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When to Restore a Tree After a Hurricane

It may not seem possible, but even after a major storm or hurricane with high winds, many trees can actually be restored. As long as the major limbs are still Pool Screen intact, as well as the trunk and roots, and there is no decaying wood, the tree has a high possibility of surviving.

The strong winds that come with a hurricane often cause all the leaves on a tree to be blown off. This is known as defoliation of the canopy. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the tree has been killed. In fact, when the canopy is sabotaged, it’s probably healthy. In this situation all you need to do is sit and wait. When spring arrives the next year, new growth of foliage is likely to appear. Another reason for loss of leaves occurs when trees are flooded with salt water. Deal with this by irrigating the soil around the tree to get rid of any excess salt.

If only small branches are broken or dead, you can usually fix this through some simple pruning. If you prune properly, the tree will have a high chance of recovery.

In trees that are naturally resistant to decay, if only a few major limbs are broken, the tree may be recoverable. A good example of this is live oak. It is a species of tree which is very adept at preventing decay. Even with major branch damage restoration Get more info is typically possible. Of course, the younger the tree, the more likely it can be restored.

In decay resistant trees, major canopy damage doesn’t always pose a problem either. These trees naturally recover well after storms, even with up to 3/4 of their small branches broken or removed.

Smaller trees that are leaning or have fallen are good candidates for recovery. But remember that this is only applicable to trees that were newly planted or with a diameter smaller than 4in. They can be replanted in place or replanted, depending on the situation. For larger trees that you want to recover, contact the professionals.

A small tree, however, shouldn’t be a problem for the homeowner to reestablish without any outside help.

Heres how to replant a small tree:

Keep the roots moist at all times. Make a hole in the ground to accommodate the roots perfectly and get rid of any ragged or damaged roots. Make the tree as straight as you can and then fill it back with soil from the area. Take care of the tree like a newly planted one by watering it thoroughly. Three gallon per inch of trunk diameter three times every week is sufficient. Lastly, stake the tree and adjust the stakes until the tree becomes stable again and can be removed.

Cleaning up tree damage and recovering trees on your property doesnt have to be a major undertaking. Of course, the difficulty and duration of the job will be contingent on the severity of the storm damage, but generally speaking, many trees are able to be restored and reclaimed to their previous glory.

Japanese Gardens Basic Design Questions That Should Be Addressed

Japanese Gardens Basic Design Questions That Should Be Addressed

As westerners, we are often compelled to try to control and plan all design aspects of what we want when constructing something. We attempt to anticipate every aspect to ensure View more that we don’t miss a thing. Although you will still need to plan and sketch out your Japanese garden design, and determine the shape of your landscape and the type of design you want to achieve with your garden, you should be able to “go with the flow” and let it “speak to you” as your garden takes shape. In other words, allow for the possibility of improvisation and new ideas to emerge rather than being rigid in sticking to your original plan.

Before any work begins within the yard itself, a basic garden plan should be drawn up to help you formulate your ideas and the placement of elements. There are several questions you need to address to help with this process:

1) Do you already have an existing garden in the area where you wish to incorporate a Japanese garden style? If so, what type of garden do you have (flower garden, English garden, rustic wildflower garden, etc. )?

2) Will you be able to integrate your current garden into the new Japanese garden plan? What aspects and features will Pool Screen remain and what will have to be moved, replaced or removed entirely?

3) What style of Japanese garden are you most interested in – tea garden, courtyard garden, stroll garden, pond and island garden, Zen rock garden or a combination of two or more? For smaller areas, you’ll likely stick to only one style. For those that have a large landscape, you can have your choice of any of the styles to suit your desires and landscape area.

4) How large is the area of the site that you are considering using? Is it surrounded by natural hills and valleys? Are there any elements, like a stream, that are already present? Take a good visual image of the site you are considering and record all the details on paper. Take measurements as well, so you know the exact area size you will be working with.

5) What elements and features are important to you? For instance, do you would like to incorporate a waterfall, water basin or a rock arrangement? Do you want a small area to feature a Zen garden? Is a stepping-stone pathway that leads to a gate appealing?

6) Will you be building this garden by yourself or will you have help? The dimensions, design and the amount of work required to construct the Japanese garden will impact the answer. Obviously, building a very large stroll garden by yourself would take forever and be impractical.

