landscaping Archives - RI Landscaper 855RILAWNS

A FEW OF THE PROJECTS WE COMPLETED THIS YEAR (WITH PICS FOR INSPIRATION!)

October 29, 2021 by service@rilawncare.com Leave a Comment

Another season, another reason, for making landscaping memories. We’ve had a busy year with our regular mows and services and we’ve also completed some special projects for customers that have transformed the look of their properties dramatically. Come along while we check out just a few…

Clearing out years of weeds and adding mulch and plants can make your yard visually appealing! Here is a before and after pic of one of our mulch installs. The difference is amazing! The homeowner was very happy with the results and we were thrilled to help with the transformation.

We’ve had multiple customers that have requested one-time mow services when their lawns have become overgrown or while their mowers were being repaired. Here is a picture of one such property. As you can see in the after pic, the lawn is now accessible and free of the snakes that had moved in (yes, snakes!). If you have an area that you’d like cleared, reach out.

The crews did a driveway revamp at a client’s home this year. With some loam, crushed gravel and edging stones they made what was once an ordinary drive into an extraordinary focal point in the landscape. If you need some help with your stone driveway, call us today!

A quick afternoon job we recently completed was stacking some firewood for a lovely customer in Wickford. Do you have some chores that you need a hand with around your property? We can send one of our talented crews out to help you out. Want some plants divided and replanted (now is the time to divide your hostas and other hardy perennials) but don’t know where to begin? We can take care of the job for you.

Here’s another example of how a bit of gardening and mulch can transform your property. We think the results are amazing. What do you think? It’s not too late to book a mulch install. Reach out for your free estimate.

Need your hedges trimmed? Our gardening crew can help!

Fall cleanups start soon! If you haven’t booked your cleanup, it’s not too late. Contact us today and we’ll send an estimate.

Whatever project you have in mind, let 855-RILAWNS help bring your vision to life!

Proper Fall Planting

July 23, 2018 by service@rilawncare.com Leave a Comment

Although it may seem counterintuitive, late summer and early fall are the best times to plant most shrubs and trees. The ground is warm, the air is cooler, and the plants are entering their dormant period and so commit more energy to root development (opposed to foliage/new growth). Planting in the fall will allow your new additions to fully establish themselves before the stress of next summer. Of course, there are still certain steps you must take to ensure best results. If you follow the steps below, then next season you’ll have healthy, established plants.

1. Choosing your plants

Choosing native species is not only environmentally conscious but also more sensible. Native plants are adapted to our climate and will require less watering and time than exotic species. The Audubon Society warns that “landscaping choices have meaningful effects on the populations of birds and the insects they need to survive.” Plants are an important part of our ecosystem and we all benefit when it is healthy. For a helpful list of species native to Rhode Island, check out the Rhode Island Wild Plant Societies website for local resources or the Audubon’s database.

2. Choosing a location

We can’t stress enough the importance of choosing plants appropriate for their location and vice versa. If there is a bush or shrub you absolutely must have, then you will need to find a place in your yard suited to it’s needs. Conversely, if there is an area of your yard that you want to add plantings to, then you must consider the conditions of that area and choose the plant accordingly. We know it is tempting to want a particular plant you love to be in a place you find most appealing, but if that plant isn’t suited for the space (poor drainage, too much sun, too little sun, etc) then it will not thrive and you’ll have wasted precious time and money.

3. Digging the proper hole

Hole depth and size is of utmost importance when planting. Most people dig a hole barely big enough for the root ball which is, unfortunately, a big mistake. A proper hole should be 2-3 times wider than the root ball but not deeper. We recommend planting high, as that is much safer than planting too deep. It is ok to plant the root ball as much as 25% above the surrounding soil level. The soil will settle which will lead to the base of the plant sinking lower than initial positioning. Thus, if you plant it level with surrounding soil, when it settles it will be below grade and will be more likely to succumb to root rot.

4. Inspect the Root Ball

It is extremely important to disturb the root ball before planting. If the roots have been restricted by the pot that it has been in, then it will forever be stunted (or worse) if you do not disturb that pattern of growth. Joe the Gardener says, “Dont worry about hurting the roots or losing soil as you break the roots apart or even cut some away. Better to give them a fresh start than let the constrictive pattern get worse underground.”

