Know the Chainsaw, Then Put It to Work

Know the Chainsaw, Then Put It to Work

The new owner of a chainsaw should read the instruction manual that came with the product. The manual tells how to mix the fuel, how to mount the guide bar and chain and how to start it. Some models have a guard for hand holding the saw that also operates a chain brake. This is a safety feature that promptly stops the chain from running when that mechanism is tripped. The operator should be able to shut off the saw instinctively without looking or feeling for the switch. A good idea is to practice shutting it off without looking at the switch. Do this several times until it is a natural thing to do.

Electric-powered chainsaws are best used around a home where storms break off tree branches and often knock over trees, as they are much lighter to handle than a gas powered saw. Also, besides the weight, the pull start is quite difficult to manage for some people. In clearing away debris, it is best to use a folding hand saw for cutting off small branches and it clears the area for visibility when the saw is in use on the larger pieces.

Pruning limbs of standing trees with a chainsaw is best done if the pruner stands on the side of the trunk, away from the limb being pruned. The first cut should be made on the underside of the larger limbs, six inches away from the trunk. Complete the cut on the topside, a little way out on the limb. This will stop the stripping of bark from the tree, especially in the springtime, as that is when the bark begins to grow. Lastly, cut the short stub close to the trunk.

When the use of the chainsaw is mastered, put this machinery to work. It will help to clear lots, remove storm damage, create firewood and allow the building of structures for home, work and play.…

Garden Enhancing Techniques

Garden Enhancing Techniques

Use unique looking plants to enhance the look:

You have to fulfill your desire of growing plants in small spaces are huge acres of land are available to a very few only. Rugged mountain landscapes can help in recreating images in small garden spaces. With the availability of unique looking different types of plants you can enhance the look of the garden. An efficient looking rock garden will also allow you to grow the kinds of plants you desire.

Rock garden landscaping is one great idea as this has a kind of an informality best suited for the modern age. To have a rock water features you can add a waterfall, water pools, rock plants etc. which can be placed along with the other garden features.

You can do intensive gardening in small areas too:

As far as water pools are concerned you can make them of concrete. You can also get ready made water pools made of plastic and fiber glass which can be masked with stone and plants. It is an easy job looking after a rock garden. You can fulfill your desire of growing different type of plants in all the space you have in the garden. It is not necessary to have huge spaces to carry out intensive gardening.

You can make space for both tender plants like honeysuckles, and camellias and at the same time grow some decorative plants in the garden depending on your choice. If there is a manhole in the garden you can make use of plants to cover it.

Prostrate conifers help in blanketing the iron work in the garden. Covering up certain areas of the garden with shrubs etc. not only provide shade but also help in masking areas like drain pipes etc. which one does not like to see in a well groomed garden.…

What Makes a Landscaping Project Great?

What Makes a Landscaping Project Great?

When entering the world of landscape design, we must approach this task with positivity. Embarking on a new landscaping project is a great way to explore your artistic and creative side, while also adding value to your home. The proper use of plants, trees, shrubs and flowers can draw attention to your property and accentuate parts of your home’s architecture and landscape. By hiring a reputable and experienced landscape company, you can definitely benefit from the expertise they provide and you can also be assured that your landscape can be maintained and is appropriate for your wants and needs.

The first step in starting a landscape project is figuring out your budget. You want to make sure that you can afford the costs of the project itself and you also want to factor in costs of future maintenance. You may find it easier to go ahead and contract your landscaping company to handle maintaining your new landscape, as you will always be assured that your property will look healthy and green throughout the year. When going over the financial obligations, make sure you always keep in mind that a well-groomed landscape actually adds value to your home. If you are planning on ever selling your home, then a manicured lawn and garden is a definite bonus and will show great pride of ownership and will also add significant curb appeal to your property.

Another great element to a landscaping project is that you can choose to add functionality to your home. This can be in the form of outdoor living areas, such as courtyards, walkways, arbors or a gazebo.

