7 Questions you Need to Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper [Infographic]
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Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
When people think of front yard landscaping, they think of large plants surrounded by sweeping expanses of gorgeous green grass. In reality, not everyone has a massive front yard to support large-scale landscaping. A low maintenance yard is something that many people can appreciate, but it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on the quality of your yard.
There are many yard designs that are easy to maintain whether you do them yourself or hire a professional landscaper to do them for you. While hiring a professional landscaper will certainly make everything even easier, there are many D.I.Y options that don’t take extreme amounts of effort. Keep in mind that if you do decide to hire a landscaper, you need to specify that you are looking for a front yard landscaping design that is easy to maintain year-round. For many people, especially in suburban areas, front yards are small, which can it difficult to come up with good landscaping ideas. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to beautifully landscape your small front yard!
Great Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
Who Needs Grass?
One way to cut down on maintenance time is by growing little to no grass. It’s easy to assume that a front yard, however big or small, should be grassy. However, small front yard landscapes can work well without any grass at all – and sometimes, they’re easier to maintain without it! Not having to mow your lawn cuts out a lot of maintenance.
Speak to a landscaper about some ideas to make your yard look good without having to necessarily have a lawn. Clover lawns save money as well as time because they require less mowing. Clover also does well in areas that often suffer from drought, so you won’t have to worry about brittle, yellow grass becoming an eyesore.
Another benefit f clover is that bugs don’t like it, so your picnics are less likely to be interrupted. Consider creating a courtyard. Use landscape mesh underneath patio stones to prevent weeds sprouting in the gaps, and fill in the spaces between stones with pea gravel or sand. You can build raised perennial beds along the edges of your courtyard, filling in any gaps with a couple of well-placed shrubs. Make sure your plantings stay mulched to keep weeds out, and you’ll have a weed-free, mowing-free new landscape!
Make Your Neighbor’s Yard Part of Your Landscape
While your neighbor won’t appreciate it if you start gardening in their yard, you can still use their yard to enhance the look of your own. If your neighbors aren’t particularly fond of gardening but keep well-maintained grass, take advantage of the view as you plan your own landscape features.
Keep your border plantings low, and avoid privacy fences or anything that will obstruct the view of your neighbor’s nice grass. You can even align annual and perennial beds so that they open up to your neighbor’s yard. Capitalizing on a nice view of your neighbor’s front yard will help make your own yard seem larger.
Using Color to Make Your Yard Seem Bigger
Whether you’re planting along the edges of a sidewalk, around the border of your yard, or around your house, try to use bright, bold colors at the front of your design. Reserve more greenery and muted flowers for the background. People will notice the bright colors first, while the rest of your design seems to recede off into the distance. This simple trick can help make your front yard seem much larger than it actually is. If you do decide to have a lawn or even just a bed of flowers in your yard, you can install irrigation.
This method of watering your plants is not only easier, but it saves time and money and is much better for your plants. Hire a professional to install a system for your yard landscaping design or you can get a kit and do it yourself. Doing it yourself can be a bit tricky if you do not have experience, though. These are only a few of the ideas you can try. Front yard landscaping – even for small front yards – is limitless. Use your imagination, and you can turn even the smallest yard into attractive scenery.
Need help with your front yard landscaping? The professional landscapers at Evergreen Landscaping are here for you. Contact us or call 805-773-5395
Best Trees to Grow in California’s Central Coast Region
The Central Coast region spans the area between San Francisco Bay and the Santa Barbara County Mountains. With a climate governed by the Pacific Ocean, residents can expect summers with highs in the 70-degree range and warm winters with highs averaging around 50 degrees. With such a balmy climate, California’s Central Coast provides plenty of possibilities for homeowners looking to update their landscapes with the best trees to plant in this region.
How to Plant the Best Trees in California Region
Selecting the best trees for the right place is a good first step in any landscape design, but proper planting also is important for getting your tree off to a good start. Trees are like all living creatures. They require more attention in the beginning to promote a long, healthy life.
Carefully choose the planting site. Trees are difficult to move once they are established. Check with local authorities for regulations on placement of trees. Some communities have ordinances restricting placement of trees within a specified distance of a street, sidewalk, streetlight, or other utilities. BEFORE DIGGING, make sure that all underground utilities are clearly marked. You wouldn’t want to cut off the electric power to your community or risk injury.
Carefully follow the planting instructions that come with your tree. If specific instructions are not available, follow these tips:
- Dig a hole about twice the size of the tree’s root ball, or about one foot wider than the root system. The hole should be slightly shallower than the root ball. If the soil is especially heavy or wet, consider planting the tree slightly higher.
