Lawn Care Archives

Summer Lawn Care Tips

Posted on July 1, 2021August 31, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Summer is almost here! Hot weather, occasional rain showers and intense sunshine can be good for your grass and hard on it at the same time. These summer lawn care tips can help you keep your grass lush and healthy all summer long. Make the most of your summer and your time spent outdoors by maintaining a green, vibrant lawn throughout the growing season.

Water Deeply, Infrequently and At the Right Time

Watering deeply encourages your grass to grow deep roots that embed it in the soil. These deep roots make it harder for weeds to grow on your lawn. What counts as deep watering? Stick a pen or a ruler in the ground after the sprinklers turn off. The soil should be wet to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. If the water in the soil doesn’t go that far, adjust your sprinkler to water longer for each stretch.

Water your lawn two to three times each week. Your lawn may need watering more frequently on the hottest and most intense days of summer, and less watering if you get a lot of rain. Adjust your sprinkler schedule accordingly.

Control Weeds

Controlling weeds is a weekly chore in the summer, but staying on top of the problem can prevent weeds from spreading. Once weeds mature, they can spread seeds that make controlling the problem even more difficult. Set aside time each week to use weed treatment on your lawn.

Use weed treatments carefully, following the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Keep weed treatments away from children and store them in conditions as specified on the container.

Alternatively, you can also pull weeds the old-fashioned way. Some tips when pulling weeds:

Pull weeds straight up, including their roots.
Pull weeds after a rain or after watering your lawn, because it’s easier to pull weeds out from moist soil.
Wear gloves when weeding; some weeds have pointy leaves.
Use a shovel or a garden hoe to remove tough weeds.
Mulch beds after weeding, or fill in holes left by weeds with grass seed.

Weeding can be hard on your back and hard on your knees. To prevent damage to your body, weed in short spells. Wear knee pads or sit on a gardening stool.

If you’re not up for the hard work of weeding, contact a landscaper who performs garden or lawn maintenance. You don’t have to take on this job yourself. It’s best to do the work regularly and often than it is to let weeds get out of control, so contact a landscaping professional as soon as possible. Your landscaping professional can tell you how often they think weeding should happen based on the condition of your yard.

Cut Your Grass to the Right Height

Different types of grass should be cut to different heights, so research your type of grass to find out what height is preferred. If you’re not sure what kind of grass is planted in your yard, ask your landscape contractor for advice. Longer grass is usually best. Maintaining semi-long grass blades is healthy for the grass and also good for the soil. Long blades shade the soil and help keep it moist.

Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass at a time. If your grass is far too long, cut it to about 30% of its current height, then cut again in a week to help keep your grass healthy.

Fertilize Your Lawn

Some experts say to fertilize your lawn about every six weeks throughout the summer. However, some fertilizers cause the grass to grow too quickly, which can lead to a lot of extra grass cutting for you.

Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, following the instructions on the fertilizer and take care to disperse the fertilizer evenly. Too much fertilizer can cause your grass to turn brown.

Let Clippings Feed the Lawn

Leave grass clippings on your lawn to fertilize the grass and return nutrients to the soil. Some lawn mowers are designed to cut grass and leave tiny clippings on the lawn. If you have this type of lawnmower, the job will be done for you. If you don’t have this type of mower, scatter clippings on your lawn after mowing.

Get Your Lawn Off to the Right Start

Some lawns are just too damaged to repair. If your lawn is more weed than grass, or if your grass is too unhealthy to resuscitate, laying new sod is the fastest, easiest way to improve the appearance of your lawn and get your grass off to the right start.

You can resod your lawn throughout the year, but the best time to resod is in early fall, when the temperatures are starting to cool. Another good time to resod is in mid-spring. If you’re trying to resod at a challenging time of year, work closely with a landscape contractor to get the work done. Having guidance from a professional will help ensure the success of your sod.

If you do choose to plant new sod on your property, choose the right grass for your lawn. Some grass performs well in shade, while many other types of grass need bright sunshine to thrive. Plant the grass that will thrive in the conditions on your existing lawn. Working with a professional makes this easier, so if you’re not sure what type of grass is best for your property, talk to a pro.

Hire a Professional

The best way to ensure that your grass will look its best throughout the growing season is to hire a professional landscaping company. Work with a pro to resod your lawn, pull your weeds, and maintain your grass. Healthy grass looks good and can improve the value of your home!

Want to know more? Talk to Hidden Creek Landscaping. We can help you redesign your lawn or maintain your outdoor spaces. Through regular maintenance, you can keep your property looking its best throughout the growing season. Call today!

Outdoor Features That Can Increase The Value Of Your Home

Posted on May 15, 2021July 28, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

When it comes to the value of your home, outdoor space can affect the value almost as much as (if not more so) indoor space. It’s the outdoor space that visitors see first when they arrive at your house. It’s the outdoor space where you spend your time entertaining and playing.

Whether you’re trying to sell your home soon, or simply seeking a way to improve your quality of life, there are many things you can do to your outdoor space that will add to its value.

At Hidden Creek, we can help improve your home’s landscaping and hardscaping to help you achieve your home improvement goals. We provide design and outdoor construction services to beautify residential homes in and around Hilliard Ohio. Read on to learn about the many home improvements and upgrades that can make all the difference.

Hardscape and Masonry

Hardscaping creates structure in your front yard and back. Hardscaping can take many forms, including patios, decks, pathways, and more. Before installing beautiful landscaping, first, install hardscaping. It’s best to work with an experienced hardscape designer to get this work done.

