where they are fully exposed to the harsh winter cold. Ideally, you should choose a warm and sunny location for your cold resistant palm trees. In addition, plant them where they will be shielded from the north and west winter winds.

If you already have these cold resistant palm trees in your yard, you can assist their growth and protect them during a very cold winter by wrapping their trunks. You can also cover small palms with a cardboard box or even a blanket secured by rocks for several days during a cold snap. You can also bury cold resistant palm trees in mulch for protection.

Need a Landscaper?

If you need help planting or caring for cold resistant palm trees, Seva Call can get you the help you need quickly and for free. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll connect you with qualified landscapers in your area. Call us now.

Growing Zones Fruit Trees

Wednesday, January 1st, 2014

Growing Zones Fruit Trees - Landscapers

If you want to plant and grow beautiful, healthy fruit trees offering you an excellent crop on an annual basis, start by consulting a chart displaying growing zones fruit trees.

You should know that fruit trees require different growing conditions and can withstand lower or higher temperatures. When in doubt, consult a landscaper to help you make a smart decision, or just discover accurate information on hardiness zones and find out exactly which types of fruit trees are hardy to the zone that you live in.

Everything You Need to Know about Hardiness Zones

Just like most people who know very little or nothing at all about fruit trees and their growing conditions, you might be wondering: what is a hardiness zone?

Hardiness zones are geographical areas allowing certain kinds of plants to grow properly, tolerating the minimum temperatures recorded in their environment. There are 13 hardiness zones, numbered from 0 to 12. After consulting accurate information on hardiness zones and on types of plants recommended for each and every zone, you will find out whether a particular fruit tree could be planted in your outdoor areas.

However, hardiness zones only take into consideration the fruit trees’ ability to withstand minimal temperatures; they do not factor in other important elements impacting the growth of most plants, like soil conditions, humidity levels, frost periods, and potential cold snaps.

Identifying the Right Fruit Trees for Your Orchard

You may love citrus trees and banana plants, but would they manage to survive in your environment? Hardiness zone 1 is a very inhospitable place on the planet; here, minimal temperatures can reach record values of -50 degrees Fahrenheit, and most people living in this area choose to plant only resistant perennial wooden plants.

You should also know that most varieties of pear and apple trees can tolerate temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit and thus, could easily grow in Zone 4b. On the other hand, plums and sour cherries are less resistant and require friendlier temperatures above -20 degrees Fahrenheit to fruit.

Peach and sweet cherry trees are severely impacted by temperatures below -15 degrees Fahrenheit; therefore, peaches are suitable for Zone 6 and sweet cherries should be planted only in Zone 5.

Ask an Expert

If you don’t want to spend time analyzing the hardiness zone map in order to obtain accurate information on growing zones fruit trees, take the easy way out and get the best answers from a landscaper. Identify the most competent ones by relying on TalkLocal, a free service created to help you find respectable professionals who live and work in your city.

Outdoor Teak Decking

Tuesday, December 24th, 2013

Outdoor Teak Decking - Landscapers

If you’re planning to build a deck in your backyard or refurbish your patio, your first concern, besides price, is probably choosing the right material. Teak is a highly sought out wood when it comes to outdoor decking. Let’s see why, and determine which outdoor teak decking options are available.

Why Should You Go for Teak?

Teak is a great choice for outdoor applications for a number of reasons:

– Durability

– Water Resistance

– Versatility

– Low Maintenance

Teak is a yellowish-brown hardwood with unique properties. It’s extremely durable and resists well to moisture. It also produces its own natural oils, which protect it from wear and tear, keeps insects away, and preserve its finish.

Outdoor Decking Options

Interlocking Teak Tiles

If you decide to install a teak deck, one option is to use interlocking teak tiles. They are easy to assemble and allow you to create various patterns, which can be rearranged or moved to a different area. This method is simple and practical, which is why it is preferred by DIY’ers.

Teak Decking Boards

Another option to build your deck is to use teak boards. They have a distinctive elegance, because they highlight the texture of the wood. Generally, teak boards are installed by nailing them to a wooden floor. It is advisable to choose the pattern for your deck before you purchase the teak boards. You can go with a simple square pattern or a rectangular one, or you can create your own custom design.

Teak boards can be used not only for garden patios, but also to build a deck next to or around your pool. They are water resistant and do not warp or crack when exposed to moisture for a long time.

Whatever option you may choose, you can feel confident that your outdoor teak decking will enhance the appeal of your garden or yard, adding value to your property.

Professional Decking Help

Want to create a unique outdoor space where you can unwind? TalkLocal can connect you with the best landscapers in the area to maximize the potential of your home. Our service is prompt and free.