Are you concerned about the amount of water you use in the maintenance and upkeep of your landscape? This article will provide you with ways to conserve water with the right Scottsdale landscaper. Whether you’re looking to save water for environmental purposes or save money on utilities, the following information will be beneficial to you and will help you avoid wasting your resources.

Minimizing your water consumption is a win-win situation all around. You save money on your water bill and your landscape gets the water it needs without waste. Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water and there are a number of ways to save water when it comes to Scottsdale landscaping.

Did you know…?

Over half of residential water use goes into our landscapes, which makes watering efficiently one of the best and easiest ways to save water. Professional landscape design and proper planning can help reduce water use by 60 percent, increase your home’s value by as much as 25 percent, decrease the costs associated with landscape maintenance and help to keep your landscape plants healthy and beautiful throughout the year.

Developing a comprehensive landscape plan for your property just makes sense. A carefully thought out plan will enable you to create a beautiful outdoor landscape that enhances existing features and adds new ones that can help you save water, money and energy.

A professional Scottsdale landscaper can help you develop and architectural quality plan for your water-saving landscape. They start with a simple base map of your property lines and then expand it into a detailed plan that includes existing structures and sun/rain exposure. They’ll look for things like spigot and downspout locations, trees, slopes, existing sprinkler systems and more.

In addition to conserving water, you can also save on energy costs. Strategically placed trees and shrubs can help you save up to 25 percent on yearly heating and cooling costs. During the winter, trees and shrubs shield your home from cold winds, reducing heat loss. In summer, shade trees can reduce the need for cooling.

Xeriscaping is a popular Scottsdale landscaping method used to promote water conservation in landscaped areas. Converting your existing landscape to a xeriscape is not complicated – it just requires a little expertise on regional climates and few improvements to the property.

A professional Scottsdale landscaper can provide direction and guidance by mapping your water and energy conservation strategies and base them on your regional and micro climates. This is crucial, as plant selection and locations will depend on where you live and how they’ll flourish while saving water. They will also be able to help you reduce the amount of turf areas, which usually requires a lot of supplemental watering.

Other things to consider in a xeriscape are improvements in the soil to absorb water and encourage deeper roots, irrigation techniques that water plants in the most efficient locations, using mulch to keep roots cool and minimize evaporation and maintaining landscape through fertilizing, trimming and controlling pests.

Hire the Right Scottsdale Landscaper and Save Water is a post from: home improvement blog

Every garden has a bit of fantasy in it and, for Houstonians longing for the look and feel of, say, Tuscany or the Italian Renaissance period, no garden fills that desire like a Mediterranean landscape design.

Combining elegant elements of nature with the relaxed Mediterranean culture, the Mediterranean landscape design can go from simple, yet cultivated to elaborate lavishness. Crystal clear water and outdoor water fountains, sweet herbs right off the vine to be used in outdoor kitchens, relaxed spaces for entertainment, and lush, practical vegetation characterized the Mediterranean landscape design.

Just as a rose by any other name smells sweet, so too the Mediterranean landscape design. It is known variously as Andalusian, Santa Barbara Revival, Tuscan and Moroccan styles. Primarily taking its name from the climate of the Mediterranean region and southern Europe, it falls midway between the broad formal and informal garden design categories. The influences of classic landscape design can clearly be seen in this style due to the proximity and prominence of ancient Rome.

Mediterranean Landscape Design-Through History

The Mediterranean landscapes originated in ancient Arabia and evolved, as all garden styles have, throughout the centuries. Major influences were the gardens of Greece, Rome and Italy.

Since it is so closely associated with the warm, sometimes arid, climate of the Mediterranean region, this style has little in common with English garden design, largely due to plant material choices. Because of its evocation of another time and place, the Mediterranean landscape design stands apart from modern landscape designs with its emphasis on contemporary choices and imagery.

Features of Mediterranean Landscape Designs

You can pick and choose among several different striking features suitable for residential gardens done in the Mediterranean style. The byword to remember is “Old World ambiance.”