Deck or Patio

Decks and patios provide a place to lounge, play, and visit with friends and family. Decks are elevated for a slight view, while patios sit fully on the ground. Covered patios provide more all-weather outdoor entertaining options, while decks have a particular aesthetic beauty that appeals to many homeowners. Which one is right for you? Have your hardscaping contractor create a design based on your preferences.

Water Features and Fire Features

Water features are serene and provide pleasing sounds as well as beauty. They’re an excellent addition to any garden, eating space or stone patio. They can attract birds, and help create an ambiance that most people enjoy when they’re lounging outside.

Fire features, meanwhile, provide a gathering space where people can spend time warming their hands and bodies. On a dark night, they’re a sight to behold, creating an intimate atmosphere where people can spend time enjoying one another’s company. Fire features can take many forms including a fire pit, fireplace, and more.

When you’re trying to decide between a water feature and a fire feature, ask yourself: do you want to stare into the flame or listen to the sound of a babbling brook? You decide.

Pathways

Pathways have utility as well as beauty. They add a dynamic quality to any front- or backyard, by leading the eye and body around the space. Pathways can also prevent an impromptu path from being beaten into the ground in common areas where you and your family members walk.

Pathways can be made from stone or mulch. Work with your landscaping and hardscaping designer to pick a pathway material that’s best for you.

Retaining Wall

Retaining walls can create holding places for soil, which can then become garden beds. Retaining walls also add structure to backyards and can flatten sloped ground, creating more usable space. They need to be installed by an experienced contractor with the skills to ensure proper construction, as an improperly built retaining wall may fail.

Landscaping

Landscaping consists of the living plants that grow up around your hardscaping. Once the hardscaping is in place, landscaping can be installed. Your landscaper can make recommendations for types of plants that can be potted on your property based on the amount of light, quality of the soil, and more.

Garden Beds

Garden beds can be used to grow shrubs, flowers, or even vegetables. It takes ongoing maintenance throughout the growing season to keep your flowers and shrubs in good condition, especially as they’re becoming established. Perennial plants that are already established need far less care. Talk to your landscaper about installing perennial plants if this is important to you.

For best results with your garden beds, fertilize regularly throughout the growing season, and water your plants according to their preferences. It helps to keep flowers and shrubs with like watering preferences together.

Another way to keep your flower beds looking their best is to mulch the surrounding ground. This gives the soil a uniform appearance and also helps contain moisture and cool the roots, to promote healthy plant growth.

Work with your landscaper to choose flowers with colors that coordinate with your hardscaping, house and surroundings. Some properties benefit from multi-colored flowers while other properties do best with a limited palette.

Potted Plants

Potted plants can brighten spaces like decks and patios that might otherwise be devoid of landscaping. Potted plants require a regular watering schedule, as the soil in potted plants can dry out quickly. Mulching can help keep the roots cool and can help prevent water from evaporating from the soil.

Your landscaper can suggest the best plants for pots on your property. These plants should be well-suited to a pot and should also be coordinated with the colors in the surrounding environment.

Ready to Upgrade Your Hardscaping or Landscaping? Contact Hidden Creek

At Hidden Creek, we provide the best quality landscaping and hardscaping for homeowners in and around Hilliard, Ohio. What you do to your property matters, and how you keep your yard can make a big impact on your home’s value. Work with the best!

To find out more about how we can help improve the value of your home, call us today to make an appointment for a consultation.

The Best Perennial Plants for Ohio Weather

Posted on May 1, 2021August 31, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

The weather is warming. The threat of frost will soon be behind us. Here in Ohio, we’re all preparing for a beautiful growing season. Whether you’re preparing your own garden beds for planting or you’re working with a professional, it’s important to pick the right plants for your property. Ohio is a state with four beautiful seasons, including very hot summers and very cold winters. Our USDA growing zones are 5a and 5b, depending on your location. This means it takes the right type of perennials to grow on your property. The plants you choose must tolerate very cold winters indeed.

Given all that, you might be surprised to find out there are actually many choices available to you. Ohio’s natural beauty shows through in its flora and fauna. Below are some of the best perennials that you can plant in your Ohio landscaping.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The cardinal flower is known for its shocking red spikes with trumpet-shaped blossoms. The long, slender flowers are difficult for many insects to navigate, so it’s the hummingbirds that ultimately help fertilize these plants. That means you can attract many hummingbirds with these gorgeous, three- to four-foot tall perennials.

They’re moderately deer resistant, will thrive in full sun to partial shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade being best. Cardinal plants also require only a moderate amount of watering. Because cardinal plants are native to Ohio, they require little supplemental watering once established, though you’ll get the best results by watering them regularly throughout the growing season.

Gayfeather, or Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Bearing funny, shaggy flowers poised on tall spikes, gayfeather is one of the most noticeable plants to appear in the garden. It attracts bees, moths, butterflies and hummingbirds for an ongoing show throughout the summer. Plant this flower in full sun and maintain an average amount of moisture in the soil around the flower. gayfeathers are prominent, growing between two and five feet tall in good conditions.

If your soil is poor (and your landscaper will be able to let you know if this is the case), the gayfeather is a good plant for you, as it is moderately tolerant of poor soil as well as Ohio’s heat and humidity. This is an excellent plant to place in pots near your front door, assuming your front door is regularly exposed to bright sun. You’ll certainly attract attention to your home with these beautiful plants!

