With the arrival of spring just around the corner, it's time to start preparing for the change in seasons. Say goodbye to chilly days and make way for sunny skies and blooming flowers. To help you get ready for the arrival of this vibrant season, we have put together a comprehensive guide. From cleaning and organizing to outdoor activities, we've got you covered. Get ready to embrace all that spring has to offer!
Clean and Declutter Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your living space. Start by decluttering your home and getting rid of any items that you no longer need. This will create a sense of space and make your surroundings feel lighter. Once you have decluttered, give your home a thorough cleaning. Dust surfaces, wash windows, and vacuum carpets. Don't forget to tackle those hard-to-reach areas that often get overlooked. A clean and organized home will not only lift your spirits but also provide a welcoming atmosphere for the new season. Prepare Your Outdoor Space As the weather warms up, you'll likely want to spend more time outdoors. Take the time to prepare your outdoor space for spring activities. Clean your patio furniture, remove any debris, and give your deck or patio a fresh coat of paint or stain if needed. If you have a backyard, it's a great time to start planning and prepping your garden. Clear out any dead plants, till the soil, and plant any early spring vegetables or flowers. Give us a call to help you prepare your space with a clean up, new plants, and just maybe building the backyard of your dreams. Creating a beautiful outdoor space will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of spring. Plan Outdoor Activities Spring is a great time to get out and explore nature. Research local hiking trails, parks, or nature reserves in your area. Pack a picnic and spend a day surrounded by the beauty of blooming flowers and singing birds. Take advantage of the pleasant weather by planning outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, or simply going for a walk in the park. Getting active outdoors will not only help improve your physical health but also boost your mood. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready to embrace the great outdoors! Conclusion As spring approaches, it's time to bid farewell to winter and welcome a new season filled with sunshine and growth. By following these simple steps, you can make sure you're fully prepared to embrace the beauty of spring. Clean and declutter your home, prepare your outdoor space, and plan fun activities that allow you to enjoy the great outdoors. Get ready to bask in the warmth and rejuvenation that spring brings. So, go ahead, put these tips into action, and make the most of the season ahead! Ready to Spring into Action? Now that you have all the tips and tricks to get ready for spring, it's time to start putting them into action. Begin by decluttering your home, then move on to preparing your outdoor space. Finally, plan some exciting outdoor activities that will allow you to fully embrace the beauty of the season. Spring is a time for growth and renewal, so don't miss out on all the wonderful experiences it has to offer. Happy spring! Bradford pear trees, with their beautiful white blossoms in the spring, have long been a favorite among gardeners and homeowners. However, beneath their picturesque appearance lies a darker side that is often overlooked. These invasive trees have a significant impact on the environment, possess weaknesses that lead to a short lifespan, and exhibit unpleasant characteristics that can make them a nuisance. Moreover, their proliferation poses a threat to native plants and ecosystems. In this blog, we will delve into the invasive nature of Bradford pear trees, shedding light on the hidden harms they bring and urging gardeners and homeowners to reconsider their choice of planting them. The Invasive Nature of Bradford Pear Trees The 'Bradford' cultivar of the Bradford pear tree (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford') is known for its rapid growth and dense foliage, which made it a popular choice for landscaping. However, these trees have proven to be highly invasive and are no longer recommended for planting. One of the main issues with Bradford pear trees is their invasive nature. They have the tendency to form dense, thorny thickets in wild areas, out-competing and preventing the growth of native plants such as the Eastern redbud and serviceberry. These invasive thickets can have a negative impact on biodiversity and disrupt the natural ecosystem. Bradford pear trees can reach heights of 30-50 feet and widths of 20-30 feet, making them quite large. They produce clusters of white flowers in early spring, making them one of the first trees to bloom. The leaves of Bradford pear trees are heart-shaped to oval, with finely round-toothed edges. The bark on mature trees is gray-brown with shallow furrows, while new stems are smooth and reddish-brown. It is important to avoid planting Bradford pear trees to protect native plant species and maintain biodiversity. If you already have Bradford pear trees on your property, removal or control methods may be necessary to prevent their spread in wild areas. Environmental Impact of Bradford Pear Trees The Bradford pear tree, once hailed as an excellent option for ornamental landscaping, has now garnered a poor reputation due to its negative environmental impact. Despite its attractive appearance and fast growth, the Bradford pear has become one of the most detested trees in North America. One of the surprising factors contributing to the tree's poor reputation is the unpleasant smell of its flowers. As a member of the rose family, one would expect the Bradford pear to produce pleasant-smelling or neutral flowers. However, the flowers emit a foul odor, making them far from desirable for many homeowners and gardeners. Beyond the unpleasant smell, the Bradford pear tree poses significant environmental concerns. It has the potential to become an invasive species, spreading rapidly and choking out native plant species. The National Park Service has identified the Bradford pear as one of the worst trees to plant due to its invasive nature. Its ability to grow in various soil types and