Right Landscaping Company in Monterey Bay

How to Choose the Right Landscaping Company in Monterey

How To Find the Right Landscaping Company in Monterey

Choosing the right landscaping company in Monterey is more than just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a decision that impacts your quality of life, the value of your property, and even the environment around you. This is especially true in the diverse and unique setting of Monterey Bay, where the natural beauty of the landscape is a point of local pride. 

Whether you’re a busy professional, a sustainability advocate, or a homeowner navigating the complexities of local regulations, the stakes are high when it comes to landscaping. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a landscaping company in Monterey Bay. 

We’ll also highlight how K&D Landscaping, with over 35 years of local experience, addresses these critical points to offer you a seamless, high-quality landscaping experience.

This introduction aims to set the stage for the detailed discussion that follows, touching on the various pain points that residents and business owners in Monterey Bay might face when considering a landscaping project. 

Stay tuned as we delve into these challenges and offer solutions that can make your landscaping journey not just easier, but also more rewarding.

The Importance of Local Expertise

When it comes to landscaping, local expertise is invaluable. Companies familiar with the area understand the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.

K&D Landscaping is not just another landscaping company. With over 35 years of experience in Monterey Bay, they have a deep understanding of the local climate, soil types, and native plants. This expertise allows them to offer tailored solutions. Whether it’s choosing drought-resistant plants or navigating local regulations, K&D has the know-how to get it right.

Understanding Local Regulations

Local ordinances can be a maze of complexity. From water usage restrictions to property line rules, there’s a lot to consider.

K&D Landscaping excels in navigating these regulations. They ensure that your project is not just beautiful but also compliant with local laws. This attention to detail saves you time and potential legal headaches. It’s another layer of assurance that your project is in the right hands.

Quality Assurance

In landscaping, quality isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. A well-executed project enhances your property’s value and your quality of life.

K&D Landscaping takes quality seriously. They offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, standing behind every project they undertake. But what does quality mean in the context of landscaping? It’s a blend of skilled craftsmanship, high-grade materials, and aesthetic vision.

K&D excels in all these aspects. Their team comprises experienced professionals who are passionate about their craft. They also source the best materials for durability and visual appeal. Whether it’s the type of soil used or the grade of wood for a deck, no detail is too small.

Quality also extends to customer service. From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, K&D ensures a seamless and responsive experience.

In a nutshell, quality assurance with K&D is comprehensive. It covers the project from conception to completion, guaranteeing you peace of mind.

Sustainability and Environmental Concerns

Sustainability is more than a buzzword in Monterey Bay. It’s a community value that influences many aspects of life, including landscaping. K&D Landscaping is attuned to this eco-conscious culture. They offer a range of sustainable landscaping solutions that align with local values.

From using native plants to installing efficient irrigation systems, K&D prioritizes eco-friendly practices. These choices not only benefit the environment but also reduce long-term maintenance costs. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their project portfolio. Whether it’s a residential garden or a commercial property, K&D incorporates eco-friendly elements.

This approach not only satisfies local regulations but also appeals to Monterey Bay’s environmentally conscious residents. It’s landscaping that you can feel good about.

Community Trust and Social Proof

In a close-knit community like Monterey Bay, word-of-mouth is gold. Trust is often built through recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors.

K&D Landscaping 5 Star Google Review – Monterey Resident, Nicole Richardson

“Love this team, everyone pays great attention to detail and gets the job done on time. Always friendly and with great positivity. I have been recommending them to all my friends and family, they don’t disappoint!”

Attributes: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value.

K&D Landscaping understands the power of community trust. They’ve built a strong local reputation through years of reliable, high-quality service. But don’t just take our word for it. K&D’s portfolio is filled with testimonials and case studies that speak to their expertise and reliability.

These real-world examples offer social proof. They demonstrate K&D’s ability to deliver on their promises, reinforcing their community trust. In an area where reputation matters, K&D stands out as a trusted choice. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made them a go-to landscaping company in Monterey Bay.