• Stone, weathered bricks, terra cotta tiles, flagstone, tumbled travertine
• Wooden beams
• Wrought iron
• Classical statuary and Roman columns
• Outdoor furniture that evokes Arabian, Moroccan or Italian sensibilities

The architecture of the house needs to be carefully considered when using a Mediterranean landscape design. Actually the house dictates this choice, as some architectural styles-Colonial and Federal-style come to mind-would jar the senses if paired with a Mediterranean garden. The intelligent placement of a hardscape feature, perhaps a wrought iron garden gate in the curvaceous style of Barcelona, can be used to solidify the connection to your home.

When this style is appropriate, the home and landscape can also be tied together through selective use of plantings. Your choice of plants, in fact, further defines your Mediterranean design:

• Trees and shrubs. Given the hot climate from which this style arose, shade is extremely important-making it perfect for the Houston area. Live oaks, with their twists and turns, look lovely in this garden. Also, Italian cypress, olive trees and fruit trees such as orange and lemon trees.

• Vines. Use creeping vines like wisteria and grapevines.

• Herb gardens. Basil, rosemary, sage and thyme enhance the Italian influence and create enticing smells. Herbs are especially attractive in terra cotta planters.

• Vegetable gardens. Since authentic Mediterranean gardens are practical, heralding back to their roots in farming cultures, a vegetable garden fits right into the landscape. A vegetable garden not only provides sustenance, but also color.

The Spaces of the Mediterranean Landscape Design

The residential garden with a Mediterranean flair is beautiful and relaxed, capturing the easy living of the outdoors. In choosing the spaces and hardscapes to further augment that tone, consider these options:

• Outdoor kitchens. A focal point of outdoor entertainment, a summer kitchen provides a natural gathering place. Its design should tie the house and the landscape together and must, above all, be functional.

• Outdoor water fountains. Water is a critical part of the Mediterranean landscape design, so consider fountains done in an Italianate, Romanesque or rustic style. Be mindful of scale-you want the fountain to be in proportion to the rest of the landscape. Also consider the sightlines of the shooting water from your favorite viewing spot.

• Luxury swimming pools. Within the Mediterranean landscape design, classic shapes, like rectangles and circles, work well. Which, given the versatility of basic forms, means the pools can be simple and austere-or eye-catching and mesmerizing. Often, you can combine them with an outdoor water fountain that eliminates some redundancies while adding vitality to your overall design.

• Walkways. Gravel, stone, bricks and flagstone work well for paths in the Mediterranean landscape design. Neutral colors are preferred.

Final Thoughts on the Mediterranean Landscape Design

Jeff Halper with Exterior Worlds says, “Our clients travel to Europe and come home wanting to emulate a scene that they fell in love with in Italy, Tuscany, Spain or Greece. As the name implies, Mediterranean gardens are usually formal, dry-climate gardens. They have the same attributes-linearity, use of axis and central focal points-of formal landscape design. I think their most distinguishing feature is in their use of materials: limestone or gravels for paths, junipers, Italian cypress, dwarf yaupons and other blue-green or grey dry plants. Think of the dry, rocky hills of Austin with olive groves.”

He goes on to say, “What surprises people most with this type of design is the amount of math and order that it takes to create chaos in a garden.”

Mediterranean Landscape Design and Garden Designers in Houston Texas is a post from: home improvement blog

When working on a landscape design on a budget, you probably will not want to spend hundreds of dollars on 3D landscaping software. Some landscape companies offer free software that can be used to visualize the way different plants and colors would look to get the most out of your yard’s available space. Most packages include many different types of plants, both annual and perennial, and allow the designer to alter the sizes of the plants for a more accurate picture of the finished design.

One of the main drawbacks to going with free landscaping software is that you may not be able to changes the house, the layout of the yard, or other things along those lines. In many packages, there is one house and a landscaping layout that cannot be changed. if this doesn’t happen to match your house and yard, the software is only useful for choosing colors of flowers and type of plants.

This type of free landscaping software is usually offered by various companies selling flowers, seeds, and other landscaping products. Often the packages are designed specifically to showcase a companies particular products or breeds of plants. But with the cost of a very basic landscaping software package at over $100, living with the limitations can be worth it for the designer on a budget. There is no reason you can’t use the software to choose your plants and things, then go purchase them at a local nursery or landscape supply store.

