Posts Tagged: landscape

Slower is smarter

Smart technology can help you save money, conserve water, and keep your landscape looking great. As we kick off Smart Irrigation Month, we’ve got a tip for using technology to do just that: water slowly.
If water is applied too quickly, it can run off into the street or sidewalk instead of being absorbed into the soil and getting to the roots of your plants. Smart irrigation regulates pressure, ensuring water has a chance to soak into the ground.
Using a smart irrigation system with weather- and soil-moisture-based controllers allows your system to automatically adjust the watering schedule based on conditions at your location. That customization can go a long way to lowering your water bill and ensuring that your plants don’t get too much or too little water.

Click “DO IT FOR ME” to request a FREE quote.

Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Turf serves an important purpose: it provides recreation areas for adults, kids, and pets alike. But native grasses bring a character all their own, with the added bonus of being low-water and low-maintenance once established. Ornamental grasses can also provide height, varying texture, movement, and year-round interest. Consider adding them to your landscape this year.

A few examples of Colorado native grasses for your consideration:

Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). Did you know that Colorado has an official state grass? It does, and it chose blue grama, a drought-tolerant prairie grass. You can choose to leave it unmown, or you can mow it at 3” or higher, but it can’t handle high foot traffic. Try planting it with native wildflowers for a beautiful, low-maintenance look.
Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides). Want to use native plants but still want turf-like grass? Buffalo grass requires an investment in establishing it, but once successful it is incredibly low-maintenance. As with blue grama, it’s not a good choice if your landscape sees a lot of use or traffic.
Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). As the name suggests, this plant drops seeds that will support native birds. It grows to about two feet tall and turns a lovely orange color in the fall.

Planting tips

Grasses don’t need to be separated into a designated “grass garden.” Place grasses among other perennials where they can serve as a border, a backdrop or a vertical element among other plants. Create a grouping of three to five plants as you might with other perennials.
Avoid planting grasses late in the growing season as they tend not to do well with late-season planting. For best results, plant them before September 15 so they have sufficient time to get well established before winter sets in.
Consult a landscape professional to help you choose the right native grasses for your landscape’s microclimates.

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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Bees get thirsty too

Next week is Pollinator Week, when we celebrate all that the many types of pollinators—bees, butterflies, birds, bats, flies and more—do for us. It’s a good time to think of ways you can support your local pollinators. Remember that when it’s hot outside, pollinators get thirsty too.

Offer pollinators a sip of water

There are several ways to provide water for your pollinators, including:

Provide a shallow puddle for butterflies, which practice “puddling” in order to get nutrients from mud or rotting plant matter. Just a tiny spot will do, though you’ll need to replenish water as it evaporates. You can use a small saucer and add sand, a bit of compost, and water.
Create a bee watering station by filling a saucer or pie plate with rocks or marbles and adding water. Don’t entirely cover the rocks with water; bees will perch on the rocks and go to the water’s edge for a drink.
Put out a birdbath. A wide, shallow birdbath is best, especially for smaller birds.

Important: Don’t create large standing water in your landscape, which invites mosquitos. And whichever water source you put out, be sure to clean it and refill it. You may notice that the bees, birds, and other animals will learn where the water source is. They’ll come back when they get thirsty again, so make sure the water source is ready with clean, fresh water.

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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Five benefits of mulch

It’s getting warmer across Colorado, and our plants will need more water. But just because the drought is over on the Front Range—for now—doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still try to conserve water. The Western Slope, which provides much of our water supply, is still in drought. And our own next drought could be just around the corner. We should give the plants the water they need but not waste a drop.

One way to save water and dress up the landscape in the process is to top dress bed areas with mulch. And there is nothing better to use than fresh, 100% organic wood mulch.

Here are five great reasons to use wood mulch:

Seasonal mulching decreases evaporation rates from the soil by as much as 35 percent, so your water use is more efficient.
Mulching suppresses weed growth. If there are fewer weeds in your yard, there are fewer plants competing with your landscape plants for nutrients and moisture. That’s another water savings.
A healthy layer of mulch insulates plants and helps protect their roots from the extreme temperature shifts we experience in Colorado.
As mulch breaks down, it becomes nutritious organic matter, which promotes future healthy growth.
It looks great. Mulch creates an even appearance across the landscape and provides year-round color, texture and interest.