Experienced landscape companies will have landscape construction knowledge and can help you design such areas. Outdoor living areas can enhance your quality of life by allowing you to spend time with friends and family outside your home as well as inside, and will come in handy when having social gatherings or parties. Proper lighting and flora can add to this experience to give you a tranquil environment to relax in.

Landscape design is considered an art and should always be approached in this way. A great landscaping company can save you money and time by helping you learn what plants, flowers and trees will thrive in your location and how to properly take care of your landscaping to keep it healthy. Your landscape contractor can also introduce you to new ideas and techniques that you may not have thought of on your own – making a landscaping project enjoyable and educational as well.…

Landscaping With Roses

Landscaping With Roses

When landscaping with roses, the key to a pretty yard design is the right touch of roses. Selecting the right class of rose will give you the design effect that you desire. Some roses are not good for landscaping because they are in a distinctive class. Landscaping with roses require planning. Because of the time of the year they are planted versus the time they start to blossom, you will need to plan for a spring garden of landscaping roses the winter before. You can plan a lay out and decide what it is you would like the roses to bring to your yard to best know how to use them in your landscaping. Roses can provide a beautiful ground cover, or a dramatic back drop for the home. Tree climbing roses can be made to grow up over a trellis or enhance a wall.

Some roses are harder to grow than others and will take some time. Invest that time to research the varieties that are more likely to survive in your climate and area. If you do not have the time to invest in growing the roses, there are easier varieties to grow that are more hardy. Roses play a major role when included in landscaping so they need to be in the best location to get the sunlight they require. They will need to be cared for properly through pruning and watering to maintain their health. Pests and diseases thrive on roses, and these problems can be prevented before you even plant the roses in the ground.

Climate is another thing to consider. In climates that are warmer, the color of the roses planted determines how successful it will be in the landscaping. The darker roses are more vulnerable to heat stress than the lighter ones are. In high heat climate areas the light pink, white and yellow roses will have a better chance of survival. If it is humid, the roses will not open all the way. They will start to ball up and only display brown edged petals. A gardener will want to know the agricultural zone to assist in the right selection of roses for a landscape. Some roses are supposed to be in cooler climates and will need to be planted in cooler garden conditions. Roses for the hot climate will die or freeze during the cold winter. There should be a zone chart at the local nursery that will assist you in the correct zone ratings. Roses can be planted out of zone but they will need extra care to survive.

Planning a garden is fun and exciting when you get to watch your plants grow. Roses are versatile plants but to get the most out of them, you will need to learn the proper care and maintenance you will need to provide for them. Fortunately landscaping with roses is not a hard task. Following the correct procedures will have you blooming perfect roses in no time, and leave you with a beautiful landscape.…

6 Things to Consider Before Hiring Landscapers

6 Things to Consider Before Hiring Landscapers

Millions of people around the world love to garden and always try to create a beautiful space to enjoy all year long around their home. While most of them enjoy putting together a new garden each year, there are others who would like to invest into their land and create a functional and creative space that can last through the years. The latter can become very time consuming and cost a lot of money if done improperly, which is why many choose to hire professional landscapers to offer their own professional advice, take care of the work that needs to be done to achieve the job and design according to the customer’s specifications and needs.

Before looking through a list of all of the landscapers in your area, there are a few things that you should consider in order to choose the best company for the job. It’s certainly not a quick cheap job that you want, but an important investment done by professionals.

Reputation

First and foremost ask around to see if anyone knows of a good landscaping company or individual contractor. Word of mouth advertising and a good reputation is usually a very good start for a great landscaper. If you find a few companies who advertise in the area, always check their reviews from previous clients by doing a quick search online or with others that may have ties in the business.

License and Credentials

Always check their license and credentials to make sure they really know what they’re talking about. This is especially important to give you the peace of mind knowing professionally trained staff is taking care of your investment and not ripping you off.