- Remove all materials from the root mass. This includes wires, string, burlap, and biodegradable containers. Neglecting this will hinder proper root growth. Gently place the tree in the center of the hole and position it to grow straight. If the tree has a prettier side, place it in the direction most frequently viewed. If planting a bare root tree, carefully spread the roots. Crumble the soil removed from the hole and cover the roots with it. As you add soil to fill in around the tree, lightly tamp the soil to collapse air pockets, or add water to help settle the soil. Air pockets around the roots can be devastating to a newly planted tree.
- Add about four inches of mulch–wood chips, shredded bark, or grass clippings–around the base of the tree, extending out to the tips of the outermost branches. A 3-foot diameter circle of mulch is common. Mulching will retain moisture, reduce weeds, maintain a more even soil temperature, and eliminate mowing next to the delicate bark. Be sure to pull the mulch away from the tree trunk because decomposing mulch can cause rot problems.
- Finally, give the tree a thorough watering. If the root ball is extremely dry, allow water to trickle into the soil by placing the hose at the trunk of the tree.
Young trees need protection against rodents, frost cracks, sunscald, lawnmowers, and weed whackers. Plastic guards are an inexpensive and easy control method. Light colored tree wraps can be used to protect the trunk from sunscald. Usually, staking trees is not necessary unless you live in an area with high winds.
The Best Trees to Grow in California
Native Trees
If you’re looking for large shade trees to adorn your landscape, native species are the way to go. For medium-sized trees that top off in the 30 to 40-foot range, look for big leaf maple, California sycamore, willow trees, bishop pine or coulter pine. Larger species include the California ironwood at more than 45 feet tall and two giant species: The black cottonwood, growing to over 70 feet, and the majestic California bay laurel, which grows to more than 80 feet.
Ornamental Trees
When it comes to ornamental trees, the Central Coast region can grow a diverse selection. White alders usually stay under 30 feet, and they will tolerate full shade, which makes them an excellent backdrop tree. Western redbud is another short tree that is loaded with small pink flowers in the spring. Madrone also has pink cup-shaped flowers in the spring. In the fall, it produces small red berries that are wonderful for attracting birds and other wildlife.
Some unusual ornamental selections include island ceanothus and Albany red-flowering gum. Ceanothus develops spikes of pretty blue flowers with a strong fragrance each spring, while the red flowering gum is a relative of the eucalyptus family with furry red flowers.
Fruit and Nut Trees
The Central Coast region is an excellent area if you’re interested in growing food bearing trees. Most traditional fruits can be grown as a part of your landscape, including apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums and cherries. In addition, a few more exotic species will grow, such as olives, figs and persimmons. California Central Coast gardeners can also enjoy a variety of nut trees, including almonds, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, chestnuts and walnuts.
These are only a few examples of the kinds of trees you could grow as part of your landscape. Visit local nurseries or ask your landscaper about even more wonderful options.
A properly planted and maintained tree will grow much faster and live much longer than one that is incorrectly planted. Trees can be planted almost any time of the year as long as the soil is not frozen. However, early fall is the optimum time to plant trees. For the first year or two, especially after a week or so of extremely hot or dry weather, watch your tree closely for signs of moisture stress. If you see leaf wilting or hard, caked soil, water the tree well and slowly enough so the water soaks in rather than runs off.
Take the time to give your best trees a good start on life. You and the next generation will enjoy the benefits of your backyard tree for years to come.
If you need more help in choosing the best trees for your garden, talk to us. Fill out this form or call us at 805-773-5395 to schedule an appointment!
What is Sustainable Landscaping?
You’ve probably heard a lot of buzz about sustainable landscaping, and you’re wondering what it’s all about. This type of landscaping is used to create surroundings that are environmentally conscious, beautiful, self-maintaining and budget friendly. If you’re thinking about creating your own sustainable landscape, there are several things you will need to know.
Start with Your Soil
At the heart of any sustainable landscape is excellent soil. In many urban environments, soil is often poor, rocky or hard. To create your own sustainable landscape, you will need to plan ways to make your soil more healthy. Clay soils can often be amended with sand, while sandy or rocky soils will need added compost or rich topsoil. The most important thing is developing soil that will nourish your plants, filter pollutants, and absorb water properly.