Black-Eyed Susan

Everyone loves black-eyed Susans. This easy to grow perennial flowers appear in gardens around the country, but they’re native to Ohio, which makes them perfectly well suited for garden beds throughout the state. You can find this flower growing in the wild throughout forests, fields, along interstates and roadsides, and in prairie land.

Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun and moderately dry soil. They’re quite deer resistant, and grow to be an average of two to three feet tall. They produce blooms throughout the summer, though dead-heading will help. This is a good plant if you’re not always consistent with your watering. Black-eyed Susans are also an excellent candidate for poor soil. Do not plant Black-eyed Susans if you have clay-like or poorly drained soil.

Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)

Blue flag Irises are striking in their beauty. Despite their name, their coloring falls on the line between blue and violet, with some flowers appearing much more violet than true blue. These hardy plants are able to survive in most home gardens without much care. You can find blue flags in wet meadows, along streams, and near swamps. …which is all to say that blue flag prefers moist soil. If your soil doesn’t drain well or is clay-like, this could be a good flower to plant on your property.

Blue flag prefers partial shade to shade and grows to be two or three feet in height. You can plant this flower to attract bees, hummingbirds, birds and butterflies.

Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

There are few plants more lovely than columbine. With delicate two-colored blossoms and dark green foliage, columbines are one of the loveliest flowers in the forest. These flowers prefer shade to partial shade and average to dry soil. Once they’re established, they can multiply quickly. They’re also deer resistant. Columbine usually grows no larger than two and a half feet tall and can attract hummingbirds.

These flowers are so delicate that many homeowners choose to plant them in the company of other flowers for variety and coverage. Columbine is a spring blooming plant that doesn’t produce blossoms until its second year, if started from seed.

Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

Obedient plant produces tubular flowers from spears that look similar to snapdragons. They attract hummingbirds and bees and grow best in full sun and average to moist soil. They’re about three or four feet tall and resistant to deer. Once established, Obedient plants spread quickly.

Why are they called obedient plants? Because when you push on the flowers, they will temporarily remain in place as if on a hinge. The flowers will eventually return to their original position. Obedient plants are also called false dragonhead, because of their resemblance to dragonhead flowers.

Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

If you like wild peas, then you’ll love wild lupine. This fragrant flower thrives in full- to partial sun, and in average to dry soil. Wild lupine attracts beneficial pollinators like hummingbirds and birds. Standing at just one to two feet tall, it’s modest in stature but makes a big impression in the garden.

Ready to Plant Your Garden? Contact Hidden Creek to Get Started

You don’t have to have a green thumb or all the time in the world to enjoy a beautiful garden in Ohio. Hidden Creek can help you get started with your Ohio landscape. To get started with your landscaping project this summer, call us today to make an appointment and discuss your needs.

The Best Time to Fertilize Landscapes, Lawns, & Gardens

Posted on March 25, 2021April 19, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Fertilizing is an important part of lawn and landscape maintenance, but applying fertilizer at the wrong time can do more damage to a plant than leaving it alone.

What’s a gardener to do?

When to fertilize depends on your climate, soil, plant, and variety. In general, established plants should be fertilized in the spring and/or fall, while seedlings, annuals, and container plants may need consistent applications throughout the growing season.

Ready to fertilize?

Not so fast.

First, let’s go over a few basics:

Annual compost applications are sufficient for most established plants.
Slow-release fertilizers promote healthy, sustainable growth, while quick-release fertilizers can burn roots.
Under-fertilizing is always better than over-fertilizing.
Fertilizer is not medicine for sick plants; check for pests, diseases, drought stress, overwatering, and other problems before you use fertilizer.
Our recommendations are for general-purpose fertilizers. Nutrient-specific amendments, like chelated iron, can be applied whenever you have a confirmed deficiency.
Nutrient imbalance can be caused by soils that are too acidic or alkaline for the plant. Do a pH test to make sure your plants are able to use the existing nutrients in the soil.

Now, let’s get started.

Best Time to Fertilize: Lawns

Turfgrasses are split into two major categories: cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses.
Cool-season grasses grow more in the spring and fall, and may go dormant during hot, dry summers.
Warm-season grasses break dormancy later, and grow more during the summer.
Fertilize cool-season grasses late in the summer to early fall. This gives the lawn nutrients to recover from summer stress, as well as helping the roots prepare to store energy for the winter.
Fertilize warm-season grasses once in the spring after the first few mowing sessions, and again six to eight weeks before the first frost in the fall. This gives the lawn a boost when it breaks dormancy, and helps the roots prepare for winter dormancy.
For more tips on maintaining a lush, green lawn, see 7 Ways to Make Your Grass Greener.

Best Time to Fertilize: Established Trees & Landscapes

Newly-transplanted and established trees rarely need fertilizer. Most trees will have sufficient fertilizer from lawn applications, and the extensive root systems allow trees to access nutrients deep below the surface.
Newly-transplanted trees and shrubs should not be fertilized, because nitrogen will force them to grow new leaves when it should be focused on repairing the root system. Instead, add a few handfuls of compost into the ground when you transplant.
Established trees and shrubs should only be fertilized in early spring when soil tests indicate a deficiency. Annual compost applications are more beneficial to the plant and will help maintain adequate nutrient levels.

