Annuals or Perennials: What to Plant

Blue and purple hydrangeas in full bloom.Spring is just around the corner; before we know it, all the snow will be melted, and it’ll be time to start tending to the gardens. Take a look around your yard: what are you growing this year? When you head to the nursery, your plant purchasing options come down to two primary categories: annuals or perennials. Today, we’re going to share the things you need to know about each prior to planting.

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4 Ways to Use Your Landscaping to Help Repel Pests

Ladybug on a leaf with holes. Green radish leaf eaten by insects. Pests in the garden that eat the leaves of vegetables. Ladybug in the gardenWhen pest control comes to mind, most immediately picture insecticides, poison bait, or other forms of hazardous chemicals. These methods are most often used after pests have done damage. But there’s a far more efficient and eco-friendly way to control pests, and that’s through yard planning, maintenance, and landscape design. Let’s discuss how you can take advantage of natural preventatives and use landscaping to help repel pests. Continue reading 4 Ways to Use Your Landscaping to Help Repel Pests

Reduce Irrigation Costs and Water Wastage with Xeriscaping

A xeriscape in a side yard making use of stones and native plants to adhere to the warm, dry climate.

With water shortages sweeping across the nation, it’s becoming more and more difficult to provide your exotic plants with the water they need. Fortunately, there are ways you can design a luscious and vibrant landscape without the need for frequent irrigation cycles. The gardening philosophy known as xeriscaping is a great way to achieve a healthy, low-maintenance landscape. Let’s review how you can reduce irrigation costs and water wastage with xeriscaping. Continue reading Reduce Irrigation Costs and Water Wastage with Xeriscaping

4 Ways to Build a Sustainable Landscape

A sustainable landscape with native bushes and flowers and green grassIf you’re looking to lead an eco-friendlier lifestyle, your landscape is a good place to start. A sustainable landscape – one that takes advantage of native plants and erosion control – not only lowers your carbon footprint but contributes some stunning aesthetic to your property. Let’s review how you can build a sustainable landscape and contribute to the fight against climate change. Continue reading 4 Ways to Build a Sustainable Landscape

6 Different Types of Soil and Their Properties: Part Two

A close up of clean soil for cultivation with grass in the background.If you read part one of this blog, you’ve learned by now that soil is much more than just dirt. It provides plants with the vital nutrients and environmental conditions they need to thrive. However, not all soil is the same, and the well-being of your particular plants relies on using the right type. Let’s discuss the other three types of soil and what you can do to nurture a better growing environment for your landscape and garden. Continue reading 6 Different Types of Soil and Their Properties: Part Two

What Month Should You Begin Mowing Your Lawn?

Riding lawn mower cutting grass .While we’re still fighting to get through February, spring is less than a month away, which means we’ll soon need to set aside time for our garden tasks. One task, in particular, you may be looking forward to or dreading is mowing your lawn, but in order to ensure your winter landscape recovery goes according to plan, you have to be careful about when you give your lawn its first clip of the year. Let’s discuss the most appropriate time to begin mowing your lawn. Continue reading What Month Should You Begin Mowing Your Lawn?

Tips for Pruning Trees in Winter

A man pruning an apple tree in winter using hand prunerAlthough every tree has its own set of requirements for optimal growth, most benefit from proactive tree care in winter. During their dormancy in the cold-weather months, pruning can be used to ensure trees experience active growth come springtime. Removing dead or unhealthy branches and encroaching limbs can pave the way for more lively greenery or increase your fruit harvest. However, you must go about maintenance in the right way to achieve success. Let’s review some tips for pruning trees in winter. Continue reading Tips for Pruning Trees in Winter

How to Fix Exposed Tree Roots

Exposed tree roots as a result of erosionNot only can exposed tree roots cut into the aesthetic of your landscape, but they can also be a nightmare for lawnmower blades and hardscapes. Since cutting or pruning these roots can injure or kill the tree, it can be frustrating to find a solution that works best for your property. Fortunately, you have a few options at your disposal. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can fix exposed tree roots. Continue reading How to Fix Exposed Tree Roots

How to Prevent Frost Heave This Fall

Frost heave crack in residential concrete sidewalkIn New England, we’re used to severe temperature swings. As a local resident, you’re likely no stranger to roads, driveways, plants, and structures suffering damage as a result of hard frost. This phenomenon, known as frost heave, often occurs at the end of autumn, and it can spell disaster for your landscape and hardscapes. To avoid the havoc this can cause, let’s review some tips on how to prevent frost heave. Continue reading How to Prevent Frost Heave This Fall

Fall Landscaping: Prepare for Deer Ticks

Now that summer has ended, many might think they no longer have to worry about pesky deer ticks. However, ticks are not just a seasonal concern; they can strike during any season. They’re especially bothersome during the cooler months, as they seek warmth and shelter underneath leaves and other debris. When raking one’s lawn or moving firewood, these ticks can latch onto your skin and clothing, sneakily migrating to an inconspicuous spot on your body and biting you. With their population flourishing in the fall, let’s discuss the keys to prepare for deer ticks. Continue reading Fall Landscaping: Prepare for Deer Ticks