Conclusion

Choosing a landscaping company in Monterey Bay is no small feat. From local regulations to sustainability concerns, there’s a lot to navigate.

This blog has aimed to guide you through these complexities. We’ve highlighted how K&D Landscaping’s local expertise, commitment to quality, and flexible options make them a trusted choice. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, K&D offers solutions tailored to your needs. They stand out as a company that not only understands but also embodies the values of the Monterey Bay community.

Ready to Get Started?

Ready to transform your outdoor space into a dream landscape? Don’t leave it to chance. Contact K&D Landscaping for a consultation and take the first step toward a more beautiful, sustainable, and valuable property.

This concludes our comprehensive guide on choosing the right landscaping company in Monterey Bay. We hope it has been informative and helpful in your decision-making process.


Eco-Friendly Landscaping Tips for the Santa Cruz Homeowner

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Tips for the Santa Cruz Homeowner

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Tips for the Santa Cruz Homeowner

In Santa Cruz, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. From the food we eat to the cars we drive, eco-conscious choices are a community hallmark. So why should your yard be any different? This blog will guide you through creating a sustainable, beautiful outdoor space and even share a local success story to inspire you.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Environmental Benefits

Opting for eco-friendly landscaping means reducing your carbon footprint and conserving natural resources. Native plants require less water and are more resilient, contributing to biodiversity.

Economic Benefits

Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s also good for your wallet. Eco-friendly landscaping often requires less maintenance and can increase your property value, making it a win-win situation.

Key Elements of Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Native Plants

Choosing native plants is a cornerstone of sustainable landscaping. Plants like the California Poppy or Coast Live Oak are not only beautiful but also adapted to our local climate, requiring less water and care.

Efficient Irrigation Systems

Water is a precious resource, especially in California. Opt for efficient systems like drip irrigation or even rainwater harvesting to minimize waste.

Sustainable Materials

When it comes to hardscaping, consider using recycled or reclaimed wood for decks and fences. Permeable pavers for pathways allow water to seep through, reducing runoff.

A Local Success Story: Cozy Hideaway in Santa Cruz

One of the best examples of eco-friendly landscaping in Santa Cruz is a residential project by K&D Landscaping called Cozy Hideaway. This project included a variety of sustainable features:

  • Concrete stepping path & gravel for low maintenance
  • Fencing and gravel patios that utilize sustainable materials
  • Wood decking and boardwalk made from reclaimed wood
  • An outdoor kitchen and custom fire feature for year-round enjoyment
  • A meadow, plant installation, and soil amendments that are eco-friendly

This project perfectly encapsulates what it means to have a sustainable yet cozy outdoor space.

How K&D Landscaping Can Help You

K&D Landscaping isn’t just another landscaping company. They’re a team committed to sustainability and guided by core values like Professionalism and Respect. Their 100% customer satisfaction guarantee means they’re not happy unless you are.

Getting Started with K&D

So how does it work? First, you’ll have a complimentary on-site meeting with an experienced project manager to discuss your vision. They’ll offer cost-effective options and keep you informed every step of the way. And if you have any questions or changes, they’re always here for you.

Eco-friendly landscaping is more than just a trend in Santa Cruz—it’s a lifestyle choice that benefits both the environment and homeowners. Whether it’s choosing native plants, installing efficient irrigation systems, or using sustainable materials, small changes can make a big difference. And with experts like K&D Landscaping, achieving your eco-friendly dream yard is easier than ever.

Ready to make your yard a sustainable sanctuary? Contact K&D Landscaping for a free quote and take the first step toward a greener future.

K&D Landscaping Residential Landscaping FAQ’s

Q: What are some native plants suitable for Santa Cruz landscaping?

A: Some popular native plants for Santa Cruz include the California Poppy, Coast Live Oak, and Toyon. These plants are well-adapted to the local climate and require less water and maintenance.

Q: How can I make my irrigation system more efficient?

A: Consider installing a drip irrigation system or a rainwater harvesting system. These methods are more efficient than traditional sprinklers and help conserve water.