Best Time to Fertilize: Fruit Trees

Fruit trees have a burst of new branches, leaves, and flowers in the spring, followed by weeks or months of fruit development.
The ideal time to fertilize fruit trees is in early to mid-spring before bud break. This gives trees a burst of energy for green growth and blooming.
Keep in mind, established fruit trees may not need fertilizer.

Best Time to Fertilize: Vegetables

Most vegetables are annuals, so you don’t have to time your fertilizer applications to coincide with dormancy.
Instead, vegetables should be fertilized according to their overall health, with more or less time between applications depending on the soil quality.
Fertilize vegetables in sandy soil at the beginning of the season and every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season if the plants begin to lose color or vigor. If plants are lush and green, avoid fertilizing or you may burn the roots.
Fertilize vegetables in clay soil at the beginning of the season and every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season if the plants begin to lose color or vigor. Clay soils may also cause root rot, so make sure you are irrigating correctly before you try to correct growth problems with fertilizer.

Best Time to Fertilize: Annuals

Annuals are meant to bring a temporary pop of color to an established landscape or flower bed.
Fertilize annuals at the beginning of the season before planting, and every 6-8 weeks during the growing season as needed. Annuals are meant to be showy and colorful, so it’s important to fertilize if the plants begin to show signs of nitrogen deficiency, like yellow (chlorotic) leaves.

Best Time to Fertilize: Container Plants

Container plants are permanently restricted to a planter, container, or pot. These plants are watered more frequently than in-ground plants, which leaches nutrients out of the potting mix.
Fertilize container plants every 2-8 weeks, depending on the species and time of year. Flowering and fruiting plants will need consistent fertilization to support blooms and fruit set, while vegetative plants may be able to go 3-4 months without fertilization.
Even plants with a slow-release fertilizer in the soil mix will eventually require fertilization. Research your plant’s nutrient requirements and fertilize accordingly.

Best Time to Fertilize: Seedlings

Seedlings are in temporary containers while they grow large enough for transplant. In order to prevent damping off and other pathogens that attack seedlings, most seed-starting mixes are sterile, which means they have no nutritional value for the plants.
Fertilize seedlings once they have one set of true leaves. This is when the plant has used up the nutrients from the endosperm within the seed, and when the roots will start looking for nutrients in the soil. Seedlings grow very quickly, so it is important to start fertilizing as soon as the first pair of seedling leaves emerge in order to keep up with this growth.

For truly stunning landscapes, you need a reliable irrigation schedule, mowing schedule, and maintenance schedule. Hidden Creek Landscaping INC. provides professional landscape services for commercial and residential areas. Contact us today for more information.

5 Best Grass Species for Ohio

Posted on March 18, 2021April 19, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

A well-manicured lawn is the fundamental building block of curb appeal. High-quality lawns create a clean backdrop for colorful landscapes and lawn décor (and it may even increase the value of your home).

There are many factors that go into creating a lush, green lawn, but the first step is picking a grass species that thrives in the cooler climates of Ohio.

Ohio is evenly split between USDA zones 5 and 6, which makes it the ideal environment for cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses have a bunching growth habit and have active growth periods during the spring and fall. The best grass species for Ohio are:

Tall Fescue
Fine Fescue
Perennial Rye
Kentucky Bluegrass
Bentgrass

So, which one is best for your lawn?
Let’s find out.

1. Tall Fescue

Tall fescue is a coarse, dense turf grass with long blades.
This species is tolerant of poor soil, poor drainage, drought, and light shade.
Tall Fescue: Basic Care

Tall fescue is a durable turf grass, but it still requires consistent maintenance:

Durability: Moderate-High
Mowing Height: 3.5”-4”
Irrigation Needs: 1”-1.25” per week
Fertilizer Needs: 3-5lbs of nitrogen per 1,000sq’
Common Pests/Diseases: billbug, fall armyworm, white grubs

Plant tall fescue in late summer through early fall so the roots have time to establish before winter.

2. Fine Fescue

Fine fescues are divided into three lawn-quality turf grasses:

Creeping Red Fescue
Chewings Fescue
Hard Fescue

These grasses are usually blended with tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass to form a shade-tolerant, cool-season turf mix.

Fine Fescue: Basic Care

Fine fescues have a soft texture and deep green color. They are the most shade-tolerant cool-season grasses, and they require less water and fertilizer than almost any other cool-season turf species.

Durability: Moderate-High
Mowing Height: 1”-3”
Irrigation Needs: .5”-1” per week
Fertilizer Needs: 3-5lbs of nitrogen per 1,000sq’
Common Pests/Diseases: billbug, fall armyworm, white grubs

Plant fine fescue in late summer through early fall so the roots have time to establish before winter.

3. Perennial Rye

Perennial rye germinates faster than other cool-season grasses, but it is slow to spread. The most common use for perennial rye is as part of a blend with more vigorous species, like Kentucky bluegrass.

Recent advances with perennial rye have made it more tolerant of drought and foot traffic. Perennial rye is more tolerant of alkaline soils than fescues or bluegrass, which makes it a popular choice for homeowners with high pH soils.

Perennial Rye: Basic Care

Perennial rye is generally part of a cool-season blend, but it can also be used as a stand-alone turf, although it can be high-maintenance and may go dormant without proper care.