5. Don’t fertilize right away!

Do not fertilize you’re new planting until it is well established!! We can not stress this enough. It is important to ensure your soil is healthy, and we do recommend amending with compost, but fertilizing your plant before it’s root system is fully established will put undue stress on it. Give your new plant time to focus its energy on root development rather than new growth.

6. Water, water, water

Lastly, your new planting will require daily watering for at least 1 week, then every other day for a few weeks, gradually reducing how much you provide until winter. It will likely need daily watering again next season until it is thoroughly established. Eventually it will require less, fear not, but to ensure you get to that point, you will need to water frequently for the first year or even two! Your time and effort will pay off. If you can, investing in soaker hoses and timers can make all the difference in assuring your plants get the water they need, even if you’re too busy to do it. Remember, landscaping is a long term investment and the money/time/effort you put in now, pays off for years to come.

How To Pick The Best Pavers For Your Patio

June 30, 2017 by service@rilawncare.com Leave a Comment

Patios make great additions to any house for a multitude of reasons. They make your outdoor space more enjoyable and can provide you with years of enjoyment if designed and installed correctly. Regardless of the reason you might want one, whether it be for relaxation or entertainment, it is very important to create a comfortable outdoor space, especially during the warmer months. Patios increase the usable living space of your home and are multi-functional. They can be used as a space to read, eat, lounge, cook, and to host an array of other activities. Even if you choose not to use it as a dining area or as place to have parties or celebrations for your family and friends, patios are guaranteed to help improve and add to your home’s value and create a fun atmosphere to use whichever bests fits your lifestyle.

A perk of getting a patio installed is the creative aspect of landscaping! Luckily, there is a variety of decorative stones, rocks and gravel that you can choose from that have multiple uses in and around your home. Other than patios, they can be used for mulch, ground cover, driveways and filler around pools! Your home’s curb appeal relies heavily on how your landscaping looks relative to other homes in your neighborhood.

In recent years, pavers have been very popular – the more common styles being clay and stone. Clay pavers will last a lifetime and stone can add an elegant and sophisticated look to your backyard. However, you should know that natural stone, brick and concrete are the three most basic types of paver materials; there are a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from!

Natural Stone

Natural stone is most commonly available, although it is more expensive than the other options. Most stones work as pavers. Flagstone, marble, sandstone, limestone, slate, and granite are often see in patios.

Brick

While brick has been around forever, it remains a popular choice of many homeowners. There are a wide variety of textures available and it is strong and resilient. Be wary when shopping because the word “brick” is sometimes used to describe the shape of the stone, rather than the actual material. For example, you might see “concrete bricks,” however they aren’t technically bricks at all.

Moreover, clay brick pavers have many advantages such as their color retention. They’re colored naturally because they are mixed from various types of clay and retain color better than concrete, especially when exposed to UV rays. Although bricks may chip and crack over time due to traffic and moisture, they last for decades! Clay bricks require minimal maintenance as well because of their resistance to staining. Furthermore, bricks have a timeless, charming look and style to them and are also eco-friendly (which we love!!). A lot times they are salvaged, cleaned and reused, which goes along with our commitment to sustainability.

However, a concern is that they can be 15% to 20% more expensive than concrete and they have limited color choices, as well as shape (usually rectangular in shape and) and size. However, it can be fun setting them in unique patterns and exploring the different finishes available to add character.

Concrete

Most recently concrete products have made a resurgence in both the inside and outside of the home. Concrete comes in many different styles and patterns as well and is durable. They’re made from cement and aggregate that is poured, compressed, and air cured. Some of the positive attributes associated with concrete pavers are that in can mimic stone and that it is inexpensive because the lower cost of raw materials.

Some cons are that the color in Classic concrete pavers can fade quicker than other choices because sun exposure can damage the pigments that are used to dye them. I would recommend Unilock Enduracolor concrete pavers for long-lasting color or use a sealant to help keep the color rich on the Classic pavers. However, be aware of surface erosion as it takes away the smooth finish and exposes more of the aggregate underneath. In addition, pay attention to the quality when purchasing concrete pavers. The durability and strength will vary depending on how the manufacturer makes it and it can be difficult to know what kind of quality you’re paying for at times. For a fun look, check out interlocking concrete pavers! They have tabs and slots so they fit together like puzzle pieces.

The best part about pavers is…

They are almost maintenance free! Feel free to sweep and clean them regularly to enhance their longevity and appearance if you’d like.To clean most pavers, you can make a mix of 10 parts water to one part vinegar and for brick, try using water and a small bit of detergent. Pressure washers can help them clean as well. In addition, to minimize staining, you can also seal some types of pavers.