Mulches recycled from local pruning debris can be put back into the landscape as a healthy amendment. Locally sourced mulch is a sustainable option, supporting the local economy and lessening the carbon footprint. Because it is derived from organic material, it settles onto the soil and does not blow away like mulch that has been recycled from treated wood products such as pallets. It must, however, first be watered in so that it settles. A landscape professional can help you choose the right mulch and apply it properly for the most benefits.

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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Keep weeds in check

What is a weed? It’s any plant that grows where we don’t want it. Often they are non-native, potentially invasive plants that can outgrow and crowd out the plants we put in our landscape on purpose.

To avoid a big problem in the height of the growing season, take some time to stop weeds as soon as they appear. The key is to get rid of them before they flower or go to seed.
There are two basic methods of weed control: hand pulling and spraying them.
Hand pulling weeds
If the ground is still moist from rain, pulling weeds becomes much easier and you should be able to remove the root easily. If you only remove the top part of the weed but leave the root in the ground, it will soon grow back.
At the end of a weed-pulling project, there’s great satisfaction in seeing the nicely cleaned bed areas and the big stack of weeds that are no longer in your yard. But hand-pulling weeds is not a one-time effort—you’ll need to keep an eye out for those left-behind roots sprouting and for weeds that come in on the wind and try to make a new home in your landscape.
Spraying weeds
Applying a weed-killer product is another option and is most effective when sprayed on small, newly emerging weeds. Trying to pull out short weeds often ends up with them breaking and leaving the root in the ground to regrow. Taller weeds that are sprayed will eventually turn brown and will still need to be pulled out and removed.
Use the proper treatment on the right weed. Before applying any weed killer, read the label, pay attention to safety precautions and pollinator information and know the difference between the two basic types of products. Better still, rely on a landscape professional to with proper training and licensing to use weed killers safely and most effectively.
Don’t expect to become weed-free
For many weeds, total eradication is unlikely. For example, if your neighbor lets dandelions bloom, you won’t be able to keep them from popping up in your landscape. You’ll need to determine how many unwanted plants you can tolerate seeing when choosing your weed control method.

Remember that a healthy landscape is your best defense against weeds. Encourage the plants you want by keeping them healthy so that they can establish themselves and push out weeds by claiming their real estate.

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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Why Lawn Care?

Environmental Impact

Healthy lawns and green spaces are a great benefit to our environment. A thick healthy turf helps trap pollutants and dust from the air, healthy turf helps lower temperatures in urban areas, and it even reduces erosion of soil into our waterways. These are just a few of the environmental benefits that green spaces provide.

Cooling : Climate is controlled at ground level by turf grasses as they COOL temperatures appreciably, thus working as exterior “air conditioners”. Eight average front lawns have the cooling effect of 70 tons of air conditioning while the average home size air conditioning unit produces only 3 to 4 tons of cooling capacity. A well-maintained lawn and landscape keeps your home cooler on hot days by reducing ground level temperatures by 30 to 40 degrees over bare soil and 50 to 70 degrees over paved surfaces like streets and driveways.
Cleaning : Properly maintained shrubs, plants and lawns are environmental heroes. Dust and smoke particles from the atmosphere are trapped by turf, which helps keep the air cleaner. Because of their filtering capability, plants prevent soil erosion, filter contaminants from rainwater, and absorb dust and soot. Groundwater is enhanced in two ways by a dense turf. Turf grasses increase infiltration of water and also clean the water as it passes so that underground water supplies are recharged for use by us all.
Reducing Noise : Landscaping can reduce noise by up to 50 percent. Quiet, grassed areas affect people’s moods, thus creating feelings of serenity, privacy, thoughtfulness, happiness or sadness depending on our association with their use…home lawn, roadside rest area, city park, golf course or memorial park.
Increasing Air Quality : Oxygen generation by turf grasses has a major impact in making our environment habitable and healthy. A 50′ x 50′ lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of four.
Preventing Erosion : Erosion of soil by water is highly controlled by grasses as they intercept raindrops before they disturb the soil (and slow flowing water so that it drops larger soil particles collected). A healthy 10,000-sq. ft. lawn (about the size of an average suburban lot) can absorb more than 6,000 gallons of rainwater without noticeable runoff. As overwatering is a much bigger problem than under watering, automatic irrigation systems, where possible, should be considered for the most efficient watering rates.