7) If you plan to use large boulders or plant more mature trees (rather than saplings), how will you get them into your garden? Do you have enough space and access to large machinery to assist in the placing them? Keep in mind boulders and large trees are extremely heavy.

8) Will your garden be formal, semi-formal, or informal (rustic)?

9) Many Japanese gardens are actually built around a theme. Do you have a theme in mind for your garden? One idea for a theme could be a miniaturized version of “The Bridge To Heaven” that is a stone and marble bridge that spans the famed Dragon Beard Ditch in China. This bridge was built over 600 years ago to allow the Ming and Qing Emperors to cross it on their journey towards the Temple of Heaven. Your theme might even revolve around an area or smaller replica of an original famous garden of Japan. Read books and view photographs of existing gardens to get some ideas.

10) What do you want to achieve with your garden? Will it be used primarily to meditate? Do you wish to incorporate the strolling path with new visual delights beyond every curve? Do you desire the energizing sound of water like a waterfall or a fast moving stream? Will it be an area to relax and contemplate the beauty of nature? Understanding the concept behind the garden design is important.

In conclusion, these types of questions should be contemplated carefully and answered thoroughly before you begin to put your design down on paper, otherwise you could end up with a garden that holds Pool Screen no meaning for you or your visitors. A Japanese garden should have a “reason for being.” What are your motives?

Ultimate Deck And Patio Retreat For Easy Living

You can create a stress-free outdoor space that is comfortable, convenient and low-maintenance. It’s much easier than you think. TV home improvement expert Ron Hazelton, a regular correspondent on “Good Morning America” and host of his own syndicated series, “Ron Hazelton’s HouseCalls,” has several easy ideas to create a relaxing, luxurious get-away, right in your own backyard.

Set the Stage

Start with a focal point, such as a patio or deck, saving labor and time with a low-maintenance composite that looks like the real thing.

Made with recycled plastic and reclaimed wood, it protects against splinters, moisture and insect damage.

Decking and railing manufacturers such as Trex Co. offer rich textures, colors and railing designs. Select from real wood grain, a smooth, or a rainforest-like surface with the capability to curve the decking into distinctive designs. For a less costly upgrade you can replace the deck planks made of wood and railings with composite material in the event that the deck’s support is structurally sound. Now the stage is set.

Entertain in Your Hot Tub

Make your backyard one of the most comfortable and relaxing places in your home with the addition of some alfresco entertainment. Need to unwind? Try a therapeutic spa with an inflatable wave lounger that allows you to massage your body in a wavelike movement from head to the toe. Prefer the relaxation that only is experienced when you watch your favorite show? For what many consider the ultimate luxury, ThermoSpas All Weather Entertainment Center features a no-glare, waterproof TV, a built-in stereo with surround sound, a radio/CD/DVD player, a bar top and stools, a minifridge or wine cooler and a cigar humidor.

Effortless Awnings

Motorized website retractable awnings provide an elegant solution for enhancing backyard enjoyment and offer a number of benefits. They are also available in a range of styles and sizes, awnings such as those from SunSetter powered by Somfy motors, are able to make any patio or deck cool and comfortable while increasing the efficiency of your home’s energy use. Awnings provide a protected outdoor living space that’s comfortable and affordable. The awnings can reduce the temperature of decks or patios by up to 20 degrees, protect from harmful UV rays and expand your outdoor living area, all at the push of a button.

Stress-Free Garden Hose

Your gardening and outdoor chores keep you active enough-why deal with the hassle of a tangled, heavy garden hose? One example of a device that makes this job much simpler is powered by water instead of batteries or electricity. ReelSmart is a product from Hydro Industries is a water-powered auto-rewinding hose reel that turns the garden hose around with the flip of the lever. The company has a variety of models with a sink for the outdoor and hose reel combination for watering and potting plants and BBQ food preparation, and pet and car cleaning. There is a number of auto-rewind hose reel styles that will keep your garden hose organized and protected from the sun.

Now you can enjoy the splinter-free, easy-care style of a beautiful composite deck, the relaxing jets of a soothing spa that truly entertains, the sun protection and ease of a motorized awning, and the simplicity of an auto-rewind hose reel.