Water Conservation
Sustainable landscapes rely on eco-conscious ways to collect water. Rather than running up high water bills by running sprinklers, or installing expensive irrigation equipment that could prove harmful to the environment, sustainable landscaping relies on collecting water naturally. This can be accomplished by harvesting rainwater. The key is to use the rainwater only when your landscape needs it most to prevent drawing from your city’s supply or draining local aquifers.
Caring for Your Sustainable Landscape
A sustainable landscape does not use chemicals of any sort, including pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. Instead, opt for organic compounds and fertilizers. Insects and other pests can be repelled with the use of plants like marigolds or lavender. With proper mulching, mowing and other maintenance, you should be able to keep weeds down without the use of herbicides.
Choosing Plants
One of the primary ideas behind sustainable landscaping is to work with what nature gives you. For instance, if you have extremely dry soil that simply cannot be fixed, opt for plants that can handle those conditions.
Perennials reduce maintenance because they come back next year and either have long growing seasons or bloom at different times. With perennials, you’ll always have something in bloom. Lavender is loved for its beauty and scent. It needs sandy soil and lots of sun. Asters and daisies add a cheerful element to your lawn and look great planted around stones and boulders. Catmint flowers are a spectacular shade of blue and will delight your cats. Coneflowers are majestic in your yard or as a dried centerpiece. We can help you select perfect perennials for your soil type.
For your landscape to be truly sustainable, it should also require very little maintenance. That means that you should choose plants that won’t require annual pruning or shaping. In other words, don’t plant a shrub that can grow more than eight feet tall in front of a window that is six feet from the ground. It will need to be pruned eventually, which means more maintenance, making your landscape less sustainable.
These are the basics of sustainable landscaping. If you’d like to learn more, feel free to contact Evergreen Landscaping to see how we can help you create a beautiful eco-friendly paradise in your backyard.
An Explanation of Community Gardens and Their Benefits
Community gardens can be as small as a tomato patch in front of a church or as large as an entire vacant lot. You can find community gardens at schools, community centers and parks. These gardens provide healthy free produce for those who can’t afford it, teach gardening skills to children and teens and bring neighbors together to work on a project that benefits everyone.
Victory Gardens
Americans were encouraged to plant “victory gardens” during World Wars I and II due to rationing and as a way to raise spirits and help people feel that they were helping the country by being self-sufficient. World War II took place in an era when many people had stopped growing their own food and started relying on grocery stores. The war forced younger people to turn back to a lifestyle close to that of their parents’ generation. It became commonplace to use methods other than electricity for light and heat and to mend old clothes rather than buying new garments. The victory garden reminded people that a fully stocked supermarket wasn’t always a guarantee. Many people continued to garden after the end of World War II.
The Advent of the Community Garden
The concept of the community garden was born in New York City in the 1960s and may have had origins in the victory garden; however, community gardens have largely been an element of urban areas. They share attributes with victory gardens. Both supplement the food supply and both bring up morale in difficult situations. They differ because victory gardens usually served the needs of one family and were planted in rural and suburban areas. Community gardens meet the needs of everyone in the neighborhood and until recently have been an urban phenomenon. Community gardens were introduced as a food source and a way to improve neighborhoods by making use of abandoned lots. Neighbors bettered the appearance of their block by transforming overgrown spaces into neat gardens, and parents were able to provide fresh vegetables to their children instead of relying solely on cheap canned food. Churches, community centers and schools became sites for gardens that kept children occupied with projects that raised their self-esteem and improved their nutrition.
Modern Community Gardens
Community gardens have become popular again due to the economy and the fact that once again many neighborhoods, including suburban neighborhoods, have abandoned spaces on every block. If a community garden sounds exactly like what your neighborhood needs, contact us. We’ll advise you on the best vegetables and fruits to plant in your area,irrigation methods to keep your neighborhood garden flourishing even during a drought and pest control. We’ll also help you get started by preparing your garden space, and we’ll maintain your irrigation system. Make sure that your community garden is a success by starting with expert assistance, and let us help you throughout the year so that your community garden becomes a permanent fixture of your neighborhood.
San Luis Obispo Landscaper
Have a look at some amazing before and after photos of our work here at Evergreen Landscaping!
Difficult Fruits and Vegetables to Grow
California’s drought affects the dinner tables of households across the country. The vegetables that form the basis for the salads we eat in abundance are particularly susceptible to lack of sufficient water. Lettuce and carrots are shallow-rooted and medium-rooted plants that need water. Deep-rooted plants like tomatoes can survive droughts because their extensive root systems seek out damp areas far below the surface and feed on that moisture. Shallow and medium-rooted vegetables require lots of water, particularly during long periods of hot, sunny days. Other vegetables that can be difficult to grow in California include major American food staples like onions, broccoli and cabbage. Green onions and leeks, popular in sautéed dishes, have shallow roots. Cucumbers, peas and summer squash have medium roots and may fare a little better in California but will still need frequent watering.