slope conditions has led to the erosion of soil and the death of grass in many areas. Moreover, the Bradford pear's weak and short-lived nature makes it susceptible to damage from storms. Its weak wood structure can easily break, leading to potential hazards and property damage. Additionally, the tree's showy but delicate pink or white flowers produce large amounts of pollen, making people who suffer from allergies miserable during the flowering season. Considering the negative environmental impacts of Bradford pear trees, it is crucial to explore alternative tree species for ornamental landscaping. Choosing non-invasive and native tree species can help preserve the local ecosystem and prevent the spread of harmful plants. By selecting trees with better crown structure and stronger wood, homeowners and gardeners can avoid the risks associated with weak and short-lived trees. The Weaknesses and Short Lifespan of Bradford Pear Trees While the Bradford pear tree may be a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive white flowers in the spring, it has several weaknesses and a short lifespan of only 15 to 25 years. Despite its rapid growth rate, increasing in height by 12 to 15 feet over an 8 to 10-year period, the tree's longevity is relatively short compared to other species. One of the most appealing features of the Bradford pear tree is its showy white flowers that appear before the leaves in the spring. However, the flowering period may be shortened by spring frosts or other stress factors like drought. This can be disappointing for those who choose the tree for its ornamental value. It is important for gardeners, homeowners, and environmental enthusiasts to consider the limitations of the Bradford pear tree when choosing it for landscaping. While it may provide initial beauty and appeal, its short lifespan means it may not provide long-term benefits. Additionally, the tree's weak wood makes it susceptible to damage from storms and other environmental factors. Furthermore, the Bradford pear tree has been recognized as an invasive species by the National Park Service. Its showy but delicate pink or white flowers may be appealing, but they also produce a malodorous, foul odor. The tree's ability to produce a large amount of pollen can make people miserable, particularly those with allergies. Its aggressive nature allows it to choke out other plants, leading to empty tracts of land and fallow fields. The Unpleasant Characteristics of Bradford Pear Trees The white blooming trees that are commonly seen in many landscapes may seem beautiful, but they are actually causing significant harm to the environment. With the exception of wild plums, most white flowering trees are contributing to an ecological disaster that is progressively worsening and eradicating our native trees from the rural landscape. One particular tree that stands out as a curse is the Bradford pear. This tree, often planted by uninformed landscapers, is even worse than the notorious invasive species, kudzu. The negative impact of Bradford pear trees is far-reaching and should not be underestimated. Lack of knowledge and poor decision-making by landscapers have played a significant role in this environmental nightmare. Bradford pear trees are not suitable for landscaping, yet they continue to be planted without considering the consequences. Planting them in the wrong places, such as on slopes, can lead to issues such as the death of grass and erosion as the soil washes away. Furthermore, Bradford pear trees are weak and short-lived. They produce an abundance of pollen that makes people miserable during the springtime. Their weak wood makes them susceptible to damage from storms, posing a danger to nearby structures and vehicles. Overall, these trees are not resilient to various environmental factors and have proven to be a poor choice for landscaping. In addition to their negative impact on the environment, Bradford pear trees also have unpleasant characteristics. While they may have showy but delicate pink or white flowers, these flowers emit a malodorous and foul odor. Moreover, their rapid growth and ability to choke out other plants have led to fallow fields and empty tracts of land where native species struggle to survive. Another concern is the poor crown structure of Bradford pear trees, which makes them prone to breakup. This can lead to hazardous situations, especially during storms or strong winds. It is also important to note that the life expectancy of Bradford pear trees is relatively short, typically ranging from 12 to 15 years, and only up to 20 years under ideal conditions. To minimize the environmental impact and avoid contributing to this ecological disaster, it is crucial to be aware of the harmful characteristics of Bradford pear trees and make more informed choices in landscaping. By opting for native tree species and consulting with knowledgeable experts, we can create landscapes that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally sustainable. Bradford Pear Trees: A Threat to Native Plants and Ecosystems Bradford Pear trees, while originally introduced as an ornamental plant, have quickly become a threat to native plants and ecosystems. These invasive trees outcompete native plants for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to a decrease in biodiversity. With their dense canopy, they shade out native plants and prevent their growth, resulting in a loss of habitat for native wildlife. Not only do Bradford Pear trees pose a threat to biodiversity, but their shallow root system can also cause issues. During storms, these trees are prone to toppling over, causing damage to property and infrastructure. Additionally, their prolific production of fruits further contributes to their invasiveness, as birds and other animals spread the seeds to new areas. To restore balance to ecosystems and protect biodiversity, efforts should be made to remove and replace Bradford Pear trees with native species. Education and awareness about the negative impacts of these trees are crucial in preventing further planting and spread. Local communities and organizations can work together to promote the use of native plants and encourage responsible landscaping practices. By taking action to