Preparing To Build Wooden Fences In The Landscape The Easy

Preparing To Build Wooden Fences In The Landscape The Easy Way

While chain link fences are use in some landscapes, most people prefer to make use of wooden fences when building an attractive landscape. This is due to the fact that wood is a rather versatile product that could be made to look a variety of ways. Installing your own wood fence requires time and effort, but it is often worth it since you will have privacy without detracting from the look of your landscape. Even if you don’t construct a high-height fence, a wooden fence around your yard can prevent unwanted animals (like dogs) from entering your yard. But before you begin, there are a few things to know about preparing to build wooden fences.

It is important to know the basic elements of the wooden fence before you get started. These are the components that almost every fence consists of, and are almost all-time essential to construct an attractive and effective fence. You will need posts. These are vertical elements that are placed in the ground. They are elevated above the ground, of course and properly placed posts are essential to keep all of the other Pool Screen Repair Bradenton elements in place. Some posts are higher than the edge of the fence for aesthetic purposes and others are only as high as the fence itself. Another crucial element for support is the rail. Rails act as spanners, connecting the posts. They are parallel to ground and act as horizontal support elements. Almost every fence style makes use of bottom and top rails, and a few utilize middle rails. In the end, panels are essential for the successful fence. Sometimes, the panels are referred to as boards. There are open fence styles that make no use of panels, but panels of latticework or even just straight boards are the main elements that provide privacy.

Next, you should prepare to install your wood fence. If you would like your installation to go smoothly, you should plan and prepare to ensure that everything is in place before you start. It is almost impossible to accomplish a landscaping project without a hitch However, with a little planning ahead, you will be capable of handling things in a relatively smooth way. The first thing to do is check with your local building or zoning authority to find out the height or design limitations. In addition, there is a chance that you’ll require an approval to build before you begin. You also want to ensure that the fence you build will be within the borders of your own property. If you have to conduct an initial survey in order to satisfy the neighbors, then do it as it could save you legal fees in the event that you decide to sue. Another crucial thing is to find out from local utility companies where the underground electric, gas, and power lines are. Also, inquire with the phone and cable companies regarding any underground lines they may have. It can be dangerous to damage such lines, and if you do so, you are responsible for the costs associated with repairing the damage.

Be sure that you have a plan for your fence, based upon the preparation discussed above. Know where you are going to put your posts before you start, and have an idea of how high you would like your fence to be. You should also be aware of how deep your post holes will be. If you’ve planned properly your fence, you’ll be able finish it much more quickly. Also, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools on hand. The tools you need include a posthole auger a shovel and a wheelbarrow (to mix concrete) as well as a hammer, punch, an electric saw an angle, a level, masons line, and a carpenters ‘ square. Many of these tools need not be purchased; it is possible to rent them for a reasonable price (especially the posthole auger, which many people do not own).

Once you have everything in place, you are ready to build a fence. Follow the plan carefully, and try to stay within your budget. When you have everything properly prepared beforehand, you will be amazed at how quickly the work is completed and how beautiful your fence will look as part of your landscaping.

Things You Should Consider When Buying Your First Garden Leaf

Things You Should Consider When Buying Your First Garden Leaf Blower

Want to save yourself some time?

Collecting leaves with the aid of a garden leaf blower is considerably less time-consuming and less back breaking work when compared to using a garden rake or other such tools. The general idea of a leaf blower is simple. A high-speed fan is surrounded by an enclosure. Tubes are then attached to the back of the fan to direct the air current (up to 200 miles per hour in some units) towards the direction in which you want to move the leaves.

What do I need to consider?

First of all consider the size of your garden and your exposure to fallen leaves. Are you blessed with a huge yard? If you have only a small garden and no trees or bushes then you will not need a garden leaf blower, but if you have a large garden and wish to have it looking clean at all times then a garden leaf blower would be a wise investment and a great time saver for you.You will want to bear these factors in mind when you consider the features of the different models.

Garden leaf blowers come in all shapes and sizes depending on their use.

Leaf blowers include both small one-hand models and powerful, professional types which can be carried in a harness on your back.Consider one with a harness particularly if you suffer from back or neck problems, as the harness will take a good deal of the load off your shoulders and arms.