Since many people have big landscaping jobs done for their homes, there will be a lot of work that could potentially go wrong or cause a disaster with power and sewage lines if left in inexperienced hands.

Professionalism

When you take the time to talk with some potential landscapers, make a note about their professionalism. Do they take the time to explain everything or try to hurry through with a contract?

Ask a lot of questions and voice any concerns that you may have to see how they respond to them. If they are courteous and informative, rather than pushy or defensive, it will give you a good idea with how their business is run.

Portfolio

Ask landscapers for their portfolio. Every professional landscaping company will have a portfolio of previously done work to show prospective clients what they are capable of doing. This is always a great way to find out if they have the design sense and style that you would like for your property. Even if you don’t have any ideas about the style you would like, looking through their work and asking for their professional advice can certainly help a lot.

If they are new in the business or do not have samples of their work, it’s better to keep looking for someone else who will be able to take care of your investment.

Insurance

One of the most important things to look for when you’re in the final deciding stages of choosing someone from your list of landscapers, is to look out for companies that are not under something like a business liability insurance or have staff who are not under a worker’s compensation insurance policy.

Insurance is very important for your protection to make sure you are not liable if the company damages something or a worker is injured on your property.

Cost

Finally, ask for an estimate on the work that you would like done on your property. Research the type of work you would like along with a list of other landscaping companies and their prices. This is the best way to get the most competitive price and more for your investment.…

Rubber Mulch for Sustainable Landscapes

Rubber Mulch for Sustainable Landscapes

As environmental awareness increases, more and more programs are being developed to help decrease man’s carbon footprint. Landscapes and gardens have been included in the list as well. One great way of maintaining more sustainable yard or property landscapes is by using rubber mulch. Here are some ways rubber mulch does its part in upholding a future for the coming generations.

Long-lasting Recycled Material

The more rubber mulch we use, the less landfill we have. Rubber mulch comes from old and scrapped tires. It decomposes very slowly and does not fade in color. It lasts longer than other organic mulch products and doesn’t need to be replaced often. This is where the savings come in, since most mulch requires a lot of tending and replacement.

Ground Water Advocate

Rubber mulch is made of permeable material and does not hold water. Rain water, for example, would simply seep downwards. With the proper collection systems installed underneath, the rain will reach ground water instead of just storm drains. This will recharge the ground water, which tends to be neglected due to the existing waterway systems and cement foundations that we have in place.

Weatherproof Crumbs

Since water doesn’t stay on the surface, fields made of rubber mulch do not get muddy. They also do not gather dust. The pieces are heavy enough not get carried by the wind as well. Storm waters don’t stay on the surface either, making it an effective deterrent against floods and river overflows.

Shock Absorbent Matter

The leading reason why rubber mulch is used in athletic fields, playgrounds and horse arenas is its ability to absorb falls. Runners bounce more and feel less stress on each footfall. Parents relax more and worry less about scraped knees or broken bones. Horses run faster as their hooves feel less strain.

Temperature Regulator

Rubber is a good insulator. As mulch, it helps the soil moderate heat. This is especially true of darker colored mulch that absorbs more heat. Be careful in areas notorious for forest fires, though, as this material can accelerate the fire as well as wood chips and hay can.

The use of rubber mulch is one more way of doing your part in saving the environment. Its use can also make the landscape more attractive with the variety of colors that it comes in. Just make sure the vibrant color doesn’t overpower the rest of your lawn, garden or overall landscape.…

Landscape Edging Ideas – Professional Landscaping Software

Landscape Edging Ideas – Professional Landscaping Software

Landscaping Ideas and Software for Your Garden

The garden of the house reflects homeowner’s personality thus a refreshing garden with stunning design landscape will make them the most unique, admired and talked-about in their neighborhood. Likewise, landscaping your own beautiful garden could be the most rewarding and enjoyable thing you’ll ever do.