address the threat posed by Bradford Pear trees, gardeners, homeowners, and environmental enthusiasts can play a role in preserving the health and integrity of our ecosystems. Final Thoughts In conclusion, while Bradford pear trees may be visually appealing, it is crucial to recognize the detrimental effects they have on the environment and native ecosystems. Their invasive nature, weak structure, and unpleasant characteristics make them more of a burden than a benefit. As gardeners and homeowners, it is our responsibility to make informed choices and prioritize the preservation of our natural surroundings. By opting for native, non-invasive tree species, we can contribute to the health and sustainability of our environment. Let us strive for a future where beauty and harmony coexist, free from the dark side of Bradford pear trees. In the fall people normally think about leaf clean-ups, pruning, and maybe aerating and seeding their lawns depending on the type of grass. In general, we recommend adding a herbicide treatment to your lawn in the fall, as it is the best way to prevent spring weeds from germinating. In this article, we’ll expand on that idea and share more information on why spraying your lawn in the fall is a great approach. Why Spraying Your Lawn in Fall is a Great Idea The main reason why the fall is the best time to spray your lawn with herbicides is that doing so allows you to compromise the root systems of the weeds in your lawn. By targeting the root systems, your fall herbicide application will be incredibly effective for killing unwanted plants. By contrast, spraying your lawn in the summer is more likely to kill the above-ground portions of your weeds. This often produces a satisfying effect in which the leaves and stems of your weeds will shrivel and die before your eyes. However, it is not as effective for preventing future weed growth. Spraying in the fall does not provide the satisfaction of watching your weeds die before your eyes. However, it does make it far more difficult for your weeds to germinate, meaning that you’ll see fewer undesirable plants appearing in the following spring season. Additionally, spraying your lawn in the fall is the more convenient option. The reason for that convenience is that you can apply your herbicide at the same time that you perform your fall seeding. By combining both of those essential lawn care tasks, you can save time during your fall lawn care routine. When to Apply Herbicides to Your Lawn in the Fall You now know that the fall season is the best time to apply herbicide to your lawn. However, it is also crucial to note that not all times during the fall are equally advantageous for herbicide application. Instead, you should wait for a few key factors to be in place before you spray. Mainly, you’ll want to spray your lawn on a sunny day when there is no rain in the forecast for the following day. Choosing to spray when the weather is right will make your herbicide application all the more effective in the long run. When it comes to which month to spray your lawn, September and October are often best. Other Times of Year to Spray a Lawn Although spraying your lawn in the fall is an excellent choice, there are other times during the year that you can apply herbicide. As it turns out, the spring is also a viable time in which you can spray your lawn with herbicide. The reason why spring and fall are the best times of year to perform herbicide applications is that your lawn will be in a stage of active growth, meaning that it will be less likely to receive damage from the herbicide itself. During winter and summer, your lawn will be in a dormant growth period, meaning that spraying is not advisable. However, when in doubt, you can rest assured that spraying your lawn in the fall is a smart option. Call now to add spraying and fertilization to your lawn care routine! What is Garden Bed Redefining, and How Does it Work?
Plant bed redefining is a gardening task that professional landscapers know well. However, there are many beginner and intermediate gardeners who are not familiar with what garden bed redefining is or why it is worth doing. This post will give you insights into what bed redefining is and how it works. Bed Redefining: A Simple Definition Bed redefining is a process in which you use a shovel, edger, or such as electric and gas-powered bed redefinerl to cut a distinct edge around your garden bed. This task is most relevant when your garden bed borders a lawn area. Typically, redefining involves cutting into the lawn to create a clear and crisp outline defining where your bed ends and where your lawn space begins. What Are the Advantages of Bed Redefining? Since redefining a garden bed can require some hard work, you might be wondering why this job is worth doing. But as the list below shows, there are several advantages to bed redefining that you may not be aware of: A professional appearance: Redefining your beds is a subtle way to give your garden a more professional look. Well-defined edges make your garden look neat, orderly, and attractive. Less grass growing into your beds: It’s always annoying to find that your lawn has grown into your garden beds where it does not belong. Redefining a bed edge cuts your lawn’s roots, making it much more difficult for it to expand into your bed. While this approach is not effective 100% of the time, it can do a lot to keep your grass growing in its designated area. Lower cost than other edging options: There are other ways to edge a garden bed, including by lining the bed with stone, pavers, or metal edging materials. However, while these options are more long-lasting, they are also considerably more expensive. Clearly, redefining the edges of your garden beds has both aesthetic and functional benefits. Reach out to our team to find out if bed resigning is right for your yard. Call Now 864.275.2039 A tasteful selection of shrubs growing in your foundation bed can do wonders for the overall curb appeal of your home. However, selecting shrubs for a foundation planting plan is not a one size fits all process. Instead, you should choose foundation shrubs based on the unique characteristics of your house. The next few sections will give you a better idea of how to do that.