Q: What are permeable pavers and why should I consider them?

A: Permeable pavers are designed to allow water to pass through, reducing water runoff and promoting natural filtration. They are an eco-friendly choice for pathways and driveways.

Q: Can you tell me more about the Cozy Hideaway project in Santa Cruz?

A: The Cozy Hideaway is a residential project by K&D Landscaping that features a range of sustainable elements like concrete stepping paths, reclaimed wood decking, and eco-friendly plant installations. It’s a great local example of how sustainability and aesthetics can go hand in hand.

Q: How does K&D Landscaping ensure customer satisfaction?

A: K&D Landscaping is committed to delivering a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Your journey with us begins with a complimentary on-site meeting to understand your vision. Throughout the project, we maintain open communication and adhere to our core values of Professionalism and Respect, ensuring you receive high-quality service.


proper watering for garden

Revolutionizing Water Management for a Better California

Revolutionizing Water Management for a Better California: Understanding the Importance of Proactive Solutions

water management services

Water scarcity is one of California's most pressing concerns, with water rates rising, restrictions in place, and fines for non-compliance. It's crucial to adopt a technology-centric, proactive approach to managing the irrigation water applied to your property's landscape.

What is Water Management?

Water Management is usually a recurring monthly service that reduces the amount of water and cost required to maintain a healthy and vigorous landscape. This service operates by creating a monthly water budget for your landscaped areas and managing your system to stay within that budget.

How Does Water Management Work?

Water Management utilizes Wi-Fi enabled controllers, flow sensors, and master valves to monitor and manage irrigation use based on real-time weather data. The budget is established based on a proprietary process that ensures you don't use more water than necessary to maintain your landscape.

What Sets Water Management Apart from Maintenance Contracts?

While maintenance contracts typically have a controller adjustment included, they lack a comprehensive solution to reduce water use. Water Management offers services such as weekly controller adjustments, sprinkler adjustments, leak detection monitoring, annual water audit reports, monthly site inspections, and much more.

Staying Compliant with California's State Water Laws & Drought Restrictions

It's essential to make sure your landscaping water system is abiding by California's state water laws and drought restrictions. Some of the current statewide restrictions in California include restrictions on runoff, watering during and after rainfall, and watering between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Conclusion

Water Management is a crucial solution in addressing California's water shortage crisis. By reducing water usage and costs while maintaining the health of your landscape, you can make a positive impact on the environment. Invest in a technology-centric, proactive approach to water management and take control of your water usage today.

K&D Landscaping is revolutionizing the way we manage water in California with its comprehensive and proactive water management services. With the water shortage crisis reaching a breaking point, it's more important than ever to take control of our water usage and reduce our impact on the environment. Contact K&D Landscaping today to learn more about how they can help you save water and money while keeping your landscape healthy.


Pulling Weeds

Getting your Spring lawn green and healthy

Spring is a great time to give your lawn some much needed attention to ensure a healthy and green appearance. The weather is warming, which means the soil temperature will continue to climb, allowing for germination of new seed, new growth of existing lawn and as well as growth of weeds. Below are tips to help bring your lawn into the warmer months with success, while also reducing the number of weeds that may pop up.  As an added benefit, did you know a healthy lawn uses less water?

Fertilization and Weed Control

Apply a pre-emergent with weed control as soon as possible. There are many pre-emergent products that also offer fertilizer which gives your lawn a boost as it reduces weed growth. Pre-emergent is a product that decreases the ability for new weed seeds to germinate and grow in your lawn. If you are looking for a more natural approach, hand removing weeds is another way to go. However, if you decide to overseed your lawn, you will not want to apply a pre-emergent because it will reduce the quantity of those seeds that are able to germinate.

If you are looking to apply only a fertilizer and not a pre-emergent, I recommend using a balanced fertilizer, something like 6-24-24. Make sure to read the label and use the correct amount of fertilizer for the square footage of your lawn.