Durability: Moderate-High
Mowing Height: 1.5”-2.5”
Irrigation Needs: 1.25”-1.5” per week
Fertilizer Needs: 2-4lbs of nitrogen per 1,000sq’
Common Pests/Diseases: thrips, grubs, sod webworms, brown patch, dollar spot

Plant perennial rye in early spring or early fall. Fall is best so the roots can become established before winter.

4. Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular turf grasses in Ohio.

Kentucky bluegrass has a deep blue-green color and a soft, sturdy texture. Although Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass, it has a warm-season growth habit. Rhizomes spread underground to create a thick sod that fills in quickly and holds up to heavy foot traffic.

This grass is often mixed with perennial rye and fescue to give the turf more durability. However, Kentucky bluegrass is only slightly shade tolerant, and it takes three times longer to germinate than perennial rye. The roots are more shallow than other turf species, so it is more sensitive to drought and fertilizer deficiencies.

4. Kentucky Bluegrass: Basic Care

Kentucky bluegrass can be a high-maintenance turf, but the deep emerald color and soft carpet texture are worth the extra water.

Durability: Moderate-High
Mowing Height: 2.5”-3”
Irrigation Needs: 1.25”-2.5” per week
Fertilizer Needs: 3-6lbs of nitrogen per 1,000sq’
Common Pests/Diseases: grubs

Plant Kentucky bluegrass in early fall so the roots have time to establish before winter.

5. Bentgrass

Bentgrass is a specialty turf grass that is mostly used on golf courses.
This grass is an extremely low-growing, mat-forming turf that requires consistent maintenance. This discourages most homeowners from attempting to use it in their lawns. However, it creates a manicured, luxurious image, which makes it an attractive option in some areas.

For a more lawn-friendly bentgrass, try varieties bred for residential purposes. They are a little taller and require less maintenance.

Note: Bentgrass can become invasive in lawns and is a common weed in lawns with a fescue/bluegrass blend. Do not use bentgrass as a blend with other grasses.
Bentgrass: Basic Care

Bentgrass is the most high-maintenance grass on our list, but if you love lawn care, this may be the turf for you.

Durability: High
Mowing Height: .5”-.75”
Irrigation Needs: 1.25”-2” per week
Fertilizer Needs: 2-5lbs of nitrogen per 1,000sq’
Common Pests/Diseases: sod webworms, grubs, cutworms, dollar spot, brown patch

Plant bentgrass in early fall so the roots have time to establish before winter.

Want a show-stopping lawn, but not sure where to start? We offer year-round lawn and landscape maintenance. Contact us today for more information.

7 Ways to Make Your Grass Greener

Posted on February 19, 2021October 27, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

There is nothing better than looking out the window of your home and seeing a lush lawn with bright and healthy green grass. The good news is that you don’t have to be an expert gardener to have the best-looking lawn on the block!

The truth is that all you need is the proper mover and some pro tips that will help you make your grass greener. Regular maintenance is always the key. One of our expert landscapers can guide you through the steps needed to make sure your lawn is always in top-notch shape.

What are some things I can do to make my grass greener?

First and foremost, know that a perfect, green lawn takes dedication, consistency, and a ton of work. You’ll need to make sure the grass is mowed at the right height, properly fertilized, and water to exact specifications.

The right plan will help you know how to spray, fertilize, and properly cut your grass. Below are some great ways to get started on the right track.

1. Use composite waste to create a greener lawn

Composite waste is simply the biodegradable kitchen scraps you probably just throw in the trash. Put it to better use! Process it and add it to the soil to act as a fertilizer, encouraging healthy growth of your grass.

You can add the composite all over your yard for an even look, or as patches to take care of specific areas. Make sure that you water your lawn thoroughly after putting down the composite.

2. Treat your soil right!

Understanding the makeup of your soil will ensure that you give it the right nutrients to get the right you want. One example of a soil treatment that is highly effective is cornmeal. Not only is cornmeal a natural herbicide, but it also provides needed fertilizer and controls pests.

Another great treatment is Mycorrhizal fungi, which helps the roots of your grass attach properly to the ground and attract the right organic nutrients straight into the root.

3. Give your grass the right cut

One of the easiest mistakes to make when it comes to lawn care is incorrectly cutting your grass. Learning how to properly mow is critical in making your grass greener. A trim lawn that is kept at a steady height is key to giving your lawn the perfect look.

Proper trimming creates healthy growth and roots. The right way to cut is dependent on the kind of grass you have since different types have different optimal heights. Knowing what you’re working with is the first step to take in making your plan.

4. Recycling works!

Everyone knows that recycling is a good thing, but have you ever heard of grass-cycling? It turns out that one of the best fertilizers for grass is the grass itself. By leaving the clippings in the grass they feed the roots.

Not only does it help improve the soil ph levels and textures, but it also provides essential nutrients for the healthy growth of grass. It will both benefit your lawn and save you time that would be spent cleaning it up.

5. Keep the watering regular

It’s commonsense that grass needs the appropriate amount of water to thrive, but to make it truly shine you’ll want to make sure that it is watered regularly. But not too much! By having a smaller, regular watering cycle, you allow the water to more thoroughly seep into the soil instead of running off.

When you over-water, you fill the lawn with water, causing the good nutrients to run away and drive off helpers like worms, who work hard behind the scenes to keep your grass healthy!

6. Give it some air. Aeration, that is!

A healthy lawn loves free air circulation. When the soil is compacted, it creates a firm obstacle to fertilizer and proper water absorption. Depending on the type of soil and age of the lawn, it may need to be manually opened up.