The lack of user-configurable options can be very obvious in these free landscaping software packages. Where complete landscaping software packages will include options and settings for adding in landscaping stones or lumber, the free versions usually do not include this ability. The company that provides the software determines what options are available to users of the software. You can try and see if a particular do-it-yourself landscape company offers some better free landscaping software that will allow the user to customize the layout more.

The best thing about free landscaping software is that it is free. It can usually be quickly and easily downloaded from the Internet, and if you find out that it is useless crippleware, then you can simply delete it and try another software package. It may take some time to find the one or ones that work for you, but you will not be out any cash in the process.

Most of this kind of free landscaping software will be easy to use and includes help files that give instructions. But since it is free software, there will rarely be any support available if you have a problem or question not covered in the help files.

Landscaping Software – How To Get It Absolutely Free is a post from: home improvement blog

There are a few places where you can purchase landscaping rocks for your landscaping project. Many people begin their search on the Internet as there is a huge amount of information to sift through and using a search engine on the Internet can help you find this information quickly. The Internet is a very good search tool where you can find anything you need for your landscaping project.

Different Ways To Use Landscaping Rocks

Landscaping rocks can be used for many designs and you will be able to come up with quite a few good landscaping ideas, just let your imagination go wild. Landscaping rocks used as accent rocks can add additional levels to your design without creating elevation. Rocks can add different dimensions and character to any landscape. Your accent boulders should be buried at least four to six inches in order to notice elevation differences as well as having the rock blend in with the surroundings.

Besides accent pieces landscaping rocks can be used in other formats of your landscaping. Swimming pools can be lined with rocks to add additional dimensions to the landscaping as well as being an important safety factor to your pool. Patios are great to have by pools and including plants and shrubs can produce a relaxing and beautiful outdoor area. Rocks can add both color and texture to your landscaping design and are many times overlooked.

Sometimes it can be overwhelming when you have so many choices and options to chose from. It is important to remember not to get frustrated but that landscaping should be fun and you should enjoy the time you spend planning and implementing your landscaping ideas.

Tips for Buying Landscaping Rocks

There are several things to remember when buying landscaping rocks that will help you in the long run. You need to understand which rocks work best for your landscaping design, as there are many different types of rocks that have a variety of functions. If you choose the wrong rock for the job you may have some serious problems further down the road.

You need to access and process as much information as you possible can about rocks so that you can use landscaping rocks properly. You want to use the best quality materials as well as having the finished result that you were working towards. It does not matter if you are not doing the actual work, you should still have a grasp of the basics for landscaping, including how to use landscaping rocks.

Places To Look For Landscaping Rocks is a post from: home improvement blog

What is a unique landscape? Our definition of a unique landscape would be a landscape that elicits a mental/emotional response that normally would be observed with no notice. From the functional and aesthetic stand point we believe a unique landscape should fulfill and exceed the requirements and dreams of the client, the site and the home. This has to do with great design experience and understanding, knowledge of materials and construction methods as well as experience in the execution and maintenance of landscape gardens.

Context-the relationship of the house to the site

At the heart of a unique landscape would be the homes relationship with the property and the properties relationship to surrounding homes, easements, streets, trees which is termed as the site context. First to consider are spatial relationships. What is the sequence of spaces from inside the home to the outside of the home? What is the walk experience from the street to the front door? Is there a clear distinction of spaces or rooms in the back yard and does the space tell you what its use is? Great architecture tells us, “a building that has signs to tell you were the restrooms are, is poorly designed because the sequence of spaces should be the signs and vocabulary of the architecture. This statement couldn’t be more true for landscape designers creating a unique landscape.

Unique Landscape Materials

The second layer of detail to context is the use of hardscape and landscape materials in articulating space. Materials should be sympathetic to and have a wonderful blend with the architectural materials. Elements of selecting hardscape; patio or deck materials include scale, color and texture. In terms of scale, you need to know if you’re building a patio to accommodate large parties or simply a family of four. Color can be used to either compliment the finishes inherent in the home or contrast with it. For example, in trying to match a multicolored brick choose a dark base color to “ground the brick facade.” Texture is the final detail selection in the hardscape which includes; size of units used, toweled edges or grout selections depending on the material used. Textural details can also relate back to the architecture, use contrasting materials which define spaces and as a finishing touch add warmth and intimacy. In designing the landscape planting we also utilize the same elements of scale, color and texture. Much like a painting, plantings are arranged in groupings and masses with contrasting color and textures. Rather than thinking in terms of shrubs, groundcover, flowers, think in terms of movement, contrast, and large brush strokes of color.