Aeration

Just like trees and pants, our lawns need to breathe. Protect the soil in your lawn from surrendering to compaction or thatch, by regular aeration. Thatch is a nutrient and oxygen blocking layer of debris, stems and roots that can accumulate between the soil and vegetation. Aerating creates holes in the lawn and punches into the soil, giving the roots access to water, oxygen and required nutrients. I recommend aerating before fertilizing or seeding in order to maximize the root’s contact with those vital minerals.

Seeding

You may have some brown or bare patches that need filling in, or maybe the entire area could use some thickening. Seeding existing turf will help build a more robust lawn. The denser the turf, the better it can protect against weeds.

Watering

Depending on the weather, it is about time to start supplemental watering for your lawn areas. This year is very important to get your watering right. Make sure to review your system valve by valve and check that you do not have any leaks, and that everything is working correctly. Once you have confirmed the system is ready, program the controller to run for just a few minutes and slightly increase it as your lawn begins to show signs of drying out. If your lawn is too wet, reduce the water or turn it off, as that can really harm new growth.

Mowing

Now is the time to increase the frequency of mowing your lawn, typically at weekly intervals. Ideally, the length should be kept at 1½ – 3 inches in height depending on the type of turf. If left too long, you’ll leave an opening for matting, mold and fungi to thrive. If trimmed too short, you may damage the roots and thus reducing the time it takes lawn to improve.


Woman with pink glove holding mulch to prevent soil erosion

Mulch Madness

Spring is just around the corner and March is a great month to concentrate on mulch! A relatively cheap and simple addition to any landscape, mulch has a multitude of benefits. Rake through these perks and see how much mulch can aid your property in both design and functionality.

Mulch is one of landscaping’s best friends. It aids in moisture retention and weighs down weeds from being able to sprout up. Replenish your grounds with an application of fresh mulch to give your plants support for the upcoming season. Just be careful not to smoother any potential perennials that may be budding up.

I suggest applying a layer of new mulch to your planting areas every year. Have you ever driven by a property and noticed the landscape looked new and improved, but all the plants are still the same? Many times, this is because they added new mulch. What a great way to make your house or business look fresh for spring!

Mulch comes in many different forms including recycled, wood bark, colored/dyed, redwood sawdust, rock/gravel and more. It’s best to choose a mulch that will match your site conditions. For example, if you have a steep hillside, use a mulch that will hold onto the soil, like a shredded redwood vs. large wood chips. If you have an area that frequently gets flooded, you want to use a mulch that will not float, such as small gravel or rock.

Another benefit of wood mulch is as it decomposes it adds nutrients and organic material to your soil. As leaves, sticks and other organic materials break down, they provide essential nutrients to the ground, so by adding new mulch every year you can recreate the beauty of nature and give your plants that extra boost they need.

April could mean rainy weather, so defend your landscape from soil erosion or water runoff by adding a protective covering. Give young plants a new layer of mulch to not only help retain soil moisture, but to insulate from freezing.

It would be remiss to understate the benefit that mulch has on weed production. We are all battling the weeds in our yards and landscapes after the recent rain. Mulch helps create a barrier from seeds that are carried through the wind and by birds from penetrating into your soil. This helps to reduce their ability to germinate and take over your yard. This isn’t always a foolproof fix, but with the addition of new mulch, weeds will have a harder time getting established. Like I always say, “when in doubt, mulch it out!”


Modern Landscape Ideas for 2022

Similar to interior design, vehicle and fashion trends, landscaping styles adapt and revamp throughout the years. Surged by the pandemic, outdoor improvements are at an all-time high and 2022 is full of creative and fresh landscaping ideas.  Gander through these modern concepts to get inspiration for your next outside project.

Mixing Functionality with Beauty

Maximize the space: vertical gardens, hanging plants, use raised garden beds to avoid permanently altering the property, or potted plants to change up the flow and design when desired. Another fun example is repurposed wine barrels. You can find these at wineries and sometimes on websites like Facebook marketplace. When you cut them in half, they can create a nice addition to your garden and help keep your vegetables or plants off the ground. A bonus with raised gardens beds is that gophers have a difficult time disrupting your plants. Another popular trend are metal horse troughs you can get at Tractor Supply. Fill these with some premium soil and away you go.