Choosing Shrubs for One-Story Houses The shrubs you should plant for a one-story or smaller house are generally different than those you would pick for a larger or multi-story house. For example, if you have a one-story house, it’s usually best to select shrubs that are on the smaller side. As larger shrubs mature, they will appear out of proportion compared to a one-story house. This can cause your home to look smaller than it actually is, and it can allow your shrubs to appear overgrown and out of place. On the other hand, shrubs that remain small are more likely to complement the size and proportion of your home’s front façade. Shrub species that reach anywhere from two to six feet tall should work well in those situations. Choosing Shrubs for Houses with Multiple Stories If you have a larger home with multiple stories, you have a greater opportunity to incorporate both large and small shrubs into your foundation planting scheme. However, it is still vital to consider the placement of these shrubs. For example, you should situate larger shrubs at the corners of your home or between windows. Large shrubs that grow directly in front of a window will quickly block the view out as they expand each growing season. On the other hand, it is often permissible to plant smaller shrubs directly below a window as they are far less likely to obscure the view. When choosing larger shrubs, it is also sensible to consider the plant’s overall form. If you wish to place a larger shrub between windows, it’s better to use one that has a narrower form than one that is more rounded. Likewise, it’s often better to select shrubs that grow more horizontally than vertically for areas directly below windows. Matching Shrubs to the Style of Your Home Sizing is not the only factor you need to consider when choosing shrubs for your foundation bed. It is also important to choose shrubs that will match the exterior appearance of your home. Consider the colors and textures of your home’s façade. Then, select shrubs that have complementary colors and textures. Matching shrubs to the style of your home can require an artistic eye. However, don’t forget that what matters most is your opinion. After finding a set of shrubs that are the right size for your house, you can narrow down your selection to the ones that have the flowers and foliage that you think looks best. A Few Popular Shrubs for Foundation Planting Beds Now that you understand the basics of how to choose shrubs for a foundation bed let’s consider a few popular options. Below are some of the most commonly used shrubs for foundation beds:
The quick answer is no! Landscape fabric should only be used in certain situations. The cons of landscape fabric outweighs the pros which is why for most cases we do not recommend the use of landscape fabric under mulch.
First of all, you might be wondering, what is landscape fabric? Landscape fabric can be found at your local lawn & garden store in rolls that are at least 3 feet wide and up to 200 feet long. The fabric is made either as a solid sheet with holes or woven fibers. The purpose of landscape fabric is to create a barrier between the soil and mulch and prevents weeds. It is also used to retain moisture. Sounds great, right? Ultimately, landscape fabric ends up causing more harm than good. Landscape fabric retains moisture, which sounds great, but it actually encourages poor drainage and creates a perfect environment for mold & other disease to thrive. The barrier can cause earthworms to die. Earthworms aerate & keep soil healthy, but when they are unable to reach the surface for air to survive, they die & that causes the soil under the fabric to become unhealthy. Also, because of the barrier, the nutrients from mulch, pine needles & leaves are unable to reach the soil below. Weeds can also still grow. Instead of growing to the surface, they root onto the landscape fabric. Also, a big con of landscape fabric is how hard it is to remove. Especially if it has been there for a long amount of time and weeds have rooted to the fabric. Because it isn’t made from an organic material, it will never decompose so it will need to be physically removed. However, there are two instances where we do approve of the use of landscape fabric. River Rocks & Septic Tanks. While the fabric should never be placed OVER your septic system, it can be placed AROUND your septic system. If you cover over, it could reduce air exchange & cause retention of excess moisture. The other exception is when laying river rocks. Weeds are less likely to grow in rocks and the landscape fabric provides a barrier. However, if you’re planting anything amongst the rocks, make sure to leave plenty of space around the plants landscape fabric free so that nutrients & earthworms can still reach the soil! If you have any questions, we are always happy to help! Give us a call at (864) 275-2039! By: Hannah Raines Copyright ALL Outdoors 2022 If you’re like me, you probably think that it’s better for plants to have too much water than not enough. I have always tried to make sure that the soil feels wet and if it’s even the least bit dry I have always added more water…probably too much water. Turns out my black thumb (thank goodness Jason, Ashley and the AO team on the front lines have green thumbs) is simply from over-watering. My plants have just been drowning all this time!