Style-

The landscape style doesn’t have to be an exact replica of the homes architectural style. What is more often the case regardless of the architectural style is creating “space” that reflects modern lifestyles. Often times even a classical landscape design or formal landscape design will have a contemporary approach in terms of how the spaces are utilized. Oftentimes the landscape of a modern home lacks the sleek lines that the architecture of the house has or lacks the quality of spaces or modules of a true modern landscape design. Also a modern home may not take be taking full advantage of sculptural opportunities which are true the home and its style.

Beauty is no accident

A unique landscape is not arrived at by accident. It requires an understanding of architecture, design principles, hardscape materials, landscape materials, their installation and construction methods as well as maintenance. Most importantly is the understanding of site context, the architecture of the home, the client’s wants and needs. The interpretation of these fundamental elements creates the unique landscape.

Unique Landscape Design is a post from: home improvement blog

One of the main reasons people should go with a professional landscaping company is the scope of service that an established and reputable firm is able to provide. People do not always realize in advance just how many details will be needed to fulfill their expectations. A truly professional landscaping project will involve design, architectural, and plant material elements. Structures that are created as part of the landscape design will have to be constructed either directly by the professional landscaper or by subcontracted specialists who are held accountable to a landscaping plan. Plants that can grow hardily in Houston will have to be chosen and planted in aesthetically pleasing ways that compliment the home and yard decorum.

Many yard service companies are now moving into Houston from other areas of the country seeking work in a stable economy. Many of these companies have little knowledge of Houston climate, indigenous plant life, or service professionals who could provide key elements of landscaping design on a subcontract bases. Inevitably these businesses offer their services at a lower price point than professional landscape companies, and many homeowners feel reassured that the cost savings is sufficient to justify a few compromises in design. However, lasting results are hard to achieve without a sound working knowledge of soil, climate, and plant material.

Anyone interested in building entertainment space into their backyard should rely only on a professional landscaping company to create this. There are many forms of outdoor entertainment, and the structures built to support them are determined by the nature of the entertainment itself and the size of the gathering. Matching exterior architecture to an event itself requires an understanding of architecture as well as landscaping. Things such as outdoor rooms for movies, sitting by a fireplace, toasting marshmallows, or hosting a formal function all consist to one degree or the other of extending living space into outdoor space. Yard companies do not understand the nuances of entertainment, nor do they have the construction skills necessary to match architecture to event, form to function. Attempting to save money by hiring a yard service to build outdoor entertainment areas is akin to having a painter build a house.

Professional landscapers also understand the importance of creating outdoor areas that are safe and fun for children. In our industry, there is a saying that if you haven’t built something for children, you haven’t built anything at all. In order to effectively design such areas, it is necessary to bring a diversity of design and construction skill sets to the table. Often parents want a special area of the lawn set aside for children to run and play without obstruction. Admittedly, this is something yard service companies can and sometimes do create. However, sports courts and play systems are a totally different matter. Building a basketball, volleyball, or badminton court requires knowledge of the game and an awareness of safety protocols necessary to ensure that play is safe as well as fun.

The same principle applies to swimming pool design. A pool has to be more than function. It must be decorative in its own right, and it must compliment the landscape in which it resides. Professional landscape companies offer the advantage of understanding how to integrate a very complex water feature into surrounding greenery and outdoor architecture. Several case studies in our portfolio show in detail how complex this science truly is. There is more to this process than simply subcontracting a pool company and bidding an installation. Many times, special materials have to be used for coping and patio surfaces, and often the shape of the pool itself must be custom designed to work with other elements in the landscape.

Pool companies seldom consider the impact that these details will have on the surrounding yard. A swimming pool occupies a central position in any landscape into which it is installed. If it does not respect the architecture of the home and compliment surrounding vegetation, outdoor structures, and miscellaneous decorative elements, it will significantly work against every element of the outdoor aesthetic. However, if swimming pool construction or remodeling is managed under the umbrella of a professional landscaping company, then its design and functionality will work harmoniously with all other aspects of exterior design and improvement.