Consider too, the blowing speed and air volume the different models put out, as a high blowing speed would cut down the time needed for the blowing operation. Most garden leaf blowers will have a rating of 350 to 600 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM).

A low vibration level would also be preferable with ergonomic handles and harnesses to help you to work more efficiently with less strain on the hands, arms and shoulders.

Handheld garden leaf blowers can be generally divided into two groups: those that can collect leaves and those that can’t. With a garden leaf blower you can do much more than just move leaves. It can also be used to collect rubbish, grass clippings, hedge clippings, and empty tin cans.

Your choice of garden leaf blower should have an efficient system to minimise vibrations in the parts of the machine that you or the user comes in contact with.

Make a note of the weight of each type of garden leaf blower too, as some blowers can weigh as much as 25lb or 12kg. You’d have to be doing an awful lot of blowing to be needing the 25lb model!

Consider too, a model with the ability to vacuum all you leaves into a bag rather than blowing them all away. Another great time saving feature when it comes to disposing of the leaves. An extra mulching feature is available on some leaf blowers/vacuums. The lawn debris that is mulched can be put in compost piles or bagged for disposal. Most of these convert easily from blowing to vacuuming mode.

Making your choice between an electric or gas-powered unit isn’t always easy! Gas blowers are much more powerful however electric ones are quieter.The engine should be powerful and simple to get started if you choose the gasoline model. Are you in a bustling area that a less noisy operation could be appreciated? Or is your yard massive with lots of trees, making a powerful unit the only real option?

Choose a model within your price range with the https://pool-screen-repair-services-bradenton-ltd.business.site best selection of features. You can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a decent garden leaf blower based on the specifications you pick.

How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard Paradise For Less

How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard Paradise For Less Than $100

Like many Americans, you may find bird watching to be a fascinating hobby. However, at the same time, perhaps you wonder how you can draw regular visitors to your garden without spending a fortune buying expensive feeders, foliage, and food. Here are some tips toward helping you establish a backyard paradise that is certain to welcome birds without draining your wallet.

1. Buy a Birdbath. Prices for birdbaths can Pool Screen run from 10 dollars for the plastic model to several hundred dollars for the sculpted concrete model with lights and a waterfall. Birds are attracted to water, the glitter of sunlight will catch their eyes and bring them flying in. Therefore, the plastic version See details works as well as the expensive one. If you need an upgraded model look into yard sales around your neighborhood for a good used birdbath. Amount budgeted: $10.

2. Consider investing in an Squirrel Proof Birdfeeder. For around 25-30 dollars, you can buy an animal feeder that is squirrel-proof. Squirrels put their little claws on the doors to the feeder, and it will close completely without harming squirrels. Since birds are light they are able to freely get to the feeder, and eat sumptiously. The added cost of the more expensive feeder will be offset by cost savings of the food that will not be consumed and wasted by ravenous squirrels. Amount budgeted: $30.

3. Purchase good seed. Much of the seed out there is filler seed, especially when it’s dirt cheap. If you can, purchase black oil sunflower seed as the number of birds that are attracted to this kind of seed is vast. The majority of home center stores sell bags as large as 50 lbs. Start with a five pound bag and you will only spend about $6 for the first supply of seeds. Amount budgeted: $6.

4. Hang Suet. Suet can be expensive however, if you buy it in bulk it can cost you less than 70 cents for each block. A suet holder should only cost you 2 or 3 dollars. If you can, place the suet at a reasonable distance away from the bird feeder, but far enough that you don’t be able to discern the “traffic” flying from the birdfeeder to the suet and on to the birdbath. Amount budgeted: $12.

5. Provide Cover. If your yard isn’t a barren landscape, you likely already have ample amounts of greenery present. You should have an area for birds to rest, to look around the yard and to avoid cats. Think about moving shubbery around to provide a safe haven for your feathered friends. Amount budgeted: $0 — use your own sweat to move shrubbery, if needed!

Total expenditure to get your birding program in place: $68. Keep the remaining funds to replenish your suet and sunflower seeds in the coming months. Check birding books out at the library for free if you need reading material.