If you’re unsure which type to go with, remember that you’re not confined to only one! Try mixing materials like brick and concrete together or stone with a rock trim, for a neat, unique look to showcase your personality and style. You always have choices! Picking out pavers for your backyard doesn’t have to be boring.

Fortunately for you, our hardscaping services allow you to install any type of landscape construction, including patios, walkways, pool areas, and many more. To learn more or to request an estimate, click here.

Why Mulch Is Beneficial To Any Landscape

March 29, 2015 by service@rilawncare.com Leave a Comment

Mulch not only adds a finishing touch to your gardening beds and is aesthetically pleasing, but also benefits your landscape in a big way. Although it’s not a mandatory addition to your garden beds, the benefits of a properly mulched garden are definitely worth the effort and cost.

Mulch helps to slow down weed germination and growth by blocking the unwanted plants from the sun. Weeds aren’t just ugly; they actually steal nutrients from your precious plants and can inhibit growth. Mulch helps keep weeds at bay in the garden without hindering the growth of your plants, bulbs or wildflowers.

A nice, thick layer of mulch helps to regulate the growing conditions in your garden. It keeps the soil temperature from becoming too hot or cold, leveling the temperature underneath the mulch. It also helps to hold in soil moisture, keeping your plants from drying out and making you able to water the garden less. Mulch is known to cut water use by 25 to 50 percent in some studies, which makes a big difference – especially if you are trying to conserve water. A nice layer of mulch also helps deter soil erosion, which can be a big problem.

In Rhode Island, mulch is especially helpful because it helps protect your plants from winter cold and keeps them nice and safe underneath the ground. Even young plants will stay healthy and dormant in the winter with a nice layer of mulch. Our organic mulch can also help add nutrition to the garden as it breaks down throughout the season.

Aesthetically, mulch helps add a cohesive look to any landscape and really turns a garden into a formalized landscape. Whether you like red, black or brown mulch, it helps to make your garden look finished throughout the season.

Have trees in your landscape that you’d like to keep healthy? Replace the grass underneath the trees with mulch to help trap in moisture and minimize competition for nutrients. This actually mimics the way trees grow in nature, which will keep your tree healthy and growing strong. When adding mulch underneath trees or shrubs, make sure to leave 6-12” around the base before the mulch starts.

Before applying mulch, we recommend removing all existing weeds and watering your garden thoroughly. This will help give your garden a nice, fresh start before the layer of much is added. We recommend applying mulch 2-4 inches deep in the garden. This allows for enough protection to keep moisture trapped in, soil temperatures steady and weed suppression, but doesn’t take away from your plants’ need for sunlight.

Have questions about mulching or want us to come over and mulch for you? We’re happy to help! Simply send us an email or fill out our contact form on our website.

A Yard is an Ecosystem

May 8, 2014 by service@rilawncare.com Leave a Comment

Did you know your yard is an ecosystem? The lawn and landscape work together to balance each other out, just like the human body. When either the lawn or the landscape are under stress, they become more prone to natural control and disease. This relationship can be seem more than ever after severe weather events. We can see the landscapes changing around us after the hurricane superstorm and two harsh winters. It may seem as though these changes are random, but to a landscaper the patterns are repetitive.

When a shade tree grows for decades on a property, providing shade, moisture and nutrients to a lawn, the lawn adapts to its environment and depends on this shade. Different species of grass that are more acclimated to this environment begin to flourish and slowly take over. The protection that this tree gives to everything beneath it is especially evident in the severe heat of the sumer months. Sometimes a well-defined line of dormancy at the end of the shade line can be clear. Even other times, certain pests like chinch bugs follow this line of shade and attack the more stressed-out grass exposed to heat while the grass in the shade stays untouched.

Consequently, after severe weather events such as a superstorm, one of the things that most affects lawns in the long term is the damage and sometimes removal of these trees that have provided shade for many years. The sudden shock that the lawn goes into causes enough stress that it begins to attract pests to naturally control it. Many homeowners have noticed these effects last season or this season as grubs and other insects have begun to show their signs of damage. If not treated immediately, a lawn will usually have to be renovated and seeded from the start. If you experience damage to a large tree on your property and it either falls or has to be removed, keep an eye out for signs of lawn damage. If you aren’t sure what to do, please give our experts a call.