Pool companies are but one example of specialty service providers that routinely must be subcontracted in order to comprehensively and aesthetically develop a truly superior landscaping design. Yard companies do not have the infrastructure, experience, or staff to manage such relationships. Their specialty lies in vegetation management, not design, construction, and integration of divergent and complex elements. Many people will attempt to piecemeal a project by having a yard service company manage the yard itself, and then attempt to bring other service companies into the picture on a direct vendor basis. This seldom works, because homeowners do not always speak the lingo, so to speak, of the specialty contractor and may not be able to effectively communicate their expectations. Even in the event that they do, a mason or concrete specialist may not work harmoniously with the pool expert, and what you have at the end of the day is a discombobulated amalgam if great looking elements that do not look so great together.

Professional landscaping companies can ensure that none of these negatives pop up by proactively asking the homeowner the right questions to get a clear picture of what look and feel they want out of their landscape, then showing in both design plans and in writing what elements and design are recommended for particular case. Everything is negotiable and clearly up front with an expert leading the client every step of the way toward a clear and expected outcome. Anyone subcontracted on the project will be managed by the landscaping professional, and they will be held strictly accountable to the overall objectives of the project.

If all of this sounds too complex and expensive, please think again. Professional landscapers know how much quality costs, and they know that quality does not always have to involve the most expensive materials or designs. People on a budget can still expect superior results from an established and reputable firm. If the desired outcome is more than they can afford at a particular point in time, then phases of the project can be implemented that are cost effective for the homeowner as steps that lead toward the ultimate outcome later down the line. Again, only a company with advance planning skills, access to a multitude of materials, and the ability to call up the right experts when needed and manage of team of many teams can hope to pull of such a long-term process successfully.

Professional Landscaping is a post from: home improvement blog

Product Description
This book describes every type of regional flora–from seaside foliage and wildflowers to grassy meadows, shrubs, vines and aquatic gardens.
$19.25
Native Florida Plants, Revised Edition: Low Maintenance Landscaping and Gardening

Native Florida Plants, Revised Edition: Low Maintenance Landscaping and Gardening is a post from: home improvement blog

• 3-extension 4-poles/sections telescoping pole saw model that extends to 21 feet
• Extension range is 8 feet to 21-feet (2,440 to 6,300 mm); maximum working reach is 25 feet
• 15-2/5-inch (390 mm) blade length; 5.5 teeth per inch (6.5 teeth per 30 mm) teeth configuration
• 6.9 pounds (3,140 grams) operating weight; 7.35 pounds (3,340 grams) weight with blade cover
• Product applications include pruning & trimming, arborist & forestry, lawn & garden

Product Description
A True Professional Heavy Duty Aluminum Pole Saw – the pole saw of choice by professionals. The Hayauchi pole saw has rigid aluminum poles that quickly extend to desired cutting length. The base pole has a comfortable rubber grip. The extension lock with spring loaded buttons at the end of each length. The nearly 16-inch blade not only sports the largest teeth available in a razor tooth design, but has a sharpened base and tip for scoring the branch, to avoid ripping damage to the branch collar. The upper sickle is used to cut vines; the lower one – to undercut bark allowing a clean cut without damaging the tree. The aluminum alloy extension pole is oval shaped, giving precise control to the direction of the saw blade (especially important for high cutting) and also giving strength and rigidity to the pole, reducing bending to the minimum. Push buttons allow multiple length adjustments and safety clamps hold the extensions firmly in place. A rubber hand-grip ensures good hold and control. The blade is adjustable for lower or higher cutting. Limited lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship.
$229.95
Silky 179-39 Telescoping Landscaping Pole Saw HAYAUCHI 390 21-Feet

Silky 179-39 Telescoping Landscaping Pole Saw HAYAUCHI 390 21-Feet is a post from: home improvement blog

Product Description

Talk with your Spanish-speaking employees–no prior knowledge of Spanish needed!

Perfect Phrases in Spanish for Gardening and Landscaping gives you more than 500 vital words and phrases specific to the landscaping industry, with translations spelled out phonetically so you can say what you need to say immediately.