Flower gardens, eye catching landscapes and outdoor areas that please the senses and offer a wonderful escape from the daily pressures of life can be enhanced. How? To enhance your garden, landscape designs should follow certain principles and rules to meet your desire. Landscape design must include walls, sitting areas, focal points, ornaments, paths and right plants themselves. Innovation in keeping the garden stylish and how to use the whole landscape are the keys. Today landscapes have changed into extraordinary feats and all in new level.

Whether you desire to create either as small or large scale landscape design you must take the time to plan ahead since this is the starting point to obtain a successfully landscaped yard you’ve always wanted. It should incorporate artistic elements with principles of designs such as uniqueness, balance, transition, proportion, rhythm, repetition and simplicity. Proper planning, analysis and exploiting landscape ideas such as landscape edging ideas and landscaping ideas for slopes lead into functional, harmonious and aesthetically pleasant outdoor living area.

Landscape planning deals with conceptual, scientific and design approaches that emphasize ecological understanding and multi-disciplinary approach to analysis, planning and design. Landscaping ideas should be embraced in landscaping plan as this is a combination of art and science synchronizes aesthetically for better outcomes.

However, Landscaping may encounter problems particularly in houses above street levels such as slopes. Hence landscaping ideas for slope should be employ to get a solution. These ideas suggest using simple cost-effective solutions like ground covers, terracing regarding and retaining walls. Dealing with backyard landscapes, landscape edging ideas plays a vital role. Its purpose is to make a well define line between bed and lawns, and keeps the turf grass, from invading the buds, plus it keeps soil and mulch from spilling over into the lawn.

With so many different types of decorative edging available and looking for the right landscape edging materials is not simple; therefore it would be great if you will use the landscaping software that gives you perfect visual images for your garden. Professional landscaping software is user friendly featuring the architectural graphic symbols. These architectural symbols may include trees and shrubs, outdoor furniture, people, playground sets, vehicles, swimming pools and variety of shapes, materials and colors and many other landscaping decorations. In fact a lot of home owners and garden users use these. It can save your time, money as well as unnecessary work in the long run.

Landscaping ideas either for the slopes or backyards of the garden possess different components of arts and principles. A landscaping architect could help you to implement these best landscaping ideas efficiently to accomplish a great finishing look to your garden effectively.…

Add a Wood Pergola to Your Landscape!

Add a Wood Pergola to Your Landscape!

1. Locate. Set The Posts. Once you’ve found the perfect location for your new pergola, you will need to locate and place four posts. You can pick up a post-hole digger at a reasonable price at your local hardware store, or you can make the job easier with an auger. You will want to dig your holes 12″ wide and about 2′ deep. Add some loose rock or gravel to the bottom of each hole for proper drainage. Place your 4×4 posts into each hole, making sure they are completely level all around. Pick up several bags of QuikreteA�, mix with water, and set the posts according to the instructions.

2. Attach Joist Beams. Use 2×10 lumber for your joist beams and cut them to Cut joist beams from 2×10 boards and bridge them across the set posts. You can get creative with the ends of the joist beams by using a jigsaw to cut a decorative pattern in the beam ends. Use your imagination. Clamp the beams in place while you drill out the holes in the joist beams and posts. Finally, attach the beams to the posts with 3″ lag bolts.

3. Cut And Attach The Stringers. Use 2×6 boards to span the posts and overhang the joist beams. Again, you can get creative here by using a jigsaw for a decorative cut and look. Stringers should be evenly spaced with 3″ deck screws (galvanized).

A pergola provides an attractive sanctuary to your home’s landscape. Building a pergola is a nice, weekend DIY project for many homeowners, but be sure to call a professional contractor if the job’s a bit too much for your skillset.…

Landscaping Your Pool

Landscaping Your Pool

You’ve done it! You’ve built a pool in your backyard! Whether it’s of the above-ground variety of the in-ground variety, seeing a pool in the backyard is a dream come true for many homeowners. But as big an accomplishment as it is to have the pool in place, the real work is just beginning for you and your family.

