A great landscape shows off your house from the street and catches the eye of passersby. It also increases your property value.
Landscapes are natural coolants, producing oxygen and capturing dust, smoke particles and other pollutants (a single tree can produce enough oxygen for a family of four). Landscapes provide a place to relax and play. Contact Landscaping Greensboro NC for professional help.
An effective irrigation system takes the work out of lawn care by providing your plants with an automated, consistent supply of water. This means less time spent irrigating by hand and more attention can be paid to other elements of your landscaping design.
There are many types of irrigation systems, and the right one can make all the difference in your landscape’s health and appearance. Whether you choose an overhead sprinkler system or a drip irrigation system, your landscape will benefit from regular maintenance to ensure that the water is reaching the roots and not just the surface.
Surface Irrigation
The most common type of irrigation is surface irrigation, which uses sprinklers to flood the top of the soil, allowing it to leach down through the grass and shrubs to provide hydration to the roots. This is an efficient option for lawns and some ornamental plantings, but not for shrubs or trees because the water does not penetrate deep enough to reach their roots.
Water is a precious resource, and it’s essential that we use it wisely. Advanced irrigation technology can help reduce waste and conserve this valuable resource by monitoring and adjusting the flow rate of each sprinkler head or emitter. New technologies are also able to monitor weather conditions to adjust the watering schedule accordingly, so that your landscape is only getting the amount of water it needs and not more.
An experienced professional can help you weigh your options and create an irrigation system that will meet the unique needs of your landscaping design. Your landscape is an investment in your home, and it will add value to your property if it’s well-maintained and healthy.
Water Features
Water features add a sense of movement, beauty, and elegance to landscaping designs. They can transform gardens and backyards into tranquil retreats, promoting relaxation and overall well-being. There are endless water feature options to suit any style, space, and budget, from small tabletop fountains to elaborate natural ponds. With the help of a professional landscape designer, homeowners can achieve a beautiful and unique water feature that compliments their property’s overall design.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, water features promote environmental health by regulating temperature and humidity, supporting plant growth and wildlife habitats, and reducing urban heat island effects in built-up areas. Water features also provide natural oxygen through evaporation, aeration, and photosynthesis. This helps maintain water quality, reduce algae blooms, and mitigate pollution runoff, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
With the right planning and regular maintenance, water features can remain a stunning focal point in a garden for years to come. Proper water feature maintenance includes cleaning, debris removal, and chemical treatment to prevent algae buildup and keep water clean and clear. It also includes monitoring and adjusting water flow to maintain proper levels, prevent overflowing, and protect the integrity of the surrounding plantings.
Water features are a desirable element that adds resale value to homes. Whether it’s a small garden fountain, large water wall, or koi pond, these outdoor features enhance the aesthetic of the landscape and create a peaceful oasis for homeowners to relax in.
Perennials
Perennials are a great way to add color and texture to your garden. They often require less maintenance than annuals and grow in a more natural way, providing habitat for birds and pollinators. However, it’s important to choose perennials that thrive in your climate and soil type. Otherwise, they may eventually become overabundant and choke out other plants. It’s also a good idea to consider your garden style when selecting perennials. For example, pastel colors are the signature of a cottage garden, while brighter hues are common in more modern gardens.
Before planting, be sure to test the soil to determine its pH and moisture levels. You can purchase a simple soil testing kit or send a sample to your state’s Cooperative Extension Service. The results will help you choose the best perennials for your area.
When planting, prepare the ground thoroughly by amending it with plenty of well-rotted organic material and removing any large stones or weeds. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the rootball of the plant and gently unwind any roots that have spiralled around the pot. Put the plant in, and backfill with the amended soil, firming it to remove air pockets. Add a 2-inch layer of mulch to hold in moisture and suppress weeds.
Some perennials need to be deadheaded as soon as the flowers fade, and others need occasional pruning or staking. Others benefit from a light application of fertilizer in spring. Most need to be divided after a few years, although not all do. Some need regular weeding to keep them looking tidy, while others are drought-tolerant. Many need to be watered shallowly and frequently for the first month after planting, while they are establishing their roots, then less frequently as they get established.
Shrubs
Shrubs provide structure and a sense of permanence to your yard, adding year-round color with flowering plants or colorful foliage. Many shrubs also attract wildlife. For example, holly shrubs add four-season interest with dark green leaves and bright red berries. Evergreen shrubs like holly, juniper, and pine offer winter shelter for birds.
Shrubs are versatile landscaping plants, ranging in size and growing in numerous landscape styles and climates. They can provide foundation plantings, mixed borders, mass plantings, and hedging or serve as a focal point. They can also act as screening and help control erosion.
Deciduous and evergreen shrubs are essential in most landscapes, providing a sense of permanence. They are the backbone of your landscape and, when well-placed, can draw attention to a particular architectural detail of your home or frame a view of your front porch.
When choosing a shrub, consider its mature height and width. This will help you plan your space. It’s important to remember that a shrub will grow and spread, often by sending out suckers. If you have limited space, it may be best to select a smaller species that will remain compact once established.
The best shrubs are easy to maintain, requiring only occasional pruning for shape. If your shrubs are prone to disease or pests, or aren’t performing well, it’s best to replace them with another variety.
Trees
Trees add height, depth and structure to the landscape and offer a variety of visual effects including foliage color and form. They also provide shade, reduce noise pollution and lower energy bills, and increase property value.
Landscape trees play a vital role in the ecosystem and help to minimize flooding and soil erosion. They soak up rain water and help with the retention of moisture, decreasing the need for irrigation. They also serve as important habitat and food for wildlife.
Specimen trees are great for creating focal points in your landscape. They offer showy flowers, berries and fruit, or bark. Some even provide a beautiful show in the fall.
When a landscape is designed with the right trees, they can create a sense of privacy that will block unattractive views such as utility boxes, neighboring homes, or busy roads. The taller trunks and dense canopies of some tree species are effective in screening unsightly features without the need for costly fencing.
Choosing the right trees for your landscape depends on several factors, including their mature size, light and water needs, and growth habits. A landscaping professional can help you choose the best landscape tree for your yard based on these criteria, as well as the desired function of the plant and its future appearance.
When possible, we choose native and climate-adapted species of trees for our landscapes. These plants are better adapted to the environment, require less water and maintenance, and support local wildlife. They are also less expensive than non-native species. Some examples include: blue point juniper (Juniperus communis), with pretty blue-green foliage, and the Frans Fontaine hornbeam, which has an upright and narrow habit and is covered with dangling red berries in the summer and silvery brown to dark mauve leaves in the winter.