For example:
Cover with mulch. Cubra con mulchin. (KOO-brah kohn mool-CHEENG)

Use acid fertilizer here. Use fertilizante ácido aquí. (OO-seh fehr-tee-lee-SAHN-teh AH-see-thoh ah-KEE)

Use a rake. Use un rastrillo. (OO-seh oon rah-STREE-yoh)

Learn the Spanish words and phrases for: exchanging pleasantries * interviewing potential employees * discussing pay rate and taxes * giving instructions * terminating an employee * establishing work hours * explaining safety and emergency procedures * praising good work

With Perfect Phrases in Spanish for Gardening and Landscaping, you can overcome the language barrier and develop a more collaborative, productive workplace environment.

$5.63
Perfect Phrases in Spanish for Gardening and Landscaping: 500 + Essential Words and Phrases for Communicating with Spanish-Speakers

Perfect Phrases in Spanish for Gardening and Landscaping: 500 + Essential Words and Phrases for Communicating with Spanish-Speakers is a post from: home improvement blog

Houston Texas is one of the most difficult and challenging climates to design and build landscape gardens in the country. We have heavily compacted soils that when inundated with torrential rains suffocate plants and low lying flood areas that if not installed with a proper drainage system could flood a house. In Houston our temperature extremes from summer drought and 100 degree days to humid fall and spring weather causes plant stress and diseases. These weather extremes also can take their toll on outdoor building elements such as pool and deck surfaces, arbors, and night lighting fixtures. In hiring Houston Landscape Designers, you want not only creative ideas but material know-how, local construction standards, and someone who knows the durability of materials as well. Below we will present the four types of Houston Landscape Designer services available with their positive and negative perspectives as to what they bring to the table for your particular project.

The “design-only” landscape designers

This would be an individual who will meet and provide a design for your landscape but is not involved in the supervision, construction or maintenance of designed elements.

Positives:

• The positive here is that you could get an overall design of your site or master plan for the property to phase in over time and get alternate bids from various landscape contractors for proposed design elements.

Negatives:

• Some of the plants, materials, and design ideas may not work if the landscape designers do not have regular experience with construction, maintenance and plant care.

• Construction of some elements may be cost prohibitive if budget is not taken into consideration with the design.

• Another understandable problem is that the designer is not responsible or does not have to concern themselves with the implementation of proposed elements.

”Landscape Contractors” as “landscape designers”.

A landscape contractor is usually at the other end of the spectrum from the landscape designer in that they may know how to implement and install a garden but may lack design experience.

Positives:

• The positive is that you know what it will cost and a landscape contractor will be able to cost out several options or make several proposals to finally arrive at an acceptable budget.

• Another positive is there may be a cost savings and scheduling may happen much quicker because they may do 80% of the installation.

Negatives:

• The negative is that an overall design is often missing.

• The quality of craftsmanship is questionable even with a portfolio.

• The implementation from proposal to built vision might not be fully realized which are conveyed in design plans, material and construction methods chosen.

Horticulturalist as landscape designer. This might be someone who works at a nursery or local garden center. This person have lots of knowledge about soil and plant health as well as the right plant for the right location. A horticulturalist or plants man may not have an overall design vision, knowledge of irrigation systems, drainage systems, patios and walks.

Positives:

• The positive here would be the variety of plants and proper soil preparation and planting of plant material.

Negatives:

• There could be too much plant variety.

• Could be too much of a plant lover’s garden rather than simple overall home aesthetics.

• Overall design layout of patio, walk and lawn areas might not be as strong.

Landscape Design-Build Company as “designer” and “installer”. In this category responsibility is taken for the overall design, supervision, management and implementation of the landscape plan through completion of all elements to their maintenance.

Positives:

• Design ideas must be able to be implemented.

• Overall costs are based on actuality.

• Flexibility to phase the project in many ways.

• Intent of the design is carried through the construction process.

• Knowledge, understanding and responsibility for the project as the property continues to be maintained.

Negatives:

• May be some additional costs for over sight and general contracting of elements.

The Design-Build process is the most ideal scenario because all design decisions, construction, installation, costs and maintenance of the entire project are taken into consideration representing the most experienced view.

Conclusion

Choosing Houston landscape designers is a difficult task. Considerations including like ability of the designer and fit with their style of work are all essential. In the end analysis one has to decide if compromising price is also compromising quality and value of work.

Houston Landscape Designers, Landscape Architects, Landscape Plans is a post from: home improvement blog