An aerating machine or handheld tool does the job perfectly, opening up small holes that allow insects and air to pass through. Annual aeration is a great way to keep your grass healthy year after year.

7. Treat your lawn right!

Weeds not only make your lawn look unsightly, but they also make it unhealthy! You’ll want to put a weed control system in place so that the grass isn’t competing with weeds for water and nutrients.

A good feed and weed system gets rid of the unwanted plants while providing the fertilizer to make your grass look great.

What’s the best way to get started making my grass greener?

The best way to start is to consult with the pros! Give us a call at Hidden Creek Landscaping to see how our lawn maintenance specialists can get you on the right track to a better-looking lawn.

Irrigation Maintenance

Posted on January 27, 2021February 24, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

If you’ve gone through the expense and effort of installing an irrigation system in your yard, it only makes sense to keep it in proper working order! By taking proper care of your irrigation system you’ll save money on your water bills and make sure that it is performing properly and as expected.

To get the best return on your investment in an irrigation system, you’ll want to create a maintenance plan that keeps your system operating optimally.

Hidden Creek Landscaping irrigation experts are on hand to help you create a maintenance program that not only keeps your yard looking great but also makes the best use of your irrigation system.

What are some best practices when it comes to irrigation maintenance?

The first step in establishing a maintenance program for your irrigation system is to determine the watering schedule that is best for your yard in different seasons. The needs of your lawn and landscape are different in the spring than in the middle of July.

Seasonal adjustments

When the seasons change and temperatures drop in the fall, watering needs likely change again. Likewise, a shady part of your lawn has different needs than the sunny side. By adjusting for different seasons and in different zones, you’ll optimize your system to best meet the needs of your landscaping.

Why waste water with leaks and misdirection?

Changes in the schedule as the seasons change present a perfect opportunity to make sure that your system hasn’t developed issues. You could be wasting significant amounts of money if there are:

leaks
broken lines
misdirected sprinkler lines

If one part of your lawn is covered in puddles and another is completely dry, you have a sure sign that there is leakage or another problem. A quick inspection can tell you where the issue is and allow you to make the necessary repairs.

What are some routine maintenance items I should perform?

There are some key and easy routine maintenance tasks you can perform regularly to make sure that your irrigation system is running in peak condition. A monthly inspection could reveal damaged or clogged sprinkler heads that, left unchecked, could cause significant damage or waste down the road.

Water your flowers, not your asphalt!

Making sure that there is no sprinkler run-off will keep you from watering your driveway instead of your flower beds. Adjusting your sprinkler heads as plants and your lawn grows will make sure that the system is doing what it was meant to do – irrigating your landscaping.

Reducing sprinkler run-off saves you money by preventing water waste but also helps to prevent sending pollutants into the storm drain system. The same is true when it comes to blocked or obstructed lawn sprinklers. Your car doesn’t need to be watered, but your lawn does. Readjust the heads regularly to make sure they are watering the right thing.

Pressure problems

If the pressure is too high, you could be creating high pressure misting. This occurs when the water turns into tiny droplets in the air that can be carried by the wind away from the spot that it’s intended to be watering. Installing a pressure device will help you regulate water pressure and prevent this common problem.

Only water when necessary

Likewise, installing a rain/freeze sensor will save you both water and money. There is no need to water your landscaping if it’s already raining, and watering when the temperature drops below freezing could cause damage to your plants. By installing a rain/freeze sensor you can optimize your system to prevent these occurrences.

Take advantage of the terrain

Finally, make sure that your irrigation system is set to take advantage of the features of your yard. If your sprinkler is set on a slope or you have clay soils, change your irrigation system to cycle and soak.

It takes water much longer to seep deep into the soil if it is on a slope or the soil is heavy clay. The general rule of thumb in these cases is to have your system set to 7-minute intervals to make sure that water has time to get to the right places before running off. Cycling on and off in this manner makes sure that your lawn is getting the proper amount of moisture.

I’m interested in installing or optimizing my irrigation system, what should I do?

Make the best call you’ll make all year! The Central Ohio weather patterns can be difficult to predict, but the irrigation management pros at Hidden Creek Landscaping know exactly how to install them in the right way to function perfectly in our climate.

We specialize in automated irrigation systems that are designed to enhance your landscaping and lawn that could be struggling in the Ohio weather. By using an automated system, you’ll save both time and water, saving you money and allowing you to make better use of your yard.

Give us a call today to see how we can help you with your irrigation maintenance and installation needs!

5 Things To Remember When Mowing Your Lawn

Posted on July 30, 2020November 30, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

A seemingly simple task, how you mow your lawn can make a critical difference in the overall look and health of your lawn. Believe it or not, there are certain techniques and practices that you should follow to make sure that you are properly taking care of your property. After all, first impressions are most important, and how your lawn looks to visitors and potential buyers is the first look they’ll have when visiting or appraising your home.

While there is a lot to think about, we’re here to help! The expert landscape designers and maintenance specialists here at Hidden Creek Landscaping know exactly how to create the lawn perfect for your needs, and how to keep it in the most pristine shape possible. Learn more about how we can help maintain your investment.

There are several things you should keep front of mind when taking care of your lawn. We’ll discuss our top five recommendations below.