Once you have everything in place, you should be able to attract birds almost immediately. If you live in an area frequented by chickadees, house finches, cardinals nuthatches, goldfinches bluejays, titmice and other birds, they will come and take in sunflower seeds. Wrens, nuthatches and flickers will be common visitors to your suet.

In summation, Pool Screen you can transfer your yard into a backyard paradise filled with the wonders of God’s feathered creations and you will be joining in with the majority of Americans who share a love of this common hobby.

Mower Maintenance for a Perfect Lawn

Growing and maintaining a lush green lawn takes care and the right equipment. The right lawn mover for your lawn and the proper upkeep of the equipment will ensure a neat and even lawn. A good lawn mower should cut the grass and not tear or rip it out.

The first thing to consider when purchasing a lawn mover is your landscape. Do you have a lawn that is on an uphill slope or flat ground? What kind of mower will complete the task with the most effort? Another factor is how easy the mower is to maintain for peak performance.

If you have to cut grass on a slope, the best type of lawn mower is one with high wheels. This will make it much easier to push it up the hill, or move to the bottom of the hill using. The second kind of lawn mower is a cordless or electric mulching lawn mower. The mulching mower is less messy and can mulch your lawn. The third type of lawn mower is called a reel. Reel lawnmowers are environmental friendly, not contributing to pollution and are easy to use.

After deciding on the type of lawn mower to purchase, review the maintenance schedule. A good maintenance program will allow your mower to last for a long time and will give your grass a better cut. Every spring, the different parts of the lawnmower should be cleaned Pool Screen or replaced. Spark plugs must be cleaned or replaced to ensure good firing and nuts and bolts should be inspected and tightened as needed.

The underside decking should be cleaned throughout the season to remove build up of grass and dirt. Cleaning dirt and grass will also help in preventing the spread of diseases through grass. To clean the deck of the lawnmower, you should first empty the gas tank and ensure that the spark plug isn’t connected. You can then put the mower on its back and spray it with water. Then, scrub off the rest of the dirt and grass that is stuck to the mower. Make sure to dry the mower after you’ve cleaned it thoroughly to ensure that none of the parts rust.

Your maintenance should also include checking the oil and air filters. The air filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Before removing the filter to replace, ensure that you know whether it is paper or foam. The grass mower’s oil is used to lubricate the engine. Be sure you read the operating instructions on the type and amount of oil your mower uses.

Another important part of maintenance is sharpening the blades every one or two months, depending on use. Sharp blades ensure a clean cut rather than ripping out the grass. This can be easily done Find out more by removing the blade from the mower and sharpening it using the aid of a file.

When mowing season is over, there are certain steps to properly store your lawn mower for the winter. It is advisable to remove the oil and gas, and clean the exterior.

With consistent and proper care of your lawnmower, you will be able to keep your lawn looking great through the seasons and years, and your mower will last for years too.

Some Of The Most Common Landscape Design Features

If you want to build an attractive landscape, but do not where to begin, there are plenty of common landscape design ideas and features available for you to gain inspiration. You can apply the ideas yourself or add a little variation to make the design your individual. There are any number of conventional landscape ideas that can help you get started on your own projects and provide inspiration for future projects.

Some of the most common landscape design features are decks and patios. They can be professionally installed or built yourself. Decks and patios can provide an abundance of pleasure on a variety of levels in the use of space in design of landscapes. You can check us out use decks and patios for family gatherings or to host parties. They can also be used to great effect as places to relax and unwind. While a square-shaped form is the most popular of these features for landscapes but you can also find them in various shapes, depending on your preferences and requirements. However, if you care for your landscape yourself, the square is very convenient for other activities, such as mowing and trimming the lawn.

Rock gardens are features that are rising in popularity as well. These landscaping features can offer a great deal of attractiveness but they also require smaller plants. The landscapes that have rock gardens need less water and less attention. Furthermore the plants that typically accompany rock gardens are typically more durable and require a bit less care. These are easy to take care of and can save you money. Additionally, it is possible to build your own rock garden in the landscape, saving you even more money.