Lifestyle Benefits of Green Spaces

Healing : Horticulture is therapeutic and improves quality of life. Millions of Americans spend countless hours enjoying their yards and tending to their flowers and gardens. Studies illustrate that hospital patients whose rooms overlook landscapes recover faster and require less pain medication than those lying in a sterile urban environment. Yearly cycles of nature produce changes in the color of lawns, which are among the first areas to green up in the spring. This brings a lift to human spirits and links urban inhabitants with a symbol of the countryside and its heritage.
Preventing Injury : Sports playing surfaces are made safer when grassed with sure footing and cushioning sod that adds to the quality of play. Volleyball, badminton, croquet, bocce and other games are enjoyed by young and old on grassed areas. No other surface material feels as good on bare feet or is as good for playing games and even turning somersaults.

Economic Benefits of Green Spaces

Not only can a well-maintained add up to 15 percent to a property’s value, but landscaping can accelerate the sale by as much as six weeks when selling a home. We understand that your biggest asset needs to be protected and that is why we treat your home as if it were our own.

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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Avoid these 5 lawn care mistakes

A healthy lawn not only looks great, but it can prevent erosion, cool the local environment and filter pollutants from air and water. To enjoy all of those benefits, avoid these five mistakes.

Planting grass where it won’t grow. Turf needs full sun. Looking to fill in a shady spot? Consider another ground cover suited to shade, like vinca minor (periwinkle) or sweet woodruff. Ask your landscape professional or local garden center for recommendations.
Planting only one type of grass and/or the wrong kind. Variety is the spice of life and a necessary ingredient for a healthy landscape as well. Know your zone, and plant grasses that can thrive in Colorado’s sunny, dry conditions.
Improper watering. Take the time to train the root by watering less frequently but more deeply. Cycle and soak—but not midday when water is lost to evaporation. Follow local watering guidelines, and don’t water until your lawn needs it.
Mowing too short. It’s a simple error to fix: raise your mower blade. The best height for lawn health and water conservation is 2 ½ to 3 inches. You should mow often enough that you are never removing more than 1/3 of the lawn height. Leave the clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil and keep moisture in.
Improper use of fertilizer. So many things can go wrong with fertilizer: too much, too little, applied at the wrong time of year. It’s a good idea to consult a landscape professional to make sure it is being used properly. The right fertilizer applications can give you a lush lawn that looks great provides all possible benefits, including cooling your yard, providing oxygen, and reducing runoff.

Healthy lawns require routine maintenance, and it’s okay to ask for help. Your landscape professional can help you set your landscape up for success with the right plants in the right place and the right maintenance practices that save money, time, and resources.

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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Need spring color right now

After recent snows gave them a dose of moisture, and with temperatures heating up along the Front Range, early spring bulbs are popping up in landscapes and giving us a hint of the color to come. Crocuses, hyacinths, even some daffodils, and tulips can be spotted in gardens and flower beds.

The warm days might inspire you to add some color to your landscape. However, keep in mind that April in Colorado could still bring us heavy snowfall or even a freeze. Wait at least six weeks to plant most annuals.

If you must plant flowers soon, consider cool-hardy pansies.

When purchasing, check with garden center staff that the flowers are ready to plant. Pansies should be hardened off before putting them in the ground. If they have been kept outdoors at the garden center, they are probably hardened off and ready to plant.
Pansies that have not yet been hardened off need some protected outside time to get used to the outdoors. They need to adjust to night-time temps more than they need sunshine. Keep them outside on the patio in a protected area for about five nights before planting. If there is a frost or hard freeze, bring them indoors.

Once planted, pansies are frost hardy but will be seriously damaged by a hard freeze. If temps fall below 28 degrees, protect the plants from freeze damage like you would annuals in the early fall. Cover them with household items like sheets, blankets or towels – not plastic.

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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Ergonomic gardening

Gardening and landscape care can be a healthy hobby that helps us get outdoors and moving around. But proper form is important to avoid discomfort or injury.

Vary activities and tasks frequently and include rest periods in between to help reduce the strain from repetitive motions. If hands start to tingle or the wrist and fingers hurt or feel numb, this is a signal to take a break and switch to a different task.

Monitor positions and posture while gardening. Orienting the body incorrectly or uncomfortably even for just a moment can lead to pain and injury. For example, lift with the legs instead of the back.

Chose ergonomic tools. Small hand tools such as cultivators, weeding devices and pruners and even larger implements come in an assortment of ergonomic models. There are also tools for left-handed people and special tools developed for people with arthritis.