1. Maintaining the proper mowing height helps to prevent disease.

We often take for granted the health of our grass, cutting it too short or letting it go too long. Setting your mower deck at the appropriate height is probably the most important thing you can do when it comes to mowing your lawn. Set it too low, and you run the risk of creating bald spots on slight rises and dips, too long, and you run the risk of encouraging weed growth and exposing your lawn to pests and disease. Mowing your lawn at the right height helps to keep your lawn from yellowing and stress-related diseases.

In general, you’ll want to never cut more than 1/3 of the blade of grass at any one time. During heavy growing seasons like spring, this could mean that you’ll need to mow your lawn twice a week to keep it at the proper height of 3-4”. Creating a perfect lawn requires a lot of work and patience!

2. Keep your blade nice and sharp!

We’ve all picked up a pair of scissors at some point that was too dull. Remember how they tore the paper you were trying to cut, leaving the edges jagged and the pages torn? The same thing could be happening to your grass if your mower blade isn’t kept nice and sharp! Dull tools can ruin any project, whether its arts and crafts, or creating a picture-perfect lawn.

Dull mower blades will rip and tear your blades of grass, leading to yellowed tips and stressed turf. This in turn could lead to disease, even killing off large sections of your lawn. We recommend that you sharpen your blades every 8-10 cuttings to keep them sharp and safe for your lawn.

3. Keep the right frequency.

Tied closely to the need for mowing at the appropriate height, keeping watch over your grass during the growing season is critical in maintaining lawn health. Experts recommend that you grow your grass to between 3-4” to keep it at its healthiest. Since you never want to cut off more than 1/3 of the blade, this could mean that you are mowing twice a week during the spring, but only every other week or even less during the winter.

4. Change is a good thing!

It’s very easy to get stuck in the same routine when mowing your lawn. Starting in the same place every time, following the same pattern as you go. While seeing a freshly mowed lawn with its straight lines can be appealing, it can have a negative effect on your lawn. The patterns you see are caused by the “uptake” force as the mower moves over the grass. On the reverse, it also forces the grass to “lay” down in a given direction. This causes the sun to hit the blades of grass in different ways, which could create permanent stripes on your lawn.

You want your grass to enjoy the sunshine on all sides! To achieve this you’ll want to mix up your mowing pattern, allowing the grass to lay in different directions each time. Plus it could be fun to come up with new patterns to show off your healthy lawn!

5. Let it dry!

Last but most importantly, never ever mow your lawn when it’s wet! The clippings can stick together, become tangled, and clump in your mower’s catcher. They also get stuck on the remaining blades, preventing the healthy grass from getting their needed sunshine. Mowing a wet lawn is also very hard on the soil. The heavy mower on wet earth can lead to soil compaction, which leads to thinning, unhealthy grass. Pay attention to the weather and you’ll make your job that much easier in the long run!

Let us help!

Keeping your lawn healthy and beautiful is a lot to think about! The good news is that we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn how Hidden Creek Landscaping can make your life easier.

We’ll work hard on your lawn so you don’t have to!

How Often Should I Mow My Lawn?

Posted on July 15, 2020November 30, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Everyone loves to see their lawn well-manicured and in stunning shape. A great lawn sets the stage for your home or business and gives your property the perfect backdrop for picturesque landscaping. It gives you the outdoor space you need to entertain or relax, a place for the kids to play on a summer day, or for you to relax in the shade.

According to some research, lawn quality is one of the first impressions a buyer will comment on when previewing a property to purchase, so a well-kept lawn is proven to increase property values.

Creating and maintaining a lush, healthy lawn requires adhering to a regular schedule of maintenance and using the proper techniques to help combat weeds, bald patches, and discoloration.

How often you should mow and other maintenance tasks you should undertake depends on the nature of your property and the vision you have for your outdoor space. Give us a call at Hidden Creek Landscaping for a free consultation. We’d love to help you plan, create, and maintain a beautiful lawn.

How do climate and season affect lawn maintenance?

Climate and season are two of the most critical factors to consider when it comes to your lawn maintenance schedule. The rate of growth of your grass depends on season and temperature, so if it’s warmer, you’ll need to mow the lawn more frequently, while during colder times your grass is more dormant, so slower to grow.

This means that you’ll want to adjust your mowing schedule to reflect the time of year. As you move into fall and temperatures start to drop, you can ease off of more frequent mowing. Then, when the grass stops growing over winter you can take a break, until growth picks back up in the spring and you need to get back out there on a more frequent schedule!

Does lawn height play a role?

Your desired lawn height is what to pay attention to when getting started for the season. If you cut the grass too short, it can lead to diminished root ability to absorb water and nutrients. This ultimately leads to discolored, unhealthy grass. On the flip side, allowing grass to grow too long leaves your lawn looking ragged and messy, also allowing weeds to grow.

In general, the target for cutting your grass is when it reaches 3-4 inches in height. This range is considered the optimal point at which cutting the grass doesn’t harm its growth, while maintaining an appealing appearance.

What is the 1/3 rule?

The 1/3 rule is the golden measure when it comes to cutting overgrown grass. If your lawn becomes overgrown, it is always tempting to go all in, cutting it down to size at once. This is an absolutely terrible idea! Cutting more than 1/3 off the top of the grass can shock it and cause severe discoloration. You are basically robbing the grass of essential nutrients, causing it to become malnourished and unhealthy.

It also causes the lower, remaining parts of the grass to become weather-beaten, particularly if the big cut is the first of the season. Tall grass provides shelter from direct sunlight for the base, so suddenly exposing the lower parts of the blade of grass essentially causes it to become sunburned.

