Author Archive: snows

Installing a Lawn Sprinkler System

There is no doubt about it – you can save a tremendous amount of money by installing a lawn sprinkler system. But it will be a fairly large time investment and require a lot of planning. And it is not a one man job. Sure, one man can get it done, but not without a lot of frustration. It’s nice to have a least one other person in the yard with you to help you to dig trenches, lay connected pipe into them, and to get them adequately covered up. Installing a lawn sprinkler system is a labor intensive project.

The first thing you need to do when installing a lawn sprinkler system is to get your hands on a good set of instructions. With all of the do-it-yourself publications on bookstore shelves and free handouts at places like Home Depot and Lowe’s, you’ll find that there is no shortage of easy step-by-step instructions for this seemingly difficult job.

Once you have the instructions, you’ll want to call your local utility companies and have them come to your property and mark the lines. You don’t want to hit a gas line or break a water pipe. Cable and electric companies also need to be contacted. If you skip this crucial step before installing a lawn sprinkler system, there could be tragic consequences. At the same time you are calling the utilities, make a call to your city’s building inspector to find out about local ordinances and to inquire about the need for a building permit. This requirement varies according to local policy.

Once you have taken care of the red tape and reviewed the instructions for installing a lawn sprinkler system, you’ll want to get a pad of paper and a pencil out so that you can start drawing up your plans. Much like a road map leads you to where you are going, having a written plan will help you to stay on the right path once you are knee-deep in dirt installing a lawn sprinkler system. As you lay your plans, account for all existing landscaping and any that may be added. For example, if you are planning to put in a pond someday, think through where that might be put. You don’t want your water pipes running through that area – it will be too difficult to alter it once they are actually packed into the ground.

The final step of the planning stage is to make a list of the supplies you’ll need and to shop for the best prices. Take your drawings and yard measurements with you when you shop. They will provide everything a salesman needs to give you accurate information.

May 7, 2018 Lawn, Read more >

Shade tree landscaping

One of the biggest challenges in shade tree landscaping is choosing the right shade tree for your location. Shade tree landscaping is an essential part of any well landscaped area. Choosing the right shade tree, though, for that perfect shade tree landscaping project. You want a tree that offers you shade, obviously, but you also want a tree that gives you a focal point for your area. There are four things you should think about when you get ready to start your shade tree landscaping project. Consider the size of the tree. You should also think about the shape of the tree. Moreover, don’t forget to include the site of the tree and the seasonal interest of the tree in your thoughts.

Making the right shade tree landscaping choice begins with a consideration of where you think the tree will be most effective. For many homes, it works best on the west or the south side of the house. For others, though, it works better in a different area. Think about your needs for the tree, and decide where you want it. Your next task in shade tree landscaping is to find a tree that will work with your space. You want a tree that will grow with an upright shape. The creation of an arch can make a huge canopy-like area that will make room for people, children, and play equipment to take refuge in the shade that is offered by your shade tree landscaping project.

Making the right shade tree landscaping choice also must work with your idea of when you want the shade to begin to appear. You must also think about how long the tree should live in your ideal plans. If you want shade sooner, you will want a fast growing tree for your shade tree landscaping. These, though, are not without their drawbacks. The faster your choice for your shade tree landscaping project grows, the weaker the wood is. That makes them susceptible to all sorts of damage including insects and storms. You may have shade sooner with a fast growing tree; you will not, though, have a shade tree that will last as long as your home will. Choosing a shade tree that has a slower rate of growth for your shade tree landscaping project, though, is quite able to live at least one hundred years. Moreover, it is likely not to have the same vulnerability factor that a faster growing tree might.

When you are considering choices for your shade tree landscaping project, you want to think about all of the qualities of the tree. Don’t forget to include things like seasonal features of the tree, texture of the tree, color of the tree, and root systems of the tree. You want something that has both a color and a leaf shape that you like. For example, you don’t want to purchase a tree that has radiant orange colors in the fall if you are looking to accent the orange features of your garden area. Moreover, the leaf shape you choose will change the type of shade you get in your shade tree landscaping project. Larger leaves make a denser shade. Smaller leaves tend to dapple the shade a bit.

Choosing the right tree for your shade tree landscaping project is essential. Consider all of the factors, and you will get the results you are looking for in your shade tree landscaping project.

February 24, 2018 Blog, Read more >