Simple tips to keep your hands more comfortable and pain-free during the season ahead:

During cooler periods such as early spring, garden during the warmest time of the day as cooler temps can impact movement and aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Use wrist supports to keep the wrist in a neutral or immobilized position.
Avoid pushing with the thumb whenever possible.
Avoid pounding or pushing with your hands.
Use a full grip when you pick up and move tools, containers and other materials instead of pinching and lifting them with your fingers.

Rely on a drip irrigation system to water the garden and a sprinkler system throughout your landscape to water the lawn and other plants. This relieves you of the chore of grabbing onto and dragging hoses around the yard and attaching/un-attaching the sprinklers. The time saved on watering alone will give you more time to relax. Your muscles and joints will appreciate the break in the action to recover from those gardening tasks you absolutely need to do.

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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Sustainable landscapes

It’s too early to start planting, but it’s a good time to make a plan for a successful landscape this year. Recent heavy snowfall was much-needed, but it has not eliminated drought in the state, so be sure that your landscape plans are strategic and water-wise.

Planning a water-wise landscape

Start with the sprinkler system. When water is scarce, sprinklers need to be at maximum efficiency so that every drop you use and pay for has a purpose. Schedule your service now, before irrigation professionals are booked up.

If you’ve never had a professional audit of your system, do it this year. Make the repairs that keep your plants healthy and stop water waste.
Then consider some water-efficient upgrades like adding more drip irrigation or better nozzles on the sprinkler heads.
See what rebates might be available from water providers and cities for system upgrades. They can help cover your costs.

Keep up with maintenance. Poor maintenance practices lead to compromised plants that can be susceptible to insect damage and diseases. If your plants are drought-stressed now, their immune factor is already low.

Clean out the winter plant debris in beds where problems can start.
Consult a landscape professional about pruning non-flowering trees and shrubs to promote natural growth and vigor and about whether your lawn could benefit from springtime aeration.

Put the right plant in the right place. A water-wise landscape doesn’t have to be drab and full of rocks. Use plants that are meant to be grown here in Colorado’s conditions, and you can still have a vibrant, colorful landscape.

Grow some veggies in containers and water efficiently using drip irrigation.
Ask the experts. Whether you hire a pro or DIY, consult the experts before you choose what to plant. Reliable sources include CSU Extension, Plant Select®, Colorado Native Plant Society, and water providers like Colorado Springs Utilities, Denver Water, and Northern Water. They offer resources ranging from garden designs and watering schedules to grants for upgrading to a water-wise landscape.

A water-wise landscape will not only save water but also save you time and money while delivering many benefits.

Click “DO IT FOR ME” to request a FREE quote.

Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

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Dec 12, 2022

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- Susan

Nov 11, 2022

They are doing a good job getting everything under control.

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Nov 8, 2022

Great service with great staff.

- Ken

Nov 14, 2022

All good

BestYard have done our fall leaf clean up for a few years now and we really appreciate this service!! We have a dozen trees in our small backyard so over the years we have more and more leaves as we get older. BestYard are good at communication and getting the job done!

- Margeret

Nov 2, 2022

It was quick and our lawn looks great!

- Paul

Wonderful job, team. The fall yard cleanup was perfect and the house looks great again!

- Trent

Oct 27, 2022

Excellent service!

- Tonyetta

Oct 26, 2022

Thanks Weed Man for aerating our lawn! The guys were fast, friendly, respectful of directions and most of all, did a great job of taking care of readying our lawn for winter and into the spring. Thanks so much for texting the day before to remind us of appointment!

- Ryan and Roxanne

Oct 25, 2022

Excellent customer service!!

- Lisa

Posts Tagged: landscape

Slower is smarter

Try native grasses

Bees get thirsty too

Five benefits of mulch

Keep weeds in check

Why Lawn Care?

Avoid these 5 lawn care mistakes

Need spring color right now

Ergonomic gardening

Sustainable landscapes

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Posts Tagged: landscape

LATEST LAWN TIPS & NEWS

POSTS BY TOPIC

Infographics

135+, 4.5 Star Reviews on Google

Like Us On Facebook

Find Us On

Best Lawn & Garden Maintenance Service 2009 - 2020

FREE INSTANT DOWNLOAD

Tips for Hiring a Lawn Care Company