Also, once you’ve started your regular seasonal cycle of lawn maintenance, you can leave the grass clippings in place on the grass. The clippings act as fertilizer, providing essential nutrients like nitrogen. Cutting too much off the grass causes excess clippings that lay on top of and suffocate your lawn. The resulting clumping is not only unappealing, it will kill your grass in patches. Removing no more than 1/3 at any time is the only way to prevent this terrible result!

The short answer is that if your grass is significantly overgrown, you’ll need to cut the grass more often, removing only 1/3 at a time until you reach the height that you prefer.

So, how often should I mow?

There are a couple of other factors that come into consideration when determining how often you need to mow. The amount of sunlight could encourage slower or faster growth, and the type of grass you have also plays a significant factor. You’ll also need to adjust your schedule if the season is particularly rainy or dry. More water means that the grass will grow more quickly and require more frequent mowing, while drier days means you don’t need to get out there as often.

The good news is that we are here to help! Our commitment is to help you grow and maintain a happy and healthy yard. We’ll work directly with you to not only design a perfect yard, but to help you keep it in tip-top shape. Learn more about the design and maintenance services we provide. Let us take the guesswork out of how best to keep your space well-manicured and looking good.

Ways to Make Landscaping Pop at Night

Posted on June 8, 2018May 30, 2018 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

How can you make your landscaping stand out while you’re hosting night-time gatherings this summer? The installation of landscape lighting accents some of the most important features and can help to create your perfect yard. Follow these design tips and tricks to get the most out of your landscaping on these upcoming summer nights.

Take the Whole Property into Consideration

The entire property should be seen as a cohesive unit, and you have to consider all the landscaping components to achieve the best results. Everything from the bushes to the trees and flowers must be considered. Also, you should look at the paths that guests will walk along. This will create a pleasing environment as well ensure safety as they walk at night. Another thing to consider is your home’s architecture and any other features such as decks, patios, and gazebos to get the best idea of how you should follow through.

The Differences between Down, Up and Cross Lighting

You have three different types of landscaping lighting. First, there’s what is referred to as down lighting which literally means the light is pointed downward. Downward lighting has become a popular choice for lighting on trees and architecture. This style of lighting brings a certain feel of class with it. Next, you have uplighting, which is where the light is angled upward. This is a popular addition for buildings-you can place the lighting on the ground to focus them upward, which adds depth to an otherwise boring wall or pillar. Finally, you have cross lighting. This lights a focal point from all sides, and it achieves a unique look that can play well with specific styles and features.

Accent, Task, and Overall

Along with lighting options, other considerations must be made. For example, overall lighting does exactly as it says. It lights up the whole space, which is good for those gathering areas with your guests. You also have task lighting, which gets used for specific intentions and purposes. For example, you might use it as a way to illuminate a walkway. Finally, you have accent lighting. This lighting comes with the specific purpose of accenting certain areas of the yard during the night time. Ultimately, it depends on your design goals for the property.

Security

Landscape design might also take security into consideration for the night design. For example, you might install lighting above the garage door or close to the back door to make it more difficult for people to sneak onto the property. Much of this lighting will be motion activated, and it has the potential to scare away unwanted burglars. At the least, this lighting serves the purpose of alerting you inside of the home. Additional lighting can also protect from the risks of tripping or falling at night. For example, pool areas, pathways and steep drop-offs could all have hidden obstacles in the night that could be dangerous. The addition of a few simple lighting elements can make your home overall much safer.

Use Different Color Lighting

Changing the color of the lighting elements you choose is a good way to mix things up and spruce up your home. In fact, to make your yard pop at night, you might employ blue lighting, purple lighting, and even red lighting as a way to switch up the landscape and give it a refreshing look. You might even design an awesome night garden with a well-lit path. These fun and different uses of light will allow you to express yourself through your home design and really make it your own.

Creating a Night Garden

Ever wished you could add some mystery and romance to the landscape? Night gardens tend to solve all these problems. You might use the following low-maintenance plants that still achieve the perfect effect under the moonlight:

Meadow rue
Lamb’s ear
Star jasmine
Brachycome
Flowering tobacco

Plants that bloom or release fragrances during the night time can be called “noctiflora,” and it will spice up almost any occasion. Light flowers and foliage will show up the best in a night garden. While having the moonlight hit the garden just right can light it up, it isn’t always required. You might even add your own lighting to the location with torches, candles or even regular landscape lights. It depends on the mood you want to achieve, which is what you should always consider most.

Define the Purpose

Before you ever decide to invest in landscape lighting for night time, you should ask yourself what you want to achieve through the illumination of the backyard. Maybe you want the mood to have a soft and romantic feel, or maybe for security reason, you want to illuminate your garden. You might also choose this method because you want to highlight the best features in the yard. For example, maybe you have this elegant water fountain or this Japanese Koi fish pond, which is one of the popular trends of the industry today. You might, for example, illuminate the bridge walk that span over the pond, or you could illuminate the pond waters so that your guests can watch the fish even at night. It all depends on what you want overall for your home.

These are some of the ways that you can build a brilliant space at night on your property. When choosing a company, you want to pick one that has an established reputation for quality. For all of your garden questions, concerns, or needs, don’t forget to contact the experts at Hidden Creek. Together, we can work together to create the dream landscaping that you’re envisioning.

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