Utilizing different edging materials and bed shapes can really bring excitement to your yard. You can create an artistic design using edging to distinguish between hardscape and softscape or between lawn and planting areas. To stick with a modern theme, I recommend using steel metal edging with a black finish. This allows for clean lines, 90-degree angles and a look that matches a modern home.

Minimal & Uncluttered

In modern landscape design, we’re seeing much more of hardscape and less of plants. These contemporary arrangements offer minimal maintenance while still striking the eye.  Concrete steps, planters, patios and even pathways offer a bold statement, but paired with a few neatly placed plants or flowers you can soften up the harsh edges. I also really like the use of black pebbles in place of mulch, this can provide a clean and finished appearance with less maintenance down the road.

Out with the Cool Tones, In with the Warm

Grey heavily dominated previous landscape designs, but recently we’re seeing warm tones of tans, browns and beige making their way onto the scene. Most concrete and pavestones have a more natural color to it, blending in with other elements as opposed to sticking out with an unsightly grey. Overtime, these products do require reapplication of sealant and regular care so make sure you have a maintenance plan.

IPE decking has become a huge craze in recent years. Unfortunately, this has driven the price of this wood to new highs, coupled with recent supply chain issues and you could be looking at a pretty penny for an IPE deck or fence. Although the price tag is high, IPE can create a wonderful experience in your backyard and provide a soft warm tone to your decking. Make sure to check the price and see if you can plant it into your budget.

Pet-Friendly Additions

Keeping our furry friends safe and happy outdoors is important for any pet owner. We’re seeing many landscape upgrades now designed with their pets in mind: secure fencing, replacing of toxic plants and flowers, artificial turf and dog runs are just a few of the trends gaining in popularity as the number of pet owners and homeowners increase.  If you are looking at artificial turf options, make sure you request the pet friendly option which can include odor blocking and durability features.

Incorporating Technology to Save Water

Water will continue to be a top priority for us on the west coast as we navigate drought concerns. One of the easiest ways you can maintain a healthy landscape while also conserving water is to upgrade your controller. Controlling the amount, time and duration of your system is crucial to avoiding wasted water. Current technology allows controllers to be tied into your smart home or at least be connected to WiFi so you can adjust the system from anywhere in the world. There are some great additions you can add to your controller including rain sensors, auto-shut off valves and much more. This is one trend that won’t fade out and will continue to grow in importance upon its investment.


proper watering for garden

California’s latest water restrictions and how you can avoid fines within your landscaping

As you may have seen in recent news, the California State Water Resources Control Board has announced new mandatory water restrictions for outdoor irrigation. The first being you cannot water your lawn within 48 hours of a rain event and the second being you can not allow your sprinklers to run off onto adjacent hardscaping, such as the sidewalk. Potential fines of $500 dollars may be levied; however, it is unclear how the state proposes to enforce these new restrictions. Both restrictions are common sense in the landscape world, but they are frequently violated. We have all seen on early morning walks or our commute the wet sidewalks and water running down the street. I am sure many of you have also witnessed sprinklers on during, or right after, a rain. It’s important to ensure your irrigation system is working efficiently, especially if you are responsible for a large community such as an HOA or a facility like a resort or hotel. Let’s go over some technology and best practices to help you improve your social responsibility.

Not watering 48 hours after a rain.

There is a wonderful device called a rain sensor that you can install to almost all irrigation controllers and it usually costs around $100. Its job is to interrupt the electrical connection at your irrigation controller so it will not operate your valves during or right after a rain event. Many will allow you to program them so that your irrigation will stay off for a certain number of days after a measurable rain even. Another other option is a Hunter Hydrowise controller which allows you to program, adjust and turn off your irrigation system from anywhere in the world. This way if you leave your house on a vacation and it starts raining when you are gone, you can remotely turn the controller off and save yourself from being “that neighbor”. If investing in these technologies is not within your budget, you can simply turn your controller to the off position before any rain event and wait 48 hours to turn in back on.