Some root vegetables have shallow and medium roots. Turnips, radishes and beets aren’t hot weather crops and require a balance of heat and moisture that can be difficult to achieve in the coastal California climate. These root vegetables require soaking rains or watering. Watering these crops lightly can actually be counterproductive.
Fruits also have varying depths of root systems. Berry crops like strawberries are sparse during droughts. Strawberries like to spread their roots out, not down. Popular jam and jelly berries like blackberries, raspberries and boysenberries have shallow roots and are typically found growing in shady arbors or wooded areas. Blueberries are also among the berries that grow best in areas that get regular rain. If it’s referred to as a “cane fruit” or a “bramble fruit,” it probably won’t grow well in the California coast area.
When we think of California, we think of fruit trees. Americans will always look to California for oranges and lemons, but other tree fruits like pears do well in wet soil. Peaches are not drought-resistant. They require regular water in moderate zones. Pears aren’t suitable for sandy soil and constant sun, making them a poor choice for your California yard or orchard.
A complete garden features herbs. Some, like basil and lavender, need sun but also need regular watering. Other herbs grow best in shade. Chives are popular chopped fresh for dips and dressings or sprinkled over cooked dishes. They grow best in shady, moist areas. Herbs in the mint family and ginger need similar conditions.
How do you decide what vegetables, fruits and herbs to plant in your home garden? If you want a small kitchen garden, consider planting basics like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, lettuce and herbs in containers on your patio. Small container gardens don’t require much water, and the containers can be moved during the day so that the plants receive just enough sun.
For help in selecting fruits and vegetables that will thrive in the California climate, contact us. We will evaluate your yard, assist you in choosing high-yield plants that grow best in sunny areas with sandy soil and maintain your trees and garden throughout the year.
What is Food Forest Gardening?
Food forest gardening is a popular new form of landscaping that allows you to create your own little woodland paradise, complete with fruit, nuts and other tasty treats. Everything you plant, from trees on down to shrubs and ground covers, bears some kind of food. You can even mix in some of your favorite mushrooms, herbs or medicinal plants for extra variety.
How to Make Your Own Food Forest
Creating a food forest is a mixture of art and science. You can start by selecting the trees that will form your canopy. Anything from nut trees to fruits will work. If you want to get truly creative, you can layer your trees so that smaller trees are under or in front of the larger trees. The next layer should be medium sized edibles. Shrubs like blackberries and raspberries are perfect for this. After that, you can put in any number of smaller plants like native wildflowers, herbs, or anything else that covers the ground.
What are the Best Plants for a Food Forest?
Trees are the hardest choice to make. These are the foundation of your food forest, and there are many kinds to choose from. If you like fruits, try dwarf apples or pears, plums, peaches or even more exotic fruits like persimmons. For the underbrush layer, elderberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries all work well. The under-story of your food forest is where you can really get creative. You can plant all sorts of wild flavors like ginger, horse radish or Jerusalem artichokes. Plants from the cabbage family, including kale and collards,work well too. You can also try medicinal plants like echinacea or comfrey.
Oregano and thyme are must-have cooking herbs, are drought-resistant and can go straight from the garden to your kitchen. They can also be dried easily for later use. Sage is well-known to California residents, but sage used in cooking is very different from wild sage.
Great care must be taken when you use medicinal plants and mushrooms in your food forest garden. You should consult botanical experts before attempting to grow mushrooms for cooking use. Never attempt to harvest wild mushrooms without professional help. Mushrooms grow on the floor of the forest in decomposing leaves and on fallen trees. Fruit trees and herbs need sun, so your food forest garden will be made up of different areas of your yard. Landscapers and gardeners experienced in using mushrooms in a food forest garden can plant safe common and exotic edible mushrooms in the proper environment.
What are the Benefits of a Food Forest?
First and foremost, a thriving food forest will put fresh, healthy food on your dinner plate. Since most plants in a food forest are perennials, these garden plots tend to be very low maintenance. Food forests also make a wonderful shady area to escape from the cares of the world, and they provide valuable habitat to a variety of birds, amphibians and small mammals. A good food forest will add a lot of value to your life and the environment.
Looking for more food forest gardening suggestions? Call 805-773-5395