Combining Plants and Structures in your Backyard

Posted in: Landscaping Tags: backyard, backyard garden, Landscaping

When you want to create a beautiful backyard landscape, you might consider combining your plants with structures in your backyard. This can complete the overall look and also help soften structures that may look too sharp and less inviting without the plants around them.

When planning to add plants and structures in your backyard, your first thoughts should be of people in mind. You need to create a backyard space that people will enjoy to be around. A great landscape will help allow people to get the complete experience in the backyard so you also want to think about what you and your family will be doing in your backyard.

For example, people who are more active in their backyards will need more space to move around, unlike those who are less active. If your family is more active, you don’t want plants and structures to restrict your ability to get around in the backyard and have a good time.

When choosing your plants, keep in mind what they will be used for. The purpose of the trees will help you determine the size they should be. For example, there are trees for shade, trees for privacy and decorative trees. All of these can be worked into a backyard landscape but it starts with knowing which you need and where.

Types of structures you might have in your backyard include play areas, storage sheds, patios and decks or a gazebo. You can place plants in and around these structures to complete the look of your backyard. Remember that the plants you choose should add to the structure and the overall appeal of the yard, not overpower it. You can also incorporate plants into an overhang or garden wall. Hanging and crawling vines work really well for these purposes.

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Fall Fertilizing Tips

Posted in: Landscaping, Outdoor Spaces Tags: backyard garden, better backyard

Fall is a very important time of year when it comes to your lawn. This is when you can do so many different things to help improve your backyard and get it ready for the upcoming spring. If your lawn needs to be fertilized, now is the time to do it. This is the time of year when you can repair any damage that was done to the lawn during the spring and summer and get your backyard prepared for winter at the same time.

When you fertilize your lawn in the fall the roots will not only absorb the nutrients but they will store them through the winter months. This will ensure the grass stays healthy throughout the winter and it helps to get it off to a great start in the spring.

Two of the main ingredients that your fall fertilizer should contain are nitrogen and potassium. They will work together to provide the grass with the nourishment it needs during this critical growth period when the roots are the most venerable. It’s always recommended that you purchase the high quality fertilizers for the best results.

Fall is also a great time to get rid of any unwanted weeds that may be trying to take over your lawn. There are special formulas that are designed to treat your lawn for weeds during this time of year. Be sure and read the directions carefully to make sure you get the best results possible.

When you take advantage of the fall months and maintain proper lawn care, you can look forward to having a thick healthy lawn come spring. Fall fertilizing is one of the secrets to having a vibrant, thick lawn that you can be proud of. In the past, if you’ve only use fertilizer during the spring, give it a try this fall. When you see the difference it’ll make, you’re sure to make fall fertilizing a regular routine.

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Fall Lawn Care: What Can You Do with All Those Leaves?

Posted in: Landscaping Tags: backyard garden, better backyard, compost, leaf removal

Many people look forward to seeing the leaves change color each year as the weather begins to turn cool in the fall. This is a beautiful sight and people travel long distances to take in the view. Nevertheless, it can be a whole different story when it comes to all those leaves collecting in your backyard. It can be quite a tedious job removing these leaves but if you don’t, they can cause considerable damage to your lawn.

Keeping your lawn free of all debris is a big part of lawn care and this includes the removal of leaves that tend to pile up quickly. But, what can you do with all those leaves? You actually have several options that can work quite well and some of these are mentioned below.

You can use your lawn mower to mulch up the leaves and spread them throughout the yard. This works best if you have a mulching lawn mower.
They can be raked up bagged and disposed of but if you choose this method, be sure and dispose of them properly.
Invest in a leaf shredder to rid your lawn of all those unwanted leaves.
You can build a holding bin and rake all the leaves into it to make your own compost.

Making a compost bin is probably the best option because you can take advantage of this when spring rolls around.

Whatever method you choose to use, it’s important to realize that leaving the leaves scattered across your lawn is not a good idea. They can kill your grass and in some cases they can even cause a turf disease that can be very difficult to get rid of. Keeping your lawn free of leaves requires some work but it’s well worth the effort when you get to enjoy a beautiful lawn in the spring and summer.

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