English cottage gardens are known for their lack of formality. There’s no formality to their designs, and since they are allowed to grow, they require less care than other types of gardens. They are popular gardens due to the fact that they are a source of charm. They are most common in backyard landscaping, especially for those who want to enjoy the garden and exhibit an informal style while entertaining. The United States, of course the lawn is the most prominent feature of a landscape particularly in front. However, an English garden in a cottage can be very fine due its abundance of flowers. The most common landscaping features of this sort include rose bushes, perennials, and vines. Sometimes they are even allowed to cross paths. Because perennials are so used, they grow back every year, without much effort.

An increasing trend in landscape design is incorporating elements of the Japanese garden. Of course, in Western circles, a lot of the times this is understood to mean showy flowers. These beautiful flowers draw attention, and often times landscapes are centered around these flowers. They can be a challenge to take care of since they are typically non-native. They can also be costly. However, a few people are turning their backyard gardens into ones that are more in line with traditional Japanese garden principles of simplicity with more foliage and design structures. These types of gardens are less expensive and can be equally attractive.

And, of course, the most common landscape feature is the lawn. This is because the lawn can be used as a platform for activities for the family. In addition it is easy to care for. It is mowed by machines that are relatively easy to use, and can be fertilized and watered fairly cost-effectively, provided one does it properly and with a bit of common sense. Different people are able to do different things with their lawns, and it is becoming more popular to put a small flowerbed in the center of the lawn to provide decorative purposes. Having trees on the lawn is also another popular way to adorn the lawn and make it more inviting and attractive.

Creating a beautiful landscape is a matter of enjoyment for many people. However, many of them are unsure of where to begin and know what is possible. If you’re unsure about where to begin or what to do, experimenting with a tried and tested landscaping feature will assist you in your endeavors to beautify the home environment.

What Is Landscape Architecture?

Many times I have been asked what is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer. Hopefully the following will answer this question.

The American Society of Landscape Architects, ASLA, provides the following:

“Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environments. Landscape architectural projects encompass the design of public parks, site planning for residential and commercial properties as well as land reclamation, urban and community design, as well as historic preservation. Examples of landscape architecture are Central Park in New York City, TRWs headquarters outside Cleveland as well as the Emerald Necklace of green spaces and parks in Boston Sursum Cordan Affordable Housing, Washington, D.C., preservation of Yosemite Park and Niagara Falls and the rehabilitation of Fresh Kills in New York. Landscape architects have advanced education, professional training, specialized skills, and are licensed in 47 states.”

What is the difference between a Landscape Designer and a Landscape Architect?

The national professional association is the American Society of Landscape Architects, based in Washington. ASLA full members have graduated from an accredited landscape architecture course, have 7 years of education and/or professional experience, and are licensed by the state. In Michigan, as well as all other States, a three (3) day LARE examination administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards is required to be passed for state licensure.

Landscape designers do not have these professional credentials. Many state and local governments require designs to be stamped with a state registered Landscape Architect’s seal.

What can I expect the landscape architectural design process to be?

Various architects may have different approaches, yet all are aimed at the same result. Be sure to be comfortable with the steps that the Landscape Architect has defined. A typical process includes:

Pre-planning – As the client, you discuss your desires with the architect and provide background, priorities, and any basic design guidelines. Together, you’ll determine the overall scope and timeline. The result will be a budget proposal and a statement of works. The landscape architect will then prepare a contract for you to sign.

Project Planning – Further preliminary details are developed with you about the site and its function and usage. The site is analyzed and the Landscape Architect creates a list of development priorities, which you’ll approve.

Preliminary Design – A review of the site, usage requirements, and environmental conditions are undertaken to create preliminary drawings. The Landscape Architect will show your design and presentation drawings that show the overall concept. Initial construction cost estimates are provided, which you review and approve.

Final design – Further detail is added to the concept. Materials are selected and the initial construction documents are prepared. Where necessary, cost estimates are revised.

Documentation – Additional detailed specifications and drawings are developed and provided to you for approval. The Landscape Architect may give you construction documents to assist you in soliciting bids from contractors and may help you review bids.

Installation – Depending on your contract, the Landscape Architect may play an active role in representing you in your interaction with the contractor and provide on-site supervision. At the close of the project, the pool-screen-repair-services-bradenton-ltd.business.site Landscape Architect will make a final inspection.

How do I find a good landscape contractor?