Water on the sidewalk or “overspray”.

This is usually due to your sprinklers being out of adjustment, too much water applied in one watering cycle, or the not so square shape your lawn is. It can be a hard issue to correct depending on the age of your system and the design of your lawn. In most cases, fixing this issue is a simple adjustment of your sprinklers which can be done using a flat-top screwdriver or another special irrigation tool you can get at your local Ewing irrigation store. If your sprinklers are old there is a chance that the gears and seals inside the sprinkler have worn out and no matter what you do to adjust it, the sprinkler will go back to watering your sidewalk the next time it pops up. In this case it would be best to replace your sprinklers for new ones. If the water is pooling on your lawn and running off this can be a programming issue and remedied by simply reducing the time of the run cycle. If your lawn has an unusual shape such as a circle or triangle, it may be very difficult to avoid getting your hardscape wet. If this is the case for your property, it’s best to have a professional come in and reconfigure the sprinklers to be more effective.

New technology.

The irrigation industry is constantly coming up with new technology to help improve how we irrigate our landscapes. For example, there are new sprinklers that can put water down much slower so that your soil has a chance to soak it up before it runs off onto the sidewalk. If you love having a nicely landscaped yard but you’re tired of that large water bill every summer, it may be time to upgrade your system. Just like buying a new car that gets better gas mileage, upgrading your irrigation system can save you money in the long haul.


Use rainy days to plan the backyard of your dreams

We’ve all been there… after much discussion, planning and back and forth with your family/spouse, you are ready to improve your property. You start by doing some online research, asking around to friends or colleagues, and before you know it you have your list of the top 3-5 contractors you want to get proposals from. When you finally muster up the energy to start making calls, usually in spring or summer, you reach voicemail after voicemail and when you eventually get a hold of someone, they tell you they’re booked out for 3+ months. The frustration that sets in can lead some folks to abandon their plans and dreams of a home improvement project.

The mistake most people make is that they wait until the spring sunshine comes out to start planning their project. Those who decide to start preparing their project during the winter months will find contractors tend to be slower and can enjoy better customer service and quicker start times. When it’s raining out, most landscape contractors aren’t able to perform much work on the job site which allows them to spend more time estimating and meeting with clients.

I highly recommend hiring a designer or architect if your project is at all complicated. They can help turn your vision and ideas into a realistic drawing, complete with material types and plant species. This can help in many ways when it’s time for collecting quotes from contractors. First, you will know all contractors are bidding on the same plan so you can get an apples-to-apples comparison. Second, you are able to work with the designer to develop a clear expectation for the contractor using a drawing, verses just a vague description which can leave expectations unmet. Designers can also be more available during winter and the rainy weeks as they aren’t out on the job sites reviewing their projects.

If you have a project in mind the best time to start on it is today. We are rolling into a new year with new goals and opportunities. Make this the best year for your friends and family by improving your property and creating a new outdoor environment. Use these rainy days to get contractors on the phone and get the process started.

If you happen to be a commercial building owner or property manager, this recommendation holds true for you as well. As many of you know the spring and summer can be filled with hectic days trying to meet tenants’ and clients’ needs. Use these rainy weeks to revisit your maintenance needs or get a quote for that new improvement.

Lastly, I want to recommend everyone get their irrigation systems evaluated. If you can get a jump on spring and update your system with the latest technology, you will be in a great position to save water and save money as the weather begins to warm up.


Preparing your yard for winter frost

2021 blew by in a hurry and it’s hard to believe we’re already into the last month of the year! As we turn the corner into winter, take some time to prepare and protect your property before the freezing frosts arrive. Scan through these tips to help preserve your landscaping throughout the winter months.