Pool landscaping is almost as important a project as installing the pool itself. You want the area surrounding the pool to be as attractive and inviting as that crystal clear blue water. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to enhance the pool and the land around it, no matter how big or small your new pool may be.

If you have a small above-ground pool, landscaping a pool can be as simple as planting plants and putting in some mulch or stone chips around the base. This will provide an attractive sight as your guests walk from the house towards the pool. Mix up the colors of your plants and stone to give the area a rich, kaleidoscope-type look. In addition, building a stone step walkway between the house and the pool will lend an air of elegance and palatial formality.

An in-ground pool certainly provides more landscaping opportunities and choices, many of which will be challengingly complex. You can of course add all sorts of plants and trees around the pool and give yourself some extra shade while in the water. Give your backyard a tropical look with some long ferns or palm frond-type plants, and maybe even a palm tree or two!

Another option, too, is to surround the pool with a walkway made of brick, paving stones or cobblestones. Such a walkway, when juxtaposed against a bright green yard, will make for an eye-catching sight.

Pool landscaping, for an in-ground pool, can get as glamorous and as extravagant as you want. We’re talking waterfalls here! That’s right; you can have a cascading waterfall pouring right into your in-ground pool. Add a rotunda-like entrance and feel like royalty every single time you head out of the house and towards the pool!

There are countless ways to begin landscaping a pool. It’s a good idea to narrow down the possibilities and receive expert guidance from a landscaping professional. By hiring an experienced landscaper, landscaping your pool can be a much more cost-effective and efficient process than trying to do it all yourself. Professional landscapers have years of accumulated knowledge about plant root systems, which plants grow best in sun or shade, and which types of materials give you the most beauty and durability for your dollar. So when you have a plan for landscaping your pool, contact a reliable pool landscaping professional in your area and start enjoying your outdoor spaces.

Remember, with the right professional landscaping team, landscaping a pool can be almost as much fun as choosing to build the pool in the first place. With the spring and warmer temperatures finally here, there is no better time than right now to being planning your pool landscaping projects for this summer. Get going today-and enjoy the process as much as the final result!…

How to Hire a Sustainable Landscaper

How to Hire a Sustainable Landscaper

Whether you are looking to increase the value of your home or simply create an enhanced outdoor living space for your enjoyment, a sustainable landscape can be a great investment. Sustainable landscaping refers to low-impact and low-maintenance landscaping apt for a particular area and climate. For example, a backyard that utilizes sustainable landscaping may have native, drought-resistant plants which require little watering.

When it comes to hiring a sustainable landscape designer, not all are created equal and companies that assert they are environmentally-friendly and sustainable may not live up to such claims. Here are six tips to help ensure you hire a truly sustainable landscaper:

1. Do your homework! Research as much as possible on prospective designers. Browse through their websites, read their mission statements or frequently asked questions and find out who their preferred vendors are (or who they regularly work or contract with). Furthermore, ask for references of prior clients and inquire if you can see previous work of theirs. Due diligence is essential if you expect to hire a truly sustainable landscaper.

2. Find out what types of products they regularly use and would recommend – everything from eco-friendly landscaping tools to natural herbicides. A truly sustainable landscaper will have no hesitation telling you exactly what they use and why.

3. Have prospective designers detail how they would complete your landscape project from start to finish in a sustainable manner. This will give you a good idea if the landscaper is knowledgeable and skilled in sustainable landscape design and installation.

4. Ask about watering practices and sprinkler installation. Any good, reputable sustainable landscaper will offer a handful of solutions designed to limit water use in their landscape design.

5. Inquire about professional accreditation or membership from sustainable organizations. For example, they might be a member of the Coalition of Organic Landscapers (also known as COOL), which is an organization of professional landscapers committed to organic and sustainable garden design and care.

6. Ask about eco-friendly and organic practices they routinely utilize. For instance, do they offer plants and shrubs that have not been treated with fertilizer or other chemicals? Or do they practice effective erosion and sediment control on every landscape job?…