Surprisingly, the number one cause of plants dying is over watering. The easiest way to tell if your plants have been over watered is if the plant has wilted, yet the soil is wet. Plants can also turn a light green color that may also indicate too much water. Obviously, a plant’s root system is of utmost importance because they are the primary source of food and water absorption. They are also important for absorbing oxygen. If there is too much water, roots are unable to breathe so essentially, they drown. If they soil is always wet, there won’t be enough air pockets for the roots to receive oxygen. This causes stress in the plant and it also leads to unhealthy roots. Over watering can also cause root rot. Under watered plants tend to enter almost like a hibernation mode. Sometimes a plant is too far gone and it can’t be saved no matter what you do. However, it is easier to save a plant from being under watered than it is if it has been over watered. Plants that have been under watered can recover within a few hours after receiving water, unlike over watered plants that will require a much longer process. If you have learned anything from this blog, I hope that you have learned to be careful with how much you are watering your plants! If you’re ever wondering if plants are in need of water, stick your finger down to your second knuckle in the soil to feel how wet or dry the soil is. Also, pay attention to the leaves of your plant to help you! As always, we are here to help! Give us a call at (864) 275-2039. By: Hannah Raines Copyright 2021 ALL Outdoors Have you ever had a shrub that suddenly seems like it has taken over your yard? This happens far too often. Sometimes shrubs grow in directions that you never intended, but good news…there is a way to control this! It will also save you time from having to trim back your shrubs all of the time!
Many popular shrubs require a lot of attention from homeowners and landscapers. In order to keep their shape, pruning and shearing are usually required. This can be very time consuming to keep your shrubs looking perfect! This is where plant growth regulators come into play. Plant growth regulators act like a hormone and modify or control one or more physiological changes within a plant. Cutless is our favorite kind of plant growth regulator because it literally helps you cut less! It is root-absorbed. It can be used for turf grass to reduce the need for mowing and also suppresses annual bluegrass. Cutless has also been shown to be effective in controlling growth of ornamental plants and helps control random shoots. If you have any questions or concerns about using Cutless, please don’t hesitate to let us know by giving us a call. We are happy to help you, (864) 275-2039! By: Hannah Raines Copyright ALL Outdoors 2020 Now is a great time to plant shrubs or flowers to attract pollinators. Planting these plants is a great way to spruce up the look of your lawn! They are available in all shapes and sizes and feature beautiful flowers. Not only will they decorate your yard, they will help the environment by keeping pollinators alive and healthy.
There are many options of plants that can attract pollinators that you can plant in the Upstate. This month, on our Facebook page, we featured a different type every Tuesday. Below, you will find every plant that we featured this month, all in one place! When you come across plants that say they have been pre-treated with pesticides, you’d probably think that it’s a good thing. However, this is not always the case. As the daughter of a beekeeper, I have learned how some pesticides can cause more harm than good. Specifically, I am referring to Neonicotinoids. Plants treated with Neonicotinoids are found in most chain home improvement stores. The use of Neonicotinoids is boasted to help prevent harm from flies, beetles, wood boring pests, mealy bugs, and aphids. What they don’t tell you is all the harm this pesticide causes honeybees and other pollinators who do good for the environment.
Neonicotinoids are so harmful that the European Union placed a partial ban on the pesticide in 2013. Just a few weeks ago, they voted in favor of a complete ban. Meanwhile, in the United States, use of Neonicotinoids is still allowed and causing the decline of honeybees. However, at the beginning of 2018 some states such as Maryland and Connecticut have begun taking steps to ban the sale of products containing the pesticide.
Because this information has been brought to light in recent years, Home Depot has vowed to remove all plants treated with Neonicotinoids by the end of 2018 and Lowe’s has followed suit pledging to do the same by the end of 2019. Remember, when you are searching for flowers for your yard or maybe even plants for you garden, make sure you read the label. If a plant has been treated with Neonicotinoids, don’t buy it. Maybe even let the store manager know that you would like to see the removal of plants treated with Neonicotinoids. The world can’t afford to lose any more bees and other pollinators!
By: Hannah Raines Copyright ALL Outdoors 2018 |
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