If you’re going to need referrals to contractors and other service providers as part of your project, ask the Landscape Architect about these people. They will typically have an array of competent people in the industry for you to contact.

What’s included in the landscape architecture contract?

Any reputable Landscape Architect will provide a written contract before beginning a project. This agreement will specify in detail the exact work to be done, the work schedule, the amount and payment terms of the landscape architect’s fees, and the responsibilities of each party to the contract.

As a registered landscape architect in the State of Michigan and principle architect with Sexton Ennett Design, LC, a landscape architectural firm in southeast Michigan, I am particularly aware of the professional responsibilities related to landscape design.

If there are nay questions please feel free to contact the ASLA or me.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas

No matter where you live, theres nothing better than relaxing outdoors on a warm summer night watching your backyard landscaping ideas come to life.

Unfortunately, re-landscaping your entire backyard during the course of one growing season can be back breaking, expensive and requires major planning.

Heres a simple solution: Break up your backyard into rooms and remodel one room each year. This is especially beneficial if youre on a budget. Youre results will be much better if you spend the most time and money as you can on a single project, instead of trying to redesign your entire backyard at once in the same amount of money.

Although youre landscaping only one section of the yard at a time, you still need an overall plan. With graph paper, sketch out the permanent structures on your property including the house, out buildings and decks, as well as trees.

This is also a good time to consider which existing plants and shrubs wont be a part of the new landscape.

Make copies of your sketch and experiment with different designs. Incorporate ideas you like from magazines or gardens youve visited.

If you host frequent cook outs youll probably want to keep the yard open and plant along the borders. If you dont need to use the space, you can create real drama by incorporating an island bed with walkways, solar lighting and cutouts that provide comfortable furniture to relax on.

Here are some ideas youll dig:

Screening with Plants

If your yard doesnt have a fence, you might want to consider planting a row of hawthorn, juniper, arborvitae, or a combination of these bushes to create privacy and provide a backdrop for future flower beds. A strategically place evergreen screen will also provide a windbreak from winter winds and drifting snow.

Planning a Border Flower Bed

The hardest part of designing a border is choosing flowers that complement each other both in color and height. The list of perennials I suggest below is for a six feet wide garden in a predominantly sunny location. Wide, in this case, means outward from the plant screen or fence, not the length of the bed.

Use 3 or 5 plants for each kind of flower and allow 1618 between each plant. Allow 2022 between the different plant groups. Planting odd numbers of plants is more visually appealing than an even number.

Allow sufficient space at the rear of the bed for access. This will also prevent choking off necessary air and light from the plants in back.

These are my suggestions for a perennial border. They were chosen to give a long display, with the first flowers appearing in April and the last in October.

Tall plants for the back row: SEDUM Autumn Joy; RUDBECKIA Goldsturm; PHLOX White; IRIS light blue or yellow; VERONICA Blue; SOLIDAGO Golden Shower; and HOSTA fortunei Picta.

Shorter plants for the front row: GERANIUM grandiflorum; POTENTILLA Firedance; HUECHERA Pink; ASTER Dwarf Blue; SEDUM Dragons Blood; ACHILLEA Moonshine; and ERIGERON Prosperity.

Obviously, these plants wont be the best choice for every climate. A great book to help you choose plants native to the climate of your area is The Comfortable Garden. Its also an excellent reference for beginning gardeners.

Island Bed

An island bed, as the name implies, is planted in the middle of the yard surrounded by a sea of grass. It may vary in more info here shape and size based on your imagination and space. Scale the plants from tallest in the middle to the smallest at the edges.

Preplanned Gardens

I understand all of this Latin mumbo jumbo can be daunting for first time gardeners, it was for me. If you’re looking for an easy solution, Direct Gardening offers a wide selection of preplanned gardens that are designed to take the guess work out of choosing plants and installation.

Water Feature

Imagine the reflective beauty of a pond or the gentle splashing of a man made waterfall. What about a 100-foot high waterslide? Maybe next year.

Do Your Yard a Favor

Before you buy any vegetation, visit a real garden center for advice on drainage and soil preparation. Also, bring a copy of your plan; a soil sample and an extra credit card just in case you cant wait for a long time to make your backyard landscaping ideas come true.