The winter frosts can catch many of us off guard on the Central Coast, if you aren’t prepared it can lead to losing some of your favorite plants. Many local gardeners include a luscious, tropical plant pallet in their yards. For years, it has been said that Santa Cruz shares much in common with the Hawaiian Islands due to our mild climate and surfing culture. We have taken many landscaping trends from Hawaii and I’m sure if you’ve ever traveled to the paradise, you have come back with a desire to add more tropical plants to your yard. Besides many of these plants being in the high-water use category, another issue is that they are susceptible to freezing and then major dieback. These plants hold a large amount of water in their trunk and leaves, so when the temperature drops below 32, it can lead to major issues.

One of the first things you can do to protect sensitive plants is to install a thick layer of mulch to help insulate the soil and the plant trunks. I recommend between 3 and 4 inches of mulch for most landscapes.

Next is to avoid planting frost-susceptible plants in the later part of the year. Newly installed plant material has a higher risk of freezing than more established plants.

Be aware of your location, a house located on The Point in Santa Cruz will not be as exposed to frost as a house located in the hills of Scotts Valley. Knowing how cold your property will get can help guide your plant selection ideas.

If you have plants that can be affected when the temperature drops below freezing, it’s important to cover them up with some type of protection the night before a big freeze. You can use many different types of products to accomplish this, including DIY and homemade solutions. For small plants, you can cut the bottom off of water bottles and place those over the plant. For larger plants, utilizing a frost blanket or specialized Ag fabric can help preserve their health. This is probably the most drastic, but effective way to ensure your plants survive the cool season.

Lastly, make sure your irrigation controllers are turned off during the winter months. Many folks will forget to turn off their controller and the added moisture during a frost can wreak havoc on your sensitive plant material.

Stay warm friends!


Landscaping Lessons – Pre-winter Tree Assessment

Leaves are changing color, the temperature is dropping and the sun is setting earlier. What this means for your landscaping will depend on the elements and types of plants that make up your space, but if you have trees on your property, it’s a great time to do a quick inspection.

With how busy life can get and our attention focused down at our phones more and more, it’s a good time of the year to take a gaze upward and assess your trees. This initial assessment doesn’t need to be done by an arborist, it can consist of you walking around your property and taking a good, hard look at your trees. Many branch failures and even some tree failures have clear indications prior to the actual event. Some branches can be cracked or hanging in the canopy, while trees can show heaving in the ground or cracking in the trunk. Here is a quick checklist to use when reviewing your property. Make sure to spend extra time on trees that hang over your house or car.

  1. Are there any hanging branches or branches that appear to be dead?
  2. Are there any visible cracks in the tree or branches? (Tip: use binoculars to get a better look!)
  3. Are there any areas around your trees where the ground appears to be lifting or heaving?
  4. Are there any newly exposed roots that have previously been buried or areas of soil erosion that could destabilize the tree’s root system?
  5. Are there any trees that appear to be dead?
  6. Are there any trees that have historically dropped branches in the winter?
  7. Are there any trees that appear to be leaning or tilting more than usual?
  8. Are there any trees that have branches touching a structure or house?
  9. Are there any areas of rotten wood or cavities on the tree?
  10. Is there a large number of mushrooms or fungi growing at the bottom of the tree?
  11. Is there a black oily substance oozing from the tree or a large new amount of sap drop?

Depending on your findings it may be time to bring in a tree service company or ISA certified arborist. This self-assessment is to help generate an overall understanding of the safety condition of your trees and see if it’s time to call in the pros. It’s very important to look at what the potential damage could be. For example: if a tree is in the middle of a large field, a branch failure may not be an issue but if the tree is hanging over your house, driveway, or walkway, it may be worth calling a professional out if you suspect any type of potential issue.

I hope this helps everyone pause for a moment and evaluate the trees on your property. I think we tend to take trees and their value for granted, have you ever driven by an intersection after they removed a large tree? There’s usually a negative impact to the environment when trees are removed. When you go outside to look at your trees, take some time to appreciate their beauty!